Area Codes started in 1947

In 1947 the nation received it's first area codes. There were 86 in total. Hard to believe California only had 3 area codes! Here is the link to the map of the area codes. It's followed by a copy of the image. I hold no copyrights to it. (http://www.lincmad.com/map1947.html)

 What was your area's first area code? Can you find the Wilder's homestead area code? Next up zip codes. 

The gentleman who originated exchanges for the telephone came up with the invention in 1891. He believed customers should have the ability to call other subscribers instead of operators. He was an undertaker at the time. The wife of his competition was a regular Harriet Oleson on the switchboard. She gave the undertaking business to her husband.  He was unhappy to hear that. Pissed really. Read more here. (http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Almon_Brown_Strowger) Almon Brown Strowger. 

Here is a dedicated page to manual relay for telephones. (http://www.technology.niagarac.on.ca/staff/mcsele/TelephoneSwitch.html)