In 1909 the Boston Postnewspaper gave mahogany canes to several towns in Massachusetts. The cane was to be kept in the possesion of oldest person in the town.
See attached articles:
Another Tradition Vanishing, Eagle Tribune, January 9, 1998, .....click to enlarge
We All Need Something to Lean On, Andover Townsman, July 29, 2004.....click to enlarge