Reunion is ‘Heaven in 2011’

Martha Graham, a third-generation granddaughter of Sam Jones Maxwell, Sr. and Daisy Marie Chandler Maxwell, and her husband, Al, hosted the annual Maxwell Family Reunion in Newport Beach from July 13 to 17.

With sweltering temperatures consistently hovering above 100 degrees in Mississippi, Texas and Tennessee, Newport Beach was considered paradise for the 43 family members. A mother-in law of a fourth-generation Maxwell traveled from as far away as Helsinki to join in the festivities.

Dinners, including Aunt Sybil Maxwell’s chicken and dumplings, were served for the group at the Graham home. Dining on the patio every evening was a special treat, and the ideal temperatures helped confirm the reunion theme, “Heaven in 2011.”

Some tried their hand at maneuvering Duffy boats through beautiful Newport Bay and reveling in the waves at the beach. Led by Newport Beach native Drew Chandler Graham, who was appointed Maxwell recreation director, 25 Maxwells cruised the Balboa Peninsula and Island, declaring it the “best bike ride ever!”

Some Maxwells hung out on the beach on the Peninsula, attacking the waves and soaking up the sun. Others shopped at Fashion Island or South Coast Plaza, and many enjoyed an afternoon at the opening of the Orange County Fair on July 14.

In previous years, the Maxwells have traveled to Scotland and the Guadalupe River for a wedding. Next year’s reunion will be in Destin, Fla.

—Courtesy the Maxwell family