NORTH READING — The Boston Post Cane will be awarded soon to the oldest citizen of North Reading who has lived here for at least 25 years.
The Boston Post Cane Award was created in 1909 by Mr. Edwin A. Gozier, publisher of the Boston Post newspaper. He gave the Board of Selectmen in 700 towns in New England a cane of ebony imported from Africa topped with an ornate engraved head of 14 karat gold. The cane was to be presented with the compliments of the Boston Post to the oldest citizen in the town. At that time “citizen” meant “man.” Since then, times have changed and as of 1930 “citizen” was updated to mean man or woman.
The Boston Post went out of business in 1956, but the tradition has been carried on by towns in New England for over a century. North Reading has created replica canes with brass heads. There are actually two canes: one is to be displayed at the Flint Memorial Library and the other presented to the recipient along with a commemorative pin as well as a Certificate of Recognition.
Although the cane will remain in the custody of the Town of North Reading and only be used for photo opportunities and celebrations, the pin and certificate will remain in possession of the recipient. When or if the recipient moves out of North Reading or passes away, the Cane Award shall be passed on to the town’s current oldest resident meeting the criteria.
Since the current recipient, Mrs. Carmen DiChiara, passed away on September 14, 2024, her 101st birthday, the Cane Award will be presented to the next qualifying citizen. There will be an announcement soon of the next recipient. Stay tuned!
