In the news1899
Proportional representation law passed
A law introducing proportional representation for elections was passed in Belgium in 1899.
Bad Arolsen, 26 Jun 1892 – Moorslede, 17 Oct 1914
8 facts3 sources
26 Jun 1892
Born in Bad Arolsen
17 Oct 1914
Dies in Moorslede, aged 22
He lived through 3 decades. Pick one to hear and see what it was like around Bad Arolsen.
General history, not a record about the family: each item says where it comes from.
In the news1899
A law introducing proportional representation for elections was passed in Belgium in 1899.
What people wore
Distinctive vests signaled marital status in Betzingen
In Betzingen, married men wore black velvet vests, while unmarried men wore red cloth vests with twelve silver buttons. Bachelors also traditionally displayed a red handkerchief from their pocket when searching for a bride.
Getting around
City carriage travel rates
Local carriage travel in cities like Barmen and Elberfeld was common, with a non-stop ride costing 50 Pfennig for up to two people, or 1 Mark for a half-hour ride.
Around the world · 1896The first modern Olympics. Athens hosted the first modern Olympic Games, with 241 athletes from 14 nations.
In the news1894
Belgium adopted universal male suffrage in 1894, although with a plural voting system based on wealth or education.
Music
Costs for attending local festival banquets
Citizens often paid an entry fee of 20 to 30 Pfennig to attend local festive banquets, which featured patriotic music, choral performances, and speeches.
Daily life
Access to running water varied by class
Working-class homes often lacked running water, requiring water to be heated in cooking pots, while wealthier, modern homes featured hot-water heaters and running water in the kitchen and bathroom.