Interesting Facts about
Minnetonka Moccasins
Did you know… We stock women's sizes 4 to 11 in several styles of Minnetonka moccasins.
Did you know… Moose hide Minnetonka moccasins and shoes have been our best seller for 9 straight years. If you tried a pair on you would know why!
Did you know… We deliver Minnetonka moccasins anywhere in the continental U.S., in less than a week in most cases.
Did you know… A lot of women buy the men’s styles because they are wider and in the same styles.(Just go down 2 sizes)
Did You Know… Your Minnetonka Moccasins can have a 2nd life. Just throw those dirty, old moccasins in the washer and give them a spin (you have nothing to lose because you were going to throw them out anyway). Air dry. Depending on the shape they’re in, they should clean up pretty good. Minnetonka would roll over if they knew I was telling you this, BUT I’m a customer too and there is nothing wrong with getting a little more wear out of a pair. Not to mention keeping your money in your pocket! For your newer, nicer pairs, we stock some great inexpensive cleaning products. .
Did You Know… Minnetonka carries over 325 styles and if we don’t stock it, we can have it here Fast!
Did You Know… We are the Largest Dealer East of the Mississippi.
Did You Know....We carry over 75 styles in Women's, over 45 styles in Men's and 6 styles of infants,11 Children's styles plus 6 hats.All here to try on and find just the perfect fit!
Back to top
“Old Sauk Trail” and Coldwater MI.
Rich in History
Long before this Indian trade route was ever named, it was said to be a trail that the ancient mighty Wooly Mammoth used along with pre-historic man. The Old Sauk Trail, or US 12 as it is called today, ran between Old Fort Detroit across southern Michigan to Fort Dearborn at Chicago. It was named after the Sauk Indian Clan that traveled back and fourth over the route. At some points it was less than a narrow path.
“The Potawatomi Indians moved into this area (Southern Michigan) in the early 1700’s. What they found was a paradise. The dense hardwood forests of oak, maple and hickory were full of wildlife of all kinds. Fertile, open prairies were available for grazing and farming. Fruits, nuts, and medicinal herbs grew wild for the taking. Inland lakes were scattered like jewels across the countryside. It was a virtual Garden of Eden. However, the first government reports about Michigan were not favorable. It said that most of the land was not fit for cultivation. Huge swamps and infertile sandy soil were cited. Lewis Cass, the first governor of Michigan, led an expedition through the area. This second look proved the first wrong. What was a paradise for the Indians would surely be paradise for settlers. When the white man came to today's Branch County they found several villages of Potawatomi Indians. The largest of these Indian villages was at Mick-ke-saw-be, the future site of Coldwater. All the major Indian trails passed through here, making it the center of travel in the area. It was said to have about 33 wigwams located on a beautiful prairie three to four miles long.
Back
to top
How to Clean your Sterling Silver and Copper Jewelry
One of the most asked questions we get is “How can I clean my jewelry?” Sterling Silver: First- all good sterling silver, like we sell here, will tarnish after prolonged contact with the air. What makes it tarnish? The oxidation of the silver. If for some reason your jewelry hasn’t, it’s most likely for one of three reasons: One, it has been clear coated. Two, it is not silver.Three you wear it all the time. Always look for the sterling silver stamp. If it’s not stamped, buyer beware. To properly clean Sterling Silver jewelry: In most Sterling jewelry, some type of stone has probably been set in the piece. If so, use a silver cleaning cloth and watch how easily the dirt and grime come off. Next, wipe with a clean ,dry tissue. Silver, Turquoise and porous stone jewelry vary in absorbency. Repeated cleaning in liquid cleaners or hand soap will alter the turquoise color and may even cause you to loose your setting. Cleaning with a cloth allows you to clean the silver with little harm to the stone. COPPER: the easiest way to clean is to use Catsup. Coat, rinse and dry. It’s the acid and salt that combine to put a new luster on your old looking copper jewelry.
Back
to top
Native Music attributed
to saving lives.
Time and time again, over the past 20 years, people have commented on how peaceful and relaxing our store is. I’d like to take all of the credit but I can’t. A lot has to do with the music. "Calming, soothing and relaxing” are the most common things said. It’s been scientifically documented that this type of music has been proven to strengthen the immune system, reduce stress and stress related symptoms which are the #1 killer of Americans today (American Institute of Stress). Come into the store and listen.We currently sell 5 on the web,in the store we have 10 additional titles.
Back to top
Legends , Lore and interesting things
Legend of the Wedding Vase. Many believed that as part of the ancient marriage ceremony the medicine man would prepare a special potion for the young lovers. The mixture signified the promise of deep love and eternal happiness for the couple. The Brave and Maiden then sealed the promise by drinking the potion simultaneously from the vase, each using one spout. Wedding vases thus became a symbol of happiness and remain so to this day.
Legend of the Dream Catcher. It’s origin is in the Ojibwa and Potawatomi Indian Tribes of southern and central Michigan.Roots close to home in Southern Michigan! A Dream Catcher is usually placed above an infant’s bed. Legend has it the web of the Dream Catcher would catch all the bad dreams to be blown away with the morning breeze. All the good dreams would filter into a feather or bead attached to it, to be dreamt again. We have many styles, sizes and price ranges. Note: Different parents and grandparents have reported to us how this has helped their young ones with nightmares.
Geronimo’s Words of Wisdom for a lifetime. In this age of free thinkers, many businessmen and politicians have asked, “Who can I join hands with that will do me most good?” Almost any aggressive person can get his feet on the ladder of success. It is keeping them there that gets into artfulness. Because there is a time to think and act independently, a person’s footing may get very shaky and very temporary. The law of cause and effect works minute by minute, and that simply says we get only when we give and we reap only what we sow. No one else can do for us what we have to do for ourselves. And no one else can keep us sharp, honest and respectful. It's our own JOB! “Once I moved about like the wind. Now I surrender to you and that is all.." Geronimo– Apache (Cherokee Feast of Days–daily meditation book)
Back
to top
What is a POW WOW?
"POW WOW" is an Algonquin Indian word for “Medicine Man.” From the beginning of time, POW WOW’S have been held with Indian tribes who came together to trade, exchange news, sing, dance, and fall in love. The POW WOW’S job was to make good medicine so that these gatherings would be one of unity and togetherness in mind and spirit. Today the Pow Wow has come to feature dancing and singing. But it is so much more. A Pow Wow is an Indian way of joining many parts... a coming together to “make good medicine.”If you have never attended one.. try to..... it is truly a spiritual experience.
The Sacred Circle- dance within the Sacred Circle and become all that it represents. All things contained within the Circle are equal. The circle is the Universe. It is change, life, death, birth and learning. It is the cycle of all things that exist: our way of touching and experiencing harmony with all other things. All things of the circle have life and spirit: the rocks, earth, sky, plants, and animals. Our spirit is determined and made whole only through the learning of harmony with and through the other spirits of the Circle. The Circle is the way of seeking this understanding. It is our mirror.
The Drum –A round drum is used because native Americans believe it represents the Universe. The steady beat is the heart beat, the pulsating center of the Universe. The voice of the Creator is stirring all participants and helping them understand the power and mystery of all things. This is a time to renew our faith, remember the past and honor the power of the Creator.
Back
to top
Ancient Circle of Friends
Since the beginning of time friendship has been the most important relationship that man has experienced. According to the MYTH, ancient man used to gather around a “New Fire” to celebrate Peace and Brotherhood among tribes. The legend tells that if you give a “Circle of Friends” to a person you care for, your bonds of friendship will endure forever. Remember to have good friends you must be a good friend.You reap what you sow.
Back
to top
Smudging
The practice of burning leaves of Sage and Sweetgrass during Prayers and Ceremonies,the smoke of which becomes incense.
Old Comanche saying: " If you believe in these things, they will work for you."
Back
to top
Indian Sweet grass
Known as the first plant to grow on mother earth, sweet grass is symbolic in tribal spirituality in Indian Nations in North America. Indian Sweet grass is a rare grass which is found growing wild in very few places. It has a sweet fragrance of its own that stays with the grass forever. When burned or dampened, the sweet scent of the grass is released into the air, Burning sweet grass purifies the air, the mind, and one’s thoughts. It is said that prayers said into the smoke of the sweet grass rise to the clouds and are scattered by the winds into the heavens and the Great Spirit. Sweet grass has many ceremonial uses and is used with sage.
Back
to top
Sage
Large bundles create a wonderful aroma and are used for purificaion and restoring balance to mind,body and place. It is also the most popular to smudge with because of the sweet fragrance of its leaves.The smoke is said to cleanse objects,places and people.White Sage is used for tea and is said to have a calming effect and if you chew the leaves a breathe freshner.Most common types of Sage are:Traditional Sage,White Sage,Cedar & Sage mix and Lavender & Sage mix.
Back
to top
What our Customers are saying!
"Lisa Hanley, Portland, OR "The moccasins are absolutely terrific. What quality! We'd love to do some Christmas shopping for friends through your store at moccshop.com. Thank you.
Julie,from website " Every time I'm in Coldwater Michigan, I visit and buy moccasin's even when I don't need them, I just want them. ALL OF THEM, and the sweet grass is my favorite. My husband never thought of wearing moccasins but now he wears them everyday. When my brother goes to Michigan from New York he always stops in Coldwater to buy too. It is a family thing. We love your store.".
Mark Birkin, Nottingham, England "Great shop - fantastic for gifts!"
Sarah Coselman, Dansville MI "You have a great selection of moccasins. I own several pairs and love them all. I can't wait to come back down and shop for Turquoise jewelry and books. Thanks for being so helpful with the two pair of moccasins I picked out and bought."
Paula Bentley, FT Wayne IN " I received the blanket and Indian bread yesterday - I didn't expect it to arrive so soon! (web order)Thank you!! The blanket is just beautiful and the quality of the blanket is exceptional! Your customer service is outstanding and I have saved your website on my computer for future orders. If I'm ever in Coldwater, MI, I will be sure to stop in your store. Thanks so much - I couldn't be happier with my order."
Sue Helm, Coldwater MI, “ The moose is the most comfortable shoe I have ever had. They stay nice. Great quality.”
Denise Shrontz, MI, “I just love’m. I spilled something on my moose hide minnetonka moccasins, cleaned them with just water and they came out just fine. I used a leather protector on them and they are holding up GREAT!
Don Lutz, Freemont IN, "They have a great book selection at the moccshop "
Ann Gullburg, Coldwater MI, “minnetonka moccasins fit my feet like a glove”
Norie Horn, Quincy MI, “I’ve bought 7 pairs of minnetonka moccasins so far. For myself, husband, 3 kids, Daughter In-law, and Sister In-Law. I just want to wear mine all the time. They are the most comfortable shoe I’ve ever worn."
Jody Aldrich, Coldwater MI, Just a note of thanks to you for handling the matter with my friend in such an admirable manner. It does my heart good to know that there is a merchant who cares about his customers! Once money is spent in advertising to gain customers, it makes sense to retain them by fair business practices. This is not the case every where, I believe. Thank You also for the gift certificate, which I‘m sure I’ll be happy to make use of. Incidentally– I’ve bought several pairs of Minnetonka's for family and friends. Now that I know you value me as a customer, I feel even better about coming in your store.
Elaine Hauberg, Mt Vernon OH, “What a great place for a unique gift for the hard to buy for. Because we are out of town we called and had Minnetonka’s moccasins shipped for gifts. We received them in less than a week!”
Catherine Ward, Bronson MI, "Minnetonka’s are the first thing I put on and the last thing I take off. I’ve bought six pairs for family members. I wish they made them in high heels.”
Sue Adolph, Union City MI, “I just love them. They don’t hurt my feet. They are just Great.”
Back
to top
