A place for all your ‘60s needs

Thursday, November 5, 2009

In a city known for celebrating everything hippie, it’s no surprise that a vintage store embodying the spirit of the ‘60s survives in Lawrence.

Beyond the Door, 918 Massachusetts St., is a store that specializes in clothing, posters and “a lot of stuff,” as store owner Sherry Fitzgerald put it. Before opening the store in Lawrence three years ago, Fitzgerald worked at a store in Florida. Her children, who are Lawrence residents, convinced her to move the store here to be closer to them.

“The store existed down in Florida so when I moved it here I just kept the same name,” she said. “Even though I don’t really know what it means.”

Besides clothing, which includes purses, shoes, T-shirts and even prom dresses, posters and framed artwork fill the store. In the back, a friend of Fitzgerald’s, Fred Sack, frames vintage inspired art and puts it up around the shop to be sold. Fitzgerald said the colorful posters and humorous sayings often grab the attention of people walking by.

“Just yesterday a lady came in and bought four of my signs,” she said. “They love my signs, they’ll see them in the window and stop right in.”

Beyond the Door is also unique in that Fitzgerald receives nearly all of her products from one consignor. When Uptown Monkey, a vintage store in Mission closed down, the owner offered all of her remaining items, including clothing, to Fitzgerald.

Unlike most other secondhand shops, she doesn’t usually buy clothing from people looking to sell old belongings.

“Only if it’s really something special I’ll buy it,” she said.

In October, sales were high as many people stopped in the store in search of the perfect Halloween costume. But, throughout the year those seeking décor for their residence hall or apartment can sift through poster collections or browse iconic art in the back of the store.

True to the local vibe of Lawrence, Beyond the Door is also the place for anyone looking for Bob Marley tie-dyed T-shirts, Woodstock posters or peace sign necklaces.

“Most people that come in say ‘this takes me back to the ole hippie days,’” Fitzgerald said.

— Edited by Alicia Banister

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