Maxwell Old Settlers

Maxwell Old Settlers This is a site to help promote the city of Maxwell, Iowa's Old Settlers Picnic celebration. In 1885 at the 6th reunion of the G.A.R.

Perhaps no one project in the history of Maxwell has involved more interest, more planning and more people than the Old Settlers Picnic. It came into existence at the turn of the last century as an outgrowth of the reunions held by soldiers of the Civil War and members of the Grand Army of the Republic, a national organization. They had formed a company here and held reunions, camping overnight an

d sometimes for several days, in the grove at the West edge of town. about 3,000 people were reported present. In 1887, forty-one veterans were recorded and living in Maxwell, among them Micah French, an 1812 veteran. The town of Maxwell incorporated in 1883. It was given by the firm of Baldwin and Maxwell in 1892 five acres to be used as a city park. In August 1901 a small group of people convened in the Old Opera House in the interest of the reunions held in the park. The result of the meeting was to mark the end of the G.A.R. reunions in the park and beginning of the “Old Settlers and Homecoming Picnic” On Sept. 5th plans were made and Oct 2nd the first of these picnics was held. However, the inclement weather changed plans and the event was moved to the Old Opera House, basket dinner and all! The Maxwell Coronet Band and the Glee Club furnished music for the program. Since that first picnic, with few exceptions, the events have been held in early August. Events have come and gone with the times. Political speeches often enlivened the past events along with political debates. Sheaf tying contests, wrestling matches. The carousel that was once powered by a blind horse was soon replaced by Mead Tomlinson’s steam powered rig and a music box gave way to the calliope. The year of the 50th Anniversary there was on open-air circus and an elephant marched in the parade. Today of course things have been updated drastically. The tractor pulls are now ran by the South Story Pullers and are held on Saturday. There is a rodeo that is held by the Maxwell Rodeo Committee in adjacent to the Old Settlers event. They have held events hosting 250 cowboys on Friday and Saturday night. Their facilities are located west of the park.

06/05/2026
Join us Saturday, August 8th from 11 AM–6 PM and watch talented chainsaw artist, Clint Henik of Carve R Way create a one...
06/05/2026

Join us Saturday, August 8th from 11 AM–6 PM and watch talented chainsaw artist, Clint Henik of Carve R Way create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece south of the ball fields.

The finished carving will be auctioned off Saturday at 6:30 PM at the Bandstand! You won’t want to miss!

Thank you to our sponsor Top Notch Tree Care!

A talented Caricature Artist will be at the Maxwell Old Settlers Picnic on Saturday August 8th!For just $5 per person, t...
06/03/2026

A talented Caricature Artist will be at the Maxwell Old Settlers Picnic on Saturday August 8th!

For just $5 per person, take home a one-of-a-kind drawing that captures your personality in a fun and memorable way. Whether it's just you, your kids, your best friend, or the whole family, these make great keepsakes!

📅 Saturday, August 8th
⏰ 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
📍 North of the Grain Bin
💵 $5 Per Person

Stop by, grab a seat, and see yourself become a work of art! ✏️

🎉 SPONSOR NEEDED FOR INFLATABLES! 🎉We’re looking for a sponsor for the inflatables during Maxwell Old Settlers Picnic we...
06/01/2026

🎉 SPONSOR NEEDED FOR INFLATABLES! 🎉

We’re looking for a sponsor for the inflatables during Maxwell Old Settlers Picnic weekend! 🏰🎈

These inflatables are always a HUGE hit with the kids and keep the fun going ALL weekend long! Wristbands will be available each day in the inflatable area for:

💥 $10 PER DAY
💥 Unlimited Play
💥 New wristband required each day

Interested in sponsoring or know a business that would love to support? Message us for details! 🙌

Announcing Our Live Screen Printing Designs for 2026! Come out the weekend of Old Settlers and buy your Maxwell Apparel....
05/29/2026

Announcing Our Live Screen Printing Designs for 2026! Come out the weekend of Old Settlers and buy your Maxwell Apparel. These will also be available the weekend of Old Settlers online. That link will be shared the weekend of our event!

And every Princess deserves a Prince… May I introduce this years Prince… Axton Vaughn!!
05/28/2026

And every Princess deserves a Prince… May I introduce this years Prince… Axton Vaughn!!

Address

Maxwell, IA
50161

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Maxwell Old Settlers posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Maxwell Old Settlers:

Shortcuts

Share

Category