Kemmerer, Wyoming: JC Penney Museum and Mother Store

The very spot where James Cash Penney began what would eventually become a mall anchor store empire. It says "Mother Store" right on the outside wall.

Address:: 722 J C Penney Dr., Kemmerer, WY
Directions:: At Coral St./US Hwy 189 and JC Penney Dr.
Phone:: 307-877-3164

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JC Penney Museum and Mother Store

Adorable town. 1st and 2nd store. Museum is only open through Labor Day and during their fair days. Lots of food, barely anytime to get off and back on freeway. Small park to run kids and stretch legs with statue and monuments.

[K Palma, 09/22/2023]

J.C. Penney money hidey-hole.

JC Penney Museum and Mother Store

When you visit the home and museum, be sure to go upstairs in the house to see the in-the-floor secret hiding spot where J.C. would stash the day's cash receipts overnight until they could be deposited the next banking day.

[Luv2RV, 08/30/2023]

Home of James Cash Penney.

JC Penney Museum and Mother Store

Be sure to stop in and see the home of James Cash Penney just down the block from the store.

[Diane, 10/01/2019]

J.C. Penney Museum and Mother Store.

J.C. Penney Museum and Mother Store

Although Penney was born in Hamilton, Missouri, his first store was actually here in Kemmemer, Wyoming.

[April N, 08/19/2015]

J C Penney Mother Store.

J.C. Penney Store No. 1 and J.C. Penney Museum

We were coming down from Soda Springs, ID and saw the sign for the " JC Penney Museum." Turned out to be the house where JC (James Cash Penney) and family lived. Just down the street is the first store of the chain. Sits on the corner of the main drag -- a homey tribute to the mercantile spirit of America.

[don desrosiers, 08/15/2005]

Penney died in 1971 at age 95, leaving behind 1,800 stores. The first one was built here and is referred to as "The Mother Store." Penney's tiny house where he lived from 1902-1909 has been preserved and tours are given. The store and home are national historic landmarks.