Question on sewing history?
 

How long have rotary cutters been around, and are scissors the only alternative for fabric cutting?

The hand held Olfa rotary cutters have been around since 1979, and I have seen videos of an old Singer rotary cutting attachment that was probably 60+ years old.

I have also seen some fabric cutting contraptions for sale at Hancock's and/or Joann's.

Scissors or rotary cutters are likely the two best options for most domestic situations.

Depending on what you mean by cutting fabric, but there are the dies that cut shapes - ie: the Accuquilt systems an there are "electric" scissors, not sure how well they cut fabric.