How ShoeBox Self Storage Got Its Name and Plans for the Shoe

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 14:49:00 -0400

This storage facility's name originated from its location on the back half of the property that was being operated and know as Fairy Tale Forest famous for the gigantic shoe nestled into a castle like facade bordering Oak Ridge Road in Oak Ridge, New Jersey. When trying to come up with a name for the storage facility, Robert Vander Ploeg Jr. said, "why not call it shoebox" and it stuck. One of the proprietors of ShoeBox Storage, Christine Woehle Vander Ploeg is the granddaughter of the creator of the Fairy Tale Forest, Paul Woehle Sr. Paul and his two sons, Erwin Woehle and Paul Woehle Jr. assisted him with his creation of the park along with other local neighbors and craftsman. Growing up with the theme park business, Christine and the Woehle family experienced the risks of owning, operating and depending on the income of a business that was seasonal and constantly at the mercy of the elements. Self storage was a way to feasibly sustain the costs of this property. Now that the storage facility owned and operated by Michael and Christine Vander Ploeg and sister Michele has been running steadily over the past 15 years it has been decided to restore the front facade including the shoe to keep the icon of Oak Ridge for continued generations to enjoy. This may not run again like the Fairy Tale Forest once known to older generations, however it will open again as a public establishment for many to enjoy. Over the past few years tress-passers have helped themselves to pieces from this private property belonging to the park as well as vandalizing many of the vignettes in the facility. Anyone who may know someone who has a piece of the park in their possession, please encourage them to return it back to where it belongs. Items can be droppped off under the shoe annonymously. Plans are to have the restoration of the shoe and facade complete by the spring of 2013 in time for the shoes, 60th anniversary. If you are interested in making a donation to this project or volunteering your time to a section of the park, please feel free to contact us at 973-697-8556.

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How ShoeBox Self Storage Got Its Name and Plans for the Shoe