Maxwell's Building
- Lawrence Lore
- 14 minutes ago
- 2 min read
The A L Maxwell Company was one of the oldest automobile firms in the County. It was organized about 1910 as The A L Maxwell Motor Car Company, but because the name conflicted to some extent with the name of the firm that manufactured Maxwell automobiles, it was changed.
Early in the history of the firm, the Maxwell car was sold and later the Winton automobile. Following the Winton was the Hudson cars, and near the same time the Ford franchise was obtained.
By 1908, Ford Motor Company introduced the Model T, a car characterized by its simplicity and reliability. Known as the "Tin Lizzie," it featured a 20-horsepower engine that could reach a top speed of 40 mph. Henry Ford stated that customers could purchase the vehicle in any color, provided the choice was black. This was true from 1914 to 1925.
Initially, automobiles were accessible only to individuals with substantial financial resources. The early Ford models were priced at $850, which was a considerable amount at the time. This situation changed after Ford implemented an efficient assembly line for manufacturing, leading to a reduction in the cost of a new Ford to $290 by 1924.
The Ford Company asked A l Maxwell to separate the Hudson and Ford agencies, and the Hudson Motor Car Company was organized and the branch of the company moved to the building later occupied by the Daily Record in 1956.
The A L Maxwell Company spread its agencies to other cities, including Princeton and Evansville, Indiana. Model T Fords were purchased semi-dismantled by railroad carloads. They were assembled at the Maxwell garage and sold by the hundreds.
Upon the death of Mr. Maxwell his properties were divided by the heirs, and Mrs. Snow, a daughter, became the majority stockholder of The A L Maxwell Compan.
Mr. Maxwell was one of the pioneers in the automobile industry in Lawrence County. He was called foolish by many of his friends when he built the big building at 10th and State Street at a cost of 25,000-$30,000.
In 1919 he purchased still more property adjoining and added the showroom on the West side of the main building. The company was a success from the beginning and throughout the 45 years rendered a great service to the traveling public.
