Maurits Willem Raedinck van Vollenhoven

What people wore

Large garnet jewelry and hidden ears

In some hamlets, peasant families possessed garnet necklaces with stones as large as a swallow's egg. Gold earrings were also common, often worn fastened to the cap while the ears themselves remained hidden.

Getting around

Bicycles became a popular transport alternative

The safety bicycle, introduced in 1885, became an increasingly affordable and popular alternative to walking or traveling by horse. By 1899, there were over 94,000 bicycles in the Netherlands, equating to one bike for every 53 inhabitants.

At the table

Potatoes were the staple food

For ordinary families, potatoes were the main staple, often eaten in one-pot meals, while meat was a rare luxury usually reserved for Sundays.

Music

Rise of local village music groups

Common villagers formed music groups like the harmony orchestra 'Crescendo' in 1891, which practiced in local cafes and performed in a wooden pavilion called 'the Tent'. Before this, cultural experiences for many were limited to the organ and choir in church.

Daily life

Hygiene and household lighting

Drinking water was frequently contaminated, leading to high infant mortality from stomach and intestinal diseases, while households relied on candles or oil lamps for light.

What it cost

Weekly wages of an ordinary worker

Workers earned roughly 5 to 10 guilders per week, though many struggled on 6 guilders or less. Employment was often irregular, and laborers frequently relied on charity or bread support during winters.