Anna Maria von Löwenfeld

At the table

Rare colonial groceries in rural homes

While common people in the countryside still relied largely on self-provisioning, colonial groceries like tea and coffee were initially rare novelties mostly found in the homes of innkeepers before the 1760s. Before this widespread adoption, these caffeinated drinks were consumed only by a handful of farmers and specific crafting households.

What people wore

Clothing costs in 1724 Waremme

In 1724, the cost of a leather pair of breeches was 16 florins, while the labor cost to tailor a coat for a young man was 8 florins and 13 patars.

Getting around

Comfort and benefits of tow barges

Tow barges were popular for inter-town travel because they offered a comfortable, reliable, and scheduled service, often separated into different classes such as a cabin or hold, and sometimes allowed passengers to eat a meal on board. Unlike carriages, they were not shaken by road travel and allowed horses to rest when it was windy.

What it cost

Everyday prices in 1724

A cotton apron cost 1.7 florins, while a pound of tobacco cost 1.75 florins in Waremme in 1724.

Music

Italian-style church music revival in Antwerp

Church music underwent a modern Italian-style revival in Antwerp after 1718, where new masses were performed only during extraordinary ceremonies to maintain their exclusivity.

Daily life

Single-room village schooling and discipline

Village schools, such as the one in Ename, often held boys and girls of all ages in a single common room. Misbehaving children were punished with a blow to the hand from a ferule.