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. 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.