When Jim and Tom DeCillis settled in Paducah, Kentucky, the one thing they had no need for were classes on how to live their lives in retirement; and, likely their only challenge were having enough hours in the day to complete their long list of projects!

Jim, a lifetime collector of memorabilia, ranging from classic gas pumps, advertising signs, miniature store department mannequins and all other things in-between, bought the former St. Mary’s Music Hall in the centre of town which he and his brother Tom set about converting into a two-story home including one floor dedicated to Jim’s collection, and a second floor for living space.

As you enter the first floor, you are immediately transformed into an old-fashioned street scene complete with storefronts of a Wells Fargo bank, a gas station, a year-round Christmas store, a diner and a barber shop to name a few. Each storefront is immaculate in its design and execution, but what really makes the place special, is how family photographs are displayed of Jim growing up with his brothers alongside the actual costumes and toys shown in the pictures.

It must be such a delight and pleasure to be able to walk through your family history and lifelong collections each day, with the ability to “tweak” or move something and to enjoy them, not by rummaging through boxes tucked away in the attic, but through the ability to live it daily!