Maurits Willem Raedinck van Vollenhoven

What people wore

Complex waistband took 90 minutes

Peasant women in Hindeloopen spent an hour and a half just arranging their complex black waistband sash.

Getting around

Bicycles became a popular transport alternative

The safety bicycle, introduced in 1885, became an increasingly affordable and popular alternative to walking or traveling by horse. By 1899, there were over 94,000 bicycles in the Netherlands, equating to one bike for every 53 inhabitants.

At the table

Food consumed half of wages

In the late 19th century, more than 50 percent of a worker's weekly wage was often spent on rent and food.

Music

Church singing and organ accompaniment

Protestant church services often featured congregational singing accompanied by four-part choral music or organ playing.

Daily life

Children and work at age twelve

Children from lower-class families left school at age twelve, as allowed by law, to begin working in factories for up to twelve hours a day.

What it cost

Weekly wages of an ordinary worker

Workers earned roughly 5 to 10 guilders per week, though many struggled on 6 guilders or less. Employment was often irregular, and laborers frequently relied on charity or bread support during winters.