All sorts of openwire abound are seen in this New York State city neighborhood. The cast iron pole-mounted box seen on the left could have been a fire alarm call box. Or maybe it was for comms between that point for police or trolley conductor service... with a phone inside wired directly to the dispatcher and/or HQ (as was typical back when this image was taken).

The circular reel seen above it was for lowering the span wire street light (upper center right) that once lit this intersection for its maintenance.