Princess Laurentien 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

Walking and cycling dominated short journeys

Most daily travel between towns, especially for distances under 5 kilometers, was done on foot or by bicycle, as the car only became dominant in the late 1960s.

At the table

Time spent on meal preparation in 1964

In 1964, a Dutch housewife spent on average 515 minutes per day on household tasks, with 150 minutes specifically dedicated to meal preparation.

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.