Before the internet

Like in 1989 before the internet as we know it today, how would then someone gain the knowledge of shaving while in the shower and let lather sit for three minutes before actually shaving?  What would it have taken for anyone, someone to have todays online knowledge but like back in 1998/9 if they did a comprehensive google search or went anywhere else online and such info couldnt be easily retrieved?  What if they went around asking different people at random and even at that wouldnt hit bullseye?  Shot in the dark?  Guessing?

Lets say the 1950s then?

I believe the answer you are looking for lies...right...here....

http://shavenook.com/showthread.php?tid=63365

Ha! Well played.