History

When the railroad made the decision to come to the junction of the Calamus and Indian Creek valleys, the people began moving to the railroad. J.W. Maxwell and F. M. Baldwin had purchased some land near the railroad and gave the land upon which the first town of Maxwell was platted. The town was named Maxwell after the donor and because Mr. Maxwell was the first to move to Maxwell.

Soon, large buildings were moved from Iowa Center and Peoria City to what is now the site of the town. The first building was the railroad depot. Several new buildings were constructed, the largest of which was occupied by the mercantile firm of Maxwell and Baldwin and is now occupied by Logsdon's Grocery Store. Several new residences were built in 1881.

On account of the excessive wet season and heavy snow of the winter of 1881-82, there was a considerable "flood" and both creeks, surrounding the town, were out of their banks and formed one solid body of water just south of the depot, marooning many of the construction gangs, who had made Maxwell, their headquarters that winter. Because they could not work on account of the flooding, two saloons sprang up and did a flourishing business as well as furnishing the customary brawls and other "rough house" stunts.

Before the close of 1882, there were twelve or more business houses in town and more under construction. By 1887 there were 40 business located in Maxwell.

Maxwell was incorporated in 1883 and a town election was held with the following results:

J.W. Maxwell - Mayor

J.O. French - Clerk

William Starr - Councilman

S.E. Cooper - Councilman

W.G. Dickey - Councilman

G.W. Olinger - Councilman

T.B. Schmeltzer - Councilman

The Town Hall was located behind the Maxwell Baldwin Building. It had a cupola with a bell to ring in case of emergencies. The first church met at the lumber yard owned by J.O. French. Planks were arranged as seats. Later, the Methodist and Presbyterian churches were built.

Some of the activities of the Town Council were the establishment of telephone service, a water system, town lighting, fire protection, and a Library Association founded in 1885.

Maxwell's biggest fire occurred in 1886 when almost all of the west side of Main Street, north of First Street was either destroyed or badly damaged. The fire was fought by bucket brigade from the town well. The efforts of both men and women save the fire from spreading. L.R. Shepard published his Maxwell paper just two days late even though The Tribune office was destroyed by the fire.

Some of the interesting early ordinances included:

No. 7 - No club room for the purpose of drinking ale, wine, or beer shall be allowed in the town of Maxwell.

No. 18 - Concerning Sidewalks: The sidewalk shall be built of two inch planks laid crossways on two 2 x 6 inch stringers securely spiked and supported; said walk to be five feet and four inches wide.

No. 21 - Prohibits all table and cue games in the town of Maxwell.

No. 31 - Prohibits all forms of gambling and Gambling Houses in Maxwell

No. 48 - Makes it unlawful for any boy or girl under the age of seventeen to be abroad on Maxwell streets, alleys, or public lands between 8p.m. and 6 a.m. from November through March and between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. from April through October unless accompanied by their parents.

No. 53 - All motor vehicles shall be provided with proper lights. All motor vehicle shall be equipped with signal appliances which shall be blown when passing around corners of streets at any time.

Information taken from the book: Maxwell 1883-1983