Prince Jean-Engelbert, 12th Duke of Arenberg

What people wore

Preserving the Volendam lace cap

The Volendam white lace cap, called a hul, was part of daily dress in the early 20th century and was kept stiffened in a tin to maintain its shape.

Getting around

Buses replace steam trams

During this period, motorized road transport began to displace rail; steam trams were phased out in favor of buses, with the last passenger steam tram service in the Gooi region ending in 1947.

At the table

Shifting diets from potatoes to varied meals

Ordinary families often ate simple one-pot meals consisting of potatoes mixed with vegetables, beans, or a small amount of fat and bacon. Over time, families began eating more varied foods, such as wheat bread, meat, and processed products like margarine and cookies.

Music

Jazz and the 1920s Dance Craze

In the 1920s, American jazz became wildly popular in the Netherlands, leading to a dance craze where people flocked to halls to perform the Shimmy, Charleston, and Black Bottom.

Daily life

Living conditions in crowded one-room homes

Around 1900, many poor families lived in single-room dwellings where they cooked, slept, and relieved themselves, often using a bucket or wooden box that was collected weekly. Waste was sometimes stored in basements or attics to be sold as fertilizer.

Work

Long working days in agriculture

Agricultural workers in stock-raising could face long days of up to 12 hours in summer, with work starting as early as 4 a.m. and continuing until 8 p.m. during peak seasons. Even in winter, these workers often began at 5 a.m. and finished at 5:30 p.m.