Those were quieter, more peaceful times.

“World Wars”, “Weapons of Mass Destruction” and “Home Invasion Robberies” were in the future.
No one had a glimmer of The Internet or TV. No spam or infomercials. Hardly anyone had a telephone – so no telemarketers. Junk mail? I don’t think so. Though the mail order catalog had long since been invented (by Benjamin Franklin, no less!)
Were those better times? Actually, I rather fancy being able to go online in my jammies at 3AM and order that 18″ long wooden shoehorn I’ve been coveting….