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‘Grandpa’s’ brings antiques to public

Admiring a display of miniature football helmets, artists Lorenzo Salcido (left) and Eddie Stokes take a break from their studio work to browse at antique and collectible toys at Grandpa's Antiques and Hobbies on Antique Row on Second Street in Pomona. Although Salcido, a muralist from Upland, frequents Antique Row, this is the first time Stokes, a surrealistic sculptor, has ventured to the area. "I'm in transition from San Bernardino," said Stokes, adding that he is considering a move to Pomona. "It is really turning into a great area." Salcido perused the Hot Wheels and model cars, while Stokes took an interest in the miniature pressed metal planes. / photo by Christie Reed
Admiring a display of miniature football helmets, artists Lorenzo Salcido (left) and Eddie Stokes take a break from their studio work to browse at antique and collectible toys at Grandpa’s Antiques and Hobbies on Antique Row on Second Street in Pomona. Although Salcido, a muralist from Upland, frequents Antique Row, this is the first time Stokes, a surrealistic sculptor, has ventured to the area. “I’m in transition from San Bernardino,” said Stokes, adding that he is considering a move to Pomona. “It is really turning into a great area.” Salcido perused the Hot Wheels and model cars, while Stokes took an interest in the miniature pressed metal planes. / photo by Christie Reed

by Araceli Esparza
Features Editor

Nestled within the premises of Pomona’s Antique Row, Grandpa’s Antique Toys and Hobbies store is a key to many childhood memories. The business, which is currently managed by Jeff Levy, is the product of a lifelong hobby.

“I have been buying and selling antiques all my life, and the small business industry is what I was attracted to the most,” said Levy, 29, an alumnus of Cal Poly Pomona.

According to the North Hollywood resident, pursuing small business management in Pomona was an opportunity which could not easily be ignored. In fact, because he specialized in antiques and sales, specifically, Levy felt the trip to Antique Row was even more rewarding.

Walking through Grandpa’s double doors, customers are instantaneously engulfed by the wealth of paraphernalia and historic memories.

Glass cases display and protect some of the store’s most popular items, including a large array of “Star Wars” memorabilia and Hot Wheels cars. Also in stock are the available-by-popular-demand “ty” beanie babies, featuring the Princess Diana beanie teddy bear and the Irish “Erin Bear.”

Each bear is valued at a price of up to $140 by Grandpa’s.

Voislav Andronescu is a regular customer of Grandpa’s who has been adding cars to his Hot Wheels collection for nearly 16 years. A Los Angeles resident and owner of more than 1,500 Hot Wheels, Andronescu brings his wife and 1-year-old son along for the adventure.

“We try to come once every other month,” he said. “I love cars — any make, sort, design or color. I just love them.”

Levy said about 75 percent of the customers are males, particularly those within the age of 30 and 40.

“We cater to women as well, though,” he said.

Further past the store’s entrance are a number of collectible lunch boxes — both metallic and plastic — which bring back the memories of childhood to nearly anyone over the age of 15. Childhood heroes and caricatures such as Rambo, the Pink Panther and Sons, “Return of the Jedi,” “Gremlins,” “Knight Rider,” “Fall Guy” and Superman are embodied on individual lunch boxes which range in price from $15 to $95.

In addition, the business carries 45 rpm records with classic artists and groups including the Carpenters, Carly Simon, Simon and Garfunkel and the Temptations.

Rodger Larson, a resident of Minnesota who was visiting the Pomona area, found special interest in some records.

“I have a jukebox at home, so I could use some of these records,” he said.

Located directly above this entertainment are displayed a series of classic board games, some of which feature favorite television shows and games of the past. Barbie Dream Date, Hangman, Go to the Head of the Class, Mr. T., “E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial” and “Popeye” are only a portion of board games available through Grandpa’s.

For individuals who find particular interest in the world of politics, various presidential campaign paraphernalia may be found at this business as well.

Some items include memorabilia from each of the 1992 presidential campaigns. Yet more popular favorites such as former presidents Richard Nixon, John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan are featured on buttons, cigars, hats, banners and photographs sold through Grandpa’s. Each is valued at an estimated price range of $3 to $300.

“I get most of my stuff from yard sales, flea markets and collections, or through trades,” Levy said. “I love selling. I want to make it [Grandpa’s] as user-friendly as possible.”

Grandpa’s Antiques and Hobbies also specializes in the selling of airplane model kits, pedal cars, casino chips, marbles, old Halloween items and Tonka trucks, in addition to a variety of other valuable merchandise.

The business is located at 205 E. Second St. in Pomona, adjacent to Garey Ave. Hours are Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sundays. For information, call (909) 629-5854.

Araceli Esparza, Editorial Assistant
Araceli Esparza
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Christie Reed, Editor in Chief
Christie Reed
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