Around the world1825–1830
The first passenger railway
In England a steam locomotive pulled the first public train in 1825; within decades railways crossed every continent.
Berlin, 1 Mar 1829 – Frankfurt, 10 May 1901
9 facts3 sources
1 Mar 1829
Born in Berlin
10 May 1901
Dies in Frankfurt, aged 72
She lived through 9 decades. Pick one to hear and see what it was like around Berlin.
General history, not a record about the family: each item says where it comes from.
Around the world1825–1830
In England a steam locomotive pulled the first public train in 1825; within decades railways crossed every continent.
At the table
Potato schnapps among common men
Potato schnapps was a popular and widespread drink among common men in East Prussia, so much so that some would sell their last chicken to afford it.
What people wore
Resourceful Dressmaking and Festive Attire
Women sometimes used a fabric insert called a Magsachte, meaning that may do it slowly, to cover the hidden parts of their dresses and save on expensive material. For special occasions, they wore black cashmere or silk dresses with white ruffles at the neck that were waved using a hot iron.
Getting around
High cost of travel
A short stagecoach trip from Berlin to Magdeburg cost four Taler, which was nearly the entire monthly wage of a village schoolteacher.
What it cost
Marriage requirements and net worth
To obtain permission to marry, a couple often needed to prove a minimum net worth of 100 to 200 guilders.
Music
Daily castle tower music in Königsberg
City tower musicians performed chorales daily from Königsberg's castle tower, such as 'Ich weiß mein Gott, daß all mein Tun' at 11 am and 'Nun ruhen alle Wälder' at 9 pm.
Daily life
Seasonal schooling and untrained teachers
Compulsory primary schooling existed, but children often only attended school in winter because they were needed for farm work and animal herding the rest of the year. Teachers were often untrained individuals, such as former soldiers or weavers, who were appointed by local churches.