ElectricAL,

I have seen those old "running boards" for electrical wiring here in NJ. They are usually attached to Knob and Tube (K&T) wiring. The boards would help keep wiring safe when running on the surface where it could be damaged.

Joe,

Here in NJ for a period of several years ( Around the 60's I think) where the electrical contractor would attach his ground wires (Even though they were only 16 ga. copper ) to a screw and nut on the outside of the box. It makes for a very difficult time, if you wanted to get to the ground wire in a finished room. The ground wire you are looking for is attached either in the back or top of the box. Was this a common installation?

Caper