On December 23, Mr. “Ugly” Ed Norman turned 80 and can still be seen working at his new and used store on Third Street.
After attending high school in Raymond, Norman entered into the Marines in 1951, for a four-year hitch. His father, Howard, a member of the Raymond Fire Department, died in the line of duty during a house fire in 1955 leaving his mother, Agnes, to care for eight children. Norman left the military life and returned home. Four years later in 1959, Norman lost his mother in a vehicle accident, and took the role of parent to his siblings.
Norman had a business as a TV repairman, “TV sick, call us quick, phone 7-5-0 Norman’s TV” was his tag line; he was also a member of the Longshoreman and eventually retired after 30 years.
Norman also ventured into business with a smoke shop that served burgers in the front and had a pool hall in the back. In 1972, Norman ran the Raymond Tavern once located on First Street, which lasted for 25 years.
During this time Norman was a Commissioner of the port of Willapa Harbor, a lifetime member of the Willapa Harbor Gun Club, an active member and eventual lifetime member of the Elks, Eagles and American Legion, as well as a member of several labor unions.
Along the way, Norman also started acquiring real estate managing apartments and house rentals to include the circa 1911 Sears and Roebuck Building on Duryea Street, which served as his first new and used store. To furnish the rentals, Norman found deals to ensure his homes and apartments had the immensities required for the tenants.
In 1990, his daughter, Deb Buchanan, joined with her father and eventually moved Ugly Ed’s New and Used to its current location on Third Street.
One of the many questions that one thinks of when at the store is just how the store got its name.
“His, then, two year old grand daughter, Sonya, said one day…”Grandpa you are ugly,” and the name just stuck,” said Buchanan.
The store is eclectic with its array of specialty items that can be found. A sign hanging from the ceiling reads; ‘This ain’t no museum…This junk is for sale!’ keeps the mood light in the store as people browse the isles and isles of merchandise.
“Dad still comes in from time to time, but he is getting a little older now,” said Buchanan.
So if you are down by the river, or in around town, stop in Ugly Ed’s and wish him a happy birthday, as you pick up that one special item that you have been looking for.