Horváth M. Ferenc (szerk.): Vác The heart of the Danube Bend. A historical guide for residents and globetrotters (Vác, 2009)

Tartalom

THE 19TH CENTURY - THE CENTURY OF GREAT CHANGES

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István Németh ironmonger's leaflet

Seal of the Diocesan Savings Bank of Vác

By the end of the century the town had a population of nearly 17,000, most of whom had been Hungarianized. Trade and industry provided a living for only 18%, which indicates that it took a very long time for the town to adapt to the new conditions. Surprisingly, in 1895 the mayor could still report to the sub-prefect that “no dissatisfaction or socialistic tendencies can be observed among our workers”.

CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS

A feverish zeal for establishing associations emerged after the grip of Habsburg tyranny had begun to ease. [

A great many associations characteristic of civic lifestyle such as cultural, self-educating, sport, mutual benefit and burial societies were formed. The most typical of them were the casino, the young men's association, the choral society, the museum's association, denominational women's associations, reading circles, farmers'circles, friendly societies,* burial-, fire-fighter- and sports associations. Also, some typical civil institutions of public concern appeared: in 1870 the newspaper Váczi Lapok was launched, while in 1888 a music school, a theatre, a private hospital for 50 people and, last but not least, some brothels were established.

SCHOOLS AND STUDENTS

In addition to the elementary schools maintained by the Church, which were re-organized on the basis of Eötvös's public elementary school law, several private schools, industrial schools and Sunday schools were founded. The first upper elementary school was opened to provide basic education on a higher level in 1893. In the academic year of 1880/81 the Grammar School of the Piarists was accredited to hold final examinations and thus it became a supreme grammar school.

* Or, mutual aid societies.

Seal of the Casino of Vác