But when *were* the "good old days"?

From "The Historical Register," No. 43, "For the Year 1726":

"And this Doughty Piece is most humbly dedicated to all Lovers of their Religion, and of their Country; of Truth, Learning, and Moderation; and to all honest Admirers of the _Good Old Days_."

So things were pretty lousy by 1726.

Oh, wait. John Evelyn in "Sylva" (1670) mentions "the good old dayes of more simplicity, yet of better and truer Hospitality."

So things were pretty lousy by 1670.