GREENFIELD — The Historical Society of Greenfield is seeking nominations for the Boston Post Cane award, given annually by the Historical Society and Mayor William Martin to the town’s oldest citizen.
In 1909, the Boston Post newspaper publisher Edwin A. Grozier came up with the idea of giving a gold cane to the oldest resident of New England towns. Originally intended to not only promote the “vigor and longevity of New England,” it also was a tool for newspaper sales. Although many of the original 431 African ebony and gold canes have been lost, Greenfield continues to carry on this long held tradition.
To qualify for the award, residents must have lived in Greenfield for at least the last 10 years; must be listed on the street list; must be the oldest eligible person, although the candidate must be a first-time recipient and have not received the cane before and/or elsewhere; and to prove eligibility, the resident must be able to show proof of age, such as a birth certificate.
In an award ceremony, the honored resident will be awarded a lapel pin and an official certificate as a current Boston Post Cane holder by a member of the Historical Society and Mayor Martin.
Nominations must be postmarked no later than June 15 to The Historical Society of Greenfield, PO Box 415, Greenfield, MA 01302.