it reminded me.

Around here, back through, oh... perhaps the 70's, I think well in the 80's actually.... I didn't have a neighbor who wasn't 'family'. We never locked our doors at night, not even when we went on vacation... vehicle keys never came out of the ignition after purchase.

I was welcome in their home at any time, day or night, and they welcome in mine. Deals were done, as you say, with a handshake... I do not recall anyone ever reneging on a handshake.

Things have changed.

I'm still pretty lucky... I lease my ground now but my lessee's are natives, like me... we still do things by a handshake and our handshakes are more solid, I guarantee you, than any 'contract' out there today. But that's unique today... not many of us 'types' left.