Prince Gustav of Denmark

What people wore

Wealth Displayed on Læsø Blouses

Wealthy women on Læsø Island wore blouses adorned with gilded metal plates, which functioned as a way to store and pass down family capital.

Getting around

Expansion of the railway network

The Danish railway network grew to nearly 4,000 kilometers by 1914, and in 1883, train ferries were introduced on the Great Belt to improve competitiveness.

At the table

Sugar becomes an affordable staple

Falling sugar prices made it affordable even in the poorest homes, which contributed to dental decay overtaking malnutrition as a primary medical concern.

Music

Transition in Danish folk dances and instruments

During the 19th century, traditional folk dances like the minuet and polska gradually declined in popularity, while newer round dances such as the polka, waltz, and mazurka became widespread. Violin and wind instruments like the clarinet and flute were preferred for these dances.

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.

What it cost

Earnings from making fire-lighters

A mother could earn 25 øre by making 500 small fire-lighters, which was just enough to buy a quarter of a loaf of rye bread and 2 kg of fat.