Q75392146

What people wore

Underwear Habits in Rural Austria

In the rural summer, women did not wear underpants; instead, they wore several petticoats if it was cold in winter. Men wore long winter underwear that had to be tied at the waist and ankles.

Daily life

Insufficient salaries for basic survival costs

In the post-war period, food costs for a family were so high that a monthly salary of 1,516,000 Kronen was insufficient to cover the basic needs, leaving a monthly deficit of 695,000 Kronen.

What it cost

Jeep driving jobs were highly desired

In 1946, a jeep driver for the American Army was one of the most sought-after jobs in Vienna, paying 5.25 dollars for a 50-hour week and including one meal a day.

Music

Traditional Austrian Folk Instruments

Traditional musical instruments used in regional Austrian folk music included violins, harps, zithers, dulcimers, wind instruments, and the diatonic button-key accordion known as the Styrian harmonica.

At the table

Bartering valuables for food

Due to severe food shortages, families often bartered valuable personal items, such as fur coats or jewelry, on the black market just to secure small portions of food.

Work

Working for the American Army

In the mid-1940s, a highly sought-after job was driving jeeps for the American Army, which paid five dollars and a quarter for a 50-hour work week and included a meal without needing ration points.