In the 1950's, we ate a lot of salmon cakes made from canned salmon, which was probably similar to the salmon loaf you had. This was usually a lunch meal. I liked them, but not nearly as well as salmon steaks, which I first encountered when I was an adult.
Same experience. Lots of salmon patty, salmon casserole. No actual salmon filet until on my own (and was still pricey for regular budget). I long for the 50s-even canned salmon!