In the news1770–1771
Migration during the 1770-71 famine
During the great famines of 1770–71, peasants from other parts of Germany migrated to Prussia where food supplies were more accessible.
Hanau, 24 Dec 1779 – Kassel, 21 Jan 1856
7 facts1 source
24 Dec 1779
Born in Hanau
21 Jan 1856
Dies in Kassel, aged 76
He lived through 9 decades. Pick one to hear and see what it was like around Hanau.
General history, not a record about the family: each item says where it comes from.
In the news1770–1771
During the great famines of 1770–71, peasants from other parts of Germany migrated to Prussia where food supplies were more accessible.
Getting around
Slow speeds on poor road networks
Stagecoaches traveled at a walking pace of only 4 to 5 km/h, stopping every 15 to 30 kilometers at relay stations to change horses and passengers. Due to the poor conditions of the roads, these journeys were often exhausting and prone to accidents.
In Europe1772–1795
Russia, Prussia and Austria divided Poland among themselves in three steps until, in 1795, it vanished from the map for 123 years.
Daily life
Cooking on open hearths without ovens
Ordinary people typically relied on open fires or basic hearths without ovens for cooking, as these were common in the region before the introduction of modern stoves around 1800. Daily meals were seasonal and often consisted of dairy products, grain-based dishes, and limited meat, with lard being used extensively.
What people wore
Women's Caps Served Many Purposes
Most women, regardless of their status, wore a cap as both a fashionable and practical accessory to protect their hair while working near heat or dust.
Music
Festival courtship and entertainment
During town fairs, young men purchased sweets and confections for their sweethearts, with the lover placing the first piece into the girl's mouth. Young people also frequented local inns to enjoy dancing, singing, and string music.
At the table
Beer and bread soups were common daily fare
For servants and laborers, meals often featured a weak top-fermented beer, similar to Berliner Weiße, and bread soaked in liquid, such as milk or whey.