I think it started after WW II..returning GI's seeking a blissful retreat
from their horrific experiences over Europe. Soon to follow was the Korean
conflict...the Cuban Misslie Crisis, the British Invasion, Drugs,Sex &
RocknRoll, then the Kennedy assasination... the Vietnam era...IMHO..it seems
that parents were dealing with a fear-factor of a government two-stepping
left and right on Capital Hill, -and parents wanted to spoil their children
out of that fear. It's understandable in a sense.
I hope my rambling isn't found offensive.

In my room growing up, I had a transistor radio, my pellet rifle, a barbell
set and a 10g w/airstones, a rocker and two dogs. I had my household choirs
for allowance and every summer cutting yards for the neighbors. Wait..the
fish were spoiled too..best I can remember!! I think the tap water was
better back in the '60's as well. My local water, back then, was so pure
that it didn't require ANY treatment until it became law.