Grand Duke Alexander Vladimirovich of Russia

Getting around

Railways revolutionized long-distance travel speed

The railway between St. Petersburg and Moscow, opened in 1851, reduced travel time between the two cities from four days by carriage to 22 hours by train.

At the table

Staple foods of the Russian peasantry

The peasant diet relied heavily on cabbage soup (shchi), often made from fermented grey cabbage, along with rye bread, potatoes, and porridge. Meat was rare and typically reserved only for major religious holidays like Christmas and Easter.

What people wore

Essential male headwear and belts

Men wore hats or caps constantly outdoors and felt it was improper to be seen bareheaded or without a belt. A belt or cap was so essential that a man might even leave one as a pawn in a tavern to guarantee he would return.

Music

The origins of the Russian garmon

In 1839, a Tula gunsmith purchased an imported harmonica for 40 roubles and used it to create the garmon, an instrument that became central to Russian village celebrations.

Daily life

Early schooling in rural communities

Children typically began school at age seven, though girls often left after a year or two to help with household chores, while boys were more likely to complete the course. Many peasant communities hired their own teachers and rotated classroom space among homes when a dedicated school was not available.