Tags
Artists, Honk 5 Times, Hwy 4, Lone Tree, Mystery, North Hill Gang, Photography, Swift Current, The Lone Tree, travel, Trees
The joke in Saskatchewan is that if you fall asleep at the wheel you won’t hit anything, you’ll just keep going straight till you run out of gas. But there IS at least one tree that might slow your progress down. The Lone Tree.
Swift Current’s Lone Tree
Not in actuality the area’s only tree, the mystery surrounding how the tree got there, and the bigger mystery of why the tradition is to honk as you pass the tree (with one variation being that if you are unable to honk, you knock on the roof of your car 5 times), is one of those local tales that is mired deep in folklore. I just don’t know what it is.
So enamoured are people by the tree that there are photos galore of it to be found on the web including:
Lone Tree on a Hill Top by Cabbit
- Lone Tree by Kristen Soveran
In Kristen Soveran’s blog she writes:
My Ontario friends might find this post a little humorous … but a significant landmark as you drive north from Swift Current on #4 Highway (towards Kyle & 2.5 hours latter- Saskatoon) … is a tree …… a lone tree ……. a tree all by its lonesome … THE Lone Tree.
I rather chuckled to myself when my brother was driving me out to Kyle on my first Sunday in September. Leslie pointed out … that’s the “Lone Tree.” Nobody knows how it got there. This area isn’t known for trees (as compared to northern SK as you enter the Canadian Shield.) I couldn’t figure out why I would want to know about a single tree.
About two weeks after seeing the lone tree I was in confirmation class. I discovered one student lived on a farm. I asked “Where?” She said, “Do you know where the Lone Tree is?” … With confidence I could say “Yes!
Lone Tree covered in hoarfront by AjH
Lone Tree by Doris Smytaniuk
Even artists are inspired by its uniqueness.
I don’t know how the tree came to be, or how the tradition of honking got started as you past, but I’d sure like to know – so if you know the tale behind this tree…feel free to clue me in.
How to Get There: The Tree is located about 1 km north of Swift Current on Hwy 4 – you can’t miss it. (Don’t forget to honk)
Gotta Go?: You’re outta luck – no such place. Good thing Swift Current is so close.
Good to Know: I hear tell there’s even a Facebook Page devoted to this iconic landmark. Maybe the “North Hill Gang” knows about it?!
GoHere Destinations 
One such Facebook page – The Lonely Tree Fan Club.
I heard that the Department of Highways guys way back started the honking, but I’ve never heard anyone tell a story of how it got there or who put it there.
Thanks Sean – maybe we’ll check with the Department of Highways and see if they know!
Pingback: Bear sized bites. « GoHere Destinations
The story goes that the gentleman who owned the land had planted a row of trees as a wind break. When he chose to sell his land he requested of the new owner to keep at least one tree if they were going to take the wind break down. So, in his memory one lonely tree remains and is much loved and remembered by those who drive by and honk.
Thanks so much for the story behind the tree Carolynne! Everyone I know asks me WHY – glad to be finally give them an answer! ~ Gail
The story I had heard about why we honk is that because it was the only tree around the farmer would often go there to escape the hot sun and get some shade. The farmer would fall asleep for an afternoon nap so you had to honk and wake him up so he could get his work done.
I once saw a tree by a road on TV when I lived in Saskatoon. I said,” That looks like that tree by Swift Current.” My friends who had never been to Swift thought that it was a silly comment, but those who grew up around here knew what I meant!
Growing up we were told that the tree was lonely. So, we were told to honk and say hello so the tree wouldn’t be so lonely anymore. It was lots of fun when we were kids!
The lone tree was also referred to as “Blakeney’s Forest”
I grew up in swift current. I was always told gThe tree was planted by my cousin Denis Cote. They lived on a dairy farm just north of it. It was his turn around point for his morning run. He was a athlete.
I’ve lived here 35 years, & this beautiful tree has always been referred to as “The Swift Current Forest!” I so enjoyed seeing many ribbons around it over the years… “Tie a yellow ribbon ’round the old … tree… If you still love me…”
We’ll the story I got is there was a farm yard there the house cought on fire. Only one saved was baby thrown into the tree.So now if your honk at the tree your as you go by the baby will give you safe travels that’s how I heard it in the. 70 s when I moved to swift. I don’t live there anymore but when I oh by I always honk and do does my older adult kids
I was told by some who who has passed now that there used to be a dance hall there many many years ago. I always honk when I go by.
I moved to Swift Current in October of 1981. Driving into town, I looked at that tree with curiosity. Thinking hum, that’s perculiiar. Then I crested the top of the valley where Swift Current lies below. It was night and I still remember the amazement I felt looking down at the lights of this beautiful oasis. I will never forget the night I fell in love with speedy creek. And every time , which was often, I drive by the lone tree, I smiled at it, pointed to it and said ” hey bud, it’s si nice to see you again, hang in there my friend “. That tree means do many things to so many people. Hang in there buddy!!
There used to be a farm yard at that lone tree. That was where my grandfather spent his first night in the Swift Current area in this “new” country he would call home when he immigrated in the early 1900’s. I don’t recall in the stories I heard whether or not the farm yard burned down but all that is left is the lone tree.
What my dad always told me growing up was that you honk to say hi cause it’s the only tree there out there all alone
That “Lone Tree” was called the “Swift Current forest” when i was in highschool, that’s all I know of it, but it might help with the search.
This is most interesting to see all the comments! Our family grew up knowing that our Great Uncle from Norway was a pioneer & homesteader. His name was Knut Mjolid. He established his farm there, eventually planting a row of trees as another person wrote. He had many rows of various types of trees for windbreak. He began farming from Hallingdahl, Norway (just a 2 hour drive northeast of Oslo).
Great Uncle Knut had twelve siblings. Three of his brothers: Levor, Ole, & Peter, also immigrated to the area north of Swift Current, and also established successful farms. Two of them, along the same #4 Highway in the Leinan area. (just south of Stewart Valley/ propane station) The third, homesteaded just east of Hwy 4N, east towards Leinan. Our Grandfather, was one of these brothers. His farm is still in the family after over 100 years!
The previous writer who indicated that when the land was eventually sold by (bachelor) Great Uncle Knut, to a large multi-generational family farm operation, a gentleman’s agreement was made to allow at least one tree to remain!
Now that everyone is so enchanted by the Lone Tree, we are so happy the family farm that have now also sold to another landowner, honored their “gentleman’s agreement”!
Our family has the “Lone Tree” photographed in all four seasons from same vantage point before any ribbons or advertisements were added! It hangs proudly in many family homes! The set won first prize in the Swift Current Frontier Days Exhibition (Photography/Four Seasons Division) many years ago! I actually took the photo set!
Hope this is informative. If anyone wants to research, we hope this assists your fact finding mission. Sorry to shatter any myths of fire, and other more mysterious history!
The “Lone Tree” is a “proud” reminder of the bravery and dedication of ALL the determined homesteaders who immigrated from all over Europe and beyond! They established our great western farm and ranch heritage in Canada! Life was not easy but they “built” the foundations of life as we know it on the prairies! : ) Enjoy!
Sorry it’s taken me so long to respond! Thank you for the wonderful story!
Hello, awesome story. I was just about to write a similar one. I have always been told my great grandfather worked for Knut or a farm around there, and he helped plant the trees. His background before coming to Canada from Norway was forestry type stuff. My great grandma followed him and became a cook or nanny or something on a farm down the road. She always told me my great grandfather planted the loan tree while working for another Norwegian homesteader. She also always said it was a beautiful treed in homestead, she was sad to see them all go, but happy they had left the “lone tree” as asked. A memory from my family and yours.
I was born and raised in the Leinan district and often wondered about the history of the Lone Tree. I went to school with some of the Mjolid family but I can’t remember ever hearing about their connection to the Lone Treee. Thank you!
We ourselves are century family farmers from 7 miles northwest of Kyle. Formerly known as Tuberose. Our heritage also comes from Norway, been a pleasure seeing this old Oak every time we went to Swift. As d r the lore, your guess is as good as mine.
Thanks for the story. It is in the Stewart Valley history book I believe. Knut Mjolid, As his sister-in-law Ingebjorg told me, housed many bachelors in his one room shack as they headed out from Swift Current up the Battleford Trail to prove up their land.
Knut Jolie homesteaders in 1904 I believe.
My family is originally all from Kyle. The “Lone Tree” as some may call it is said to be a memorial tree set in place some 60 some years ago. the land owners widowed wife was the one who planted the tree in honor of her late husband who was a world war two pilot.. the old saying “tie a yellow ribbon around the old oak tree” meaning The origin of the idea of a yellow ribbon as remembrance may have been the 19th century practice that some women allegedly had of wearing a yellow ribbon in their hair to signify their devotion to a husband or sweetheart serving in the U.S. Cavalry. The song “‘Round Her Neck She Wears a Yeller Ribbon”, which later inspired the John Wayne movie She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, is a reference to this.
The symbol of a yellow ribbon became widely known in civilian life in the 1970s as a reminder that an absent loved one, either in the military or in jail, would be welcomed home on their return.
was a true love story as most from the area truly believe.
I love the lonely tree, and the first time someone honked by it, I ordered them with so many questions, they were looking at each other as if trying to decide if I was crazy, or of they were trying to mentally synch their stories 😀
From what I hear, there is no actual story.
BUT.
They also have stories haha. Apparently there was a fan house there, before the highway was built, right where the highway was built. They held on until the father and mother died, then their children have in and sold the land.
The tree is all that I’d left of their “last stand”
But the other story I hit sounds far more true. Apparently, there was a car crash by the tree. It was because of the tee too, but not in a spooky way: the driver refused to honk, saying the superstition was bull, and her friends started to warn get off the bad luck, and respect for the tree, but she didn’t honk.
Hey friend reached over and honked fot her, causing the crash that is rumoured to have killed at lest two of the people involved.
I honk at the tree because of the story, whether true or not, of good old Saskatchewanian stubbornness. I respect that, and I respect traditions.
It’s damn cool that in a town like Swift, the tree brings people together, a weird landmark people people prefer to remain a mystery, just got the mystery of it.
Thanks!
Sara
I love the lonely tree, and the first time someone honked by it, I bombarded them with so many questions, they were looking at each other as if trying to decide if I was crazy, or of they were trying to mentally synch their stories 😀
From what I hear, there is no actual story.
BUT.
They also have stories haha. Apparently there was a fan house there, before the highway was built, right where the highway was built. They held on until the father and mother died, then their children have in and sold the land.
The tree is all that I’d left of their “last stand”
But the other story I hit sounds far more true. Apparently, there was a car crash by the tree. It was because of the tee too, but not in a spooky way: the driver refused to honk, saying the superstition was bull, and her friends started to warn get off the bad luck, and respect for the tree, but she didn’t honk.
Hey friend reached over and honked fot her, causing the crash that is rumoured to have killed at lest two of the people involved.
I honk at the tree because of the story, whether true or not, of good old Saskatchewanian stubbornness. I respect that, and I respect traditions.
It’s damn cool that in a town like Swift, the tree brings people together, a weird landmark people people prefer to remain a mystery, just got the mystery of it.
After reading these stories, I’m do happy to know there was a real story! Haha
It’s very cool that the city I love has both a significant landmark based on a “gentleman’s agreement,” and that generating of kids and adults stick have great stories about their own families relationship to the tree.
The story of the car accident actually only
Happened about 6-7 years ago.. With a few young teenage girls. Exact same story.. But everybody survived. One young girl was paralyzed and the other two were pretty banged up. But still okay!
My grandparents own the land that tree is on 😀
We always called this the “South Saskatchewan Forest” and had to honk while driving by it. Honking didn’t start until the mid 90’s from what I remember.
I’m pretty sure we were honking in the ’80s. As a matter of fact, I think that was the theme at our grad in 1983 -“Honking in the Eighties”.
😉
Darryl, our Grad Theme was Come Sail Away.
i remember honking at the tree in the 70’s. my sisters told me that is the swift current Forest.. so coming or going-we always honk
Actually we honked way back in the 60’s
My Grandpa and Grandma would tie a yellow ribbon around that tree every year we went on a road trip up to visit my cousins, Aunts and Uncles. My mother and father carried on the tradition. To remember ( what ever it or whom it was you wanted to remember) My Grandpa in 1992 passed away from Alzheimer’s disease. To remember him I tie a yellow ribbon whenever I head up that way. You can too.
I heard there was a tragic love story behind it. Where a woman was supposed to elope with this man, but never showed. Not too sure if she died there and I’ve always wanted to check if there was a heart carved into it, “supposedly”, there is. We always honked on our way by for safe travel and good luck.
That and a car crash
I thought everyone knew about this tree!! Hilarious! My grandparents fell in love on green farm (another mystery tour) we made many trips that way over the years. Wonderful area! Good people and beautiful scenery!!
I believe it is a cottonwood tree. It was planted when the land was CPR territory and settlers were arriving by the thousands.
There are also poems written about it.
My grandparents (who are 96) knew the guy who planted the tree. He was going to make his homestead there (pre-hiway), but changed his mind.
Not sure how the honking started, but I’ve done it all my life, with the intention of keeping the tree company in my way by.
mr. Paul Lodoen planted the tree he came from Norway and planted a lot of trees around this area, he lived in the settled in the Stewart valley district and i believe worked for the farmer that owned the land. He was my husbands Grandpa. Myself growing up we honked at the lone tree so it would not be lonely and for a safe trip.
Reason for honking when passing the line tree
I have been told that there used to be a farm there and that tree was where the entrance was, i dont know for sure if this is true or not though
I grew up in Beechy and we always honked when going by on regular trips to and from Swift Current (and I still do when heading back that way) but I’ve never heard it called the Lone Tree. Not sure we called it anything; just honked! There was a yellow ribbon around it when I was little (re: song). My husband is from Kyle and played hockey in Swift Current – lots of trips by the tree. He said they called it the Lonely Tree. Nice photos and article. 😊
There is also another one. It’s called the live tree on highway 371 not far from Alberta border
I remember the tree by Swift Current. It was the most talked about tree.
It’s interesting to see other LONE TREES in Saskatchewan!
I’ve lived in or near swift current my whole life. We have always honked at the Lone tree,my children and grandchildren carry on the tradition. When I was growing up we even made the bus driver honk
We knew it as “Swift Current Regional Forest”