Squirrel time! I'll try to keep it short. All numbers CAD and assuming my region (inna woods in western Canada).

Adjusted for inflation from 1960, having a private telephone line installed at your farm 40KM from the switchboard (also assuming you're already on the party line) would have been about $16,000 to $32,000 depending on the difficulty of the run.

Power was similar, though having power on a farm 40KM out of town would have been considered boujee. Having juice installed today is also similar, but considered a necessity. Some jurisdictions actually require it for a building permit, even if you're building off-grid and supplying your own power.

Modern homesteading is for rich people confirmed.