About
Revolutionary Service...Every Customer, Every Time.Read about how it all started in a grocery store.
Arthur R. Maytum at Grocery Store (1898)
Arthur R. Maytum had a lot to be excited about in 1898. His grocery business was going well and as a result he was able to install Fredonia’s first telephone in his Water Street store. With this modern miracle close at hand, he could call the railroad depot for up-to-the-minute reports on his shipments. As a result, he could offer more efficient service as well as fresher produce to his customers. With this purchase he initiated something that would soon serve the community on an even broader scale – the Dunkirk & Fredonia Telephone Company. In addition, he appropriately became the area’s first telephone customer.
The telephone company incorporated in February of 1898 and started business that August, serving 64 customers. Arthur R. Maytum served as the fledgling company’s first Secretary and General Manager. Over the years, he would guide the company as it grew, prospered, and brought new communications services to the people of Dunkirk and Fredonia.
DFT: Helping to grow Strong Communities
DFT Communications serves the Chautauqua County and takes pride in our community. We work with Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation to help fund great projects like:
The United Way • St. Susan Center • TRC Foundation • The Boys and Girls Club • American Red Cross • Camp Gross • Brooks Memorial Hospital • Fredonia College Foundation • March of Dimes WalkAmerica • Local Police & Fire Departments • Chautauqua Leadership Network • New York State Sheriff’s Assoc. • 1891 Fredonia Opera House • Adams Art Gallery • American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life • JCC Foundation • Chautauqua County Chamber Of Commerce • Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation.
The Robert Maytum Memorial Golf Tournament
Dr. Robert Maytum was a “true gentleman” whose quiet philanthropy has benefited the community for a number of years. He was a man who was always ready to listen to the needs of the area he served and gave back unselfishly to the people he felt helped pave the way for him in his very successful career in telecommunications.
In 2008, this annual golf tournament, formerly known as the DFT Communications Community Benefit Golf Tournament was renamed the Maytum Memorial to honor this true gentleman for his many acts of kindness and support to not only the local community but a vast array of programs and projects throughout the region.
We honor him with this special tribute and ask that his message proudly continue through your generosity to your local community.
Learn More About the Golf Tournament
