Yep, you read that right: There is a Pirate Supply Store in the heart of the Mission! In their words: “We are a ragtag group of miscreants who sell pirate supplies in order to benefit the free programming that happens at our writing-tutoring center at 826 Valencia, and in classrooms all over San Francisco.” Cofounded by author David Eggers, the non-profit organization 826 Valencia (which is their address, not coincidentally) teaches writing to teachers and students all over the Bay Area. Chapters of 826 have also been founded in seven other cities around the country. The Pirate Supply Store—if you’re still baffled by this, they do indeed sell pirate supplies like hooks and eyepatches—is just one part of the 826 network, with other chapters having similarly quirky stores, such as Brooklyn’s Superhero Supply Co., Los Angeles’ Time Travel Mart, or Washington, D.C.’s Museum of Unnatural History. The Pirate Supply Store is open every day from noon to 6 p.m.
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Visit the Pirate Supply Store at 826 Valencia in the Mission
Yep, you read that right: There is a Pirate Supply Store in the heart of the Mission! In their words: “We are a ragtag group of miscreants who sell pirate supplies in order to benefit the free programming that happens at our writing-tutoring center at 826 Valencia, and in classrooms all over San Francisco.” Cofounded by author David Eggers, the non-profit organization 826 Valencia (which is their address, not coincidentally) teaches writing to teachers and students all over the Bay Area. Chapters of 826 have also been founded in seven other cities around the country. The Pirate Supply Store—if you’re still baffled by this, they do indeed sell pirate supplies like hooks and eyepatches—is just one part of the 826 network, with other chapters having similarly quirky stores, such as Brooklyn’s Superhero Supply Co., Los Angeles’ Time Travel Mart, or Washington, D.C.’s Museum of Unnatural History. The Pirate Supply Store is open every day from noon to 6 p.m.
The Most Fascinating Store Ever
In my writer circles, I knew 826 Valencia as the youth writing center co-founded by Dave Eggers. I’d passed by the actual place many times, but never went inside because I thought it was, I don’t know, a room with desks. Then, my friend Charles said, “Hey have you ever been to the pirate store?” I had not. “It’s the coolest thing.” It’s at 826 Valencia. And it was so cool. I mean so freaking cool. The walls are drawers full of pirate gear - pull one open to find shackles or candles. Framed instructions on rules of use or general thoughts- in the McSweeney’s way so they are hilarious. (My favorite: Red Sky at Night, Sailor’s Delight; Red Sky in the Morning, Red Skies are Scary) Near the entrance, there is a fish theater where you can watch Carl the puffer fish flutter about. But don’t judge him. Ever. I came out of the store wanting more, wanting a whole secret land behind that 826 storefront.
What do Pirates and Literacy Programs have in Common?
Why 826 Valencia of course. 826 was founded by the author Dave Eggers and its mission is to support under-resourced kids by teaching them a love for the literary arts and the skills to help them become great writers. They have programs in schools but also host kids for an after-school program in their pirate-themed location on Valencia. The pirate store is big kooky fun. You can pick up all manner of pirate paraphernalia along with a literary anthology of their student’s work. Visiting 826 should be included in an afternoon of strolling the Mission’s many cool cafes and bookstores.
