BOOT, CHILD'S - GOOD LUCK TALISMAN

The boot had been concealed under floorboards of a late 19th century Toodyay house (98 Stirling Terrace also known as Mrs O'Reilly's Cottage) until it was uncovered during maintenance work on the vacant property in 2015. Initially it was relocated to the base of the chimney for safe-keeping.
Passed on to the museum in March 2016 by heritage architect Philip Griffiths who advised it was likely the boot was hidden as part of a tradition of warding away evil influences.
It is believed this boot was hidden during the third extension of the dwelling (when two separate wings were joined) around 1889.
Another boot, found in May 2016, was discovered inside the footings at the back door of the second extension of the dwelling which was undertaken around 1884. Both boots are assumed to have been concealed by William Demasson who lived at the property with his family during the 1880s.