Lee COSI is definately a cool place to visit. I've been there several times and it is amazing to me that it is more interesting each time I go.
Yes, we had a phone with rotary dial when I was growing up and we were on a party line. You had to listen for your "ring" to know when to pick up. We also had a black and white TV that only got 2 channels. I still remember the excitement when they brought a 3rd channel on line.
We had no AC, a wood stove for heat, got almost all of our sustenance from the farm, and if we actually went to town more than about once a month it was a treat.
So what did I learn? How to survive. That I really can do without some things. To be happy with what I have. To appreciate things.
Now I have a good job and nice home. But could I go back to the basics? I've done it before and I can do it again if necessary. And guess what. I'm not that old (only 42). I just grew up in rural WV.