Elisabeth Hollander von Bernau

At the table

Avoiding Contaminated Water

Water was rarely drunk, as people relied on beer or watered-down vinegar for safer hydration. Often, drinking water was avoided entirely due to the high risk of contamination from nearby cesspools.

What people wore

Hat with a hidden storage bag

The Scheessel Winkelmann hat was designed with a secret fabric bag inside, which allowed the wearer to carry a hymnal, bread, and a flask while on the go.

Getting around

Travel speeds for foot passengers

Most travelers were foot passengers who could expect to cover about 100 kilometers in a week, accounting for rest days and potential travel obstacles like bad weather or floods.

What it cost

Wages paid in goods

By the mid-17th century, laborer contracts often included payment in kind, such as pairs of shoes, grain, or clothing, in addition to a daily or annual wage.

Music

Village Dances Featured Bagpipes and Drums

At village festivals, ordinary people enjoyed dancing to the music provided by a bagpiper and a drummer. These gatherings were relaxed outdoor events where villagers would drink beer and socialize while watching the dance.

Daily life

Difficult water access and pollution

Rural water access was difficult, often relying on collecting rainwater or hauling water from village wells or ditches. In some towns, polluted water was a risk because waste was simply poured onto streets and entered groundwater.