A Guide to the Best of Southern California : BROWSING : Island Treasures
The only way to get to this store is by boat. Overlooking Avalon Bay on Catalina Island, R. Franklin Pyke Bookseller offers respite from the souvenir stands sprouting fluorescent beachwear and teapots imprinted with boats bobbing in the bay.
The antiquarian shop specializes in American Indians. A 1933 edition of the manuscript “Chinigchinich,” penned by Spanish friar Geronimo Boscana in 1821, details Juaneno mythology and sells for $500.
Proprietor Ron Pyke also peddles Catalina pottery and tiles fashioned in the 1920s and ‘30s. (Cups and saucers go for about $50; a rare plate, $1,000, and a set of six scarce tiles, $1,900.) And his eclectic stash of Island memorabilia includes early photographs ($50 to $250), 1930s travel brochures and postcards ($3 to $50), and 1915 issues of Catalina Islander magazine, some featuring Zane Grey stories ($3 to $10). To pass the boat ride back home, pick up a few of 50-cent used paperbacks that line shelves outside.
R. Franklin Pyke Bookseller, 228 Metropole Ave., Avalon; (213) 510-2588.
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