Probably not a good indicator what the average joe was thinking at the time, but assuming people were just as 'aspirational' back then as now it's an interesting time machine. I don't get the sense that people today are seeking to be as well rounded as back then. I will pass on the clothes, though!
Not if it means parading around in those things. I'll take indentured rube any time.
A Liberated Sophisticate eh? This reminds me of a joke I once heard..