West Bridgewater, MA locates their long lost cane

David Griffin | July 29, 2010

[From a recent email we received] You can add one more cane to your total! Just this morning, the Town of West Bridgewater’s Boston Post Cane came to light! It had been uncovered in the former assembly hall for Town Meetings on the second floor of our historic Town Hall when renovations of that space [...]

We’re past 300 towns!

David Griffin | April 23, 2010

This month we passed the 300 mark of towns that have reported updates on their canes. Our next milestone is 350, which would be the half-way mark to hearing about all 700 canes. Thanks to all of the Historical Societies, Town Clerks, Selectmen, Town Officials, community and family members who have sent us updates on [...]

Mary Josephine Ray passes away at age 114

David Griffin | March 8, 2010

The Associated Press has reported that Westmoreland, NH resident Mary Josephine Ray has died at age 114, 294 days. Born on Prince Edward Island in May 1895, she lived to be the oldest person in New Hampshire (ever), the oldest person in the United States, and the second oldest person in the world. (via the [...]

Happy Birthday to Mary Ray of Westmoreland, NH

David Griffin | May 17, 2009

We’re pretty sure Mary Josephine Ray of Westmoreland, NH is the oldest holder of the Boston Post Cane.  Today she celebrates her 114th birthday! According to Wikipedia, Mary is the oldest person in New Hampshire, 2nd oldest person in the United States, and the 3rd oldest person in the world. She’s a Boston Red Sox [...]

The Watertown, MA Cane is now home

David Griffin | May 1, 2009

As noted in earlier entries in this journal, a group of residents in the town of Watertown, MA ponied up the money needed to purchase the town’s cane from an antiques dealer and return it to the Watertown Historical Society. That has happened and everyone is very happy about the town’s cane is now safely [...]

The approaching centennial is raising interest in the canes

David Griffin | April 30, 2009

The Boston Globe Magazine published a great article (with a horrible title) on the history of the Boston Post Cane and a bit about how the tradition continues today. Read “Citizen Canes” at the Boston Globe web site. The New England Historic Genealogical Society also mentioned our little web site in a recent newsletter — [...]

Evelyn Coleman, holder of the Hyannis, MA cane, has passed away

David Griffin | March 31, 2009

Evelyn Coleman passed away last week at the age of 107. She held the cane in Hyannis, MA for several years and was the second oldest holder of the cane in that town. Read the article from the Barnstable Patriot.

Berlin NH cane holder celebrates her 110th birthday

David Griffin | March 11, 2009

Hilda Lacroix, holder of the Boston Post Cane in Berlin, New Hampshire, turned 110 on January 27th. This wonderful news was relayed to us by Pamela Nett, Hilda’s very proud granddaughter.

Story: Watertown MA cane being returned

David Griffin | February 25, 2009

Here is the local newspaper account of the Watertown Boston Post Cane being returned: [article]

Campton NH’s 2005 cane recipient celebrates 100th birthday

David Griffin | February 25, 2009

Happy 100th Birthday to Alice Garland, recipient of Campton’s Boston Post Cane in 2005. Read more about Alice and the celebration.