They are prevalent in old cartoons as well -along with TV aerials. Before the 50s, lots of rural places were still getting electrified. Quite a few rural place

They are prevalent in old cartoons as well -along with TV aerials. Before the 50s, lots of rural places were still getting electrified. Quite a few rural places still had outhouses till the 40s, so electric wires and TV aerials were signs of progress/modernity. I would wager a majority of the people who have complaints about electric wires and poles would pipe up the moment their electricity went out. Yes, we can have both (have electricity without the wires, but people should have perspective. Back in the 40's having the electric company put up poles and bring electricity to town was a moment of celebration not curmudgeonry.