SANFORD — Those in search of a patchwork quilt, a birdhouse fashioned in the shape of a  camper and crafted from used license plates, a baby sweater or a perfect pair of earrings to celebrate  the coming season are in luck.

The Oldtimers’ Shop, now entering its 51th season, is going strong on Sanford’s Main Street — supplying items handmade by senior York County residents to buyers looking for the real deal.

The shop is chock-a-block full of items like those mentioned above along with hats and mittens and dolls and wooden toys and more. There are pillows and other  items sporting logos of your favorite sports team logo — including  the New England Patriots, just in time for the Super Bowl.

Established in 1968 as a way for retirees to earn a little cash to supplement their income, the Oldtimers’ Shop continues in that vein.

These days, the requirements for makers are similar to what they were in the beginning: Makers must live in York County and be 50 or older. Some makers will take special orders — inquiries must be made through the shop.

With the exception of part-time manager Linda Millington and part-time bookkeeper Kathy Fink, the shop is staffed entirely of volunteers, many of whom are makers. Millington estimated 15 to 20 volunteers staff the shop.

On a recent Friday, Barbara Bean, a maker since 2001, drove over from her home in Waterboro to help staff the shop, as she does most weeks. She was joined by Sandra Redden, who usually volunteers on Mondays and Fridays.

Bean isn’t the maker who has been with the shop the longest, but people say she is the oldest maker. Bean will turn 100 years old on Feb. 7.

“The best thing to do when you’re aging is to keep busy,” said Bean over the clack clack of her knitting needles as she fashioned a pair of mittens. “I’m busy all the time. The days are not long enough.”

The Oldtimers’ Shop marked its 50th year in 2018.

Millington, the manager, said it is thought the shop may have had some of its roots in the women’s society of North Parish Congregational Church. A history of the shop that chronicles what transpired from 1968 to 1972, author unknown, notes that one of the early promoters of a shop was Laura Lougee, who retired in Parsonsfield with her husband Arthur and observed the beautiful handwork made by her neighbors.

A craft committee of the York County Council on Aging was formed, and in June 1968 began to investigate whether there was interest from the public in buying locally-made, handcrafted items. According to the history, they decided to make two “trial runs” to see how handcrafted items would sell. The first sale was held in Mary Worthley’s barn in Lebanon on July 6, 1968. That  date coincided with the Lebanon Historical Society’s open house. Altogether, the first sale realized $139, which the group put toward a fund to establish a brick-and-mortar storefront. A second sale was organized for Sanford’s bicentennial celebration, held July 25-27, 1968,  at a Sanford storefront loaned for the occasion. It was so successful, according to the history, that after the first five days, checks were mailed to 60 makers and the store remained open for a month.

The group later formed a committee separate from the York County Council om Aging.

There were some lean times at the beginning, Millington said, but that changed, and eventually, so did the location. The shop has been located at 917 Main St., in the City Hall annex, for many years.

Hollywood actress Katharine Hepburn was said to have been a shopper at the store sometime in the 1970s when she stayed at the nearby Oakwood Inn, now called the Oakwood Inn Town Motel, while visiting a friend in the area.

The shop is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with a few exceptions, like school snow days and when there are parking bans.

According to Millington, the non-profit agency has about 115 active makers these days. She is among them, crafting doll dresses, crochet-topped towels, hats and cowls, baskets and an array of other items.

The shop is warm and inviting, and there is much to see, and buy.

Watching merchandise go out the door brings its own thrill, said Millington.

“You’re so tickled, when you see (a sale),” she said.

To get in touch with the Oldtimers’ Shop, visit its Facebook page or call 324-8024.

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 780-9016 or twells@journaltribune.com.