On a recent visit to my parents’ home in the suburbs, I decided to stop into Dads Slot Cars in Des Plaines, Illinois. My parents moved to the suburbs when I left for college and I have always been curious to stop into this establishment to check it out. I have a strong interest in nostalgic Americana culture mostly because I am a first-generation Filipino-American born from immigrant parents who tried their hardest to integrate their brown children into American life.

It was a Tuesday and Reba, the owner, was the only person in attendance. While Reba was repairing a few slot cars, I was able to have a conversation with her. She told me about how her 25+ year old business and how it was named after her late husband. Her kids picked the name and now those kids help their mother run the business. It was lovely to hear about how the business continues to thrive while being the only other slot car business in Illinois (the other being in Rockford, IL). She shared with me the fact that she’s seen people race at her shop as children and grow up in front of her eyes. Reba has this one customer that has grown to share his hobby with his family and now three generations race together pretty frequently.

Between conversation, Reba allowed me the opportunity to photograph her space. Scroll down and enjoy the photos.