J.J.’s Antiques, Toys & Baseball Cards: A Red Lion Treasure Trove
Tucked away in a small shopping center just off of Main Street in Red Lion, Pennsylvania sits J.J.’s Antiques, Toys & Baseball Cards – a unique home for collectibles spanning over a century. Upon entering the store, visitors are immediately greeted with walls covered nearly floor to ceiling with toys, cards, and other nostalgic finds dating back to the early 1900s. Moving through the narrow aisles, one experiences a feeling of stepping back in time surrounded by vintage relics from some of the most iconic toys, tv shows, movies and sports leagues in American pop culture history.
Opened in 2005 by lifelong collector Joe “J.J.” Jones, the store was the realization of a lifelong passion for collecting and preservation of entertainment and cultural memorabilia. Having amassed collections of his own since childhood in the 1960s, J.J. decided to share his treasures with others and open a brick and mortar shop in his hometown of Red Lion. What started as a small space with his personal inventory grew rapidly as word spread and other collectors sought to sell prized possessions to willing buyers. Within just a few years, the store had expanded to occupy its current footprint of nearly 3000 square feet, with inventory overflowing onto shelves, display cases and hanging from the ceiling.
Among the many highlights that greet customers are walls of original artwork and posters from classic comic books and pulp magazines of the 1930s-50s golden age. Rarities like the first appearance of Superman from Action Comics #1 in near-mint condition make appearances in the rotating display. Vintage toy departments showcase detailed replicas of every major brand like Marx, Ideal, Fisher Price and Hasbro across multiple eras. Cinnamon-scented tin lithos, Marx trains, Viewmasters and pedal cars line shelves while wind-up mechanisms for cast iron monkeys, frogs and birds provide a reminder of simpler times.
Perhaps unsurprisingly given the name, a massive portion of the store is dedicated to sports cards and memorabilia. Neatly organized in magnetic holders by sport, set and year, visitors can browse through complete runs and key individual cards from the earliest T206 tobacco issues up through the modern age. Authentic game-worn jerseys, bats and balls autographed by legends like Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, Hank Aaron and more add historic heft to the predominantly visual experience. Alongside are ample supplies for today’s collector including unopened factory boxes and cases of sought-after modern products from Topps, Panini, Leaf and more.
Venturing beyond the primary toy and card sections, further sections cater to a wide array of interests. Mid-century kitchen collectibles, glass wares, advertising signs and pop culture ephemera from classic tv shows and films span several decades. Rare books, records, comic books, sci-fi and pulp magazines maintain an intellectual thread through popular culture. With something for every budget, price points range from a buck or two for common items up to four figures for the true gems tucked safely away in the vault. Knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff are always on hand to share history and stories behind each piece to truly bring each item to life for guests.
Having now run continuously for over 15 years, J.J.’s remains a hub for collectors, history buffs, dealers and those seeking a nostalgic escape throughout the region. A mainstay at major conventions and shows along the east coast toy and sports card circuit, the shop enjoys a sterling reputation as a premiere source for authentic, high-quality Americana. What began as the passion project of one man has blossomed into a cultural institution proudly preserving our shared popular histories. For those wishing to step back in time surrounded by relics of childhood wonder and sporting greatness, a visit to J.J.’s Antiques, Toys & Baseball Cards promises endless discovery amid Red Lion’s finest collection.
