I remember the rag man coming up our small street to collect rags, old clothes for recycling for the war...We would open our 2nd floor window and throw out the stuff. Also putting a sign in the window if we needed oil or turning it over if we needed ice.
When the ice truck came and we were outside he'd give us a piece to eat. We would have to heat the water by lighting a pilot light in the burner in the kitchen.
Putting heavy irons on the old stove to heat it for ironing.
Putting those irons wrapped in towels under the covers to keep our feet warm at night.
Having 3 generations living in one house. Walking to school, walking home for lunch. Having a small grocery store and having them add up the prices on the brown paper bag.