Princess Louise of Denmark

Getting around

Railway speed versus stagecoaches

In 1876, the new railway reduced the travel time between Odense and Svendborg from 5.5 hours by stagecoach to 95-100 minutes by passenger train.

At the table

Earnings and food costs for children

A child in 1882 could earn 25 øre for 500 small fire-starters, an amount that could buy only a quarter of a loaf of rye bread and 2 kilograms of fat.

What people wore

Heavy Hat for Amager Men

The Dutch-style hat worn by Amager men was made from angora goat hair and weighed 10 lbs.

Music

Wedding dances and lively music traditions

During 19th-century weddings, musicians played for dancers from the afternoon until the following morning. Traditional chain dances were common, and musicians were often paid by passing a plate around, sometimes playfully involving items like a wooden shoe to prompt guests to contribute more.

Daily life

Spirits used for cleaning

Because spirits were inexpensive, they were commonly used for household chores, such as washing children's feet when they became dark from black stockings or cleaning windows.