Yes there were. Even aftermarket forks were available in many steerer tube lengths with standard threading for a headset. Shops generally had a die set for threading forks, but this was generally saved for a last resort when you couldn't find a fork to fit. I don't know if the manufacturers made the forks with pre-cut and -threaded steerers or if they made one length and cut and threaded to fit.

Threadless headsets was touted as a way to make your bike lighter but I'll bet the fact that it allowed manufacturers to simplify inventory was the real reason they adopted it.