Marie-Adélaïde, Grand Duchess of Luxembourg

Getting around

Station distance and local transit

The railway station was located 1,400 meters from the city center for military reasons, leaving travelers to walk or take an expensive horse-drawn omnibus reserved for the wealthy. Service on the horse-drawn tram ran from 6:30 am until 9:00 pm to connect with train arrivals.

At the table

Potatoes were the daily staple food

During this period, potatoes were the staple food for rural families, leading to the nickname "Potato John" for Luxembourgish soldiers. Peasants commonly ate dishes made from potatoes, such as potato soup or pancakes fried in butter or lard.

What people wore

Public shaming for late-night partying

If a man stayed out too late partying at a kermess, his wife would hang blue trousers outside their home to invite friends over to gossip about him. Conversely, a husband whose wife went on an extended bender would hang a blue apron outside to achieve the same effect.

Music

Children used wooden rattles for Easter announcements

During the week leading up to Easter, children went from house to house with wooden rattles instead of church bells to announce services, receiving treats or money in return.

Daily life

Demanding Household Chores

At home, laundry was often a strenuous task done by hand, sometimes using irons heated with hot coals.