Frederick William Kettler

At the table

Imported salted herring as a staple

Herring imported from the Netherlands was a crucial staple for ordinary diets, as it could be easily preserved by salting or smoking.

What people wore

Simple homemade wool and linen clothing

Ordinary people wore simple garments made from wool and linen that they produced themselves. During the winter, they crafted sturdy footwear known as pastalas from cattle hides.

Getting around

Travel speeds and common transport methods

Ordinary people mostly traveled on foot, covering 20–25 kilometers per day, or used simple carts drawn by one or more horses, which traveled 25–30 kilometers daily.

What it cost

Cost of footwear

In the late 17th century, a pair of fine morocco leather boots cost 1 ruble, while simpler leather shoes were significantly cheaper.

Music

Traditional musical instruments in villages

Traditional instruments during this era included bagpipes, which were widely known in villages, alongside shepherd instruments like whistles, horns, and trumpets.

Daily life

Schooling and Discipline for Children

Schooling for peasant children included reading, writing, and religion, often supervised by local pastors. In Liepāja, teachers were permitted to use a rod for discipline, though striking children with fists or sticks was prohibited by law.