The Boston Post Cane

News about Boston Post Canes for towns in Massachusetts (MA)

Abington

Myrtle Driscoll, 102, is the current holder of the cane (Apr 2005) Previous holders were Dorothy Barrett (104 in March of 2004) and Esther Morrison (March 2002). No information as to the status of the original cane.

Acton

Acton appears to restarted the tradition after a long hiatus.  On August 10, 2008 Acton’s Boston Post Cane was awarded to Gladys Linnard on her 100th birthday. The cane was presented by Lauren Rosenswieg, chairwoman of the Acton Board of Selectmen.  Born in Maywood, Illinois and educated as a school teacher she met her husband, Irvin Linnard, on a trip to Boston.  They settled in New Jersey, raised a family, and moved to Acton in 1991.  A devoted gardener, she still tends to her plants.  (via email from Pat Herdeg, April 2009)  (source: article)

Amherst

Amherst continues the tradition. The town has set the following criteria for receiving the cane: 1) Must have lived in Amherst at least ten years. 2) Must be listed on the street list. 3) Must be the oldest eligible person

As of January 2010 the current holder of Amherst’s cane is Loretta Cavanaugh. Loretta was awarded the cane on April 19, 2009 at the age of 101 (born August 7, 1908)

Prior recipients of the Amherst Boston Post Cane include:

Gertrude Abrams was awarded the cane on August 25, 2008. She was born on July 26, 1907 and passed away on October 4, 2008

Lucy Norkin received the cane in 2007 and passed away in July 2008. She did want anyone to know she was the recipient.

Ken Padelford received the cane in 2002. Birthday is 12/18/1902 and he died February 26, 2007.

Gilbert Roberts received cane and the Hampshire County chair at age 105 He died in 2002 at age 106.

Marjorie MacLeod received cane Dec. 1994 and died in 2000 at age 106

Margo Rand received cane June 30, 1994 and died that year at age 104

Ruben Pomeroy received cane June 1977 at age 94 (the cane had been offered to two older women residents who turned it down)

(via email from Nancy Hirsh Pagano, Director, Amherst Senior Center – Feb 2010)

Ashburnham

Ashburnham presents the cane to the recipient then returns it to the Town Hall for safekeeping. A plaque is presented for the honor of receiving the cane. On February 2, 2005 the town presented the cane to Alyce J. Prentice, 98. Ashburnham’s previous holder of the cane, Frances Gardiner, who was born in 1906, died on Dec. 4, 2004. Ashburnham’s cane disappeared for a period of approximately three years about 15 years ago, until a selectman tracked it down. Since then, the cane has remained at Town Hall, emerging from the vault only for ceremonies, and the selectmen have given plaques in its place. (via email from David Colbert, The Gardner News, Feb 2005)

Ashby

Mrs. Lina Pernaa celebrated her 99th birthday in January 2006. Lina received the Ashby, MA cane at a ceremony at the town offices on October 23, 2003 at the age of 97. The previous holder, a Mrs. Forss, passed away in September at the age of 99. Mrs. Addie Mutch and a Dr. Gibbon preceded her as the cane’s stewards.(via email from Janet Pernaa Coulombe, October 2003)

Auburn

Auburn has its original cane, stored in the town vault for safe keeping. In August 2006 they were seeking a new receipient for the cane (the holder receives a replica).(via email from Eric Tsetsi, The Auburn News)

Ayer

Ayer has their original cane in safe storage. The tradition continues in Ayer using a replica. Surrounded by her family and friends, 97 year old Lillian P. Messer received the town’s Boston Post Cane, honoring her as Ayer’s eldest resident in October 2004.However, in checking on who the cane should be presented to next, the name of Annie L. Thompson, born on June 27, 1906, was found. Having lived in Ayer for 71 years, Thompson was almost a year older than Messer but she could not be located. Later they determined she was at a nursing home in Westford.Months after presenting the cane to Messer, town officials learned Thompson had returned to Ayer and was now a resident at Apple Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Ayer.Rejoicing in the discovery of yet another oldest living inhabitant, this person approaching the age of 98, selectmen held a golden cane ceremony at Apple Valley on Feb. 2, 2005.(source: The Public Spirit, Feb 2005)

Barre

Gathering dust. Oldest resident, a woman, refused to accept it because she feels “you will soon die”.

Barnstable

Barnstable continues the tradition.

August 2009: Barnstable’s Boston Post Cane was awarded to Signy Moen from West Barnstable.  She is now 104 years old.  Tears came to my eyes as I watched with amazement as this woman walked into the Senior Center with her family around her.
She is quite healthy, takes no medication, and has a good sense of humor.  She originally came from Norway.  [picture] (via email from Linda E. Hutchenrider, Town Clerk)

Evelyn Coleman, 103 held Barnstable’s cane in 2005.

Bellingham

Lost for 30 years. Found in Mendon in 1975 and returned to Bellingham. In 1976 the Selectmen voted to retire the cane and remanded it to the Historical Commission. A replica is presented to the oldest resident — recently to Mary (”Mae”) Vater.(source)Another source states that Bellingham’s cane was lost for over 40 years, but was relocated in 1988 and is now in the safekeeping of the Bellingham Historical Commission. The real cane is symbolically presented to each recipient, then returned, and the recipient is given a replica to keep.Current recipient is Mabel Massart, 98 years of age. Ernie Taft, Chairman of the Historical Commission, brought the cane to Massart as her family was celebrating her 98th birthday.(source)

Berlin

Berlin appears to continue to tradition. Charlie Thurber was once Berlin’s oldest resident, and he held the Boston Post Cane from 1995 to 1996.(source: Boston Globe, 12-Dec-2004)

Bourne

Bourne appears to be continuing the tradition. (Apr 2005)

Bridgewater

The Bridgewater Cane in located in our senior center in Bridgewater in a glass case (Peter Murray, Mar 2008)

Buckland

The Town of Buckland, Massachusetts still presents the cane to the oldest citizen. The whereabouts of the original cane is unknown. The Town replaced the cane and it is presented to the oldest citizen.

The holder of the cane for the Town of Buckland is Sylvia Wheeler, born July 20, 1913. (via email from Janice Purington, Town Clerk, August 2009).

July 2008: Thelma Rowland-Shaw (98) received the cane on July 31, 2008. She will be 99 on Nov 14. (via Linda Rowland)

Charlton

Charlton continues the tradition, but the original cane went missing in 1984.  A substitute cane was donated and in Feb 2008 that “replica” cane was stolen.  A plaque recognizing the holder as the oldest citizen in Charlton is on display in the town hall.

Feb 2008: Charlton’s current holder, Annie M. Kingston, 103, lived on Hammond Hill Road most of her life and now resides at the Masonic Home. She was awarded the cane a few days after her 100th birthday in May 2005.

Chester

Chester’s original cane is missing. In 1986, one of the selectmen purchased a duplicate of the original cane and the Historical Commission presents this cane to the holder. In 1909, William Stevens, 93, was the oldest man in town and may have been the first recipient of the cane.The current holder is Peg Salvani, who was 100 years old on September 13, 2002.(source)

Concord

Now use a substitute annually. The 2006 receipient of the cane was Fritz Kussin.

Deerfield

Deerfield keeps the tradition alive by presenting the cane to the oldest resident on their birthday each year.  The recipient in Deerfield receives a lapel pin, and after the ceremony the cane is returned for safekeeping in Town Hall.

Feb 2009: The current holder of the Deerfield cane is Blanche Hukowicz of South Deerfield, who was 101 in 2008.  We believe she first received the cane in 2005.

On August 24, 2003, Helena Marchefka, 99, was presented the cane by the Selectmen at a gathering of her family and friends.(via the Daily Hampshire Gazette, August 26, 2003)

Dennis

On display in the Town Clerk’s office. The tradition continues.(source)

Easton

The Easton Historical Society continues the tradition. As on December 2006 Easton’s cane is held by Francis Kramer, age 100 or 101. Mr. Kramer was first awarded the cane in 2005.Easton cane was previously presented to Anne Tyler, 102, in September 2004. Laura Delia Victoria (Smith) Holmberg was presented the Easton’s cane in December of 2002. Laura passed away in January 2003 at age 104

Franklin

Franklin has resumed its awarding of the cane (it was retired in our 1980’s survey) and they have their original cane. The tradition of presenting the award goes back many years. It has been given to as many males as females in Franklin. Hemmingsen is Franklin’s 29th (known) holder of the cane. The cane stays in Town Hall, but the recipient’s name is added to a plaque that is kept in the Town Hall museum. On November 6, 2003, Franklin Town Clerk Deborah Pellegri presented the Boston Post Cane award to Clara Hemminsen, 104.(via the Milford Daily News, November 7, 2003)

Foxborough

Foxborough, MA still actively presents its Post Cane to the town’s oldest citizen. For security reasons the presentation is symbolic and the cane is returned to a safe place after the ceremony. The cane is kept locked in a display cabinet in the Town Hall while the recipient is given a plaque. (via email from Dick Leggee, Foxborough Historical Commission, June 2003)

April 16, 2009: Foxborough passed its cane to Harry Cederlund, age 100.  Harry was born in Lynn on Sept 9, 1908, grew up in Mansfield, and has lived in Foxborough since 1932.  His wife of 75 years, Mabel Astrid Hansen, passed away in 2008 at the age of 98.  Harry attributes his long life to eating well, not smoking or drinking, and leaving the window open at night to let in fresh air.  [article] [article]

Georgetown

Georgetown has its original cane locked in a vault. It is brought out for the presentation ceremony and the returned.On November 18, 2006 Georgetown’s cane was presented to Blanche Cahill (age 101). Upon receiving the cane Blanche said “I’ve never had a use for a cane, but I’ll find a use for this one.”(via the Georgetown Record)

Granby

Granby continues the tradition and the Historical Society there is attempting to put together a complete list of Boston Post Cane recipients for the town.

March 2010: The most recent holder of Granby’s cane was Mary Frances (Buckhout) McVay, who passed away on January 30, 2010 – just a couple of months shy of her 100th birthday -March 1, 1910. (via email from Cindy Watson)

Groton

Groton appears to continue the tradition.

Jan 2008: Upon the death Mrs. Vena Durham-Henrickson at the age of 104, the Groton Boston Post cane has been returned to the Town of Groton (via the Town Clerk’s office). Mrs Henrickson held the cane for 4 years.

Jul 3004: Vena Durham Henrickson received the cane celebrating her 100th birthday on June 23, 2003.(via article in the Townsend Times, July 4, 2003)

Groveland

The town of Groveland still possesses their Boston Post Cane. It has always been given to the oldest ‚Äúmale‚Äù resident of town. It’s currently in the Groveland COA’s office. The town is in the process of having a display case made for our original cane. Groveland purchased a replica from the town of Peterborough NH for presentation at Older Americans’ Day on May. Up until this year, they had given the original cane to the recipients, but have chosen to award a replica out of fear that their original will be lost like many other towns.(via email from Lynne Stanton, Groveland COA, April 2007)

Hamilton

In May 2007 Hamilton awarded its cane to Llewellyn “Tom” Thomas, age 92.Hamilton’s Boston Post cane was lost sometime in the 1950s. In 2002 the Hamilton Historical Society purchased two replicas, one each for the eldest male and female in the town.Katherine Murphy is the current female holder of the cane.The prior male holder was John Endicott Lawrence, 96, and the previous female cane holder was Elise Bilodeau who passed away in November 2005 at the age of 105.

Hampden

Carefully preserved.

Hanover

Hanover had misplaced its cane for a number of years when it was discovered in the basement of Town Hall. It is currently on display in the Hanover Town Hall lobby.(via email from Tyler Cavanagh, April 2007)

Hardwick

The Hardwick, MA Boston Post Cane has been returned to the town in very good condition. The last person to hold the cane was Rayomond O. Damon – DOB 1893, DOD 1997. The cane is now encased in a handsome wooden case with a glass front and displayed in the main foyer of our Municipal Building for all to look at. (via email from Paula Roberts, Town Clerk, August 2009)

Harvard

Harvard continues the tradition. The most recent receipient was Mildred Allen, who had died on June 27, 2003 at the age of 101.(via article on harvardhillside.com, July 11, 2003)

Hingham

As of October 2006 Hingham’s cane was held by Anna Savage (age 102) and she had no plans to part with it anytime soon.(via The Patriot Ledger)

Hinsdale

(Cane history forthcoming – we hope)

Holliston

Alice Brown (age 97) received Holliston’s cane on September 14, 2006. Alice grew up in Mansfield and was a nurse for 40 years. (via Holliston TAB)

Hopedale

Gathering dust

Hopkinton

Thought to be lost or misplaced. However as of November 2004 we have reports that the tradition was going as of 2001.(source: Milford Daily News)

Hubbardston

A woman aged 92 declined. Says other women in town are older.

Hudson

Retired by Selectmen to custody of Hudson Library. Some years back two persons, born the same year claimed seniority. Selectmen wrote to the Boston Post for advice; but were told to do what they wanted to about the presentation. That ended the tradition. It was settled by retiring the cane.In December 2004 the Hudson Sun noted that Colonel Adelbert M. Mossman, 96, was the holder of the Boston Post cane as Hudson’s oldest resident, so the tradition appears to have be reinstated.

Hyannis

Tradition of awarding the cane continues. Status of the original cane is unknown.

The most recent holder of the cane in Hyannis was Evelyn Coleman.  Evelyn passed away in March 2009 at the age of 107.  She was the second oldest holder of the cane in her town (another woman reached the age of 110).  Mrs. Coleman grew up on a farm in Nova Scotia.  She met her husband on Cape Cod and together they ran a small grocery store in Park Square.  She had 4 children and many grand- and great-grandchildren.

Barnstable Patriot Article (pdf)

Kingston

In September 2003, Kingston moved into a new Town House. The original Boston Post Cane is encased to be on display and a plaque containing the names of past and the present recipients will be included. Presentation of the cane has been an ongoing tradition in the community. However, in 2000, replicas of the cane began to be presented to insure the safety of the original.(via email from Mary Lou Murzyn, Town Clerk, Kingston, MA)

Feb 20, 2009:  the Boston Post Cane in the town of Kingston will change hands during a 2 p.m. presentation ceremony at Wingate at Silver Lake. The cane will be bestowed upon the town’s oldest resident, Rosemary Wood, who will be greeted by Kingston Town Clerk Mary Lou Merzyn, Board of Selectmen Chairman Paul Gallagher and her family and friends. (via Enterprise news)

Lakeville

We know that Lakeville continued the tradition at one point in time.  Seth Gross (via email) found a reference that Martin King Staples received the cane on March 20, 1948.   [View via Google Books]

Lee

A man removing rubbish in Charlton Mass., found a cane in the rubbish that belonged to the town of Lee, Mass. Its whereabouts had been a mystery for half a century. The last man to receive the cane moved to the Masonic home in Charlton in 1931, taking the cane. The finder had read an article in a magazine about a Dorcester woman, Ms. Eleanor Burns, who made a hobby of locating the current holders of the Boston Post Cane. He wrote to her and she notified the Town of Lee, and they now have the cane.On November 18, 2002, Mary Giarolo was presented the Boston Post Cane at a luncheon at the Senior Center. After the presentation, Mary’s name was added to a plaque. The plaque and the Boston Post Cane are on display at the Lee Town Hall.

Leominster

After Leominster officials honor the new recipient of the cane, the cane itself is returned to City Hall where it is held under lock and key for safe keeping. Leominster’s cane had been missing for decades, only to be discovered in Maine in 2000. The cane was found when it was put up for sale on eBay. City officials contacted the person selling the cane and re-acquired it.As of March 2006 the town is seeking a new receipient after the passing of Florence Berube at age 102.

Lexington

For many years it was lost and a substitute was used. On August 2008 it was thought that the cane was found in the Historical Society’s storage vault – but they are now trying to verify what is what.

Lincoln

Lincoln appears to be continuing the tradition. It awarded the cane to Florence Hollingsworth (age 96) in 2003. Florence was born on August 28, 1906 and passed away in September 2006 at age 100.(via Lincoln Journal)The Lincoln Historical Society may have the cane, but the head appears to have been replaced. They are currently searching for additional records to confirm that Lincoln received a Boston Post Cane and what happened to it. If you have information on Lincoln’s cane, please contact the Historical Society.(via email from Jeanette King, LHS, October 2003)

Longmeadow

We’ve learned that Longmeadow continues the tradition.  Longmeadow’s cane was last presented on January 23, 2003 to Vivian Henschke.  Vivian was born in 1902.  (via email from the Longmeadow Historical Society, May 2009).

Lunenburg

In December 2004 the Lunenburg Selectmen awarded 99-year-old Lucia M. Ross the Boston Post Cane for being the oldest Lunenburg resident.(source: Fitchburg Sentinel)

Mansfield

Mansfield has reinstituted the tradition of the cane in November 2004.(source: Mansfield Daily News, Nov 26, 2004)Mansfield apparently lost its cane in the early 1950’s.We know that Mansfield practiced the tradition in the past. Daniel Leonard was a known receipient of the cane. A resident of Mansfield for 72 years he died on March 11, 1921.(via email from Diane D’Amico, October 2003)

Marion

We know that Marion carries on the tradition by the recent passing of its cane holder,
Marion still follows the Cane tradition with the Selectmen awarding the cane to recipients then returning the cane to the custody of the Town Clerk. The Town Clerk’s office has the honor of caring for the cane and determining who it should be awarded to.

August 2009: The current holder of Marion’s cane is Iva Griffith (born May 26, 1909). (via email from Michele Bissonnette, Assistant Town Clerk)

The previous recipient was Mildred Pickles who was awarded Marion’s cane at the age of 100 in March 2006.

Maynard

Missing from 1928 to 1981 (read our story). Selectmen retired it and remanded it to the Maynard Historical Society. On display in the Maynard Town Hall. The Maynard Historical Society awards certificate to oldest resident.

April 9, 2008: after a proclamation by the Board of Selectmen, the cane was symbolically presented to Dorothy Barlow, 100, who received a certificate.

September 2008: Elizabeth “Bella” Dodd, holder of Maynard’s cane since 2004 passed away at the age of 103.

Medfield

Retired to the Historical Society.

Merrimac

Merrimac appears to continue the tradition. In November 2006 Minerva “Moonie” Buzzell was presented the town’s cane on her 100th birthday.(via The Eagle-Tribune)

Milford

Disappeared.

Millbury

Millbury’s original cane has been missing since around the year 2000 when they had suspended the tradition – a replica of the cane is in their town hall. As of September 2009 they were considering restarting the tradition.

September 17, 2009: Millbury handed out our version of the Boston Post Cane via plaque to Helen Collette, born March 31, 1906. Ms. Collette is still living on her own at 103. (via email from Tish Hayes)

Nahant

Nahant continues the tradition.  The Nahant cane is under the care of the Nahant Historical Society.

May 2009: Fortunately Nahant’s Boston Post cane is one that has survived and is still being awarded to our town’s oldest citizen.  The first recipient in 1909 was Franklin Johnson, a descendent of one of the earliest families on Nahant; the holder in 1953 was the former firefighter Lyman W. Waitt.   Oliver C. Phillips took the cane with him when he moved to Maine in 1960.  His family returned it to Nahant in the 1970s. The cane was then put into the care of the Nahant Historical Society by the town’s selectmen.  Since then it has been awarded to Ann Tierney at 101 years in 1978; to Katherine A. Kelley at 98 years in 1979; to Hugo von Rehberg at 96 years in 1984; to his wife, Genia von Rehberg at 99 years in 1987; to Marguerite Hollingsworth at 99 years in 1995;to Edith Mahoney at 96 years in 1999;to Joseph P. Lermond at 97 years in 2004; to Judge Edward J. Murphy at 99 years in 2007. And just recently to Lucy H. Doane on her 100th birthday December 22, 2008.  Most recently, the cane is presented and then kept at the Historical Society while a framed scroll is presented to the recipient as a permanent keepsake with the community’s congratulations and best wishes!  (via email from Bonnie Ayers D’Orlando, Assistant Curator, Nahant Historical Society)

Needham

Needham’s cane is no longer given out, but is on display in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room in Needham’s Town Hall. (via Gloria Polizzotti Greis, Needham Historical Society).

Newbury

The Town of Newbury, MA holds an original Boston Post Cane. In keeping with tradition, a replica is passed on to the oldest member of the town. The original cane is stored in the town’s vault.

According to the Newburyport Daily News the most recent recipient was Raymond Poor who received the cane on February 26, 2007, the day after his 100th birthday. (via email from Leslie Haley, Asst. Clerk, August 2009).

Northborough

Tradition continues. Status of cane unknown.

Orange

Orange continues the tradition with a replica cane, the original cane was misplaced by a previous recipient’s family. The replica is held on display in the Town Hall with a plaque naming the town’s oldest resident.

August 2009: Mildred Bianchi, 97 (born Nov 13, 1911), was presented with the Boston Post Cane on July 18, 2009. Bianchi was also awarded a pin that she can wear in recognition of her achievement. She was also awarded citations from the Massachusetts Senate and House of Representatives, as well as the town of Orange. Bianchi informed those present that she plans to live to 103, matching that of her oldest relative’s record. (via email from Gary Bianchi, Mildred’s son)

Orleans

Orleans still has their original cane (kept safely in a vault) and it is symbolically awarded to their oldest citizen. Orleans Town Clerk office has kindly provided their record of Orleans’ cane recipients:

Captain Nehemiah Smith Harding, 1909
Captain Edward E. Doane, 1919
Edward B. Crosby, 1936
Arthur Taylor Parker, 1945
Mary Seville Percival, 1947
Anna Victoria Ritz, 1989
Helen Van Dyke, 1991
Llewellyn Smythe Owen, Jr., 1992
Ann M. Smith, 1995
Jesse Laurence Moffitt, 2003
Anna H. Johnson, 2004
Dorothy Howerton, 2009

(via email from Cynthia May, Town Clerk, August 2009)

Oxford

Woman aged 96 was to receive the cane, but it was sent out for repair and became lost.

Plympton

Apr 2008: A tradition, which started as a publicity stunt for a long-forgotten newspaper, but became a loved, and often lost, part of small-town life in Massachusetts, was revisited Monday night at the Plympton Town House.

Surrounded by four generations of family, Eleanor Bowes, 95, was presented with the Boston Post Cane by selectmen. Bowes was born in Canton, the fifth of seven children. Her husband John, worked for the railroad and the lived in a variety of locales, including upstate New York, Rutland and Cape Cod. The two had three sons and 2 daughters and Bowes is now blessed with five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

One little secret though, Eleanor?s cane is a copy. According to a local historian, the town had a pair of replicas made, one for presentation and one as a spare. The original remains in the hands of the Historical Society and will be displayed at their renovated building. (Wicked Local News via scfowler77)

Paxton

Paxton may continue the tradition. It isn’t known if they have their original cane or use a replica.

July 2009: John C. Hyland of Paxton, age 102, was presented the cane in August 2007. Mr. Hyland passed away in July 2009 at the age of 104.

Princeton

Princeton, MA continues the tradition – when the oldest citizen agrees.

On May 24, 2009, during the Town of Princeton’s Memorial Day observances, the chairman of the board of selectmen, Raymond Dennehy III, presented the Town’s Boston Post Cane to Marjorie P. Ollila. She was born in 1913. Prior to her receiving the cane it had been held by Wilmont Flanders, who died May 1 at the age of 99.  During the presentation, Ollila remarked that the only problem with getting the cane is “now everyone knows how old I am.”  (via email from Phyllis Booth, May 2009)

On August 29, 2003 Wilmont Flanders, 93, was awarded the cane. The cane was in the town vault for a year and a half after Stanley Porter died at the age of 99 because the next oldest person didn’t accept the cane.(via article in the Princeton Times, September 2, 2003)

Raynham

Anna M. Phillips held the title as the oldest citizen in the town of Raynham, Bristol County, MA until her death in 1995 at the age of 104 years. It is believed that Raynham still has the cane and they are still passing on the tradition of the cane by allowing the oldest person to possess it.(via e-mail from Brenda M. Levaseur Susol, June 2002)

Rochester

We believe Rochester continues the tradition.

July 2009: We note the passing of Chester E. Rollins, 99. Chester was born in Milton and lived in Rochester since 1924. He was the oldest resident of Rochester and received the Boston Post Cane in October of last year. Mr. Rollins worked as a foreman for Edward Bartholomeu Cranberry Company in Rochester for many years before retiring. (via email from Richard Griffiths, August 2009)

Rockland

Rockland apparently continues the tradition, but it isn’t clear if the original cane is in their possession. The most recent recipient was Maggie MacDonald.In February 2003, the Town of Rockland offered a reward of $250 for information leading to the recovery of the cane.

Rutland

Rutland continues the tradition. During the 1980’s the Rutland Lion’s Club had a replica made of the cane. This is the cane that the Town of Rutland issues to the oldest living resident. The original cane is in the possession of the Town Clerk. (via email from Sally Hayden, August 2009)

Shelburne

Shelburne continues the tradition.

July 31, 2008: The town of Shelburne presented the cane to Thelma Shaw. A resident of Anchorage Nursing Home.  (via Linda Bird)

Sherborn

Retired to the Town Clerk.

Shrewsbury

Shrewsbury’s cane is located in a glass case on the second floor of the Shrewsbury Historical Society.(via email from Tom Rooney, Feb 2007)

Southboro

Retired to the Town Clerk.

Spencer

It is remembered; but has disappeared.

Stow

Disappeared from 1951 to 1971

Sturbridge

Gathering dust.

Sudbury

Retired to the Town Clerk.

Templeton

Templeton has resumed the tradition of awarding the cane to their oldest resident.  On May 26, 2009 the cane was presented to Grace Cadran.  Grace will turn 101 on July 7th.  The cane was presented by Beth Arsenault, Templeton Historical Society, and Gerald Skelton, Templeton Board of Selectmen.  (via email from Beth Arsenault, May 2009).

The cane had disappeared but reappeared and is now in the custody of the Templeton Historical Society. The tradition of awarding the cane is under review. (via e-mail from Beth A. Arsenault, May 2002)

Hetty V. Sherman who held the cane in Templeton Mass, passed away on Nov. 25, 2003 at 104 years old. The Narragansett Historical Society along with the town Selectmen, recently awarded the cane to Kathleen Harding, age 99, living on South Road in Templeton. A miniature hand made cane is given to the recipient after the presentation of the original. After the ceremony, the original is returned to the Narragansett Historical Society Building where it is displayed. (via email from Brian P. Tanguay, Trustee, July 2004)

Townsend

Townsend has maintained the tradition for a number of years. The cane is presented to tje oldest citizen during a ceremony and then is returned to the town hall for safe-keeping. A gold pin is given to the recipient in its place.

Feb 2009: Townsend’s cane is currently held by Pearl Russell, who will be 99 on Feb 20, 2009. (via Jane Jackson)

October 2003: Christina Trombly, 99, was awarded the cane. Previous recepients of the cane included Nellie Ballou and Lulu Stevens – Nellie’s daughter.(via the Townsend Times, October 19, 2003)

Upton, Wellesley

Retired to a safe place.

Walpole

Walpole’s cane is on display in their Town Hall next to the Town Clerk’s office.  (via email from John Anderson, Walpole Historical Society, May 2009).

Wareham

Wareham continues the tradition and keeps its cane safe and sound in the Wareham Free Library.

July 22, 2009: Wareham’s Boston Post Cane was awarded to Ida Monteiro on her 99th birthday in the presence of several generations of her family. Ida lived for a long time on Onset Avenue and then she moved to Camp Street, her home welcomed many for dinner and coffee. In WW2 Ida worked as a welder in the Quincy shipyards. (via email from Richard Griffith)

Ina (Kumpunen) Johnson appears to be the most recent holder. She died in Dec. 2008.

Barlena (Govoni) Hagen received the cane in May 2004 (source) Mrs. Hagen passed away in March 2006.

Previously, the cane was held by Mary (Olivieria) Roderiques, who received it in October 1999 (source). Mary passed away in Aug. 2003.

Martelle (Giles) Murphy held Wareham’s Cane from 1989 until her death in June 1998. (source)

(above updates are courtesy of Richard Griffith)

Warwick

Warwick continues the tradition.  Customarily the cane is only kept by the recipient for a few days or weeks and then it is returned to the town’s safe.

October 3, 2007: the cane was presented at a meeting of the Warwick Women’s Guild to Katherine (Kolka) Magi, who will be 90 on October 27, 2007. (Patricia Lemon, Selectman)

October 2007: The cane was most recently given to a Mr. Kootz, a centenarian who returned it to the Town before moving with his son to Maine.   (Patricia Lemon, Selectman)

September 22, 2004: presented to Flora Witherell as the oldest resident. Flora is 95 years young. (via from her son-in-law)

Watertown

April 2009: Watertown’s cane is on display at the Edmund Rowle House museum.  The town is considering restarting the tradition of awarding the cane to their oldest citizen(s).  [article]

Feb 2009: Through the efforts of a number of private citizen’s Watertown’s cane is about to be returned.

July 2008: Watertown’s cane was recently found and was being returned to the Watertown Historical Society.  It’s a bit banged up, but hopefully can be restored. (via Joseph Piane) [photo]

Webster

Webster does not have their cane.  A replica pin is presented instead.

December 14, 2008, the cane was presented to Florence Dusty,  102 years old, by her grandson Daniel Murray.

West Boylston

West Brookfield

Reinstated the tradition of honoring the oldest citizen in 1999.The cane was awarded to Stella Paquette, age 97, in March 2007. The former president of the West Brookfield Senior Citizens Club has two sons and a daughter, 10 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.(Lost the cane at one point. Unsure if the original cane was found.)

West Newbury

July 2008: We have recently located our Boston Post Cane and will be starting the tradition again this fall.  Our original cane will go on display in town hall, and a replica will be given out.  (via Theresa Poore, director of the West Newbury Senior Center)

Westborough

Westborough has the cane and continues the tradition by presenting the receipient with a pin replica and a certificate. The cane itself hangs on the wall in the Board of Selectmen’s office. In June 2003, the Selectmen awarded the cane to Frederick Temple on the eve of his 104th birthday. According to the report, the cane was recently just handed down from family to family.(via article in the MetroWest Daily News, June 27, 2003)

Westford

In May 2007 Westford awarded their cane to Mary Tilton, age 98. Tilton, who will be 99 in October, grew up on a farm in Ashby, Mass. Her friends agree it was the hard work she did during the years of her life that helped her live so long. Tilton moved to Westford in 1977 and loved the people in the town.In Feb, 2005 the cane was presented to Evelyn Bellemore, 104 by State Rep. Geoff Hall. Evelyn was born Evelyn Labbe on Feb. 7, 1901 in Bedford, Mass. She moved to Westford with her family as a child and began working in the Abbot Worsted Mill in Forge Village at the age of 12.(source: Westford Eagle, Feb 2005)The previous holder in Westford was Beatrice Constantineau, 104, of Westford, MA on March 27, 2005 at the Franco American club in Forge Village. Mrs Constantineau passed away in November 2004.(via email from Dick Desrochers, Westford Eagle 2-Dec-2004)

Westminster

Westminster’s cane was awarded to Porter W. Dawley, 99, on January 26, 2007. A life-long resident of Westminster, he is the first person to receive the honor in over 50 years.In 2003 we heard that Westminster had lost their cane and was seeking to acquire a replica.(via email from Betty Kazan, October 2003)In October 2006 the news came that the cane, missing for over 50 years, had been found. Historical Society Curator Betsy Hannula returned the cane to selectmen after being contacted by an anonymous person who had found the cane and wanted to return it to its rightful owners. The mystery of where it’s been all of these years may never be known. Selectmen plan to display the cane in the new Town Hall building when it’s completed and will make a presentation to the town’s oldest resident. But they will present him or her with a plaque or mini replica of the cane, instead of the real thing.(via Worcester Telegram, and David Colbert)

Westport

The tradition continues on Westport. In November 2002, the Westport cane was awarded to Mabel King, 100. Mrs. King, who was born July 22, 1902, succeeds Eva M. Heyworth, the past recipient of the cane, who recently died at the age of 101. Mrs. King, is a native of Fall River who also lived in New Bedford before making Westport her home in 1919.According to Westport Selectmen Stewart Kirkaldy the grandson of cane manufacturer (J.F. Fradley), Peter Fradley, lives in Westport.No one is quite sure when the cane was first presented in Westport, but the town has maintained records of presentations dating back to 1945.

Whately

Whately presents the cane to the oldest resident of town during a ceremony commemorating the occasion. The resident is also presented a commendation along with flowers. Whately is working on obtaining lapel pins for the holder of the cane. The cane itself is kept safe within the Whately Historical Society archives. It is the town’s intent to put the cane on display along with a plaque showing all the recipients over the years. (via email from Lynn Sibley, Town Administrator, August 2009).

Williamsburg

The Town of Williamsburg presents the Boston Post cane to the oldest citizen (after the presentation, the cane then goes back to the Historical Society), with a replica for the person to keep. The current recipient is Ernest Beliveau, age 96 (born October 1913). (via Eleanor Warnock, October 2009).

Williamstown

Williamstown Massachusetts also possesses an original Boston Post Cane and upholds the tradition of presenting it to the oldest town resident. The cane itself is utilized ceremonially, recipients don’t get to keep it, but they receive a certificate signed by the CoA board chair and the Select board chair and memorialize them on a plaque kept at the senior center. The cane itself is on display at the senior center.

Dec 2009: The Williamstown Boston Post Cane was awarded to Hazel Burdick, age 101.

Feb 4, 2009: Williamstown’s cane was presented to Sophie Prejsnar, 105.

Feb 2009: Williamstown’s cane was missing for about 20 years, vanished sometime in the 1980’s and was forgotten until the fall of 2000. I was cleaning a closet among which was a collection of common canes. One of our seniors asked me what had become of “the gold cane we used to give to the oldest resident” and thus the search began. I did a little research and wrote a couple newsletters on the subject. Numerous citizens identified former cane holders and we tracked every lead to a cold end. We almost concluded that it was gone until someone gave us a newspaper story about yet another recipient whom we had been unaware of. I contacted a family member who confirmed that it had been in the family but was lost, the recipient had given it to neighborhood children to play with and they hadn’t seen it in years. Another newsletter was picked up by the local media, more leads around the same elder cane holder identified an individual whose children were know to have possessed the cane. I called the woman who remembered it but hadn’t seen it, she agreed to look. That was a Friday afternoon. The following Sunday, Easter Sunday 2001, she called me at home to tell me that she had found the cane in her attic. We have presented it seven times since it was relocated, most recently honoring Sophie Prejsnar, our eldest at 105, on February 4th, 2009. (via Brian O’Grady, Williamstown Council on Aging).

Wilmington

Wilmington, MA participated in this tradition and, similarly, no one can remember to whom the last cane was awarded or what happened to it. Wilmington is approaching its 275th anniversary and they will try to have the tradition revived, perhaps in the form of a plaque.(via email from Kathleen Black Reynolds, Curator, Col. Joshua Harnden Tavern, c.1770, Wilmington Town Museum)

Winchester

Near as we can tell, Winchester’s cane is missing. (April 2006)