This was common construction practice during the arc light era (1880s through the early teens). A crank-winch at eye level on the pole lowered the fixture to the ground for periodic maintenance. Incandescent (filament) lamps quickly became the rage for street lighting purposes commencing in the teens owing to their economies which included being more energy-efficient. Often the original mast arms were kept in place with the new incandescent fixture. In addition kits were available to economically convert arc light innards to incandescent operation, thus retaining the same housing and globe.