yeah, there is the wikipedia page:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fender_Telecaster . It has a pretty informative general description and discuses a few notable versions in more detail. TDPRI doesn't have a history article or articles per se, they only have technical info. I'm sure I could just join there and ask questions, which I may do, they probably have more than a few threads talking about the stuff.
anyway, the provide.net site actually is pretty useful and details changes throughout the 50s and 60s. what I wanted to know was when did the features you find on the various currently produced "60s" telecaster models actually come about. I think the answer is, mostly mid to late 50s.
1954 - change to steel saddles and top hat switch.
1956 - string tree changed to the "butterfly" style and moved back. decal position changes. knobs change to flat top, fine knurl style.
1958 - change to threaded saddles. bridge changed to top loading
1959 - rosewood fretboard (slab) introduced with no walnut "skunk stripe".
1960 - bridge changed back to string through body.
at this point it seems this is essentially the guitar they made throughout the rest of the pre-cbs years and is the model after which the current "60s" guitars are fashioned from. however he becomes significantly less detailed in his account after this. doesn't give any info on bridge saddles for example.
1962 - change to veneer rosewood.
1964 - pearloid dots come into use.
1965 - transition decal this year.
1967 - maple necks are now w/ glued on maple fretboard and no skunk stripe.
1968 - poly finish introduced. F tuners come into use.
1969 - one piece maple necks return. skunk stripe now on all necks.
1971 - second string tree introduced.