Summertime is in full swing, School is out and there are probably some young people who have a lot more time on their hands.  Well, there's a hobby shop in the Erie area that sells things that would prevent anyone from getting bored. It's operated by a 74-year old man who feels like a little kid.

Joe Maxwell is the owner of Maxwell's Hobby Shop on Station Road, near Penn State Behrend. He's owned the shop since 1982. It's something he's wanted to do since he visited a hobby shop when he was 8 years old.

"I walked in and I looked at the planes and I looked at the trains and I looked at the trains in the back,” remembers Joe. “I said to my dad. I said, ‘Dad, I want a hobby shop just like this."

Joe can often be found guiding a fuel powered model airplane at the community park in Harborcreek Township. He makes it go loop to loop and upside down. Joe recently operated a remote control bulldozer on a pile of dirt at the park. He brought an electronic rocket to the park. He tests everything before he puts an item on sale. He's having fun and could play with those toys all day.

"I've got the best job in the world," he says.

Joe stocks the shelves with model planes and boats. When new boxes of inventory arrives, he's filled with joy.  Opening those boxes, he says, is like Christmas every day. Joe admits he is like a kid who never had to grow up.

"It is so much fun, seriously. Oh my goodness. You know, I just love it.  It's fun,” says Joe.

Joe opened his shop after serving in the Navy as a Seabee and a combat warfare specialist. He describes most of his customers as male between the ages of 18 and 90. The older customers are amazed that they can also return to their childhood.  They can purchase plastic model cars to put together just as they did as kids.  Joe sells the kits. He sells the Testors glue.  That glue looks the same as it did in the old days.  So do the small bottles of paint.  Joe sells balsa wood airplanes, model trains, and even those old-time wooden gliders that are powered by a rubber band.  Oh the memories!!!

Joe has a great job…reconnecting us old timers with our childhood.

"We are just enjoying ourselves,” says Joe.  “Having a good time.  Helping customers have fun.  It's been an honor.  It really has."