Lawrenceville in Gwinnett County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

The Whacking Cane

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 6, 2022

1. The Whacking Cane Marker

Inscription. Gwinnett County socialites in the 1820's were quick and firm in their crusade to fight the evils of corn liquor. One prominent leader was Mrs. Philadelphia Winn Maltbie, daughter of the first Justice of the Inferior Court. It is said that this proper lady once boldly walked into a Lawrenceville barroom and asked the owner to refrain from selling his goods to her son. Some days later, the son arrived home in an inebriated condition. This caused Philadelphia to take up her husband's heaviest walking stick, the one with a long knife blade embedded in the handle. She again entered the bar, reminded the owner of her previous request, and angrily accused him of causing her son's ruin and disgrace. Then to soothe her broken heart, Philadelphia raised her heavy cane and knocked every bottle of whiskey from the shelf, scattering shattered glass in all directions. The barkeeper attempted to take the cane from her hand but she warned him off, promising to run him through with the knife blade. The frightened proprietor backed away as she completed her smashing. For awhile, at least, the local population was saved. Miss Philadelphia gave the proprietor fair warning… 3

Erected by City of Lawrenceville. (Marker Number 3.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

• Women. In addition, it is included in the Believe It or Not series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1820.

Location. 33° 57.384′ N, 83° 59.383′ W. Marker is in Lawrenceville, Georgia, in Gwinnett County. Marker is at the intersection of North Perry Street (Georgia Route 20) and West Crogan Street (Georgia Route 8), on the right when traveling south on North Perry Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 N Perry St, Lawrenceville GA 30046, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Country Doctor (within shouting distance of this marker); Buggy Steps (within shouting distance of this marker); Watering Trough 1873 (within shouting distance of this marker); The Button Gwinnett Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Goats on the Square (within shouting distance of this marker); The Rhodes Jordan Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Shooting Fish in the Streets (within shouting distance of this marker); The Gwinnett Historic Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lawrenceville.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 6, 2022

2. The Whacking Cane Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on May 11, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 11, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 253 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 11, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.