Serving Hobbyists For Sixty Years

Doing the same job for six decades might seem like a nightmare, but Lorn Strickler doesn't mind one bit, reports The Evening Sun from Hanover and Gettysburg.

At 71, the lifelong Hanover resident has been working at Strickler's Hobby House since 1946, when he was 11 years old. That year, his father Lawrence converted the small summer house on his family's Broadway property into a hobby shop.Lawrence spent $800 to open the shop. "Nowadays, a good paint rack costs more than that," Strickler said. Surprisingly, Strickler has been the primary shopkeeper since the very beginning.

Strickler says part of his success can be credited to his location.

Over the years, Strickler has seen changes in the modeling industry. Where model train cars used to come in wood and cardboard kits, now they come pre-assembled and made from plastic and metal. And unlike in years past, most models are now made in factories overseas.

Sales of model trains went down for Strickler in the 1960s and early 70s, as slot cars took over the imaginations of his younger customers. Strickler wasn't complaining, though, since he sold slot cars throughout.
"The way they took over never made sense to me," said Strickler.

"Pennsylvania's a pretty big railroad state," he said. While business remains strong, Strickler's clientele isn't as young as it used to be, and technology seems to be the culprit. Most of Strickler's customers are adults who have been hobbyists for quite some time.

"The kids aren't getting into it. Seems like they'd rather play video games. I'd probably go crazy if I played them," Strickler said.

When he's not spending time at the Hobby House, Strickler runs annual train meets in Porters, where he and 300 to 400 others buy and sell model trains. "It's like a flea market with trains," he said. Though most people at Strickler's age have long since retired, he doesn't feel like moving on, because "I enjoy it. Working here is my hobby."

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