Kathleen Whalin, left, and Linda Millington show a few handmade items that can be purchased at the Old Timers’ Shop. Photo: Rynep VanEldik
By Kathleen Whalin. OTS Board President
It’s fitting that the Old Timers’ Shop, like our country, has its birthday in July. The too-often unknown shop has endured for nearly 60 years through independence, determination and the can-do spirit of generations of crafters.
The shop, at 917 Main St. next to Frannie’s Mini Donuts, had humble beginnings. When Laura Lougee and her husband retired to Parsonsfield in the 1960s, she noted how many of her neighbors did exquisite handiwork. She wondered if providing a place to sell their work might enable them to supplement their income. An idea was born.
A group of county residents first tested the idea in 1968 using the Lebanon Historical Society’s Open House Day. Sales were brisk, netting $135.68, and the idea grew.
The second sales trial was incorporated into Sanford’s celebration of its bicentennial. By that time, a committee had formed and persuaded selectmen to let them use a building at 183 Main St. that was scheduled for urban renewal demolition. Once again, sales were good during the days of July 25-27, 1968. Emboldened, the chairs of the committee, Stanley and Melva Thwing, further convinced the selectmen to rent part of the Town Hall Annex to what was then officially called Today’s Old Timers’ Shop.
The store, now known as simply the Old Timers’ Shop, has been in this annex location ever since. It’s now a formal non-profit with a charter, board of directors, and paid manager and bookkeeper. Its original number of 25 crafters and makers has grown to more than 80.
The shop, like any small retail operation, has struggled. At its heart it’s a co-op, offering makers over age 50 who live in York County a chance to sell their creations. Makers set their prices and the shop keeps a percentage of each sales price for overhead costs. Time and again over the years, the shop has been down to its last $1,000. Local supporters have lent money, churches have had bean suppers and silver teas, and the store has gone on. It’s only outside funds came in 1969, when the York County Commission on Aging donated $1,500 as part of a Title 3 Older Americans grant.
Purchases from the shop benefit Maine seniors directly and indirectly. Crafters receive money as their goods sell. The shop also reports its volunteers’ logged hours to the Southern Maine Agency on Aging which, in turn, uses the information as part of grant applications to fund their programs.
The shop will celebrate its continued existence on July 25 with a one-day open house and sale on selected items. Visitors can check it out, meet manager Linda Millington, and help celebrate what a group of determined and talented people can do.
For more information, visit the shop’s Facebook page, visit in person, or call 324-8024.
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