A Peasant Family at Lunch (1912) Wilhelmine-era German households were largely patriarchal. Women played multiple roles, often contributing to the family income through work in the fields, even as they cared for the children. They were also responsible for meals, which consisted primarily of bread and potatoes, supplemented by fats, oils, and an occasional cut of meat. Here, we see a rural family enjoying a modest midday meal together, as was customary.