I have noted before that I like to offer reflections of people in my community who chose to remain here and contribute to its functioning.
One of those that I admire for that reason is Cecil Maxwell. I think Cecil was born to lead. Born in Cardington, his parents Paul and Ada Maxwell, owned Riverside Dairy, established by them in 1919. Cecil even drove one of the business trucks before legal driving age, picking up cream from the Lockworth James farm. He graduated from Cardington High School in 1941 and attended Ohio State University.
Later, he married Kathryn Pearl. a local school teacher, and when his parents retired from the dairy business, Cecil and Kathryn bought it in 1951.
In addition to being a businessman, Cecil served the community as a member of the village council for ten years and became its mayor in 1978 serving through 1982. In 1981 the tornado struck Cardington and
Cecil worked long hours with local and state officials including Gov. James Rhodes to restore order and encourage residents while leading the rebuilding.
A devout man, Cecil was active with First United Methodist Church, where he served on many levels from local to to General Church. He sang in the choir, taught adult Sunday School classes, was disaster coordinator for the East Ohio Conference. His interest and membership on mission committees led to church related travels by the Maxwells, including a trip to Zimbabwee. The couple shared these trips with other churches.
Cecil was a devoted member of the Cardington Rotary Club from 1948 and was made Paul Harris Fellow and later served as District Governor. He served another term on village council in 1983 and was active with the CIC. He and Kathryn were named Outstanding Citizens by the Area Agency on Aging.
Many of us remember Cecil and Kathryn hosting the Hospitality House at Lakeside, a home first bought by his parents in 1954. Upon Paul’s death, Cecil and Kathryn continued the operation of the house and today it offers hospitality hosted by their daughter, Jeanne Vaughan.
Cecil always remained loyal to his high school class and the school alumni.
He and Kathryn raised four children, a son and three daughters including twins. Their son’s mother, Cecil’s first wife, died tragically when he was an infant but he grew up with three sisters, twins Janice and Janet and Jeanne. Cecil passed away February, 2014 and Kathryn in 2010. Their daughter, Janet, died in 2011.
Cecil’s legacy will remain for many years to come as a loyal and dedicated member of the Cardington community, whose efforts contributed to its ongoing success.
Next week: The history of the Riverside Dairy.
70 years ago, October, 1948: Edward F. Keene of Tucson, Arizona, purchased the home of Mary Miller, Third Street. He acquired the house through auction and noted he had grown up in it.
60 years ago, October, 1958: The local Cam Twisters Auto Club was granted permission by village council to temporarily use the log cabin in the park as their quarters.
50 years ago, October, 1968: Diane Yaussy was elected president of the Cardington-Lincoln High School student council. A senior, she was the first female in school history to be named to the position.
