I think TRSA’s first came into being in the late 60’s. If I remember correctly, it was also referred to as ‘Stage III’ radar service. The private pilots I knew took umbrage at being being asked if Stage III radar service was requested. ‘Negative Stage III’ was always their reply. ‘I ain’t lettin’ departure control tell me which way to fly. Hell no.’ Back when I learned to fly (the good ol’ days) at the Raleigh Muni airport (uncontrolled), there was approach/departure control and a tower at RDU airport 15 miles to the west, but vfr aircraft would usually just call tower approaching about 5 miles out. My airplane didn’t even have a transponder. Prior to my private pilot check, vfr flight following was not a thing, and I flew into a tower controlled airport (RDU) only 1 time.