William Alexander of the Netherlands

What people wore

Modernization of Dutch religious habits

Between 1950 and 1970, many Dutch religious congregations modernized their habits, eventually transitioning to civilian clothing to better connect with society. These changes were often introduced on the feast day of the congregation's patron saint.

Getting around

The rise of roadside picnicking

As car ownership exploded, a new phenomenon called bermtoerisme emerged where people used road verges for recreational stops and picnics while watching passing traffic.

At the table

Rise of dining out in the Netherlands

While almost no one ate out in 1950, by 1980 three-quarters of the Dutch population frequently dined at restaurants, including Chinese establishments which accounted for 1 in 4 eateries by the 1970s.

Music

Brass Bands in Local Community Life

Brass bands were essential for community identity, performing at important village celebrations like First Communion, Saint Nicholas Day, and Queen's Day. They also acted as local music schools for villages before professional music schools were widely available.

Daily life

The multi-purpose coal stove

The coal stove was the heart of the home, used not only for heating but also for drying laundry, roasting bread, keeping coffee warm, and heating flat irons.

What it cost

Work time required for milk purchase

In 1953, an industrial worker had to work eleven minutes to afford a liter of milk, whereas by 1993, that time had decreased to only four minutes.