Carl Löwenhielm

Getting around

Limited Summer Load Capacity

Farmers in the mid-18th century had limited transport capacity; when transporting grain to town, a load typically consisted of only 2 to 4 barrels, weighing between 150 and 300 kilograms. Transporting heavy and bulky goods over long distances was often economically unfeasible during the summer months due to these limitations.

At the table

Stretching Flour with Bark and Chaff

Due to frequent grain shortages, people often mixed bark or chaff into their bread flour to make their supplies last longer. This practice was particularly common toward the end of spring when traditional grain reserves began to run out.

What people wore

Surprising details of folk dress

A memorable grooming detail was that some women polished their head cloths with glass to make them shine. Additionally, sheepskin or lambskin skirts with the wool shorn off were commonly worn during winter for warmth.

Music

Traveling musicians performed at manor house festivities

At manor house festivities, musicians often traveled 30 to 60 kilometers from cities to play for dancing, staying overnight at the estate.

Daily life

Water and storage in manor kitchens

In manor house kitchens, water was carried in from a well in wooden buckets, and drinking water was kept in a lidded copper barrel.