A Trip to the 70s at Springfield’s Penny Lane
The entrance to Penny Lane is like a portal to another time period: a time when peace and love were at the forefront, the Grateful Dead could be heard on any radio station nearby, and phrases like “up your nose with a rubber hose” were thrown out everywhere. Shopping at Penny Lane is more than just a trip to buy things. It’s an experience.
Photo Credit: Penny Lane Website
When you walk into Penny Lane, you’re greeted with welcoming people ready to show off everything the store has to offer. But those people are just a piece of the Penny Lane History. Penny Lane opened in 1968. Its owners were Danny and Mary Francis. In 1971 they sold Penny Lane to Joe Utterback. Joe started by selling bean bag chairs and waterbeds. He also had a room full of pinball machines and he paid his rent with the money he got from them. Later, in 1983 they had to expand and this is when they moved to their current location.
A short trip up the stairs or into a side room will take you to the coolest collection of Wall Love in the city. In the loft upstairs they have two walls full of different tapestries. They have a wide variety of designs with figures, patterns, animals, and symbols. In the room next to the cashier, you will find a room full of signs and posters. The signs have different catch phrases with brands, movies, and drinks. In the room under the stairs, you will walk into a black light room with tons of different glowing posters on the wall. There is literally something for everyone’s wall here.
Photo Credit: Penny Lane Website
Photo Credit: Penny Lane Website
Looking to find some zen? Penny Lane has everything you need. They have a great collection of different crystals and stones. Penny lane has different singing bowls and pendulus. Tarot Cards cards and books about the cards can also be found at Penny Lane.
Walk into Penny Lane in your boring jeans and T-shirt, but walk out with a bag full of clothes to add the fun back into your wardrobe. The footwear alone could give that fit more sparkle, with the SpongeBob socks and the Sour Patch Kids slippers you will be looking amazing. They carry a big hat collection with baseball caps, bucket hats, and beanies.
Photo Credit: Penny Lane Website
Photo Credit: Penny Lane Website
While the whole store is filled with items to help everyone have fun and be happy, there are some items specifically made to add entertainment to your life. If you're into or want to get into skating, Penny Lane has boards, trucks, and wheels. They sell sets of darts and they have a lot of different incense.
If you’re looking for a store that is one of a kind, head to Penny Lane. The experience is like no other. Make your way to 2901 S MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL 62704 to spend a few hours back in time.
Author: Evan Mathis
March 6, 2023