It is quite likely the line on the left was an AT&T Long Distance lead that ran from Boston, MA to Portland, ME. Along the right are telegraph wires strung on typical 1890s 6-pin crossarm (Western Union, notably) style construction, outfitted predominantly with CD 145s. This line also connected Boston with points north in New England.

For a c.1870 view from this vantage point: [id=575504724]

Click "Next" for a close look at the row of telegraph poles we see along the right.