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 BRIEF HISTORY
OF THE MAXIM MOTOR COMPANY
The Maxim Motor Company was formed by Carlton
Maxim in 1914. Carlton was a member of the Middleboro Fire Department.
In 1912, the Middleboro Fire Department received a Knox fire truck. In
1914, they were looking for an additional truck and Carlton,
unimpressed with the Knox, felt he could build a better fire truck. He
was given the opportunity and the new truck was delivered to the
department. They were more than satisfied and soon, word was out. Other
departments were aware of Carlton Maxim's skill and ingenuity and
requests soon started coming in that he build fire trucks for their
department.
Maxim expanded several times and until 1989,
were a well know fire apparatus manufacturer in the northeastern United
States. Although, Maxim trucks could also be found on the west coast,
the midwest and in many foreign countries. Their most popular product
was their reliable aerial ladders. These ladders were so reliable, that
other fire apparatus manufacturers, used them on their chassis'.
During the 1980's, Maxim found it difficult to
keep up with larger fire apparatus manufacturers. They declared
bankruptcy several times and with several new owners were able to
overcome these tremendous obstacles. Unfortunately, the economy of the
late 1980's brought Maxim to it's knees and it was forced to close it's
doors for good in 1989.
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PERSONAL
HERITAGE
My paternal grandmother was a
"Maxim", and I am trying to link her to the Maxim family
through genealogy. She married into the Smith family which was
originally from Middleboro, so you can assume this (coupled with my
firefighting family & profession) is where I got my interest in
Maxim. I am also looking to buy, borrow or trade Maxim paraphernalia
with anyone.
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