Social spaces included the church, and most towns had at least one church. You knew you'd see everyone then, and could socialize a bit before going home. There would be Saturday night dances held in the <insert men's club here> Hall. The Grange was especially important, in those agrarian times.

In the summer, a Chautauqua might come to town. You could attend lectures, see clean vaudeville acts, listen to music.

Or, a traveling circus could set up.

Commuting pre-railroad meant walking, or horses, over rough roads. Towns that bordered lakes and rivers would have steam boats. Coastal towns would have sailing ships.

But there were no social spaces as you envision them today in small towns. Men would hang out at the general store, perhaps.