"But then they danced down the streets like dingledodies, and I shambled after as I've been doing all my life after people who interest me, because the only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones that never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars and in the middle you see the blue centerlight pop and everybody goes 'Awww!'"

Saturday, December 19, 2009

A Veteran's Vintage Haven

After a quick trip to SoHo's Silver Lining Opticians (yes this is where Jay-Z buys his) the glasses master behind the counter suggested we checked out a little visited military surplus store called Church Street Surplus. What a gem it was.


With stacks and stacks of turn-of-the-century blankets, military standard issue gear; hats/gloves/belts/bags/thermals, and two levels of every ranking military jacket, this spot had it all. The whole inventory is closely watched by an 80 year old war vet who keeps his merchandise in check just as much as he does his employees. One such employee made sure to warn us twice, "if we want to see a blanket, ask us and we can get it down for you." Caught up in our excitement we pulled at a blanket of interest and sure enough, the owner made sure to send a harsh warning towards us and his employee.

As I navigated a latter around the narrow pathways, I was baffled by the wax coated cotton military jackets and deadstock military thermals. Some younger female customers shopping the stores elaborate fur jacket selection commented on the way this ship was run. The owner only guffawed at her, claming "I've been doing this for 65 years! I know how to run a shop!"
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