You know, I like talking to old guys. Always have. After talking to enough and different types of old guys, you get a pretty good picture of the way things used to be...for instance, the degree to which prostitution was tolerated and even encouraged (within limits) in many parts of the country, particularly in the west, right up until the 1960s. The cost of a mistress in the 1930s, which was the norm for many, many well to do in new york and other cities.
It's my experience that many who pine for the "good old days" would be shocked, shocked and appalled that the good old days weren't quite as innocent as many believe.
Old guys? Haha! Prostitution is alive and well in old manhattantown in 2005, friend!
Take a liesurely walk in the E 50s between 3rd and 1st Aves any evening. No, not streetwalkers, but genuine call girls milling about, getting a smoke, grabbing some pizza at O11's, running to Duane Reade on 3rd Ave to get condoms and lubricants (I'm not kidding). Literally 100s of apartments and 1000s of women of all flavors.
Gee, I'm sure some guys are keeping them in business.
Mistresses are still common among the well to do. Welcome to 2005. ;-)
PS - NYCers who work in midtown, back me up here!!!