This pole does not look too old at the time this photo was taken. If in fact this was a private telephone or telegraph line it appears that early threaded glass insulators were used on the upper two sidepins with threadless insulators beneath. Perhaps they were reused from a prior line that stood there or were acquired second-hand. Click "Next" for a close view of the top of this pole. Note that the four insulators have wire strung along them.

This was a very large granite quarry and dates back to the 1850s or earlier. A railroad main line met at its lower section, connecting with cars full of cut rock via tracks that led down several hills. Perhaps this line was used for communication between the quarry and where the granite company's tracks hooked up with the main line at the base.

Quincy borders with Boston (to the north). The old quarries are still there (most are defunct). A very heavily travelled interstate leading to Boston is now located where this photograph was taken.