JJ’s Antiques, Toys & Baseball Cards: Your One-Stop Shop for Collectibles
Nestled in the charming town of Maple Hill is a hidden gem known as JJ’s Antiques, Toys & Baseball Cards. Owned and operated by lifelong collector Jim Johnson, JJ’s has been a mainstay in the Maple Hill community for over 30 years, offering a vast selection of vintage and antique toys, memorabilia, and other collectibles sure to delight enthusiasts of all ages. Walk through the doors of JJ’s and you’ll find nearly 15,000 square feet packed to the brim with treasures spanning over a century of history.
Jim first fell in love with collecting as a young boy in the 1950s and 60s. He’d explore neighborhood garage sales and thrift stores, eager to bring home the most interesting finds to add to his growing pile of toys, comics, and sports cards. This hobby soon blossomed into a passion, and after high school Jim began expanding his collection to include older antique toys and memorabilia. In 1986, he decided to share his extensive collection with the public by opening JJ’s in downtown Maple Hill.
Stepping inside JJ’s feels like a walk through memory lane. The main floor houses an impressive array of antique toys organized by era, from vintage teddy bears and lead soldiers from the early 20th century to mechanical banks and wind-up toys from the 50s and 60s. You’ll also find an outstanding selection of original Superhero and Star Trek action figures still in their packaging that any collector would be thrilled to add to their collection. In addition, Jim’s collection of tin litho toys includes rare examples like a marked 1909 Ideal Produce Company Tin Lithograph Bank in exceptional condition.
Moving upstairs reveals the comic book collection, which takes up an entire room. Floor to ceiling shelves are packed with thousands of issues spanning decades, including key early appearances of legendary characters like Spider-Man and the X-Men. Jim and his son Jacob have painstakingly organized this massive trove of comics to make browsing easy. Behind the comic room lies an extensive diecast car collection that would wow even the most seasoned Hot Wheels enthusiast. Scalextric sets from the 1960s take center stage, and you’ll also find Dinky Toys, Corgi Toys, and more.
The lower level primarily focuses on baseball and other sports collectibles, for which JJ’s has gained national recognition as one of the premiere shops. Here, rows of steel shelving overflow with vintage baseball cards, equipment and more. The card collection alone boasts a staggering half million cards spanning the entire history of the hobby and beyond. Some highlights include rare T206 White Border tobacco cards, gems from the iconic 1952 Topps set as well as complete team/player sets from the 1970s and star rookie cards like a 1985 Ken Griffey Jr. card. Autographed memorabilia displayed throughout the basement includes jerseys, balls, photos and other items autographed by legends like Mickey Mantle, Babe Ruth and Jackie Robinson.
Vintage bicycles make an appearance towards the back of the lower level. Conditions range from pristine survivors to projects in need of restoration, but each cycle represents an important piece of history. A selection of antique fishing lures nearby brings anglers back to an earlier era, while pedal cars and scooters add a childlike sense of wonder to the experience.
Each section transports visitors to another time, allowing them to indulge their nostalgia while discovering hidden gems among JJ’s vast offerings. No matter the toy, comic, card or collectible that catches one’s eye, Jim and his knowledgeable staff are always around to share interesting stories and history about the items and pieces from years gone by. Their enthusiasm and expertise have helped make JJ’s a favorite destination for collectors worldwide seeking that special find to add to their own collections.
Outside of the aisles of collectibles, JJ’s also serves as a beloved hub for the local vintage enthusiast community. At any given time, customers both old and new can be seen perusing the shelves, happily reconnecting with favorite childhood items or gaining inspiration for new collections. Every Saturday, the shop stays open a little later to host Collector Nights – a social gathering where customers meet, share their latest acquisitions and trade stories over cups of coffee. The store also doubles as an event space for special seminars or guest appearances by notable names in the hobby.
While JJ’s roots come from Jim’s personal passion, its heart remains firmly devoted to serving collectors and preserving the history and nostalgia attached to each toy, card or knickknack on its shelves. For over 30 years, JJ’s Antiques, Toys & Baseball Cards has provided this one-of-a-kind shopping experience to the Maple Hill community and beyond, a testament to Jim’s enduring love of collecting and enthusiasm for sharing it with others. Whether you’re a seasoned collector seeking that elusive discovery or simply nostalgic for your childhood, stepping through the doors of this treasure trove is sure to stir up memories and sparks of wonder. JJ’s has become a beloved destination where the past comes alive once more.
