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GARDEN GROVE, Calif. () — The 100-year-old toymaker who opens his garage to the public during the holidays in Garden Grove has received hundreds of letters from fans around the world.
Harold “Hal” Yoak has been woodworking for decades and after retiring from his job as a schoolteacher, he transformed his garage into a workshop. It’s filled with tools, paint and wood – everything Hal needs to create custom toys. He works on them every single day.
“I’ve always enjoyed woodworking,” Hal said.
He shared his story last month as he was selling his toys during the holidays. His story resonated with so many people that hundreds showed up the following weekend and lined up in his neighborhood hoping to snag one of his creations. He sold out in a matter of hours.
“Extremely, extremely surprised and mind-boggling. We couldn’t figure out why?” said Lisa Huffman, Hal’s daughter and caretaker.
Huffman said even after placing a “sold out” sign in their driveway, people continued to show up.
“They were still in line without a toy or anything just to take a picture with him, just to be with him,” Huffman said.
Then came visits from officials.
Hal, a World War II veteran, received a certificate of congressional recognition, medals from lawmakers and gifts from the Garden Grove Police Department.
“I think it’s just his nature and his idea of keep going, keep moving. It’s very simple. As you age keep moving, and I think we need to hear that,” Huffman said. “He can’t hear very well, but he’s so willing to tell everybody and educate them about his life, and he is just so at ease with it.
“I think that’s what 100 years of being a human being can do for you, is you just start to realize life can be easy if you choose. And I’ve learned a lot in caring for him.”
Hal has also been receiving letters every day. They range from thanking him for his service, for his time as a teacher and thanking him for bringing them hope and joy.
“I got one from England and probably one at least from every state in the union. There’s a lot of them,” Hal said. “One of them had a wax seal on the back of it. Isn’t that something?”
Despite the dozens of letters coming in, Hal takes the time to read every single one of them.
He’s trying to make sense of his newfound fame, but still spends his days doing what he always does: working on toys for next Christmas.
Huffman said due to high demand, they are hoping to open their garage to the public in late October. By then, Hal will be 101 years old.
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