Frank Earl and Blanche Maxwell began serving our Delhi community in 1934, and Frank Maxwell III continues their legacy to this day.

Maxwell Hardware was opened in Delhi on July 1, 1934, by Frank Earl Maxwell and his wife Blanche. Earl Maxwell had traveled through Delhi as part of his sales route for Shapleigh Hardware Co., a Saint Louis hardware distributor. The town of Delhi left an impression on him, and the opportunity presented itself when Woods hardware store, the only hardware store in town, burned to the ground sometime during the 1930s. 

The original location was in a wood framed sheet metal building. Previously located on the north side of highway 80, two blocks west of Louisiana highway 17. The business was moved to a larger masonry building just a few hundred feet away in 1937. A larger facility was needed to accommodate growing categories. The new location stocked not only hardware, but also furniture, appliances and radios. 

In 1942, during World War 2, Earl Maxwell purchased the old coca cola building on Broadway Street, and Maxwell Hardware was moved to that location. At this time, building materials were added to inventory, and the name was changed to Maxwell Hardware & Lumber Co. Lumber was impossible to buy during the WW2 years, however gypsum board, roofing, cement, doors and windows were available and added to inventory. There were sand and gravel bins connected to the railroad that sat right next to Maxwell Hardware’s building. Materials were unloaded by hand into these bins and then into the store’s warehouse. This time period was very difficult.  

Earl began experiencing poor health in 1947. Consequently, he started selling part interest in the company to his son, Frank Earl Maxwell Jr. In late 1950 Frank Earl Jr was drafted into the army and was away from the business until 1956. Shortly after his return, Frank Earl Jr began architectural design contracting. In 1961, Frank Jr purchased 100% interest and became sole owner of Maxwell Hardware. 

In 1963, Maxwell Hardware was one of the five organizing members of the “Paul Bunyan Building Suppliers”. This group was created to enable its members to buy bulk quantities of different building commodities at a discounted price. This co-op gave its members an opportunity to be more competitive with chain discounters. In 1966, the Paul Bunyan group had grown to seven members and combined with a group of five dealers in east Texas. This newly formed partnership was named, “Allied Building Stores”, headquartered in Monroe, LA. ABS is now owned by over 300 members and grosses over 1 billion in sales each year. Without Allied Building Stores, Maxwell Hardware would not exist as it does today. 

In 1966, Maxwell Hardware & Lumber Co., purchased a used forklift and began to mechanize its material handling. The process was slow and difficult since all the facilities were limited in size and designed for hand loading. The company continued to grow slowly in this location until 1969, when the state changed Broadway Street to a four-lane street. Customers stopped parking in front of the building, making access difficult. 

In February 1970, three acres of property was purchased from the Neal McEacharn estate on Highway 80 about 300 yards west of the Delhi town limits. A new 8000 sq. ft. masonry showroom with a 12000 sq. ft. steel warehouse connected to the rear, was constructed. This facility was the new location for Maxwell Hardware & Lumber Co. Other buildings have been added over the years to accommodate growing inventory. Today Maxwell Hardware has over 75,000 sq. ft. under roof.  

In 1979, Frank Maxwell III started working for the company. After years of working in every phase, he became the manager in 1992. On January 1st, 1994, he became the sole owner of the company. Over the years, Maxwell Hardware has seen continuous growth by way of facility upgrades, delivery fleet additions and new product line expansions. Maxwells still values its humble beginnings, consistently serving the community with big city selection and small town service.