I went to the Schwinn mechanics school in 1974 (is this year o.t. enough?). Schwinn taught to wrap from next to stem (ok, ~ 1" from the stem) down to the end of the bar, then using the bar plugs to "hold" the tape. Tho' it seems backwards it never came loose...(of course it was sticky cloth and stretchy plastic tape - not cork and it's inherent weakness). Our shop was near a military base - which trained personnel from other countries, as well as US soldiers. An Italian officer comes in the shop, wanted various repairs done whilst waiting, including new bar tape. I wrap (Schwinn style) - he is upset that I did it backward. My answer was "guaranteed to not loosen". He was back three or four years later - the bike had obviously been rode hard and put away wet, and was a mess.....yes, the tape was just fine....
That's what we did in the 70's....
Linwood Hines
Chesterfield, VA