I think the OP is mistaken, as are many of the replies. Shidduchim were always done the way the Chassidim do it (there is nothing “Chassidish” about that method). There always was a Shadchan, checking information, etc. No “mixers”.
We have tried for some reason to “adapt” the old way to the American “dating” system, and have the mess that we have. The blame should be put on the “dating” part, not the Shadchanim or the information part. That part hasn’t changed.
Unfortunately the MO crowd thinks that things are supposed to be the way “it used to be” in America 60 years ago. Those who now a little history outside the mess that was Orthodoxy in America before the War, know otherwise.