Glassmakers produced canes (also known as batons) not as a product for sale, but for personal use - to be given as gifts, as decoration in the home, or to hold in parades. The two most important parades were Fourth of July and Labor Day. Workers were permitted to make such pieces when they reached the bottom, or fag-end, of a pot of molten glass.

Glass canes also appeared at funerals. If the departed owned a cane, it would often be placed in the casket. For those attending the funeral, canes could be scored in order to break a portion off in the ground next to the casket.