Louise of the Netherlands

At the table

Potatoes as the main staple food

Potatoes became the staple food for ordinary families, often eaten at least twice a day with salt and sometimes mustard.

What people wore

Clothing signaled marital status

A woman's marital status was often signaled by her clothing, such as the position of a forehead pin under her cap or the knot of a neckerchief. For example, a forehead pin worn on the left indicated an unmarried woman, while the right side indicated she was married.

Getting around

Costs and innovations in water transport

A skilled craftsman, earning about one guilder per day, could travel at most 20 kilometers by barge for his daily wage. Some faster barges, known as 'flying boats' or 'iron barges', were introduced in the 1820s and 1840s to compete with road transport.

What it cost

Cost of basic goods

Around 1850, a pair of shoes cost 2.50 guilders and a suit cost 4 guilders. A daily wage of 1 guilder could purchase approximately 7 loaves of bread and 4 liters of milk.

Music

Singing as an Everyday Community Activity

Singing was a central part of daily life, with people singing in streets, homes, taverns, and during public celebrations or political events. Songs helped maintain a sense of community even during times of political unrest or physical separation.

Daily life

Lighting homes with candles and oil lamps

In the early 19th century, homes were lit by candles, oil lamps, and the hearth, as gas lighting was not yet widespread for residential use. Light was used sparingly, with the best illumination reserved for living rooms and kitchens, while bedrooms and storage areas often relied on simpler, cheaper sources like candles.