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 4 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. 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…? If you come to
the store and we are out of a size we stock , we’ll
ship it FREE, a $7.50 in savings. Did You Know…?
Minnetonka carries over 375 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! Click
here to view our online catalog.
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Native Music attributed
to saving lives.
Time and time again, over the past 10 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 among some of the 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). Most know, but some don’t
, that you can sample 24 different selections of music
at our new state of the art listening station. Two to
four people can preview all the selections at once. So,
for the many music lovers, the well will not run dry!
FORGOT what music you purchased in the past? No problem,
with our computer system we can look up what you or another
person has purchased. That way you don’t buy the
same CD or tape. For current Native American Indian music: Click
here
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How to Clean your Sterling
Silver and Copper Jewelry
One of the most asked questions at the
Trading Post 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 two reasons: One, it has been
clear coated. Two, it is not silver. Always look for
the sterling silver stamp. If it’s not stamped,
buyer beware. Proper cleaning for 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 even cause you to loose your setting. Cleaning
with a cloth allows you to clean the silver with little
contact to the stone. If contact occurs ,simply wipe
the stone with a clean tissue. COPPER: the easiest way
is to use Catsup right out of the refrigerator. Coat,
rinse and dry. It’s the acid and salt that combine
to put a new luster on your old looking copper jewelry. Click
here for shopping.
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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. We do
carry an assortment of styles. Contact us and we will
give you color choices and sizes. Each will be accompanied
with a legend. At this time we do not ship pottery.
Legend of the Dream Catcher. Roots close
to home in Southern Michigan! It’s origin is in
the Ojibwa and Potawatomi Indian Tribes of southern and
central Michigan. A Dream Catcher was usually placed
above an infant’s cradleboard. 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 anything attached
to it , to be dreamt again. We have many styles, sizes
and price ranges containing things from feathers to crystals,
just to name a few. 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) NOTE: We have
an always changing book selection and ship UPS. Click
here for shopping.
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“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.
Excerpts from local author Charles Tucker’s
books on the history of the area state: “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. “A
lot of history of the area and that’s just a beginning.
In Charles Tuckers latest book Taking A Look Back he
writes about interesting facts from: Branch, Calhoun,
Hillsdale, Jackson, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph and Stueben
Counties in Michigan and Northern Indiana. We hope to
have his book again. Its in the process of being reprinted.
It sold out the first time. Click
here for shopping.
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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.”
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. Click
here for shopping.
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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. Reap what you sow. Click
Here for shopping
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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. Click
Here for shopping
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."
Norm Rubino, Ft. Wayne IN, “On
a recent trip to Cherokee, NC (reservation), I
overheard two ladies talking about how a store
in Michigan had the store we were in BEAT HANDS
DOWN! I asked if it was in Coldwater MI? They both
said YES!"
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!”
Roy Snyder-Coldwater MI “I
love’em, the softest thing I’ve ever
worn. They wear like iron.” 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.”
Barbara Chrisman, Girard MI, “A
Fun shoe, great look. My grandkids will love them
for Christmas”. Theresa Snyder, Coldwater
MI, “They just slide on and are very comfortable.
A great gift for myself.”
Sue Adolph, Union City MI, “I
just love them. They don’t hurt my feet.
They are just Great.”
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