It was, but there were only a couple of "nearby" houses with kids. My folks did not want me wandering off down the road (very rural). There was a lot of using my imagination and making my own fun. I was an only child, the first day of first grade was an eye opener. I remember having high anxiety about going to that first day of first grade, not wanting to get on the bus, so mom went out to the end of the driveway and waited for the bus with me. I think she went out to wait with me the next couple of days, after that I was so excited to go to school and see my new friends ... she didn't have to wait with me, though I know she was watching from the dining room window. Life was so much simpler back then.