I checked a few Yards in New England and Maine, none of them have contracts. The old fashioned way, on a handshake, good honest folks. Sounds like New England to me.

FWIW, it sounds like you handled your problem just fine, and probably the way it should have been done, good for you, I'm happy to see that all worked out, with no regrets. It's not in fact old fashioned, it's just simply right.

What's the name of the Yard, sound like I'd like to go there.

Cheers, John