Arrrgh you in need of a peg leg? Want to upgrade to the latest model hook hand? Dropped your glass eye and can’t find it? Want to revamp your wardrobe with the Spring/Summer ‘08 Collection of pantaloons and striped socks?
Look no further than 826 Valencia, San Francisco’s premier independent pirate supply store.
Compasses, spy glasses, planks sold by foot. Eye-patches in traditional black or trendy shades of blue, green and pink – cool hues to match your iPod. Shiny Jolly Roger accessories and pirate perfume to make you more attractive to the wenches at port. Wooden treasure chests for your loot. You name it, it’s all here.
And always present to offer a friendly smile and helping hook, even if he’s busy swabbing the deck, is the pirate store assistant who will give you some of his buried treasure booty if you tell him a pirate joke. Read his store log.
In addition to selling pirate ware, 826 Valencia is the name and address of the nonprofit writing workshop and tutoring centre of kids aged 6-18. Founded by Bay Area writer, Dave Eggers, it’s run by a small regular staff and hundreds of volunteers and professionals.
As the tale goes, after being turned down for regular use by church basements and school premises, the founders discovered an empty store for sale on Valencia Street. The only catch? City ordinances state that any businesses in that area must be either retail or catering. It was a no-brainer. The Pirate Supply Store was born*.
There was a resident porcupine puffer fish King Karl, but he has since flapped his fins into the huge coral reef in the sky. However, his successor, Otka, now holds court in the Fish Theatre. The message on the sign still stands: Please don’t judge the fish.
Whether you’re just mildly interested or lie at the feet of Dave Eggers, Timothy McSweeney and McSweeney-type stuff, make your pilgrimage here.
The artwork on the facade was done by Chris Ware.
826 Valencia**
Tel: (415) 642-5905
Opening hours: 12 noon to 6pm
“Definitely one of the top five pirate stores I’ve been to recently,” – David Byrne
* Visit the Superhero Supply Store at 826NYC, the Space Travel Supply Company at 826Seattle, and the Boring Store (selling spy stuff, sssh) at 826Chicago.
** Like kids? Pirates? Photocopying? 826 Valencia is looking for interns.
Tags: 826 valencia, pirates, san francisco, travel, writing
