Answer: timewas

AnswerCrossword Clue
TIMEWAS

Reminiscer's intro

TIMEWAS

"In the good old days ..."

TIMEWAS

"I remember when ..."

TIMEWAS
"Used to be ..."
TIMEWAS"Used to be ... "
TIMEWAS
"... when the little toy dog . . . "
TIMEWAS"I remember when..."
TIMEWASBack in the day, recalled Tool Issue (4,3)
TIMEWASNostalgist's opening words
TIMEWASIn my day
TIMEWASLead-in to a nostalgic observation