In the news1891–1903
Trans-Siberian Railway Construction Begins
The construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway began in 1891, eventually connecting distant parts of the empire and opening new economic opportunities.
Saint Petersburg, 23 Dec 1898 – Cannes, 30 Nov 1968
8 facts3 sources
23 Dec 1898
Born in Saint Petersburg
30 Nov 1968
Dies in Cannes, aged 69
He lived through 8 decades. Pick one to hear and see what it was like around Saint Petersburg.
General history, not a record about the family: each item says where it comes from.
In the news1891–1903
The construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway began in 1891, eventually connecting distant parts of the empire and opening new economic opportunities.
What people wore
Essential male headwear and belts
Men wore hats or caps constantly outdoors and felt it was improper to be seen bareheaded or without a belt. A belt or cap was so essential that a man might even leave one as a pawn in a tavern to guarantee he would return.
Getting around
Railway Travel and Official Formalities
Rail travel revolutionized transport; the journey from Moscow to Nizhny Novgorod took 14.5 hours in summer and over 15 hours in winter, while freight trains required nearly a full day. Passengers paid for tickets and had to navigate government formalities, including showing passports at multiple offices.
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.
In the news1895
By the mid-1890s, the number of industrial workers in the German Empire grew to match those in agriculture, marking a major demographic shift toward urbanization and factory labor.
Music
Harmonicas were popular affordable instruments
A harmonica was a common and relatively affordable instrument for villagers, often costing between 10 and 25 rubles to purchase.
Daily life
Log cabins with multifunctional ovens
Peasant homes were typically log cabins with a large brick oven that served for both heating and cooking, and in many families, as a sleeping area. By the late 19th century, most homes were still heated black, meaning smoke escaped into the room or through the door, rather than through a chimney.