Beatrice Harrington

What people wore

Parisian working class clothing transition

Parisian workers gradually transitioned from wearing the traditional long blouse to suits for everyday and dress wear. By the late 19th century, carpenters were earning five francs a day and some invested in smart wardrobes including bowler hats and cravats for Sundays.

Getting around

Steamship travel and costs to Algeria

A steamship crossing from Marseille to Algiers took between 20 and 36 hours depending on the shipping company and service category. Travelers could pay different fares, such as 788 francs for first class or 157 francs for fourth class.

At the table

Coffee as medicine and sold eggs

Black coffee was considered an essential morning drink for settlers in Algeria, partly as a preventative measure against fevers. Poultry was kept for eggs, which were sold to buy household necessities rather than eaten by the family.

Music

Traditional Algerian instrument

The Algerian kuwītra was a notable instrument used by local musicians, including figures who later helped preserve and teach song traditions.

Daily life

Privacy-Centered Casbah Home Design

In the Algiers Casbah, traditional houses were organized around an interior courtyard, designed to ensure privacy by minimizing windows and doors on exterior facades. Many houses featured roof terraces where women socialized and worked, effectively creating a private, elevated public space separated from the men's streets.

Work

Long working days and unpaid rest

A working day typically lasted 8 to 12 hours, with some roles, like postal clerks, requiring workers to remain on duty or on call throughout the day and night without regular holidays. Workers generally only had 25 or 26 days of work per month, as unpaid rest days significantly reduced their overall monthly income.