I've done renovation on some old houses. Usually found liquor bottles, porn stash and the occasional scribble on a rafter or stair riser.
I have found an old shoe which seems to be a bit of a European tradition.
https://www.historicmysteries.com/concealed-shoes/
Hidden in the Walls
Shoes have a special significance in our society. They are the only item of clothing that takes the shape of the person who was wearing them. Shoes were believed to hold something of the wearer’s essence or personality even when they were not being worn. It was believed that it was this association with the wearer that could fight off evil spirits, should they attempt to come into your home.
The shoes chosen to be hidden were usually worn out, and there is often only one found concealed in walls and beneath floors. Interestingly, the shoes that are found are more often than not children’s shoes.
