Boston Post Cane

A search is on to find and honor the Oldest CItizen in Londonderry with the Boston Post Cane.

The Boston Post Cane dates back nearly a century (1909) when Edwin Grozier, publisher of the Boston Post Newspaper, began the tradition as an advertising gimmick. There were 431 New England towns, Londonderry was one, to receive a cane crafted from imported African black ebony wood, the head gilden with 14 carat gold and inscribed with the name of the town.

Post Cane holders have been Hiram C. Matthews; Joseph L. Day; Fred H. Smith, Cora Lurvey Smith; Jessie Webster Beckley; and John Hardy Madden. It is now time for you to be honored or someone you know.

Guidelines for Boston Post Cane Recipient

1. Oldest citizen of Londonderry document by birth certificate, passport or voter registration

2. U.S. Citizen, naturalized or registered voter.

3. Has lived in Londonderry at least 30 years and currently resides here.

4. Has been a contributor to the town (or neighboring community) in some way and/or active member in a local nonprofit organization..

2007 Recipient of the Boston Post Cane
Barbara M. (Walton) Eaton

Photo Courtesy of Suzanne Laurent & Eagle-Tribune