Archduke Peter Ferdinand of Austria-Tuscany

Getting around

Strict police control of early train travel

Initially, passengers traveling by train in Austria had to obtain a police permit the day before their journey, have it stamped at their destination, and return it upon arrival.

At the table

Survival diet of poor families

Many poor families survived on dry bread and potatoes, often unable to afford enough meat even for basic hunger. Workers sometimes earned no more than 1 Gulden per day to support their large families.

What people wore

Peasant men's holiday shirt-sleeves

On feast days, peasant men often ate in their white shirt-sleeves, as these were considered an essential part of their holiday attire indoors.

Music

Rural music instruments in Voralpen

In rural areas near the Semmering and Wechsel regions, music was often performed using the zither and the hammered dulcimer (Hackbrett). This contrasted with urban areas where violin and harp combinations were more common in taverns.

Daily life

The multi-purpose kitchen stove

In rural kitchens, the stove was the central hub for cooking, drying laundry on an overhead pole, and providing heat.