Who wouldn crack a smile at the antics at Wood Shop Toys?
Originally published Saturday, August 16, 1997 By JON HAHN SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER COLUMNIST The two Russian naval officers stiffly and silently entered the tiny Pioneer Square toy shop as though they were conducting a Cold War intelligence mission one late afternoon several years ago. “They were so serious, and they apparently didn’t speak English,” said Doug Norwood, whose semi-serious business card identifies him as “Top Dog” at Wood Shop Toys. “The older one obviously out-ranked the other, who trailed behind him, and they stopped awhile at our Russian nesting dolls, then turned to leave.” Nothing in the fantastic assortment of traditional and off-the-wall crazy items seemed to interest the straight-laced and uptight Russian pair. And that was all right, that they didn’t buy anything. Lots of people stroll through without buying. But they didn’t smile. And for 25 years, the Norwood family’s toy business in Pioneer Square has run on smiles . . . coming in and going out. This is a
