Not sure about the cities, but around here at least most people 50 years ago or more had a water heater, heated from their slow combustion stoves and using thermo-siphon. They were called 'donkey' heaters for some reason. I vaguely remember them.
See ya's.
They still use theirs on the farm. And what's wrong with burning wood? It's a fully renewable resource and turns back into CO2 regardless of whether you burn it or let it rot on the ground. Much better than using gas or coal (electricity) if you don't have an air shed to worry about.
And quick to make when you have PTO powered bench saws available on the farm...