7 wonders - Boston Post Cane and Horse Trough

by Bobby Blair

The Boston Post Cane was originated by the Boston Post in August 1909. 431 canes were given out to towns in New England. No cities were included. Holliston’s cane resurfaced after many years when former Town Clerk Nancy Norris found it behind a stage at Town Hall. The cane was then presented to George Sherman of Braggville who was also the last WWI veteran to die from Town. The family then had the cane encased where it resides at Town Hall. A plaque is now given to the holder of the cane. Alice Brown who resides at Mission Springs on Summer Street is the present holder of the honor, having been born in 1909, the same year the canes were handed out. Although it is not known how many canes still exist, Town Clerk Jackie Dellicker said “they are few”. The Boston post cane was nominated by Andrea Minihan.

The horse trough located next to the Town Hall has had three addresses during its lifetime. Given to the town by several ladies aid groups in 1891, the three-piece water trough made of Milford pink granite originally stood in the middle of Hollis Street fronting Washington Street. The water was supplied by a spring until water pipes made their way through the center of town.

The need for an oasis for man and beast diminished with the advent of motor cars, and these new horseless carriages also found the trough an obstacle. The several-ton trough found a new home only yards from its original homestead and a new purpose in life when it became a flower planter next to the sidewalk in front of the Congregational Church. With the recent
reconstruction of the sidewalk, the trough was located next to Town Hall, where its purpose continues to be that of a planter. The Horse Trough was nominated by Donna Muzzy.

Our nominations now total 48, and new nominations can be sent to me directly at kinvara57@hotmail.com until April 1st. Our list includes- Fiske’s, "Casey at the Bat", Balancing Rock, Mudville Arched Bridge, Patt’s Blueberries, Lake Winthrop, Woodland Street Trestle, Superette, Pinecrest C.C. and Rock Pile, Bullard St. Cow Tunnel, Candy Cottage, Celebrate Holliston Parade and Field Day, Beech Tree at Historical Society, Braggville, Highland St. Tunnel, Marshall St. Soccer Fields, Jaspers Rock, Goodwill Park, Thomas Hollis Bible, Holliston Antiques, Flagg Field, Lake Grove Cemetery, Out Post Farm, Library, Holliston Cranberries, Fairbanks Property, Goodwill Shoe, Town Hall, Metcalf Pump House, Broad Hill Vineyard, Rosary at Fatima Shrine, 1928 Maxim, Hydrant 3, Asa Whiting House and Barn, Wilder Pump Shop, Mudville Arch Water Tunnel, Town Hall Horse Trough, Moon Tree, Highland St. Quarry, Fisher St. Underpass, the Congregational Church, Littlefield Tavern, Linden Street waterfall, House at Central and Fiske Streets, Studio D, the Boston Post Cane, Casey’s Crossing, Thumping Rock, the Waushakum Live Steamers.