In the news1883
First national health insurance introduced
Germany became the first country to introduce a national social insurance system with the approval of a worker's health insurance plan.
23 Oct 1880 – 1966
7 facts1 source
23 Oct 1880
Born
1966
Dies
She lived through 9 decades. Pick one to hear and see what it was like.
General history, not a record about the family: each item says where it comes from.
In the news1883
Germany became the first country to introduce a national social insurance system with the approval of a worker's health insurance plan.
Getting around
City carriage travel rates
Local carriage travel in cities like Barmen and Elberfeld was common, with a non-stop ride costing 50 Pfennig for up to two people, or 1 Mark for a half-hour ride.
At the table
Simple breakfasts and rare egg treats
Breakfast typically consisted of brown rye bread and a watery brew of coffee and barley, as milk and sugar were considered expensive luxuries. Eggs were an extremely rare delight, and one worker noted that it was amazingly rare for him to even get one.
Around the world · 1889–1890The “Russian flu”. A flu pandemic travelled the world by rail and steamship in a few months, killing about a million people.
What people wore
Distinctive vests signaled marital status in Betzingen
In Betzingen, married men wore black velvet vests, while unmarried men wore red cloth vests with twelve silver buttons. Bachelors also traditionally displayed a red handkerchief from their pocket when searching for a bride.
Music
Diverse musical repertoires in cities
Musical life was diverse, blending folk music and rustic dances with military band repertoires that featured marches, operetta tunes, and original works.
Daily life
Access to running water varied by class
Working-class homes often lacked running water, requiring water to be heated in cooking pots, while wealthier, modern homes featured hot-water heaters and running water in the kitchen and bathroom.