Yep, steroids have been around for so long. Longer than people are willing to accept
From World Anabolic Review by P. Grunding and M. Bachmann:
"Dianabol is an oral anabolic which was developed in 1956 by the American Dr. John Ziegler in collaboration with Ciba-Geigy Company. In the US it was introduced in the market in 1960 and within a short time it was available in many countries."
Even earlier...From Anabolics by William Llewellin:
"The first solid scientific experiments in this erea, wich eventually led to the discovery and replication of testosterone (and related androgens), where undertaken int the 1800's. During this century a number of animal experiments where published most of which involved the removal and/or implantation of testicular material from/in a subject. By the turn of the century, scientists were able to produce the first experimental androgen injection. Chemists finally synthesized the structure of testosterone in the mid 1930's, sparking a new wave of interest in this hormone."
If steroids were available in that period, then my conclusion is that they were used in that period. Heck they didnt know much of any side affects..they probaly took it as a dietary supplement.