Nate,
That’s a very interesting photo. The use of the word “case” followed by a numberin the title on the back made me wonder whether it was an insurance, liability, or trial photo. It looks like the switch is the main focus but a quick web search didn't turn anything up to support that theory. The photographer was buried in West Springfield, so he at least was local.
Enjoy your find; one of my favorite NE railroads.
Tomlinson Run Railroad