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Boston Cane |
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The Hampton Heritage Commission has revived the Boston Post Cane, a New England tradition that dates back over a hundred years. In 1909 the Boston Post Newspaper gave gold-headed and ebony canes to approximately 431 towns as part of an advertising promotion. The purpose was to recognize those who lived long and useful lives,dedicated to thrift, temperance, and right living. Local officials awarded the canes to the oldest man in each town in recognition of his longevity, (women may have been given the right to vote in 1920, but were not allowed to be recipients of the cane until 1930). This was to be done with as much fanfare and publicity as could be mustered. With each presentation of the cane, the Post would run a story and photograph of the recipient, in hopes that the man's friends and fellow townspeople would buy the newspaper. The recipient held the honor as long as he lived (or moved from the town). Upon his death (or move) the cane would be awarded to the next oldest resident.
Most of the original 431 towns discontinued the practice and many have no idea where their canes are today. In Hampton the selectmen abandoned the tradition because they felt it was too difficult to accurately determine who the oldest citizen was. The cane was put into an exhibit case in the Selectmen’s Room. In 2008 the Town Manager and the Heritage Commission revived the tradition, and it was decided to present a replica of the original cane to the oldest individual, who applied for the honor. In October 2008 the Boston Post Cane was awarded to Elizabeth Glenfield. |
Elizabeth Glenfield, holder of the Boston Post Cane. Click here for a biography of Elizabeth. |