The Boston Post Cane

News about Boston Post Canes for towns in Maine (ME)

Acton

Continues the tradition of awarding the cane to the oldest resident.

Appleton

Appleton continues the tradition.

August 2009: The selectpeople for the Town of Appleton, ME awarded eldest citizen Philip McBrien the original Boston Post Cane on Tuesday, August 18. Mr. McBrien is 92. (via email from Denise Pease).

Auburn

The Auburn Historical Society keeps its original cane (in its original purple velvet holder) in the Town Hall vault. A replica of the cane was recently presented to the oldest resident, Eva Carter, b. Oct. 19, 1898. Eva has has been Auburn’s oldest citizen since 1998.(via email from Ellie Oleson, April 2003)

Baldwin

Bessie Pierce Fuchs informs us (via e-mail) that on March 17, 2002 her father, William Curtis Pierce, received the Baldwin, ME. Boston Post cane. He was born on March 18th, 1906.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor’s cane was lost in a fire in 1947. They revived the tradition in 1992 with the Bar Harbor Historical Society presenting a cane to the oldest native resident (you have to be born in Bar Harbor to receive the cane).  The cane is presented in a ceremony and then returned to the historical society’s museum.  The recipient retains a certificate of their status as Bar Harbor’s oldest citizen.

April 2009: Bar Harbor’s cane was awarded to Grace Abbott, age 95.  (via Grace’s great,great nephew George).

Belgrade

Cane resides at the town manager’s office.

Benton

Benton keeps its cane at the Town Hall and continues the tradition.

August 2009: The current holder of the Benton, Maine Boston Post Cane is Marguerite Basford born Dec 1, 1911. (via email from Patrick Turlo, Deputy Town Clerk)

Bowdoinham

Bowdoinham continues the tradition of passing the cane to the oldest resident.A new cane will be awarded in 2005.Gordon Tate received the cane on September 26, 2001(source)

Boothbay

Boothbay continues the tradition of passing the cane to the oldest resident. As of November 2004, Mrs. Martha Josephine Norwood of East Boothbay, 100, is the current holder of the cane for Boothbay.In August, 1998 it was awarded to John H. Welsh.(source)

Boothbay Harbor

Boothbay Harbor presented its cane to Dorothy Abbott, 99, in July 2005. Dorothy is still “sharp as a tack” and even helped with the planning of the ceremony.

Bradford

In Bradford, the Selectmen keep the cane at the town hall and award a plaque to the oldest citizen. In November 2003, Rev. Lewis Mowdy received the plaque and title of holder of the Boston Post Cane.(via email)

Bridgewater

Reportedly still continues the tradition.

Brooks

We believe that Brooks continues the tradition.

Percy C. Humphrey, 95, holder of the Brooks, ME, Boston Post cane, died on February 20, 2010. He was born in Washburn, Me, on August 6, 1914. (via email from Steve Hoffman)

Brooklin

The Town of Brooklin Maine continues the tradition. Located in SW Hancock County, on the Blue Hill Peninsula, pop. approximately 900, in coordination with the Brooklin Keeping Society recently presented the Boston Post Cane to Brooklin’s oldest citizen, Mary Ford Webber (born in September 1916), at the Keeping Society’s monthly business meeting April 29th at 7:00 PM in the Keeping Society’s Exhibit Room (located in the town office). The cane was presented by Richard Freethey, Selectman, and gave an overview of the history of the cane, including Brooklin’s previous recipients. (via email from Richard Freethey, April 2010)

Brooksville

Brooksville continues the tradition.

December 15, 2008, the selectmen presented the cane to Marguerite Chase Tapley Gregor Kaminski.  Born in Brooksville on November 10, 1909, she promptly “knighted” her husband, Captain Edwin Kaminski, as an honorary member of Brooksville. (via William Gregor)

Brunswick

Brunswick’s cane was given to the Pejepscot Historical Society.(source)

Burnham

Burnham’s Boston Post Cane was awarded to 91 year old Howard I. Libby Jr. in January 2002. (A controversy soon arose when 92-year old Alice Rollins, who owns a house in town but sleeps in nearby Pittsfield, claimed entitlement as the oldest resident.)

Buxton

The Town of Buxton, Maine has its original Boston Post Cane. The town holds a nice ceremony and reception when the cane is presented for the recipient, their family, and the public. In recent years, one of their Selectmen found a craftsman to make several replicas of the cane, and now they present the honoree with the original cane and swap it for a replica for them to keep. The original cane is kept in the town vault. Buxton has a history of the persons presented the canes and the dates from 1909 through 08/12/1929. They also have a record of most recipients (but not all) from 1958 through the present. They are missing some of the years, and all the recipients from 1929 to 1958. They do keep finding a cane recipient on occasion, to fill in the Buxton cane’s history. (via email from Joan Weeman, Records Officer, Town of Buxton, ME)

August 2009: Buxton’s newest recipient was a gentleman named C. Murray Eaton who ws 98 years old when the cane was presented on July 24, 2008. (via email from Joan Weeman)

Cape Elizabeth

Cape Elizabeth continues the tradition. The Town Council has defined a set of rules for awarding the cane to their citizens. Cape Elizabeth’s cane is stored in a safe. Here is a list of the recipients of Cape Elizabeth’s cane:

Whitely Jordan, October 23, 1909, age 87
Joseph Dresser, May 31, 1910, age 87
Levi O. Verrill, February 12, 1912, age 85
John Pike, December 25, 1912, age 90
Albert F. Hannaford, May, 1919, age 92
Edward S. Griffin, July, 1926, age 94
Ephraim S. Wardwell, October, 1928, age 89
Moses Small, April 27, 1929, age 90
Samuel C. Gould, March, 1931, age 88
John T. Jenks, October, 1934, age 86. After his death in 1942 at age 94, the Cane was not presented for 40 years until
Mrs. Mabel Hesseltine Davis, July 15, 1963, age 95 – became the first female recipient in Cape Elizabeth
Dr. Clinton A. Putnam, February 13, 1971
Robert Greene, February 13, 1972
Charles M. Hasty, 1976, age 96
Lida Williams, August 30, 1978
Elsie I. Hannaford, June 26, 1981
Nina Macomber, May 14, 1986
Linwood Dunham, December 11, 1989, age 97 (lived for another 10 years)
Josephine Formanns Benoit, April 11, 2000, age 104
Leola Adams Jordan, July 21, 2004, age 101

(via email from Barbara Sanborn, Cape Elizabeth Historical Preservation Society, June 2009)

Cherryfield

Cherryfield has their original Boston Post Cane. They are in the process of creating a certificate to present to their oldest resident instead of the actual cane, since they had some difficulty recovering it from its last recipient’s family. The original will probably be on display in the Cherryfield-Narraguagus Historical Society building in future.2007 is the 250th birthday of Cherryfield.(via e-mail from Burndett Andres, Feb 2007)

China

As of January 2007, the current holder of China’s cane is Madeline Cushman.A prior holder of China’s cane was Yvonne Farris (May 2005)China’s cane is kept for safe-keeping. A certificate is given to the oldest resident.(via e-mail from Daniel L’Heureux, China’s Town Manager, August 2002)

Clinton

The Clinton Historical Society, on behalf of the town, presents the Boston Post Cane to the town’s oldest citizen.

Cornish

Cornish maintains the tradition.

Walter Charles Peach was awarded the cane on October 11, 2008. He received a plaque which he proudly displays in his home, but the cane itself remains in the town hall.  Walter, currently 97, was born in Maplewood NJ October 13, 1912.  He was a World War II veteran (Transportation Corps in Persia), and English Teacher at Union High School NJ for 35 yrs, then moved to Cornish in a house he built himself when he retired in 1971 with his wife, Arline.

On March 30, 2006, Ethel Norton Osgood (99), a longtime Cornish resident, was awarded the cane as the town’s oldest resident.

Cumberland

The Boston Post cane in Cumberland, Maine has been located after several years of its whereabouts being unknown. The Cumberland Town Office, in conjunction with the Cumberland Historical Society, is in the process of reimplementing the program in the fall of 2004 (1).In 2005 the cane was awarded to Bertha Gray (99), a resident of Chebeague Island in the presence of three generations of family members.(1. via email from Carolyn F. Small, President Cumberland Historical Society, July 2004)

Cushing

Cushing Maine continues the tradition, but there is a bit of a mystery here: available research indicates that Cushing did not receive an original cane.  So they either found one that nobody knew about or the tradition was created for the town separately.

June 2008: Sydney R. Dobbs, 98, present holder of the Boston Post Cane and former Cushing town moderator, died June 17, 2008, of natural causes at the Pond View Boarding Home in Cushing.   He was born in South Hadley Falls, Mass., to F. William Dobbs and Gertrude (Shaw) Dobbs on May 28, 1910.  He served in the Army during World War II from January 1941 to September 1945. He earned an associate degree in science from Western Connecticut State College in 1969. He met and married Bettina F. Sullivan, and they made their home in Connecticut, and raised their two children there. Sydney and Bettina, a former teacher, retired to Cushing in 1974. (via Shannon Hicks)

Cutler

As of 2007 the small fishing village of Cutler Maine still has its Boston Post Cane. The cane is kept by the town. The current holder is unknown.(via email from Chet H, Feb 2007)

Damariscotta

The Town of Damariscotta Maine still has its cane. As of February 2010 the town does not award the cane, but there is interest in reviving the tradition. (via email from Greg Zinser, Damariscotta Town Manager).

Danforth

Danforth still continues the tradition.

July 2010: The Town of Danforth presented their cane to Bertha Carr, age 99, on July 31, 2010.  Bertha was born on October 2, 1910.  (via Joseph Cyr of the Star-Herald).

Deer Island

According to the March 14th, 2002 edition of the ‘Island AD-VANTAGES’ from Stonington, ME. Deer Isle just awarded their cane to William Haskell. He will be 100 in December.(via e-mail from Bessie Pierce Fuchs)

Dixmont

Dixmont has their cane and have been handing it down as instructed since 1909. As of Jan 2003, the current possessor says he doesn’t want anything to do with it. Nevertheless, his name is on the brass plaque naming him as the oldest citizen.At the end of the last millennium the Dixmont selectmen decided to present the cane, allow him or her to retain it for photographic or bragging reasons then return it to it’s own case at the town hall so that all citizens and visitors can enjoy this piece of town history.(via e-mail from Fred Bryant)

Dresden

Dresden appears to continue the tradition. In November 2004 the Board of Selectmen were researching the use of a medallion to present in lieu of the cane.(source)

Dyer Brook

Dyer Brook has reportedly lost their cane.

East Machias

East Machias continues the tradition. The most recent recipient was Madeline Scott Flood, 98, on September 15, 2003.(Bangor Daily News, Sep 20, 2003 via SueEllen Chamberlain)

Eddington

Eddington continues the tradition. The current holder is Clinton Ackley in May 2005.

Eliot

The Town of Eliot has its original Boston Post Cane on display in a beautiful case at the Municipal Office along with a plaque showing all past recipients. The Board of Selectmen hold a small ceremony and issue a plaque to the recipient prior to the opening of the Annual Town meeting in June.

Elizabeth C. Libbey, a longtime resident of Eliot was born on August 16, 1907.  Mrs. Spinney was 101 years old when she was awarded the cane in June of 2009. When she was informed of her award she said she felt the secret to her longevity was her walking, running and genetics.  These days she enjoys watching the birds and television and still maintains her sharp sense of humor.  (via Wendy J. Rawski, Town Clerk of Eliot, Dec 2009).

Louise MacDonald held the cane since March 2000. She passed away in April 2006, a few months short of her 104th birthday.

Exeter

Exeter’s cane was was awarded to Mildred Crane in June 2009. Mildred was presented the cane by her grandson, James, who is the chair of Exeter’s Board of Selectmen. Mildred was born in February of 1918. She married a farmer, George Crane, and lived in Exeter her whole life. She now spends the winter in Venice, Florida. The Crane family farm continues to this day, Jim’s sons are now the 4th generation to work on the farm she and George started.

Fairfield

Fairfield continues the tradition. In August 2006 the cane was awarded to both Vivian Crabbe and then Eileen Gould. Both are 96 years old and Vivian is just 18 days older. Vivian moved to senior housing in September and Eileen became the town’s holder in October.(via Central Maine Morning Sentinel)In August 2005 the cane was awarded to Grace Bellows, 99.

Falmouth

Falmouth appears to have their cane and a good history of its recipients. In 2000 the cane was awarded to Margaret Deering Strout.(source)

Farmingdale

Farmingdale has their original cane, but it recently came back in two pieces — so now they award the recipient with a plaque. They are working on getting the cane into a display case for safe keeping.

June 2010: Percy R. Tibbetts, 98 years young, received the Boston Post Cane award from the Farmingdale Selectmen June 17, 2001. Mrs. Tibbetts, only 93 years young, plus their daughter Janet and her husband Michael Dana were also present to witness the presentation. Mr. and Mrss Tibbetts are long time residents of the Farmingdale-Gardiner area. They have resided in Farmingdale for 14 years. The award was presented during the Farmingdale summer monthly Senior Dinner. A special cake was prepared and presented to Percy Tibbetts. (via Eugene Moreau)

Farmington

The Town of Farmington, Maine has retired its Boston Pold Gold Headed Cane. It is on display in an oak case in the lobby of their municipal building. The Town continues to award a similar-looking cane to the oldest citizen of the Town. As of April 2006 the cane is held by Dorothy Winter, who is 104 years old.(via email from Richard P. Davis, Town Manager)

Franklin

David Williams received the Boston Post Cane in July 2004 for being the oldest citizen in Franklin Maine as of July 10th. He turns 92 on December 31st. A relative of his, Dalton Reed supposedly received this very same Boston Post Cane many years ago until he passed away.(via email from Mike Williams, grandson of David Williams and great-grandson of Dalton Reed, July 2004)

Freyburg

Freyburg appears to have their cane. The 2000 recipient was Norman Annis. They have records going back to the early ’50s, plus a few older references.(source)

Friendship

Friendship continues the tradition.

On July 6, 2009 Friendship’s cane was presented to Ivy B. (Manchester) Gould. Ivy was born on Nov. 24, 1911. She and her husband, Thurman Gould, both grew up in Jonesport, a small fishing village in Washington County. They were married July 26, 1931. (via email from Ivy’s granddaughter, Jean Beal, December 2009).

Greene

It appears that Greene continues the tradition and may have their original cane.  The recipient receives a certificate to keep after the ceremony.

April 17 2009: The cane was passed to Barbara Nelson, age 99.  Barbara was a former Captain in the U.S. Army serving in Burma, India.  She is reportedly was the first woman to command a company-sized unit. (via email from Peter Beaudry noting a Lewiston Sun Journal article).

Greenville

Greenville carries on the tradition.

Feb 2009: Alice Chesbro, who was a co-holder of the cane since 2006, passed away. [obit]

Gouldsboro

In April 2006 Gouldsboro awarded the cane to Mr. Allen A. Webber who was born in August 1910. He is 95 years old and is currently living in his home in Gouldsboro. (via email from Eve Wilkinson, Town Clerk)

Hallowell

Continues the tradition of awarding the cane to the oldest resident.

Harmony

Harmony continues the tradition. Harmony’s Board of Selectmen conferred the cane to Ray Chadbourne, 90, in November 2005. It’s the only cane Mr. Chadbourne owns.The previous holder of the cane was Dora Stadig who passed away in 2003 at the age of 100. (reported by Morning Sentinel, November 2005)

Island Falls

Island Falls has maintained the tradition of presenting the Boston Post Cane to oldest citizens. The cane was given back to the town in the 1990′s and it was decided that the Historical Soceity should have the care of it. Through a series of moves the cane was supposedly stored in the Jail House Museum of the Society. It was unseen for about 8 years, no one precisely remembering what had been done with it. The cane was found in the fall of ’08 lying in the back of a display case. (via Rebecca Drew, Island Falls Historical Society)

February 7, 2009:  the cane will be presented to Clara Campbell Hathaway who turned 102 on Feb 5th. A certificate of honor will also be presented.

At one point (1980′s?) the oldest citizen refused it.

Jay

Jay continues the tradition.

April 16, 2009: Jay’s Board of Selectmen presented the cane to Nellie Anderson, age 99, along with a pin that recognizes her as the oldest citizen in town.  Nellie was born on Aug 7, 1909 in Lamoine and lived in Mount Vernon with her husband Victor until his passing in 1963.  It was around that time that she moved to Jay.  Nellie is well known for her lemon meringue pies.  [article]

Kingfield

Lifelong resident of Kingfield, Maine, Beulah E. Moore (born April 20, 1915) was able to obtain an “original” gold knob from a friend out of town and took it to Trask Jewelry Store in Farmington and had Kingfield, Maine engraved on it. It was then presented to the Town of Kingfield on September 1, 2002 during the dedication of a monument honoring soldiers of the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Civil War and the Spanish American War. At Beulah’s request, this cane will always be kept at the Town Office.A certificate will be sent out to the oldest resident. Beulah Moore also presented the Town of Kingfield with three dozen certificates to be presented in the future.During the ceremony in Kingfield on September 1, 2002, the oldest citizen was present and held the cane during the ceremony. He is Floyd Ellis whose 99th birthday was the following day. He continues to feel fine and lives alone in his own home (as of October 5, 2002).Beulah Moore reports that there used to be a “Boston Post Cane” in Kingfield. She did trace it back to a family she knew that used to have it; and was told to “drop it because they didn’t want to talk about it.” (from Beulah Moore via email from Linda Miller, Oct 2002)

Kittery

Kittery continues the tradition.

April 2010: Doris Littlefield passed away over the winter. (via email from Judith Potter).

On June 3rd, 2009, Mrs. Doris Littlefield of Kittery Point, Maine received the Boston Post Cane at the Durgin Pines Retirement Home where she now resides. Mrs. Littlefield is 102 years young as the Portsmouth Herald announces in its June 4, edition. She will be 103 sometime in November. (via email from Judith Potter, June 2009).

Kittery’s cane (an original) was awarded the cane to Evelyn Deady, age 99, in April 2007. The Town Council authorized her induction into the record books with a personalized plaque honoring Deady’s lifespan. The cane will continue to be displayed in Kittery’s Municipal Building’s hallway, with a picture of Deady by its side.

A prior recipient was Constance Samuels on June 4, 2001.

Lebanon

The Town of Lebanon continues its tradition of handing out the Boston Post Cane to the oldest resident. The current holder, Marion Morris, celebrated her 106th birthday in December 2009 and the town had a large party for her. (via Jason Cole, Selectman, Town of Lebanon)

Lee

Lee continues the tradition. Lee’s original cane is encased at the Selectmen’s office.  A replica is given to each person for the family to keep.

August 6, 2007: At a public meeting the cane was presented to Mildred Drake Crocker of Lee who is 94 years old.  She still drives her car and travels to Florida each year by herself.  She teaches tatting at Springfield Fair each September and has been a presenter at The National Folk Festival in Bangor, Maine for the last 6 years with her tatting. She lives alone and does not want to live with any of her family yet.  She stated that she hoped she wouldn’t need “the cane” for many years to come. (via Gail Mallett Rae, President of Lee Historical Society)

Previously, the cane was presented to Viola Maxwell who held it for 4 years while in the nursing home.  The next person in line refused to have it presented to her.  Madeline Dingley died without officially holding the cane. (via Gail Mallett Rae, President of Lee Historical Society)

Limerick

Limerick Maine awarded their cane, to Marie D. Carroll, 93, in 2003 so the tradition there continues. Marie continues to hold the cane as of August 2005. (via email from SueEllen Chamberlain, October 2003)

Limestone

Limestone maintains the tradition of passing the cane to their oldest citizen. In 2000 the cane was awarded to Dora Bennett

Lincolnville

Lincolnville maintains the tradition.

Jan 2009: Diane O’Brien’s “Lincolnville News”, appearing in villagesoup.com, notes that Margaret Lermond Robbins, who turned 99 on January 5, is the current holder of Lincolnville’s Boston Post cane.  (via Stephen Hoffman)

Linneus

At one point Linneus had their cane also but hadn’t given it out  because the town cannot decide who should have it.

Lisbon

Lisbon continues the tradition of recognizing their oldest citizen. The cane was most recently awarded to Flora Berube D’Amour at age 99 (Flora was born on November 24, 1902)(source)

Litchfield

Litchfield’s original cane has been lost for decades. A replica cane was purchased from an estate sale and engraved with the Boston Post Cane insignia. In October 2005 the cane was presented to Germaine Fortier, 97.

Littleton

Littleton lost its cane in a fire. A replacement, the Ross cane, donated to the town by Ruth Ross during the 1956 Centennial ceremonies in memory of the Ross Family.  The tradition continues using the Ross cane.

Livermore

Livermore continues the tradition. In May 2007 Town Manager Martin Puckett presented Sadie McLaughlin, age 97, with the Boston Post Cane as the town’s oldest resident. Sadie was the first woman granted a license to drive a taxi in South Portland in 1946.

Lubec

Sep 2008: The Town of Lubec has a Boston Post Cane, but does not have any older records of recipients. They plan to keep records at the town office going forward. (via  Maureen Glidden, Town Administrator)

Madison

Madison’s original cane is in the custody of the Madison Historical Society. A replica of the cane is kept in the Town Office.

September 2005, the cane was presented to Mary Foss, 101. (via article in the Morning Sentinel, Sep 27, 2005)

Marion

Marion is assumed to continue the tradition. Marion’s cane was awarded to Iva Leonard Griffith in 2007. Iva passed away in Feb 2010 at the age of 100.

Monticello

Reportedly still continues the tradition.

Montville

Montville Maine still continues the Boston Post Cane tradition.
Cynthia Johnson born April 17, 1915 is our current holder of the cane at 94 years old. (via email from Abbie Hills, Town Clerk, August 2009).

Mount Desert

Mar 2008: The Town of Mount Desert has an original Boston Post Cane.  The most recent holder passed away last month and we are planning to present the Cane to Marjorie Bucklin, age 98 (soon to be 99).  Although I had suggested to our Board of Selectmen that the Town retain the Cane and present our oldest citizen with a replica and certificate of appreciation, the Board decided to present the actual Cane.  With Marjorie’s permission there will be a small ceremony with the local press present to document the event.  In my 14 years with the Town, Marjorie is the third recipient.  The previous holder received the Cane at age 98, and passed away at age 103.  The recipient before that received the Cane at age 97 and passed away at age 99 ½. (Joelle Nolan, Mount Desert Town Clerk)

Mount Vernon

Held by Lill Webber

New Gloucester

The tradition is alive and well in the town of New Gloucester. Transfer of the cane to the oldest resident is part of the Town Manager’s duties. The cane was most recently held by Adeline B. May, till her passing at age 92.(via email from Rev. Linda K. Gard – January 2003)

New Sweden

Mar 2008: Helen Lydia Johnson Borjeson, 97, died Thursday, March 20, 2008, at Maine Veterans’ Home residential care unit in Caribou. She was born Oct. 9, 1910, in a log cabin on the Lebanon Road, New Sweden, the eldest daughter of Axel and Augusta (Englund) Johnson. As New Sweden’s eldest citizen, she was the holder of the Boston Post Cane.  (Obituary via JP Hulbert)

Newburgh

Newburgh continues the tradition. In November 2004 Elsie Kimball Brough, 90, of Newburgh received the cane during a ceremony at the Philips-Strickland House in Bangor.(source)

Newcastle

As of July 2006, the Newcastle Historical Society was seeking the oldest resident for the cane.Clara Storm passed away in November 2005.Newcastle continues the tradition. Clara Storm, 101, was presented the cane on June 19, 2003. Newcastle presents a replica of the cane to the receipient.(via article in the Boothbay Register, June 26, 2003)Newcastle’s cane went missing for a number of years. James Dalton was the holder of the cane in the 1970′s but when he got sick and moved out to Connecticut with a nephew, the cane was lost. He was one of 12 children and was selectman in 1876, and died in 1979. The cane was missing from then until 1999, when a grand-nephew found it and brought it back to Newcastle in 1999.(source: Lincoln County News, 26-Jul-2006, Kim Fletcher)

Nobleboro

Nobleboro continues the tradition. As of July 2005 the current holder of the cane is Ruth Dow(inferred from some newspaper reports)

North Berwick

North Berwick continues the tradition.

As of January 2010 North Berwick’s cane is held by Donald Staples. (via email from Janet Hooke).

In 2005 the holder was Virginia Wick. (via email from Janet Hooke, May 2005)

North Haven

We have learned that North Haven continues the tradition and that the current holder of the cane is Clara Waterman. Clara received the cane in May of 2000.(via email from 3rd grader Megan Goodell, March 2006)

Northfield

Northfield continues the traditional, although it currently does not reside with the oldest resident, Helen Winslow, 105 (and that’s just fine with her).(source)

Oakfield

Oakfield has reportedly lost its cane.

Ogunquit

We believe that Ogunquit carries on the tradition. A recent recipient, William Smith passed away on July 30, 2002 at the age of 101. William was awarded the cane on May 30, 2002.(York County Coast Star via SueEllen Chamberlain, Nov 2003)

Orrington

Orrington has a long tradition of awarding the cane to its oldest citizens. The original holder of the Boston Post Cane in Orrington, was George Brooks. He received the Boston Post Cane on Oct. 17, 1909. Other holders of the Boston Post Cane for Orrington in recent years have included Bernice “Bunny” Hanscom, widow of Harry E. Hanscom, who received the cane at age 96 in June 1999. In the late 1980s and early ’90s, Frona Thornton held the Boston Post Cane for Orrington. The most recent recipient was Worth L. Noyes, 98. He was given a hand-carved cane that represents the Boston Post Cane on September 26, 2003.(Bangor Daily News, Oct 2003 via SueEllen Chamberlain)

Otisfield

In March 2004 Otisfield’s cane passed to George Howard Dyer.The cane is still in existence in Otisfield, and though handled by many elderly persons, one can still read the name of the donor on it’s golden knob.Recent known holders of the cane were Leona Wentworth, Ethel Hirst, and Lillian Perkins. (source)

Palmyra

Palmyra continues the tradition. The cane is kept on display at the town office and the recipient is given a framed certificate.

June 2010: On June 23, 2010 Palmyra Maine’s selectmen presented their cane to Louis P. Paquet, he was born July 16, 1911 in St. Johns New Brunswick and came to this country when he was 14 years old, he worked for Great Northern Lumber as a equipment operator until he retired when he was 62. He lives with his wife and daughter. He will be 99 on July 16, 2010. (via Nat Foss Jr., Palmyra Historical Society)

As of September 2006 Palmyra was seeking a new recipient for the cane. Aurora Ouellette held the cane for six years till she passed away in August 2006 at the age of 103.

Patten

Patten continues the tradition. In 2007 the current holder of the cane is Lillian Perry Wheaton, age 96. Lillian was presented with Patten’s cane in August 2006 at their Pioneer Days celebration. Lillian considers it bad luck to have the cane in her home and refused to take it home with her. The cane resides in the Patten Town Hall.(via email from Christine Montano, Feb 2007)

Parsonsfield

Parsonsfield awarded the cane in May 2006 to Edwin Patterson Bradshaw. Edwin passed away on Dec 29, 2007 at 98. (via Bob, Jan 2008)

Pembroke

The Pembroke cane is shared by Kathleen and Waldo Tarbell (age 99 and 102 respectively).(via Mary Zwolinski)

Perry

Perry still has their cane. In November 2004 it passed to Rose Pottle (who is at the Eastport Nursing Home)The previous recipient was Gladys Brown of Perry(via emails from Frances Raye – April 2002, Nov 2004)

Poland

Poland’s cane is reported to be safe and sound in a vault and only comes out to be photographed for ceremonies. The Poland Historical Society maintains a plaque of all known Boston Post Cane holders, which is on display in the Poland Town Office lobby.

April 4, 2009: Carmen Beaudry, age 92, was awarded Poland’s cane at the annual town meeting.  (via Carmen’s son, Peter).

Porter

Porter keeps the tradition alive. The cane was most recently awareded in May 2006.

Princeton

Princeton, Maine also has a Boston Post Cane. Their cane was missing for a few years, but miraculously was returned by an anonymous person in the mid 1980′s. The town now presents the cane to our oldest citizen, but the cane stays with the Town. A plaque is given to the recipient. In 2004 it was awarded to Lovina Cochran at age 100.(via email from Grace D. Hiland (Town Clerk), Aug 2004)

Prospect

Prospect continues the tradition.

April 2010: Prospect, Maine, presented its Boston Post Cane to Edward Morris Holmes, who is 99 years old (born September 27, 1910) on April 2, 2010. Edward, who is known as Ted, moved to Maine in the late 1930′s with his wife Jane. They lived for several years on Gotts Island, near Bass Harbor, Maine. They also lived in various coastal towns, Boothbay Harbor, Winter Harbor, and Bernard. Inland, they lived in Princeton (Maine), Ellsworth Falls, Ellsworth, New Vineyard, Old Town, and Winterport. Ted moved to Prospect in 2003 to live near one of his daughters.

Ted began teaching high school English in 1947 in Ellsworth, after a checkered career organziing lobster fisherman cooperatives, digging clams, delivering lobsters to the Boston fish market, working as first mate on the cruise schooners out of Camden, and working in the shipyards during World War II. In the fifties Ted returned to school and acquired a Masters and a Doctorate in English from Brown University. With those degrees he was able to teach at the University of Maine in Orono, which he did until he was about 85 years old.

Ted was an excellent teacher, attested to by phone calls and letters he still occasionally receives from past students, who want him to know what they have been reading!

Ted is the author of three books of short stories and pieces, Driftwood, Mostly Maine, and A Part of the Main.

Ted has three daughters: Caroline S. Marsh who lives with her husband, Lawrence Marsh in Solon, Iowa, Virginia Holmes who lives with her partner, Shirley Glubka in Prospect, Maine, and Constance J. McCarthy who lives with her husband, Daniel McCarthy in Belfast, Maine. He has four grandchildren, Anna McMaken-Marsh of Arlington, Massachusetts, Lucy Marsh of Putney, Vermont, Jacob McCarthy of Lansing, Michigan, and Robin McCarthy of Belfast, Maine. He has two great-granddaughters, Sylvie and Willa McMaken-Marsh

(Ted’s story relayed via email from Virginia Holmes)

Rangeley

Rangely continues the tradition.

June 17, 2009: Angie Ivers passed away. She was tremendously honored to have received the cane; it was long a dream of hers, as was becoming a centenarian, which she also accomplished.  She was a couple months past her 100th birthday when she died. (via email from Michelle Caminos, Angie’s granddaughter).

November 5, 2008: Rangeley Town Manager Perry Ellsworth presented Angie Ivers, 99, the Boston Post cane as oldest resident of Rangeley. (via Thomas Lockel)  [article]

July 2003: Ooie Russell is the oldest person in Maine’s resort town of Rangeley. As such she carries a Boston Post gold-headed cane, which was presented to her at a luncheon arranged by the town’s municipal officers. Mrs. Russell’s front name is Ruth, but a baby sister could come no closer than Ooie, which stuck and she’s been Ooie for 98 years. When I write to her, I refer to her as gnadige Frau Vogelfrei, because her father was a German immigrant in the Springfield, Mass., area and the words are apt. Our family has been fortunate to have known Ooie for nearly half her time and the foregoing opens the moment to several subjects. (article by John Gould, via Thomas Lockel)

Raymond

Raymond keeps its cane on display at the Raymond Town Hall. It is taken out for the ceremony conferring the cane to a new holder. The tradition continues in Raymond. (Sep 2005)

Readfield

Readfield continues the tradition in the traditional way: they present the Boston Post Cane to each person and they do hold on to it until their timely death.On February 5th, 2007 Readfield awarded their Boston Post Cane to Mildred Donaldson. Mildred’s birthday is October 26, 1907, so she will turn 100 in October.(via email from Robin Lint, Town Clerk, Readfield, ME)

Richmond

Richmond has its original cane and keeps it under lock and key to avoid loss. It was lost in the 1970′s for over 20 years and then rediscovered in the closet of a past recipient.In December 2006 the cane was awarded to Carrie V. Holman, age 98. Carrie receives a miniature cane and a certificate of recognition.The prior holder was Opal Pickett who passed away on July 1, 2006 at age 101.(via the Kennebec Journal)

Rockport

Rockport continues the tradition. The cane was passed to a new owner ??? Rhodes in March 2007.

Saint George

Saint George continues the tradition.

October 6, 2008: Elizabeth Chadwick, maiden name Teel,  received the cane at an official ceremony at the Saint George Town Office building in Tenant’s Harbor, Maine.  She is 92 years old and is one of the granddaughters of Rufus Teel of Teel’s Island.  The Teel family has been the subject of numerous books and acticles on the island’s of Maine and Wyeth paintings of the family homestead.  Elizabeth Chadwick currently resides with a daughter in Tenant’s Harbor, Maine and is known by many of the community residents as “Aunt Lib”. (via Jeanine Chadwick Whiting, granddaugther of Elizabeth).

Some history from Jeanine Chadwick Whiting: My great-grandmother’s name was Gussie Chadwick at the time she received the cane.  Her maiden name was Stone and she married Alvah Chadwick.  I believe she received the cane in the late 1960s to early 1970s.  I cannot remember the exact year as I was a teenager at the time.  Her husband and grandson, Wilbur M. Chadwick were once on the cover of the Saturday Evening Post in March, 1946 edition.  I believe the painting used to produce the cover was called Lobster Boy and was painted by Mead Schaffer.

Sanford

The Historical Committee of the Town of Sanford currently possesses Sanford’s Boston Post Cane. It disappeared for several decades, but was then anonymously returned around 1999. It is now kept at the committee headquarters on Main St. in Sanford.(via Paul Auger, Sanford Historical Committee)

Scarborough

Scarborough has their original Boston Post Cane. There is a small ceremony where a plaque and pin is presented to the recipient for them to keep. The cane is also recognized during the ceremony; however, the recipient does not actually keep it. Information regarding the application process on the Boston Post Cane can be found here.

August 2009: Scarborough lost their Boston Post Cane holder, Blanche Cook, in June of 2009. However, on August 30, 2009, Eldred H. Harmon will be the next recipient. His wife Patricia submitted his name in 2004. Mr. Harmon was born August 30, 1910 and has lived in Scarborough all his life. (via Tody Justice, Town Clerk of Scarborough).

October 2005: Blanche Cook, holder of Scarborough’s cane, turned 104 in October 2005. (thanks to Sylvia Most for Blanche’s name).

Searsmont

Searsmont continues the tradition. The cane was presented to Ira Packard, 95, on November 22, 2005.

Sebago

Sebago has their cane and it is on display at the town hall.
May 9, 2009: Sebago’s Boston Post Cane was passed on to Mary Frances O’Neil, Sebago Maine’s oldest resident at a ceremony at the Sebago Historical Society. Mary Frances was honored by acting as the Marshall and leading the Sebago Days Parade on July 18, 2009.  [picture] (via email from Susan Gasset, August 2009)

Sep 2008: The Sebago cane was awarded to Lillian Amrhein who is 101. (via Susan Gassett)

Sebec

Sebec proudly continues the tradition using the original cane as intended. Sebec’s cane shows some wear and tear but still brings great pride and distinction to its holders.

June 2007, the cane was passed to Lillian Herring.

June 2007, the previous recipient, John Cotton, passed away at 96 yrs. after holding the can for a year. Sadie Ames was the holder prior to John for a number of years. (via Walter Emmos, Selectman)

Shapleigh

Shapleigh continues the tradition of awarding the cane.  The town has an online photo gallery of some of the more recent recipients of the cane.

July 2009: The holder of Shapleigh, Maine’s Post Cane, Eleanor Loija, passed away on July 17. The Acton-Shapleigh (via email from Scott Burgess). The Acton-Shapleigh Historical Society has a nice article on Eleanor: read the article.

April 2009: The current holder of the cane is Eleanor Loija, who was born on Nov 21, 1911.  She received the cane in July 2008. (via Scott Burgess, Eleanor’s great-grand-nephew).  (article)

2007: Gaston Lebeau, holder of Shapleigh’s cane passed away.

August 2006: the current holder is Gaston Lebeau. Mildred Grant was presented with the Boston Post Cane on Friday, March 21, 2003. (via email from SueEllen Chamberlain, November 2003)

South Thomaston

South Thomaston’s original cane is still in use and was presented to George Van Wert (93) on April 10, 2003. Mr. Van Wert’s beloved wife, Beth, was the previous holder, although she refused possession, stating it should go to someone who actually needed it.The town has have a record of cane receipients from the past 25 years. (Inquiries can be sent to town office at sthomstn@midcoast.com(via e-mail from Penelope Alley, Selectman, April 2003)

Southport

The current holder of Southport’s cane, Ruth Rhodes Lepper Gardner’s celebrated her 100th birthday in June 2005.The previous holder, Evelyn (Dox) Stratton, 98, received the Boston Post Cane in November 2002. Her grandfather, Royal Luther, and two aunts, Louise Luther and Evelyn Luther Pratt, also held Southport’s Boston Post Cane.(source)

Southwest Harbor

In January 2006 the Boston Post Cane was still held by the oldest citizen in Southwest Harbor, Maine: Hester Martel. (We believe it was awarded to her in her 100th year) She turned 105 in April of 2005.(via email from Mary Ellen Martel)

Standish

Standish continues the tradition. The current holder is Florence Sturgis (May 2005)

Starks

The town of Starks continues the tradition.

August 2010: Starks’ Boston Post Cane was awarded to lifelong resident Beula Lorraine Farrand Hebert, age 88.  While her family has resided in Starks since 1790 she is the first to receive the cane.  [article] (via Jennifer Zweig Hebert)

Swan’s Island

Swan’s Island continues the tradition and has kept a good record the past few decades.

May 4, 2009: The Selectmen of Swan’s Island presented their cane to Stephen McCormick. (via email from Dexter Lee, Selectman).

From the Bar Harbor Times – May 7, 2009 by correspondent Ken Dutille:  “Lt. Col. Steven McCormick is the new person on Swans Island to receive the Boston Post Cane. He was presented with it at a gathering at Ken and Georgia Heller’s on Monday evening of this past week. Alberta Buswell had held the Boston Post Cane since Feb. 22, 2003. Steven is the former White House correspondent for Mutual Radio, and served as vice president of the Radio Network. Steve is a great friend and I always enjoy listening to his stories about life in Washington, D.C. And at 95 he still drives a vehicle and has a very strong voice, and Swans Island is very proud to have him and his wonderful wife, Theo, as year-round residents.”

Media: island-journal-article; swans-island-gold-cane;

Prior recipients of Swan’s Island’s cane were: Howard Staples  ?-1967; Minnie Parker 1967-1968; Maud Bridges        1968-1976; Raymond Stinson 1976-1976; Lilla Moulden  1976-1984; Helen Stanley  1984-1985; Jennie Staples 1985-1986; Winfield Merrithew 1986-1986;    Hazel Staples 1986-1988; Marguerite Orcutt 1988-1990; Ruth Moulden 1990-1991; Olive Heller 1991-1995; Irene Kent  1995-2003; Zulma Higgins   2003-2003; Alberta Buswell 2003-2009

April 2009:  Alberta Clara Buswell, 98, died peacefully April 22, 2009.  She was born July 25, 1910, on Swans Island, the daughter of Nelson and Clara (Stanley) Sprague.  She grew up on Swans Island and in Rockland. Alberta moved back to Swans Island after her marriage to Ted Buswell, and she lived the rest of her life there.   She was constantly busy with various self-employment jobs, including sheep raising, managing a bed and breakfast, building and renting cabins, knitting and various other handicrafts. Her sweaters and quilts are treasured by those who own them. Her cooking ability was well known and enjoyed by all. Alberta’s family included a son, Albert Buswell of Swans Island; four daughters, Theo May and Leona Buswell, both of Swans Island, Theresa Orcutt of Bremen, and Etta Morrison of New Harbor; 23 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, 24 great-great-grandchildren and two great-great-great-grandchildren. (via email from Dexter Lee, May 2009).

Topsham

Topsham keeps their cane in a custom case made by a local craftsman and is housed at the Municipal Building. It is planned to have a more public display with the completion of a new Municipal Complex.Ralph Williams, from the Topsham History Commitee recalls the cane “having been in the possession of Frank E. Carver, late police chief of Topsham and for whom the Police Station and Rescue Barn are dedicated, and as he was nearing the end of his life asked that I carry it back to the town because he feared that greedy relatives would try and dispose of it. Frank “dated” my grandmother for the last 16 years of his life. He passed away just prior to his 100th birthday.”(via email from Ralph A. Williams, Chairman, Topsham History Committee)

Turner

The cane is still in existence in Turner. It was awarded to Mrs. Bernice Mason on September 5, 2001(source)

Unity

The cane is still in existence in Unity, which celebrated its bicentennial in July 2004.Thelma Vroom (age 96) was presented the cane on July 1, 2006.The prior holder was C. Irving Porter, 94. He inherited it from Hazel Hubbard. In the past couple of decades, one or two other ladies were eligible to possess the cane but declined as they did not want neighbors to know their ages.(source)It was awarded to Hazel H. Hubbard (age 96) September 7, 2001(source)

Vanceboro

On September 22, 2002 The Boston Post Cane was presented to Aubrey Raye in recognition of being the oldest living resident of The Town of Vanceboro.The Cane is on display at The Vanceboro Historical Society(source)

Vassalboro, Maine

Their cane turned up in Monterey, California, in the home of an unidentified antique hunter who had purchased the cane. He was about to have the head of the cane melted down, but after he saw the name on the head of it he became curious and called the town manager to ask about the historical significance of the walking stick. He wanted to sell it for the same price he had paid for it. It is now back in Vassalboro, Maine. Still in use.

Warren

Warren continues the tradition.

August 2008: The holder of the Warren cane is Anita Wyllie Messner, born in the family homestead parlor on August 15, 1906. (via David George, Anita’s grands0n).

Wayne

In 2007 Wayne was looking to reinstate the tradition.  They don’t appear to have the original cane. (via Pamela Grimshaw, Manager, Town of Wayne)

Weld

The Weld Historical Society holds the cane for the town of Weld. The current holder is Dorothy Winter (100 this past October) and she was ceremoniously presented with the cane and then it was returned to its case at the Society headquarters. (Courtesy of Sean Minear, President, Weld Historical Society – April 2002.)The first recipient of the Boston Post Cane for the town of Weld, Maine was Ephraim Robertson , a farmer & finish carpenter.(source, including photos!)

Wells

The Wells cane is in the historical society and the tradition was revived a year ago. A replica pin is awarded the recipient along with a certificate. The recipient’s name is also put on a plaque in the Wells -Ogunquit Historical Society. The Oldest resident of Ogunquit is also presented with the pin and certificate and plaque as Ogunquit was part of Wells and split off in the 1960′s (or early 70′s).(via email from Philip Grow – May 2003)

West Gardiner

West Gardiner presents the cane to its oldest citizen and it returns to the Town Hall between recipients. Victor Litiere, 96, born in Belgium in 1907, was awarded the cane on October 23, 2003.(via the Kennebec Journal, October 27, 2003)

Whitefield

Whitefield appears to have possession of its original cane and keeps it safe at the town offices. Recipients are presented the cane, but are not allowed to keep it. Instead they receive a photo of the ceremony.In October 2004, Whitefield selected its two oldest citizens to share the honor but not the object itself. A photograph of the presentation attests to the recognition of the women while the ebony stick will remain in the town office. The honorees were Florence Russell, 102, who lives in a boarding home in Hallowell but spent nearly 95 years in the town; and Mabel Bucklin, 104, originally of Morrill, who now lives at Country Manor Nursing Home in Coopers Mills.(source)

Wilton

Wilton appears to continue the tradition. The most recent receipient was Minnie (Hildreth) Jellison on May 2, 1998. There is significant research done on past holders by the Wilton Farm and Home Museum (bravo!).(source)

Winterport

Winterport continues the tradition. In November 2005 Ernest Tuttle, 96, accepted the cane as Winterport’s oldest citizen.In 2004, Town records show that since 1909 the Winterport cane has been held by 13 residents.Previous receipients of the cane were Katharine A. Woodward, 97, in September 2004, and Victoria Grant (date unknown).

Woolwich

The original cane is on display in Woolwich’s town office. A replica of it is given to the recipients. A plaque with a list of all of the recipients is planned.Selectmen David King presented the Boston Post Cane to Stanley Wallace, Woolwich’s oldest resident, on November 6, 2002. In a brief and informal presentation, King offered his congratulations to Mr. Wallace for attaining the honor. Born in Bath 1910, he celebrated his 92nd birthday on June 26, 2002.Eleanor Adeline Jameson was awarded the cane in January 2001.According to the 2000-2001-town report there have been about 35 recipients of the cane in Woolwich since 1914.(source) (source)

Yarmouth

Yarmouth Maine still honors the tradition – although the cane is temporarily in the hands of the Town Clerk.Yarmouth has notes on who has received the cane in the most recent past (mid 1970′s forward), but it is far from complete. They are considering two policy changes on awarding the cane: (a) require that the recipient be a current resident and have been a resident for a minimum period (5 years?) so that they don’t award the cane to residents of one of their nursing homes who may legally be residents but have never been engaged in the community, and (b) having a replica or other token made so that the original can be on display in the Town Hall or Historical Society with a plaque listing all names of past honorees.(via email from Town Manager Nat Tupper – April 2003)

York

York’s cane is on view in the Library of the Old York Historical Society, in York, Maine. The Library is open to the public Thursdays-Fridays 9-12, 1-5 and on Saturdays 10-4. We believe the cane was last given out by the Rotary in 1984. After the recipient’s death the Rotary gave it to Old York Historical Society. In the mid 1990s the York Senior Center requested the cane and tried to continue the tradition, but found that it was too difficult to keep track of it and returned the cane to the Society in 2002. (via Cynthia Young-Gomes, Old York Historical Society)