Since you and I are about the same age Mary (Ok - I admit I'm older), then I pretty much echo your statements.
I too was brought up sending thank you cards, calling the neighbors Mr or Mrs, wearing certain clothes for certain occasions, wearing dresses even for play, etc, etc. Even my mother addressed the neighbors as Mr or Mrs, never by their first name.
Mom was that 50's stay at home cookie baking mom, and dad was a machinist. My brothers and I never had to do without necessities, but there were few luxuries. I was absolutely thrilled one year when my "big" Christmas gift was a pair of ice skates! We truly appreciated everything that we had, and we never had so much that we got bored and wanted more and more. Most kids now have too much, and I was probably just as guilty by giving my kids too much also.
And we were taught respect - for people, people's property, people's feelings, and I feel a lot of that has been lost over the years. If I had ever back-talked my parents, or any other adult, I would have been picking myself up off the floor, and now parents can't even give their kids a swat on the backside because of the fear that the child could get on that phone and call 911 and have the parent arrested!
So yes - we have come a long way indeed since my days as a kid growing up. Technology is wonderful and our kids get smarter with every generation, but in this growing and learning, so many of the old fashioned family values have, and are, disappearing. I'm not saying bring back outdated dress codes or the like, but I sure would like to see manners and respect (for ourselves and others alike) make a comeback. Those are two things that will never be outdated.
So everyone - do not jump on this post and pick it apart please. I am only stating what I believe, and my feelings, and no one has to agree with what I have said. Think of me as old-fashioned and even behind the times if you wish, but at least try to have an open mind.