Checking Thermostat

[scruffboy]

I recently had a new water pump installed, and the mechanic said he thought I didn't have a thermostat because he heard water rushing through as soon as he started it. I did my own test, where I started the car and squeezed the upper radiator hose and did not feel pressure of water flowing through. That would mean there is a thermostat, wouldn't it, as the thermostat opens when the engine heats up. Besides opening the housing, is there a sure fire test to tell if you have a thermostat. Also, everything seems to run normally. The car heats up after driving a little while, but not to fast. I really don't think this is true about not having a thermostat but I would like to find out for sure. I drove this car all winter without problems.

Thanks,

Scruff