There’s something magical — and a little eerie — about working on an old house.
Every board you lift, every wall you open, could be hiding a story from decades (or centuries) past. And that’s exactly what happened when I started pulling up the floor in the entryway of the original section of our home.
This part of the house dates back over a hundred years. We were expecting squeaky planks, maybe some outdated wiring — but definitely not what we actually found.
As I pried up one of the old floorboards, I spotted something unusual underneath. At first, it looked like just a patch of darker wood or an odd stain. But as more of the floor came up… the shape started to appear.
It was something intentionally placed.
A recess in the subfloor.
A hidden cavity.
And inside? A surprise that had clearly been resting undisturbed for decades — maybe longer.
So What Was It?
In some cases, people have found:
- Old boots or shoes (a tradition once believed to ward off evil spirits)
- Time capsules or personal belongings tucked away by former homeowners
- Hidden safes, cash boxes, or even letters
- And sometimes… nothing but a strange, hand-crafted compartment whose purpose is long forgotten
Whether it turns out to be a forgotten piece of family history or just one of those old-house mysteries, moments like this are what make restoring historic homes so rewarding (and a little spooky).
Why Do We Find Hidden Things Under Floors?
In older homes, especially those built before the 1950s, it wasn’t unusual for owners or builders to:
- Hide valuables from thieves or tax collectors
- Bury spiritual or superstitious items (like shoes, coins, or bottles)
- Use hidden spaces for bootlegging during Prohibition
- Leave behind small traces of themselves — a kind of unintentional time capsule
These discoveries aren’t just cool; they’re pieces of personal and local history. They tell you that your house wasn’t just built — it was lived in, loved, adapted, and full of stories you might never fully uncover.
Thinking of Opening Up an Old Floor?
Here are a few tips:
- Document everything you find (photos, notes, dates)
- Handle fragile items carefully — especially paper or textiles
- Check with local historical societies if you find something significant
- And always keep an eye out — the next board you lift could change everything
Have you ever found something strange or meaningful hidden in your home? Tell your story — the best discoveries often come from where we least expect them.
