Speaking of urban follklore, I am delivering a paper at the SHA Conference on
Friday afternoon titled, "Soldier in the Chimney: Evidence of Pagan Ritual
Magic at U.S. Army Fort Rosecrans, San Diego, California." Although there is
abundant evidence the practice of placing shoes or boots in walls and fire
hearths has pagan roots, there remains nil to no oral history to suggest the
people responsible were themselves pagan or carrying out pagan rituals. If
anyone has oral history on the ritual and pagan affiliation of a brick mason
who concealed boots or shoes in chimneys, please let me know.

Ron May
Legacy 106, Inc.
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