The Boston Post Cane, introduced in 1909, was a unique tradition sent to the selectmen of 700 towns across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, and Rhode Island. Its purpose was to honor the oldest citizens in each community. This iconic cane was the brainchild of Edwin Grozier, the publisher of the Boston Post, who was inspired by the promotional stunts of his former employer, Joseph Pulitzer.
The canes, crafted from ebony imported from the Congo in Africa and adorned with a crown of 14-karat gold, were symbols of both elegance and tradition. Each cane was a masterpiece, reflecting the fine craftsmanship and attention to detail of its materials.
When it came time to present these prestigious canes, each ceremony varied in its level of ceremonial pomp. Some were grand affairs, filled with dignitaries and community members, while others were more intimate gatherings, held with solemnity and respect.
The recipient of the cane, typically the oldest living male in the municipality, received it with honor and humility. For many, it was a moment of profound significance, marking not only their personal longevity but also their connection to the history and heritage of their community.
As the cane passed from one honored citizen to the next, it carried with it a sense of continuity and legacy, linking generations and preserving the memory of those who had come before. Each new recipient added their own chapter to the story of the Boston Post Cane, ensuring its place as a cherished tradition in their town.
The Town of Wilbraham was honored to be among the recipients of the prestigious Boston Post Cane, a tradition initiated in 1909 by the Boston Post to recognize the oldest citizens of participating communities.
Wilbraham’s cane bears the engraving: “Presented by the Boston Post to the OLDEST CITIZEN of North Wilbraham, Mass.” The choice of wording on the gold head raises questions, as it is unclear why “North Wilbraham” was specified instead of simply “Wilbraham.” This peculiar detail adds an element of curiosity to an otherwise distinguished tradition.
Reverend Nathaniel Jewett Merrill was the first recipient of the cane, receiving it in 1909 at the age of 91. A distinguished member of a prominent Wilbraham family, Merrill passed away at the age of 94 on August 14, 1912.
Merrill’s remarkable life began with his education at Wesleyan Academy, now Wilbraham & Monson Academy. After graduating, he ventured south to teach at Louisiana State College and, alongside his brother Amos, co-founded Merrill Academy in New Orleans.
Returning to New England, Merrill pursued theological studies and became the pastor of several Massachusetts churches. A dedicated abolitionist, he actively supported the cause and served during the Civil War.
At the age of 65, Merrill returned to Wilbraham, where he continued to preach and teach at the academy, leaving a lasting impact on his community. He is laid to rest at Woodland Dell Cemetery in Wilbraham, a testament to a life of service, education, and devotion.
The second holder of the cane was Reverend Charles Henry Gates, another esteemed pastor. Born in 1823, Gates was ordained in the Congregational Church in 1851. A life dedicated to faith and service, he lived to the age of 91, passing away in 1914. Reverend Gates is buried in East Wilbraham Cemetery, marking the final resting place of a man who played a significant role in his community’s spiritual life.
The Boston Post frequently covered cane presentations, often asking recipients to share their secrets to longevity. Answers varied, with some attributing their long lives to abstaining from alcohol and tobacco, while others credited regular indulgence in the same.
Initially reserved for men, the tradition evolved in the 1930s to include women, marking a progressive step toward gender equality in Wilbraham's customs.
However, the cane was not universally embraced. In some communities, it gained a reputation as a jinx. Stories circulated of recipients meeting untimely deaths shortly after receiving the cane, fueling superstitions and adding an intriguing layer of mystery to the tradition.
Despite the Boston Post ceasing publication in 1956, the tradition persisted in many communities. As late as the 1980s, around 400 canes were believed to be in circulation. Presentations continued into the 21st century, sometimes with certificates or replicas due to the scarcity of original canes. Remarkably, some canes resurfaced after being missing for decades, found tucked away in attics, vaults, and closets. One such cane had been missing for over fifty years.
Today, many of these historic canes are retired to displays in town halls and historical societies, preserving the memory of this unique tradition and the honored citizens it celebrated.
Like in other towns, the presentation of the cane in Wilbraham symbolized respect for the wisdom and longevity of its oldest residents. Over the years, the cane has become a cherished part of Wilbraham's history, symbolizing the resilience and longevity of its community. Unfortunately, this tradition was discontinued many years ago, leaving the cane to reside quietly in the town clerk's vault, waiting for its story to be revived and celebrated once more.
An intriguing discovery was made regarding the Boston Post Cane tradition: a second cane surfaced alongside the original, its head etched with four sets of initials—W.A.M., A.R.J., N.M., and C.N.M. While crafted from similar materials, this cane is not an original Boston Post Cane.
This find raises fascinating questions about its origins. It is likely the second cane was the one donated in 1969 by Wilbraham resident Geraldine Dorey. Her intent was for this cane to be presented to the oldest person in Wilbraham who had lived in the town for at least 25 years.
Barbara Staples documented this unique practice in her 1997 book, The Bay State’s Boston Post Canes, highlighting Wilbraham’s distinctive take on this cherished tradition.
In 2014, Wilbraham's Golden Cane program was revitalized by Dennis Lopata, Executive Director of Life Care of Wilbraham. His inquiry led Paula Dubord, Director of Elder Affairs, to research and locate the original cane in the town vault. In March 2014, Selectman Jim Thompson presented the Golden Cane to Winifred (Peggy) Stearns on her 103rd birthday. Peggy proudly held this prestigious honor as Wilbraham's oldest resident until her passing at 109 years old on May 2, 2020.
Continuing this historic tradition, Wilbraham will now display the two gold-headed canes at the new Wilbraham Senior Center. The Wilbraham Council on Aging, in collaboration with the Wilbraham Select Board, has established criteria for the Golden Cane presentation:
The recipient must be a resident of Wilbraham for at least five years, verified through the Town Clerk's records.
The Select Board will present the cane to the chosen resident, along with a personalized plaque.
The cane will remain on display at the Senior Center, accompanied by a plaque listing the recipient's name and the year of presentation.
The Director of Elder Affairs will organize the presentation, manage publicity, and maintain a logbook of all recipients.
This initiative ensures the Golden Cane tradition endures, honoring Wilbraham's oldest residents while preserving a cherished piece of the town's history. Both the original Boston Post Cane and the second cane are proudly displayed at the Wilbraham Senior Center, housed together in a dedicated display case. This exhibit serves as a testament to the town’s commitment to celebrating its elders and maintaining its unique traditions for future generations.
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