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

Tartalom

VÁC IN THE 20TH CENTURY

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of the century agriculture was still suffering from the consequences of the devastation of phylloxera. Landed property was further fragmented. The unemployed tried to earn a living in industry and/or trade. In 1910 nearly 86% of the people living on agriculture had less than 10 cadastral hold (approx. 5.75 hectare or 14.22 acres). The largest estate was owned by the diocese. Capitalisation was hardly characteristic of the local agriculture although at the beginning of the century there were a few agricultural enterprises in Vác, such as the wine cellars of the diocese and the chapter, and the Hungarian-Belgian Horticultural Ltd

founded in 1909.

In the first decade of the century there was a significant increase in population. In 1900 the town had 16,808 inhabitants whereas in 1910 their number was already 18,952: a growth of

12.7%. The occupational re-structuring of society continued. At this time over half the population earned their living in industry or trade.

EVERYDAY LIFE

IN A LOVELY LITTLE TOWN

The townscape kept changing as well. The construction of the promenade, the number one walking- and meeting-place of the townsfolk was completed with the Baroque statue of St John of Nepomuk (which had once decorated Bishop Migazzi's bridge) at the northern end, and the castiron music pavilion representing the fashion of the time closing the southern end. From then on walking on the promenade and listening to ambi-