Gumps was a store that helped make San Francisco magical. It started in 1861 after the Gold Rush flooded San Francisco with wealth. Treasures from the Orient poured in. Yes, the Orient.

It was part gift shop, part museum, and all wonderful. I remember it from the late 1960s until the late 1980s. It changed ownership after that and changed.

You bought beautiful things at Gumps.

Their catalogs were as beautiful as the store. Every time I move I take the six copies I own along. I am not leaving Gumps behind.

One of the world’s most beautiful stores.