Did most people in the 35mm days use the 50mm lens?

I am wanting to purchase a nikkor 28mm 1.8 to go with my d7000..

It will be close to 50mm.

I think this will be good for general photography.

The people in the old days used 50mm to the best of my knowledge and I would like to go in the route of the old school style photography.

Please no smart comments..