A funny thing happened on the way to our friends’ house this weekend. Admiring the beautiful drive through rolling hills and farmland our quiet car startled… “Stop!” Our daughter yelled her body straining to see the road behind us.
“What’s wrong???“ We asked a little alarmed.
“Did you see that tree covered in shoes?” She said incredulously.
“No. Did you say shoes?” We took turns asking questions, trying to understand.
“Yes. It was a Shoe Tree. A tree with shoes stuck to it…the kind you wear on your feet!” Her frustration was growing with every question.
Unfortunately, no one else saw the tree. I was too busy rifling through our cooler bag packed with goodies. Our other daughter was dozing and instantly awoke at the excitement. Thankfully, my husband was concentrating on the road ahead (he was driving). We wondered what exactly she saw and made note of our location promising to keep watch on our way home.
Well the drive home confirmed she really spotted a tree covered in shoes. Actually, there were many Shoe Trees! (Not to be confused with the shoe tree device used to preserve the shape of a shoe.) We pulled over so I could snap a few photos for proof.
Yes...those are shoes
More shoe trees...
The shoe virus seems to be spreading
The trees drop shoes (overripe perhaps?)
What a strange sight! These trees are located on Monck Road near the village of Kinmount, Ontario.
I have tried to find more information about Shoe Trees. Found in random locations across Canada and the world, explanations offer silly folk tales, perhaps a link to an aboriginal custom or mysterious stories.
Who starts a Shoe Tree? Some shoes are tossed and stuck on branches; others appear fastened to the tree with nails. I wonder how they got the shoes so high up the trunk. Did someone bring a ladder or stand on another person’s shoulders? Maybe Shoe Tree’s are the handiwork of pranksters or possibly little fairies and leprechauns with shoe fetishes.
In my search for information about Shoe Trees, I discovered trees could have other items hung on their branches. Believe it or not there are bra/underwear trees sometimes found at ski hills, teapot trees, bottle trees and more.
I think I will leaf this post with a question hoping to get to the root of this topic. Oddly decorated trees in nature….kitschy art, a passing smile or pollution?
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
There’s a shoe tree in Victoria, near Fisherman’s Wharf I think. I think it’s art, a touristy photo, but definitely all in good fun!
Probably a squirrel with a hobby.
Lisa – Thanks! I found some photos of it.
http://victoriadailyphoto.blogspot.com/2009/05/shoe-tree.html
LGS – Of course!
Many years ago in Nova Scotia two girlfriends and I pulled over along the south shore to take a closer look at a tree covered in buoys – which naturally lent itself to a series of ridiculous, silly pictures of us with the “boys” – ha ha we were so funny. Every time I see those pictures I laugh at us, and think how glad I am that Facebook hadn’t been invented in my mispent, callow youth:)
Anyway, I think it’s just kind of a fun thing. Art…not so certain.
That was a nutty post. Loved it
Denise – …a picture with the “buoys”, love it!
Cindy – Why, thank you! lol
The only shoe tree I’ve ever seen was near Prince Rupert, BC. At the time I thought it was interesting, now… I see waste, pollution, and a disrespect for nature. It’s like littering, but all in one place. Then again, how does this compare to a landfill? It’s not really a big deal, I guess.
I’ve seen lots of telephone wires with shoes hanging off them, but I have never seen a shoe tree before, crazy!
They are kind of interesting, but I think they interfere with nature. Asides from the tree itself and its daily functions, the birds and squirrels rely on trees for food and shelter. Even if it is kind of kitschy, hanging shoes on trees in that quantity is a form of pollution.
Andrea – The shoes strewn on the ground struck me as littering.
Pauline – All the nails in the tree trunks can’t be good for the tree either.
Cute post, and I had also tried to comment here before
All I’m looking for is a money tree, coffee tree and wine tree. That is not too much to ask, is it??
Naw….not at all Finola. I will let you know as soon as I find one of those trees in my travels.
Read all about Kinmount Shoe Trees Getting the Boot at kinmount.ca
The Shoe Tree page at kinmount.ca has been disabled. You can now view the same information at kinmountshoetrees.blogspot.com
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