Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Prescott's best known "Mama"

Shes arguably Nevada Countys most famous mama.

Maxine Milner, more commonly known as Mama Max, has been feeding families for generations.

Milner said she was called Mama Milner by friends of her children and by the dozens of children who shared the Milner home.

I raised my children and I raised a bunch of children for the county of Los Angeles, Milner said.

Altogether, more than 50 children have called the Milner household home.

Milner was born in Jefferson County in 1937. She said she spent some of her childhood working a farm and can recall the back-breaking work of the cotton fields.

I was raised chopping cotton, she said. I got away from that.

When she had an opportunity, she left. At 19 years of age, she began cooking in Chicago. Five years later she went to California where she spent most of her years at a cook stove - either in a restaurant or at her home.

Ive always worked hard, she said.

While in California, Milner said she happened to mention to a friend that she wanted to return to Arkansas. Through a series of events, she landed in Prescott - owner of the current site of Maxines Diner but known to her customers as simply, Mama Maxs.

Milner said shes disappointed in many aspects of the City of Prescott as it stands today, but said that feeling doesnt stretch to her customers.

I have beautiful customers, she said. I have customers from everywhere. Somebodys always coming in. Every time I look around, theres somebody new.

If she could do anything she wanted, Milner said she would move to Hot Springs where she would do nothing but relax. But she cant really reconcile that wish with her personality.

I hate to sit at home, she said. I hate to lay in the bed.

And she vows shell not retire.

Not until God retires me, she said. Is that good enough?

Mama Maxs is a family restaurant. Her daughter, grandchildren, nephews and some additional family and friends serve as wait staff, cooks and support.

Of family, Milner said, They are very important. If they do right, theyve very important.

Milner said raising children is difficult. She proudly introduces her great-grandson - who sometimes spends time at the restaurant - to customers. Spending time with those children is vital, Milner said.

With the nearness of several of those children and grandchildren, Milner has seen many mothers days. At one of those, her three oldest children pitched in to buy a ring set with rubies and diamonds.

Milner said its likely the most expensive gift shes received, but not the best.

The love of my children, she said. They dont have to give me a give - just love their mama. Im not about gifts. I love to give.

Milner said she has no special plans for this Mothers Day.

Ill be open, she said. Im open every Mothers Day.

And what will be good on the Mothers Day menu?

Milner prides herself in cooking fresh - very little comes from a can or box.

I make it all, she said.

That includes the greens, candied yams and purple hull peas.

These are the things I think is best, Milner said.

But then theres the roast beef and smoked brisket.

And I think my ribs are good, she said. I think I make good potato salad. I make some good chicken and dumplings, too.

Of course, theres always the pies, cakes, cheese cakes and - of course - the homemade chocolate turtles.