Goodbye World's Largest Shoe Tree

From Jan. 4, 2010 Yahoo News.

The World's Largest Shoe Tree was cut down sometime between late December 30th and early Dec. 31st by some dastardly vandals who seem to have declared war on such trees. Last summer, a well-known Idaho shoe tree was burned to the ground and I believe I read something about a Route 66 shoe tree dying.

The World's Largest Shoe Tree was on "America's Loneliest Road," US-50 about 125 miles east of Reno. I was hoping to see it at this year's Lincoln Highway Association annual meeting in that state. But guess not now.

Travelers along the Loneliest Road for decades have deposited all sorts of footwear both on and at the base of the tree. It is rumored to have gotten its start when a couple had an argument by it (probably over directions) which ended with his throwing his wife's shoes up on the tree. She followed suit with his.

But, the 70-foot cottonwood is no more. Fresh sawdust was found at the site and a memorial service is planned for February.

I Wonder If CSI from Las Vegas Will Come Out to Investigate? --RoadDog