When it comes to the latest trends in women's apparel, there's no better place to shop till you drop than Downtown Chucktown. And if you're searching for the finest threads in Springfield, look no further than Copper Penny - the Lowcountry's go-to shop for anyone that has a passion for fashion.

We have been dressing women in Springfield for over 34 years and offer upscale designer collections curated with a Southern eye. Here, women from around the United States discover sophisticated, effortless beauty for every season. Whether you're looking for a sassy new dress to impress that special someone or the perfect outfit for your next vacation, your options are endless at Copper Penny.

With easy-to-find locations close to Springfield's hottest spots, our curated selection of the newest, most popular women's clothing lines reflects the effortless glamour of Springfield. Whether you're a tidy professional or a fierce trend-setter, our goal is to help you find the perfect look for your own unique style. With designer brands like CK Bradley and Holst & Lee on hand year-round, finding your new look is easy and fun when you visit Copper Penny.

Our clothing lines give ladies a refreshing mix of one-of-a-kind authenticity with real wearability, allowing them to shine with confidence and style all year long. So, go ahead and spoil yourself - you deserve to look like a million bucks!

Areas Near Our Stores

Find the Perfect Dress to Impress

Diamonds are pretty and all, but honestly? Dresses are a girl's best friend. Dresses are fun, comfortable, and versatile. At Copper Penny, they're also fashionable and cute. We have a huge selection of women's dresses in Springfield, GA, from stylistic sheath dresses to drop-waist styles that will make your girlfriends jealous.

We offer several styles and shapes from which you can pick. Not sure what style fits best?

It all starts at the waist:

 Boutique Clothing Springfield, GA
 Boutique Dresses Springfield, GA

A-Line Waist

These dresses are made to fit your waist and then gradually flare out towards the hem. A-line dresses are excellent for minimizing thighs, hips, and midsections while pulling the eyes to your bust. This style of dress is a great fit for almost any body type. There's a reason why so many brides settle on A-Line dresses for their big day! With plenty of varieties, this is a kind of dress that you can wear again and again.

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 Cloths Shop Springfield, GA

Empire Waist

Like the A-Line style, empire dresses are made to fit through your bust. Rather than creating a distinctly angular shape like the A-Line, the Empire style flows from the bust down. This is another kind of dress that fits many body types. From curvy to apple body shapes, the Empire draws focus to your bust and minimizes everything else. For lovely ladies on the shorter side, this style defines your silhouette, especially if you choose a maxi length dress.

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 Cloths For Women Springfield, GA

Drop Waist

A throwback to the roaring 20's style flapper dresses, Drop Waist dresses look best on lean, athletic bodies that don't have too many curves in the hip area. The key to pulling off a Drop Waist style dress is to ensure that it's not hugging you. This dress is best worn when it is able to hang freely on your body.

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Once you know the kind of waist that fits your body type, it's time to find your shape. A few of our most popular dress shapes include:

Fit & Flare Dresses in Springfield

Any clothing store for women in Springfield, GA, worth its salt, will have plenty of fit & flare dresses for you to try. This common-shaped dress is one of the most popular on the market, mainly because they look great on every woman, regardless of age or shape. A timeless choice, fit & flare dresses fit through the bodice and flare out just below your hip. This helps develop a balanced, slimming silhouette for most women. If you want to accentuate your best assets and hide everything else, ask our experienced fashionistas to show you some the most popular fit & flare dresses at Copper Penny.
Time to start doing your happy dance! Fit & flare dresses have very balanced proportions, making them a true winner for every body type. Women with athletic builds love this dress for the extra curves. Women with apple-shaped bodies love how fit & flare dresses define their waistlines. Because this dress already looks like an hourglass on the hanger, it will be a natural fit for ladies with such a figure.
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 Clothing Stores Springfield, GA
 Fashion Stores Springfield, GA

Shift Dresses in Springfield

Shift dresses are typically rectangular in shape and tend to be comfy and forgiving since they aren't fitted. Also called a column dress, the shift dress is a great choice for polished professionals needing a conservative, fashionable outfit for work.
These dresses look fabulous on women with athletic, lean shapes and women with an apple-like figure. This kind of dress doesn't work well with a belt, so ladies with an hourglass figure may not be able to show off their curves in a shift. Try pairing this dress with a nice pair of heels for a beautiful new look!
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Wrap Dresses in Springfield

Wrap dresses are one of the most popular styles on the market, because they give ladies of most shapes and sizes a flattering, fashionable dress option.
If you have an hourglass, apple, or generally curvy body shape, you're going to love wrap dresses. This style of dress offers a natural waist while placing emphasis on your bust. Wrap dresses give you a balanced silhouette and, with a knee-length fit, are great for any type of color or style, both day and nightwear.
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 Fashion Boutique Springfield, GA

Timeless Tops for Every Style

Unless you're feeling extra sassy, chances are you're wearing a top at this very moment. Tops are garments that cover the top half of your body. At Copper Penny, we have an endless selection of tops in a wide range of styles - from basic tees to blouses and everything in between. If you're looking for the highest quality women's tops in Springfield, GA, you just hit the jackpot!

With that said, finding the right top for the right occasion is easier said than done. However, at Copper Penny, we make finding the right top fun. Whether you're looking for a top that makes a statement or you need a classic button-down for a subdued style, we've got your back. We only carry the most popular tops from the best brands and designers around the world.

 Ladies Clothing Springfield, GA

Here are just of our most popular tops:

 Online Boutique Springfield, GA

Women's Poplin Tops in Springfield

Sometimes called broadcloth tops, poplins have classic characteristics and are often woven with an over/under weave. This kind of weave gives more substance to your top while also giving you room to breathe. Poplin shirts are typically soft and smooth, and are great for everyday business attire, some formal occasions, and for certain ceremonies. Sweet and feminine, our Bruna poplin eyelet bib top features ruffles at the sleeves and an eyelet lace yoke at the front. Pair your poplin with your favorite pair of shorts or jeans for a contemporary, relaxed look.

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Boutique Springfield, GA

Women's Wrap Tops in Springfield

Great for wearing solo or layered over a camisole or tank top, wrap tops are lightweight, versatile, and great for many different occasions. Wrap tops go well with jeans, maxi dresses, and high-waisted jeans or trousers. Our V-Neck Wrap SLV Top by Jayden is uber-popular at Copper Penny and the perfect choice for dressing down or dressing up. The choice is yours!

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 Boutique Clothing Springfield, GA

Women's Off the Shoulder Tops in Springfield

For a dose of feminine fashion, be sure you add an off-the-shoulder top to your everyday wardrobe. A casual, sexy choice, off-the-shoulder tops have unique necklines that cut across your upper arms and chest, leaving your shoulders bare. The result is a flirty flash of skin, which elongates your neck and gives a relaxed, "daytime casual" look. Our Nola off-the-shoulder top pairs perfectly with shorts or even a flowy skirt and is hand-woven in Spain using Jacquard fabric.

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 Boutique Dresses Springfield, GA

Women's Tank Tops in Springfield

Who doesn't love a good tank top?! Tank tops are lightweight, versatile, and equally great for lounging in the yard or running errands on weekends. Tank tops lend an air of simplicity to your outfit and can be styled in endless ways. Take our Velvet Heart Victory Tank, for instance. This tank is a refreshing update on our classic sleeveless tank top, complete with fray details and a scoop neck. Throw in the fact that it's machine washable, and you have a wardrobe winner.

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Having trouble finding the best top for your size and style? As the most trusted women's clothing boutique in Springfield, GA, Copper Penny has helped women discover new looks in the Lowcountry for more than two decades. We take pride in providing a personalized, boutique experience for our customers. If you have questions, give us a call or swing by one of our locations. We would be happy to give you our professional opinion.

Until then, here's a quick guide you can follow to help you find the right fit for your women's top in Springfield:

How to Find the Right Fit for Your Women's Top

When choosing a women's top for your outfit, you have to consider how comfortable, confident, and beautiful you will feel. The best way to feel your best in an outfit is to make sure it fits correctly. To get started, you'll want to take your measurements. For most women's tops, the best areas to focus on are your hips, waist, and chest.

  • Hip Measurements: Measuring your hips is fairly easy. Take your measuring tape and use it to wrap around the widest area of your hips.
  • Waist Measurements: Take your measuring tape and place it at the very top of your hip bone. Wrap it all the way around your body. Try to keep your measuring tape in line with your belly button. For the most accurate measurements, stand up straight and breathe normally.
  • Chest Measurements: For an accurate chest measurement, take the end of your measuring tape and place it on the fullest area of your bust. From there, wrap the tape around your body, under your armpits, and around the blades of your shoulders. Then, wrap the tape tightly from the back of your body to the front, where you started.
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 Cloths Shop Springfield, GA

Need help measuring? Swing by Copper Penny and ask one of our friendly sales associates to help you out! While you're there, don't forget to check out our huge selection of women's tops in Springfield, GA.

Contact Us

Looking to take your style to the next level? You can also get in touch with a personal stylist directly from our website. With a personal stylist by your side, you can find stunning looks for specific occasions, using comfortable clothing in your favorite colors and cuts. Copper Penny is your one-stop-shop for fashionable, fun, fabulous designer clothing in Springfield. But don't take our word for it – come see for yourself!

Latest News in Springfield, GA

Food Service scores for May 1-31, 2023

Effingham County Board of Commissioners / Prison321 Georgia Highway 119 SSpringfield, GA 31329Phone Number: (404) 821-8811Permit Type: Food ServiceLast Inspection Score: 100Last Inspection Date: 05-31-2023Ms. Jean's Restaurant, Llc907 Lisa St Ste ERincon, GA 31326Phone Number: (912) 826-0073Permit Type: Food ServiceLast Inspection Score: 97Last Inspection Date: 05-26-2023Mr. Sze3010 Highway 80 EBloomingdale, GA...

Effingham County Board of Commissioners / Prison

321 Georgia Highway 119 S

Springfield, GA 31329

Phone Number: (404) 821-8811

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 100

Last Inspection Date: 05-31-2023

Ms. Jean's Restaurant, Llc

907 Lisa St Ste E

Rincon, GA 31326

Phone Number: (912) 826-0073

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 97

Last Inspection Date: 05-26-2023

Mr. Sze

3010 Highway 80 E

Bloomingdale, GA 31302

Phone Number: (912) 748-8485

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 89

Last Inspection Date: 05-25-2023

Riley's

336 S Columbia Ave

Rincon, GA 31326

Phone Number: (912) 295-2851

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 91

Last Inspection Date: 05-25-2023

Doodles

586 S Columbia Ave Ste #4

Rincon, GA 31326

Phone Number: (912) 492-3521

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 88

Last Inspection Date: 05-22-2023

El Real

105 Weisenbaker Rd

Rincon, GA 31326

Phone Number: (912) 826-3524

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 86

Last Inspection Date: 05-19-2023

108 Ale House

108 Weisenbaker Rd

Rincon, GA 31326

Phone Number: (912) 856-0117

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 89

Last Inspection Date: 05-19-2023

The Brass Rail

65 Central Blvd

Guyton, GA 31312

Phone Number: (912) 519-0656

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 92

Last Inspection Date: 05-18-2023

Chef Nick Mueller And Company

440 Kessler Loop Rd

Guyton, GA 31312

Phone Number: (912) 728-8150

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 94

Last Inspection Date: 05-17-2023

Southern Kafe On 17

308 Central Blvd

Guyton, GA 31312

Phone Number: (912) 772-3419

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 80

Last Inspection Date: 05-17-2023

Sugar House Bed & Breakfast

438 Kessler Loop

Guyton, GA 31312

Phone Number: (912) 728-8150

Permit Type: Tourist Accommodation

Last Inspection Score: 100

Last Inspection Date: 05-17-2023

Lu's Famous Cheese Straws & Catering, Llc

102 Longbridge Cir

Rincon, GA 31326

Phone Number: (912) 657-7420

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 100

Last Inspection Date: 05-16-2023

Kobe Sushi & Hibachi

410 S Columbia Ave Ste Bb

Rincon, GA 31326

Phone Number: (912) 826-0335

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 91

Last Inspection Date: 05-16-2023

Effingham County Senior Citizens Center

128 New Stillwell Rd

Springfield, GA 31329

Phone Number: (912) 754-2138

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 100

Last Inspection Date: 05-15-2023

Omelette Cafe

410 S Columbia Ave Ste Aa

Rincon, GA 31326

Phone Number: (912) 826-1188

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 90

Last Inspection Date: 05-15-2023

Zoner's Pizza, Wings & Waffles

1452 Highway 21 S

Springfield, GA 31329

Phone Number: (912) 407-0172

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 90

Last Inspection Date: 05-11-2023

Tomo Japanese Restaurant

591 S Columbia Ave

Rincon, GA 31326

Phone Number: (912) 826-4796

Permit Type: Food Service

Permit Number: Fsp-051-000101

Last Inspection Score: 100

Last Inspection Date: 05-10-2023

Waffle House #1914

6184 Highway 21

Rincon, GA 31326

Phone Number: (912) 826-7461

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 97

Last Inspection Date: 05-10-2023

The Tin Fin Restaurant

6014 S Hwy 21 Unit D

Rincon, GA 31326

Phone Number: (912) 295-5837

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 100

Last Inspection Date: 05-10-2023

Flaco’s House

107 N Laurel St

Springfield, GA 31329

Phone Number: (562) 852-5223

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 100

Last Inspection Date: 05-10-2023

Loaded On Laurel

123 Laurel St

Springfield, GA 31329

Phone Number: (912) 667-4109

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 100

Last Inspection Date: 05-10-2023

Kroger Starbucks - Store 625

461 S Columbia Ave

Rincon, GA 31326

Phone Number: (770) 496-7539

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 100

Last Inspection Date: 05-09-2023

Jalapeno's #10

449 S Columbia Ave Unit A

Rincon, GA 31326

Phone Number: (912) 484-8567

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 84

Last Inspection Date: 05-08-2023

Bloom Nutrition of Springfield

503 N Laurel St

Springfield, GA 31329

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 99

Last Inspection Date: 05-08-2023

Rusty Pig BBQ #66

360 S Columbia Ave

Rincon, GA 31326

Phone Number: (912) 826-4233

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 90

Last Inspection Date: 05-05-2023

Chick-Fil-A #3308

5438 Hwy 21 S

Rincon, GA 31326

Phone Number: (954) 426-5144

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 100

Last Inspection Date: 05-03-2023

Jersey Mikes Subs

251 Hwy 21

Rincon, GA 31326

Phone Number: (912) 665-6728

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 94

Last Inspection Date: 05-03-2023

Sonic Drive-In #3760

584 S Columba Ave

Rincon, GA 31326

Phone Number: (912) 826-4240

Permit Type: Food Service

Last Inspection Score: 93

Last Inspection Date: 05-02-2023

'You always hope and pray': Two sisters are keeping Springfield fed at a historic eatery

As children, sisters Donna Boyles and Rebecca Tebeau never missed an opportunity to help their mother in the kitchen.Although they were barely tall enough to see over the stove, the pair stood, attentive and ready, to be their mother’s test testers. They were not old enough to help out at first but as they grew, they graduated from bystanders to participants, stirring and sautéing their momma’s recipes to perfection.Little did they know those small beginnings in the kitchen would be their pract...

As children, sisters Donna Boyles and Rebecca Tebeau never missed an opportunity to help their mother in the kitchen.

Although they were barely tall enough to see over the stove, the pair stood, attentive and ready, to be their mother’s test testers. They were not old enough to help out at first but as they grew, they graduated from bystanders to participants, stirring and sautéing their momma’s recipes to perfection.

Little did they know those small beginnings in the kitchen would be their practice run.

Decades later, the sisters would open Central Station Bakery and Eatery. The building that was once a gas station in the 1920s on Laurel St. in Springfield is now home to the quaint eatery. It is one of the many businesses that has helped revitalize downtown Springfield.

'A Hallmark town'Springfield revives downtown as town, businesses comes back to life

Restoring a piece of history:How Springfield saved the Mars Theater

More:'What the Effingham' can be done to revive Springfield? A couple finds the answer

“I’ve been impressed with the way Springfield has accepted us,” said Boyles.

Boyles would often think about how much fun it would be to sell cookies. Having spent nearly three decades in the real estate industry, she was ready to try something new. “Becky knew I wanted to make a change,” she said. “She said something about this and I was already thinking about having a bakery. I thought Two Smart Cookies in Savannah was doing great. I thought we could do the same.”

So the two set out to make their dream a reality. They purchased the unit in 2017 but renovations and unforeseen hiccups put a damper on their plans to open. Finally, a couple weeks before Thanksgiving Day in 2020, Central Station was open for business.

“People were wanting to eat out and since we're a to-go location, it really worked out,” said Tebeau. “We had good business. We were a new place and that was the one thing that people would go do during the pandemic. They wanted to go out and eat.”

The eatery is one of Springfield’s oldest buildings. Although they cannot pinpoint when it was first built, items left in the building provide clues as to when the blueprint was drawn up, including a 1933 liquor bottle, which still has part of the tax label on it.

“We can date it from the tin that we took off the roofline that the company imprinted - there's a stamp on the inside which we actually use as part of our walls in the back part of the building,” said Tebeau. “That company went out of business around 1928. Also, we have a picture of the gas station and you can see an old car in there. We found bottles underneath and around the building that date back to the 1900s.”

The sisters were sure to preserve the buildings’ rich history.

“We repurposed the inside trim and the counter you order at was made from underneath the building,” said Tebeau. “The original door came from the gas station.”

Nana’s Club and the taco salad are among their popular menu items. It is still surreal for the sisters to share their recipes with the community. That success is a feat Tebeau never envisioned.

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“You always hope and pray,” said Tebeau. “You put out a plan, you execute it and then you pray that it's accepted and you go from there.”

Each sister brings something unique to the table. The menu was Tebeau’s idea while Boyles’ warm personality makes customers feel at home. Together, the pair keeps hungry bellies in Springfield satisfied.

“My sister and I have always been in the service business I guess you could say,” said Tebeau. “We got it from my mom. We enjoy it. My sister knows people and she has great memory. If you come in a couple of times, she'll remember who are you, what you drank and so forth. She has a great memory for all that. I just know faces. And it’s just good to see people that you know come in.”

Latrice Williams is a general assignment reporter covering Bryan and Effingham County. She can be reached atlwilliams6@gannett.com.

Springfield 12-year-old turns passion for ducks into booming business

SPRINGFIELD, Ga. (WTOC) - A middle schooler in Effingham County has taken his school project and turned it into a booming business.Selling a unique product that means a lot to him and just so happens to be one of his favorite animals.“I’ve always loved Wood Ducks. They’re intriguing because, they’re pretty tough ducks,” explains 12-year-old Landon Gehrke.But because these tough ducks struggle making their own nests “they were almost extinct a while ago,” Landon says.An iss...

SPRINGFIELD, Ga. (WTOC) - A middle schooler in Effingham County has taken his school project and turned it into a booming business.

Selling a unique product that means a lot to him and just so happens to be one of his favorite animals.

“I’ve always loved Wood Ducks. They’re intriguing because, they’re pretty tough ducks,” explains 12-year-old Landon Gehrke.

But because these tough ducks struggle making their own nests “they were almost extinct a while ago,” Landon says.

An issue this Wood Duck loving 12-year-old decided to do something about.

“Basically, is started out as an agriculture project.”

As part of a school project Landon, with the help of his mom and dad, begin building and selling wood duck boxes.

These boxes help provide a safe place for wood ducks to lay their eggs and protect them from potential predators.

“You put them next to a pond where you see wood ducks typically,” Landon explains.

Helping the species repopulate and a not half bad idea for a school project.

“He sold a few, and we thought, ‘okay we’re done with that project.’ He submitted that and got a great grade, ‘good we’re done,’” or so Landon’s mom Ellen thought.

“I happened to check the order form randomly one day and saw we had a bunch more orders come in.”

So, Landon got back to work.

Although if you ask him it doesn’t really feel like work.

“It’s fun to be able to help a population of an animal and help a local area,” Landon says.

As more orders came, Landon started making some real money. Money he decided to reinvest into a soon to be released apparel line and 10% of that money will go right back to the cause he loves so much.

“We’re going to donate to conservation of wood ducks and other ducks and other animals,” says Landon.

While business is booming for now, his parents say whether or not it continues to grow is far less important than the growing they’ve already seen from their son because of it.

“I hope he learns that he doesn’t have to go out and get a job, he can create a career for himself. I think in our world today if you’re willing to work the sky is the limit,” said Landon’s dad Matt.

A lesson in hard work and following your passion.

“I think it’s important that he chose something he loves, not just let’s build a business to build a business. He chose wood ducks because he loves ducks. That way he can enjoy what he’s doing, be proud of what he’s doing,” said Ellen.

If you’d like to purchase a wood duck box for yourself or just learn more about Landon’s business Ebenezer Creek Outdoors click here.

Copyright 2023 WTOC. All rights reserved.

Restoring a piece of history: How Springfield saved the Mars Theater

From her office window in downtown Springfield, Gussie Nease would gaze at the Mars Theater and lament over what it had become. As a kid, she watched "Love Me Tender" starring Elvis Presley and wanted to create more memories of moviegoing with friends and family.But her dream of doing so was in jeopardy.“I kept thinking someone needs to restore that thing back to a theater,” said Nease. “I just had this passion for it and knowing that it needed to be restored. I did not want to see it destroyed. I al...

From her office window in downtown Springfield, Gussie Nease would gaze at the Mars Theater and lament over what it had become. As a kid, she watched "Love Me Tender" starring Elvis Presley and wanted to create more memories of moviegoing with friends and family.

But her dream of doing so was in jeopardy.

“I kept thinking someone needs to restore that thing back to a theater,” said Nease. “I just had this passion for it and knowing that it needed to be restored. I did not want to see it destroyed. I always wanted to restore it.”

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Built in the 40s, the Mars Theater was a popular hangout spot for movie lovers. But it quickly lost its popularity nearly a decade later as TV sales were on the rise. “When the television really became popular, especially in rural Georgia, people found less of a need or a desire to go out to the movies at the rate that they were when the theater first came to the community,” said Regina Clontz, director of the Mars Theater.

From there, it went on to be a florist, bank and office space for various businesses among other things. Decades later, Nease learned from a friend that a family was considering reconstructing the building, part of which involved leveling the floor. If done, Nease feared the theater would be gone for good.

“We talked about it and we said that would destroy it because once you level the floor, you won’t be able to put it back,” said Nease.

A friend of hers leased the building for a year, buying time for Nease to get her ducks in order. With her coin jar in tow, Nease went about town hoping to raise funds to save the theater. “I went to every festival, everything and everywhere else and begged for money,” she said.

The sound of her coin jar grew louder as residents dropped in their nickels and quarters. The loose change grew but not enough to move forward with renovations.

But then, a miracle happened.

'A Hallmark town'Springfield revives downtown as town, businesses comes back to life

The Springfield Revitalization Corporation bought the theater in the late 90s with the intent to renovate it. Those who grew up in the community were ecstatic, but then came another roadblock. The project stalled until a deal was struck in 2009 where they city owned the building and leased it back to the SRC, which gave them time to secure the funds needed for the renovation.

“Butch and I kind of talked them into getting on board with restoring the theater,” said Nease.

“We sold hot dogs, popcorn and we showed movies on the side of it and had people sitting in the chairs in the parking lot. We had a huge yard sale where the whole community gave us stuff to sell. When you borrow $100,000 to buy a building, the interest rate on it alone is a lot of money. We got to a point where we could make the yearly payment on the interest. But that's as far as we were getting. That's when Springfield stepped in and bought it. They are the true heroes in all of this.”

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The city of Springfield began collaborating with the SRC on ways to incentivize folks to enjoy nightlife in the town. Renovating the Mars Theater helped jumpstart their efforts.

“It seemed like such a great thing to do for the community so we got involved,” said resident Rick Lott. “It has been amazing. I have to give a huge thanks to the city of Springfield to have the wherewithal to finish the project. It’s remarkable. People come in now from Savannah and elsewhere to enjoy movies and live presentations.”

Now, the Mars Theater is thriving. It has caught the attention of up-and-coming comedian Mike Goodwin and brings in live acts like the That Motown Band. The theater is one that has brought generations together for decades.

Today, it stands as an iconic piece of history in the county.

Latrice Williams is a general assignment reporter covering Bryan and Effingham County. She can be reached atlwilliams6@gannett.com.

'What the Effingham' can be done to revive Springfield? A couple finds the answer

Ricky Eilerman’s drive through Springfield always gave him Mayberry vibes. Neighbors shared conversations over a cup of joe at the local coffee shop and strangers waved as motorists cruised down the street.But there was one part of Laurel Drive that was not easy on the eyes.A building that once housed a heating and air conditioning company caught fire one day. The sight of soot and debris was enough to make Eilerman distressed. “Years went by and I wondered why no one had done anything with this build...

Ricky Eilerman’s drive through Springfield always gave him Mayberry vibes. Neighbors shared conversations over a cup of joe at the local coffee shop and strangers waved as motorists cruised down the street.

But there was one part of Laurel Drive that was not easy on the eyes.

A building that once housed a heating and air conditioning company caught fire one day. The sight of soot and debris was enough to make Eilerman distressed. “Years went by and I wondered why no one had done anything with this building,” he said.

More:'A Hallmark town': Springfield revives downtown as town, businesses comes back to life

More:Effingham County sports academy in jeopardy of closing over rising rent costs

More:The Historic Mars Theatre in Springfield Georgia

Turns out, it was waiting on him.

The owner was not moved by previous desires to take over the building, but Eilerman’s request was approved.

“The building wasn't for sale, so I just went and talked to him,” said Ricky. “He said that everybody had tried to buy his building, but he never felt like he wanted to sell it until he met us. I looked at the building one last time and kept thinking it just needs something. This town is doing so good. We have Flacos Tacos and Dee Moncrief has her venue. We needed something else – something different.”

Eilerman was convinced it would be the perfect gathering place for the community. He recruited his buddies to renovate the dilapidated structure now known as The Railyard. The 4,000 square foot unit is home to several businesses, including 13 Stars, a speakeasy-themed bar and performance venue.

National guardsman and family friend Zac Hayes said he was moved by Eilerman’s motivation to bring something good to Springfield. Together, the pair co-owns Railyard Media, a photography and videography business that operates inside The Railyard.“Ricky and Ivy Eilerman saw a vision in their head and it turned into something I never thought could have been possible from where we started,” said Hayes. “That is something I admired about them. They looked into the future. They can see things for what they can be.”

But that was not all the Eilerman’s wanted to do in Effingham County. Ricky was determined to spring forth a new movement to rid the county of its checkered past.

“We were trying to think of something and we came up with What the Effingham because I think Effingham gets such a bad stigma but it's such a good place to live,” said Eilerman. “So we said let's take that negative stigma and do something good.”

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The popular phrase has caught the attention of residents. The Eilermans sell "What the Effingham" merchandise and hope the t-shirts and tumblers that don the catchy phrase will ignite a sense of pride throughout the county.

As for their venue, The Railyard is becoming a popular meet up spot for residents. Budding artists can record music in the studio, companies can host corporate events and friends can gather for watch parties. The addition of The Railyard is one of the many businesses bringing Springfield back to life.

“People have told us they wish we were open more often,” said Ivy. “It’s a place where adults can enjoy playing cornhole with their kids and things like that. It’s like a multifunctional family-friendly space. Everybody in Springfield says we need this.”

Latrice Williams is a general assignment reporter covering Bryan and Effingham County. She can be reached atlwilliams6@gannett.com.

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