Milwaukee’s Decade of Punk Rock Rummage Sales
Originally published on Milwaukee Magazine 6/8/23Twelve years ago, Milwaukee musician Wendy Norton had a few too many spare records that she needed to offload. Her growing vinyl collection, vintage clothing and random bric-a-brac were piling up. She knew she needed to downsize but wanted her belongings to go to a cool home, so she started the Punk Rock Rummage Sale.
“When I had the first event it was only me and Dave Monroe selling stuff,” says Norton. “I almost sold out of every single thing and made a tidy chunk of change, so I decided to host another event.”
The punk rock rummage sale gives both vendors and shoppers a chance to buy-and-sell things you can’t just pick up at any old shop. Vintage memorabilia, deadstock vinyl, retro clothing and diy crafts are all things you can pick up (or get rid of) at the avant-garde rummage.
“It wasn't until the second event that I knew it really provided a service for people out there,” says Norton. “They had this cool stuff they had curated but needed to downsize. They couldn't bear to just donate it to a thrift store where it wouldn't be appreciated by other weirdos.”
Norton hosted the very first Punk Rock Rummage Sale in summer of 2010. Twelve years later (minus two years of no sales due to Covid) she celebrated the 10th anniversary with a major sale at Walker’s Point bar, Promises.
“I strive to get as many vinyl sellers in there as I can, so they get first dibs,” says Norton. “We host booksellers, artists, antiques, vintage, clothing, soap makers, leather workers, jewelry, you name it! As long as it's not something you can buy at TJ Maxx I'm willing to give people a shot and see how the crowd responds.”
Through the decades, the punk rock rummage sale has had its share of regular vendors and customers. Atomic Records and Luv Unlimited are two return vendors, and fan-favorites, because they always have fresh stock and reasonable prices.
“Customers keep coming back because it's more than just a sale- it's an event- with DJs spinning all day, food and drink specials, people watching and lots of chances of old friends to run into,” explains Norton.
The Saturday morning events are usually all-ages, free to attend and a “great way to start your weekend in Milwaukee.”
Norton, who went to high school near Wausau, would travel to the big town of Green Bay (two hours away) to see live music at the closest all-ages venue, Concert Cafe. There, she met the owner, Tom Smith, who was the original arbiter of the Punk Rock Rummage Sale.
“I remember attending an event hosted by Tom in Green Bay over a decade earlier called "The Punk Rock Rummage Sale," says Norton. “It was mostly different record distributors and a handful of local dudes selling their used vinyl, so I took his idea and made it my own. Thanks Tom!”
Through her decade plus running the event, she’s hosted at spots across the city, as well as a few festivals and block parties. Most recently, she oscillates between hosting at Promises and at Cudahy’s X-Ray Arcade. Norton puts on between four and five rummages a year. The spring and summer events will be at X-Ray Arcade on April 15 and on June 24 at Promises. This year’s outdoor rummage will be a part of the Puddler’s Hall block party on July 22. During the warm months, Norton usually sees an upward of 400-700 shoppers.
When asked why she stays in Milwaukee, Norton states “Are you kidding? It's the best place on Earth to live if you want to balance comfortable living and being an artist or musician.”
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