They had different different materials back then. They didn't have technology and machinery like there is today. There are different reasons why there survival techniques in the 1800’s.
Some foods they ate in 1800’s were, Johnny cake(homemade),hot dogs,donuts. They also ate seafoods. They made chowder if they didn't have much food. They marinated meats so it had more seasoning and taste. Some of these foods, we eat them today.
In the 1800’s, they did very little fun things back then. Little girls played with rag dolls and dollhouses. Boys, back then would play with steam engines and model soldiers. Boys would play with steam engines to learn or be prepared