The long-lost gold-tipped cane. Photo from NBC10.
WPRO Newsroom and the Associated Press
NARRAGANSETT, R.I. (AP) – A ceremonial gold-tipped cane given to the town of Narragansett more than a century ago has been found, 24 years after it disappeared.
The cane was found at a consignment shop near East Greenwich and placed on eBay for a short time before history buffs figured out what it was. Lincoln antiques dealer Bill Wolstenholme presented the cane to Narragansett's Town Council Monday night.
The cane and about 700 like it were given to towns throughout New England by the now-defunct Boston Post newspaper during a promotion that began in 1909.
Officials then gave the canes to their towns' oldest residents, whose names were inscribed on them. When a cane holder died, it was given to the next oldest resident.
The cane will be on display at Town Hall.
