THE SHOE TREE by B.M. circa 1988
Plainly speaking, we are not talking about the shoe tree that granddad used to keep his leather shoes in shape. This tree is alive and thriving. If tongues could talk they would tell you that Bill Boland, of Kinmount, started it all in 1982 by nailing shoes to a tree. Imagine the stories those same tongues could tell.
So – what inspired Boland?
Legend has it that two Indian braves were arguing over a squaw. The squaw, tired of the squabbling packed up and headed north leaving the braves to sort the matter out.
“Hey!” they cried; “How will we know where to find you?”
“Look for my moccasin on a tree,” she called back.
This present shoe tree is by no means the original shoe tree. It caused some controversy when a neighbour complained that it was a nuisance, a threat (people slowing down to have a better look-see might cause a car accident) and an eyesore. Then there was the threat that the M.T.C. (Ministry of Transportation and Communication) might remove the tree from their property where it grew. But, before that could happen, the neighbour removed the shoes; no small task.
Boland was beside himself emotionally. What could he do?
Joe MacPherson, also of Kinmount, suggested that Boland use a tree on Joe’s property, by the highway. Hence the present shoe tree.
Boland obtained shoes wherever he could find them. Initially, mainly at auction sales. And so 300 pair climbed that tree in the first year. Since then – who knows? Was he obsessed?
People from as far away as Australia, Germany and England have donated. Look carefully and you just might see their signatures on their sneakers.
In fact they are not exclusively shoes. There are skates, slippers, boots, runners, ballet slippers, sandals, high heels, and somewhere, a 2” baby bootie. All footwear.
The roots of this popular poplar may be in the past but its soles are definitely present tense. Just try and find a single, solitary site that shelters more heels. Like the postman who pounds the beat, this Shoe Tree is ever vigilant no matter what the weather.
Sadly, Bill Boland has passed away but Joe MacPherson keeps his memory alive in that tree. He only asks that people leave their shoes at the base of the tree. When sufficient numbers are present he gets his ladder and puts them up.
As I wrote this article the tree was getting rather crowded. The next time that you see it listen, carefully. You may hear whispering, wagging tongues discussing branch plants as the idea has inspired, apparently, other such sites.
Where is this treasure?
Five miles east of Kinmount on Highway #503. It guards the entrance to a private driveway. But worry not. Its bark is worse than its bite.
As of 2024? Using your favourite search engine type in Bill Boland shoe tree and you will find more detail and a variant version.
Joe MacPherson
RR #2
Kinmount, Ont. K0M 2A0
705-488-2030
Creag Dhulh (Black Rock) – magazine of Clan MacPherson
For more detail goto the CBC story on this website.