From Paula’s notes, 1983: “Yesterday William made a rack for shoes to go by the front door. He used 2x4s from under the house, sawed them by hand, and came up with a sturdy, original, and elegant set of shelves. I was out on the north lanai, writing letters, but I watched him occasionally through the kitchen window.”
The topsiders and penny loafers turned garden shoes may go the way of the tropical elements, but we’ll keep the shelf right where it is. And we’ll ensure that it’s stocked with shoes in all sizes to invite the eager and easy movement of bodies and imaginations between house and garden.
In these early months of stewarding the Merwins’ house, we are making discoveries that surprise and delight us. As we go, we’ll share some of these finds with you in a new series called “Storied Objects.” To view other posts in the “Storied Objects” series, click here.
Yolanda Solorio says
Oh, my goodness. How can a shoe rack become so poignant? Oh, to follow those footsteps, in those shoes. Going for a walk now.
Michael Morrisonrison says
Choose shoes you don’t wanna lose, cuz a bare foot with claws is a chicken