No TV, no internet, no recorded music, no movies, no phones... and some source of income that provided one with plenty of free time.  So... letter writing, socializing - including a highly developed art of conversation, gambling, flirtation... and for the less socially minded - reading and writing. Lots and lots of reading and writing.  Plus a lot less stuff to be learned about any subject before one could be considered qualified to write about it by oneself and others.

Great piece btw. More please.