There are a number of examples of glass canes in the collection of
Alexandria Archaeology, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, Virginia
22314.  Telephone: (703) 838-4399.  Fax: (703) 838-6491.
These, a few other whimseys, and much bottle glass were excavated
from the Old Dominion Glass Company (in business 1901 to 1927) Of
Alexandria.  The cane fragments are generally of clear glass twisted around
a solid-colored core (red, blue, green, etc.).  Old Dominion did employ
African Americans, as well as Germans, native whites, etc.  We do
have sketchy oral information of the canes having been used in parades.
 
Incidentally, The Glass Gaffers of New Jersey, by Adeline Pepper, was
published by Charles Scribner's Sons (New York) in 1971.
 
The address for the Corning Museum of Glass is: One Museum Way, Corning,
New York  14830-2253.  Telephone: (607) 937-5371.  Fax: (607) 937-3352.
 
I hope that any of this might be useful.
 
Tim Dennee