**Meet Harold “Hal” Yoak: The 100-Year-Old Artisan Bringing Handcrafted Toys to Life in Garden Grove**
GARDEN GROVE, Calif. (KABC) — Tucked away in Garden Grove is a unique toy store unlike any other — not just for its handmade treasures, but for the remarkable man behind them. Harold Yoak, known affectionately as Hal, is 100 years old. Every toy he creates is made entirely by hand, a testament to his lifelong passion and craftsmanship.
Hal’s workshop is a cozy garage filled with tools, paint, and wood. Surrounded by colorful toys — from dancing ducks and toy cars to helicopters, celebratory noisemakers, and dinosaurs on wheels — his space is a vibrant reflection of his creativity and dedication.
“I used to make cabinets for kitchens and things like that. I would do repair work. I did an awful lot of repair work. But like you say, you get tired or you get old. One of the two,” Hal shared with a smile.
Born in Ohio, Hal’s journey into woodworking began early. During the 1940s, he served in the Navy and participated in Operation Magic Carpet, helping bring millions of American servicemen home after World War II. After his military service, he became a schoolteacher and continued his teaching career at Pacifica High School upon moving to California.
Throughout all these phases of his life, Hal’s hands remained busy creating art with wood. Before retirement, he crafted custom walking canes, encouraging people to collect photos and memories from their lives. “I’d carve their history into the canes or walking staffs. I did that for years and sent them all over the world,” Hal explained.
Today, his focus is on toys. During the holiday season, every weekend, Hal transforms his garage workshop into a Christmas storefront open to the public. This year, he’s busier than ever, sharing, “I’ve probably received over $125 in tips so far.”
Beyond his craft, Hal’s life has been full of love and the inevitable challenges of time. Pointing to a wedding photo, he fondly said, “There’s our wedding picture. She was beautiful. I can’t imagine how I ever got her.” Sadly, Hal lost his wife in 2014.
Yet through all life’s changes, one constant remains — his workshop. “365 days a year, I’m probably sitting out here making toys,” he said.
When asked about the secret to his long and fulfilling life, Hal joked, “I wish I knew. I’d sell it!” But he admits the truth likely lies within the walls of his workshop and the details in every piece he creates. “I sit out here in the cold in the winter and the heat in the summer. It just keeps me going,” Hal reflected.
His handcrafted gifts offer joy not only to those who receive them but to the maker himself. “I like doing it. I really do,” Hal shared warmly.
If you’re looking to experience Hal’s extraordinary craftsmanship this holiday season, his garage will be open one more weekend — December 20 and 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Stop by at 11382 Paloma Ave., Garden Grove, to find a special handmade treasure straight from Hal’s workshop.
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*Support local artisans and experience the magic of handcrafted toys made with a century’s worth of love and skill.*
https://abc7.com/post/100-year-old-toymaker-hal-yoak-turns-garden-grove-garage-holiday-storefront-orange-county/18299043/