Penne's Haven Wurlitzer jukebox. Photo courtesy of my cousin, Tony Boschke, who is lucky enough to own this beauty now.
When visiting my grandparents in Milwaukee one of my childhood highlights was a trip to Penne's Haven, a tavern owned by my great Uncle Johnny and his lively wife Wanda. I know, it seems strange even as I write this, but it was the candy and endless nickels for the jukebox that elevated the tavern to "highlight" status. Auntie Wanda always let me and my siblings go behind the bar where she kept a rack of candy bars, gum and Life Savers hard candy rolls - 5 Flavors, Butter Rum, Pep O Mint among others. Anyone who knows me, knows I love candy BUT it was all about the jukebox during those visits. Elvis Presley sang about a Hound Dog, Bobby Vinton of Blue Velvet and America's Polka King Frankie Yankovic about a girl who's too fat for him! The beautiful blue Hawaiian beach scene, the multi-colored front panel lights and of course the movable stack of 45 records was mesmerizing.
When Penne's Haven was sold in the early 1970's my only questions was "What happened to the jukebox?" and I was delighted to hear my Uncle Bob was the new owner. That was over 40 years ago and it's still in the family today.
More about the owners and history of the tavern can be seen on the Penne Page.