In the news1834
Zollverein customs union founded in 1834
The Zollverein was founded to eliminate customs duties between German states, fostering economic integration under Prussian leadership.
Karlsruhe, 20 Nov 1834 – Waldleiningen, 21 Nov 1899
11 facts3 sources
20 Nov 1834
Born in Karlsruhe
18 Jan 1866
A son is born
21 Nov 1899
Dies in Waldleiningen, aged 65
She lived through 7 decades. Pick one to hear and see what it was like around Karlsruhe.
General history, not a record about the family: each item says where it comes from.
In the news1834
The Zollverein was founded to eliminate customs duties between German states, fostering economic integration under Prussian leadership.
Getting around
Difficult and slow travel by stagecoach
Traveling by stagecoach in Prussia was often grueling and uncomfortable due to poorly maintained, unpaved roads and cramped, unsprung carriages. A journey from Berlin to Königsberg, spanning 565 kilometers, typically took ten to eleven days by post coach.
Around the world1832
A cholera pandemic from India reached Europe and the Americas; cities learned the hard way about clean water and sewers.
Daily life
Child labor and rudimentary schooling conditions
Children in rural areas were often tasked with labor, such as preparing and binding daily bundles of fuel for the household fire, a chore that frequently left their hands bleeding. Schooling was frequently held in the teacher's house, where the teacher was often a poorly paid local craftsman.
What people wore
Head-carried baskets with embroidered rings
Deliverers carried their goods in round white baskets called Mange on their heads, supported by embroidered cloth rings that served as both cushions and decorative accessories.
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.
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.