Taylorville, IL (WAND) – If you have ever wanted to experience a 1920s speakeasy, the Black Pug in Taylorville is giving you the chance. The new speakeasy is located in the basement of the Fur Love Charitable Resale Shop, in Taylorville’s Downtown Square.
“This building was built in 1892 and has been a whole host of things, from stores to a dentist’s office to a pharmacy,” said Sherri Craggs, who owns Fur Love and the Black Pug. “When we purchased the building and started renovating it, we fell in love with the basement and thought it would make a great speakeasy.”
Craggs looked near and far to find decor and furniture that would honor the history of the building and bring the 1920s vibe she was hoping to create. They used wood from a local barn to create unique seating and found a 1931 Austin Bantam car to use as a photo opportunity.
“We found a 20,000 square foot mansion in Saint Louis that they were tearing down and salvaging,” Craggs said. “So there’s a lot of items. I think we made three or four trips with a trailer down there for unique items, just to make it fun and interesting.”
The Black Pug is opening up for private events at the end of September. They already have a reunion, wedding and reception planned in the space. Craggs also plans to open the space to the public to enjoy as well. She hopes it is a space that is worth experiencing from Springfield or Decatur.
For more information on the new speakeasy, or to book the space, reach out to Fur Love.
