Lexington, Kentucky: Talking Tree in Shoe Store

The Tree's name is "Howie." We're not sure why a shoe store would have a talking tree, but it is memorable. Wait...ah, shoe tree. Got it.

Howard Curry Shoes

Address:: 2535 Nicholasville Rd, Lexington, KY
Directions:: At Nicholasville Rd and Moore Drive. In the shopping center next to Rasin' Canes.
Hours:: M-F 10-7, Sa 10-6, Su 1-5 (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:: 859-278-7411
Admission:: Free.

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Talking Tree.

Talking Tree in Shoe Store

We spoke with the store manager and learned that the idea for the sculpture came to a woman named Mrs. Corman (who we think was the original store owner) while she was walking on her farm. Apparently, since the mid 1950s was the era of Disney animatronics and amusements, the idea for a talking tree emerged from the general zeitgeist. She also told us that the tree is actually wired to a microphone in the back room. This way a clerk can help a child and then, once they're out of sight at the microphone, can speak to the child through the tree in a personal way to make it seem even more real.

The mural behind the tree, and the recent upkeep of the tree, is done by Lexington artist and set designer Damon Farmer.

[JonnyMarbles, 04/28/2018]

Talking Tree at Howard Curry Shoes

The tree is at a shoe store in Lexington. Many local residents know the store for its talking tree and other displays to keep the kiddies coming back. I remember this tree from my early childhood.

[HC Shannon, 07/11/2013]

The tree was built in 1958, and moved with the shoe store to its new location in 2009.