http://www.texashillcountry.com/Stories/RuralTelephoneSystems.htmThis is the coolest thing I've read in awhile. It's about farmers creating their own extensive telephone networks using their existing barbed wire fences. Eventually these networks were connected into the actual telephone company.
I would call a Dallas operator and tell her I was calling Liberty Hill, Texas. "Where is Liberty Hill, sir?" she'd ask.
"In Williamson County, about 35 miles north and a little west of Austin."
"That's in area code 512, sir. You can dial that number direct."
"No, I can't," I'd have to say. "Believe me, I can't. I go through this regularly."
"Very well, sir. What is the number?"
"The number is 37."
"Sir, that's not a telephone number."
"It is in Liberty Hill. You'll have to contact an operator in Austin. She'll help you get the call through."
Go read the entire article at
http://www.texashillcountry.com/Stories/RuralTelephoneSystems.htm
