In those days overhead wiring was strung pole-to-pole; rooftop-to-rooftop; from sides of buildings, etc. To say the least, in NYC and other larger cities there were mazes of wires strung all over the place. The telephone and electric light was gaining rapid popularity, so wires were strung wherever there was space. When the famous 1888 Blizzard hit NYC, nearly all utility overhead plant came tumbling down or was badly damaged. Overhead lines no longer were built beyond then in downtown areas and in business districts. At least in NYC, all subsequent, new construction (including replacement of storm-damaged plant) was placed underground.