The Boston Post Cane Tradition in Buckfield

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The Boston Post Cane is a unique New England tradition dating back to 1909, when the Boston Post newspaper distributed engraved, ebony canes to towns across Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. These special canes were to be presented to the oldest living resident in each community as a mark of honor and respect.

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Here in Buckfield, we continue to celebrate this tradition by awarding the Boston Post Cane Award to our town’s eldest resident. The recipient holds the cane as a symbol of longevity, history, and our town’s appreciation for their place in our community. When the current holder passes away or moves, the Boston Cane Award is passed on to the next eldest resident.

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We take great pride in honoring our elders and their life stories, and the Boston Post Cane is one of the ways Buckfield recognizes the wisdom and contributions of our most senior community members.

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If you know someone who may be the oldest resident of Buckfield or want to learn more about the Boston Post Cane’s history in our town, please reach out to the Buckfield Historical Society or the town office. 

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The next nomination window begins January 1, 2026 and will run for 60 days, ending on March 2, 2026. Please use the form to make your nomination by clicking the button below, or stop by the town office for a paper copy.

 

 

 

 

Buckfield - Known Recipients

1. Merritt Farrar - Died April 28, 1912 (94 years, 9 months) First Recipient

2. Hamden A. Allen - Died August 5, 1914 (92 years, 3 months, 29 days)

3. Edward G. Cole - Died October 2, 1923 (92 years, 1 month, 7 days)

4. Levi Newton - Died March 31, 1924 (92 years, 1 month, 28 days)

5. Judson Merrill - Died January 28, 1925 (Age Unknown)

6. Asa Atwood - Died February 28, 1930 (95 years, 5 months, 26 days)

7. Moses Brown - Died August 13, 1931 (88 years, 10 months, 18 days)

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From 1977 until 1996 all three holders of the cane were women.

1. Edna Scott - Awarded when she was 93 (1977)

2. Mildred Keene - Awarded when she was 91 (1985)

3. Marguerite Crandlemere - Awarded when she was 98 (September 17, 1996)

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March 22, 2014: Madaline Brown - Died June 27, 2015 (96, 5 months, 21 days)

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Modern day recipients will be presented the award in a private or public ceremony of their choosing and will be photographed with the original cane. However the cane will be housed at the Buckfield Historical Society for safe keeping.​

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