Charlotte of Belgium

Getting around

Local transport from train stations

Upon arriving at a railway station, travelers could hire an omnibus or a one-horse carriage known as a vigilante to reach their final destination. An omnibus with 14 to 20 seats cost 50 centimes, though it was often slower than walking due to frequent stops at inns.

At the table

A Simple Diet of Potatoes and Rye

Ordinary workers relied on a simple diet primarily consisting of potatoes and rye bread, with meat, butter, and fish being rare luxuries. During times of crisis, families struggled to afford even these basics, sometimes spending three-quarters of their income just on food.

What people wore

Women's festive and daily dress

Women typically wore a solid-colored bodice, a long skirt made of thick cotton, and a white cotton petticoat with lace. For feast days and Sundays, they enhanced this ensemble with a black silk apron and black or brown buttoned boots.

Music

Festivities rewarded with small coins

Lacemakers celebrated Saint Anne’s Day with singing, dancing, and picnics, often earning a small reward of five centimes from their teachers for the occasion.

Daily life

Seasonal schooling and teacher conditions

Children often attended school only in winter due to labor demands, and in some cases, the teacher's entire dwelling was a miserable cabin serving as kitchen, bedroom, and classroom.