Newsletter, book honor Boston Post Cane recipients

The latest issue of “Looking Back at Bradford” offers a nice article about the Boston Post Cane, including a photograph that clearly shows the inscription: “Presented by the Boston Post to the Oldest Citizen …”

Isabelle Rice Morrison is the most recent recipient of the town’s ebony walking stick with gold head. As is the case in many communities these days, she was given a plaque commemorating the honor, while the actual cane remains the property of the town.

The newsletter, put out by Bradford Heritage: Museum and Historical Society, explains the history of the 700 canes distributed beginning in 1909 as publicity for the Boston Post.

Among Bradford recipients were Alberta Alice Tewksbury, who died in 1959; Allen H. Arnold, died 1960; Ora S. Gowen, died 1962; Etta Stockwell, died 1991; Gerald Rozelle, died 1995; Pearl Alway, died 1997; Doris Jones Hanson, died 1999; Hazel E. Wilson, died 2001; and Hazel M. Elgeer, died 2002. Originally, the canes were to be presented to the oldest man in town, but that rule was changed some years ago. Members of Bradford Heritage would really like to fill in the gaps in the list of recipients. If you have information, send it to Bradford Heritage, 1163 Main Road, Bradford, 04410-3008.

The president and editor of Bradford Heritage is Muriel S. Parker. To join and receive the newsletter, send dues of $2 to Bradford Heritage, c/o treasurer Rodric C. Johnson, P.O. Box 11, Bradford, ME 04410.

Bangor Public Library has acquired an interesting book by Barbara Staples, “More Boston Post Canes: The Pine Tree State and Little Rhody.” Her previous books are “The Bay State’s Boston Post Canes: A New England Tradition,” and “Granite State’s Boston Post Canes.”

While many entries indicate merely whether a town received a cane, some offer a photocopied picture and information about the town’s first recipient. For example, there are pictures recipients Levi Weeks of Corinna, Charles Preble of Enfield, Eldridge Chandler of Exeter, Mark Avery of Garland, William H. Spearin of Greenbush, Charles Copeland of Holden, George W. Lunt of Orono, George Brooks of Orrington and John D. Stanwood of Winn.

A few of the others depicted are Pierre Ouellette of Van Buren, Erick Olivenbaum of New Sweden, Hanson Sibley of Monson, Moses Carr of Sangerville, James Beal of Frankfort and Jotham Merritt of Milbridge. The entry for Houlton’s James Duffy notes that he was born in Castlebar, Ireland, to John and Mary (McHale) Duffy.

There’s no picture of Southwest Harbor’s first recipient, Jacob S. Mayo, but there is a nice write-up about one of his seafaring adventures. He was the son of Isaac and Rosanna (Young) Mayo.

In some cases, the original cane has been lost or replaced. The Hampden Historical Society now presents the Kinsley House Cane to the town’s oldest citizen. Edna Bragg, 98, received that honor on May 6. Last month, Limestone honored Dolly Morris with the Boston Post Cane.

Whether the tradition of presenting the cane or a representative plaque continues or has stopped, it would be worthwhile for any community that received a Boston Post Cane to compile a list of recipients.

In 1903, the Boston Post ran a promotion in which chairs were presented to oldest couples. Among the Maine honorees were Oscar and Nancy (Chase) Pike of Princeton, Samuel and Lyddia (Ames) Young of Vinalhaven, Alexander and Sallie (Higgins) Means of Bangor, Mr. and Mrs. William Edgecomb of Exeter, Joseph and M.H. Davis of Pittsfield, Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Friend of Etna, Samuel and Sarah (Carkin) Farnsworth of Shirley, and Isaiah and Eunice (McFarland) Young of Lamoine. Pictures and information are included on these couples.

“More Boston Post Canes” is available for $18 plus $2 shipping from Flemming Press, 725 Lynnfield St., Lynn, MA 01904. For information, e-mail Flemstap@juno.com.

The Penobscot County Genealogical Society will meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, in the Lecture Hall at Bangor Public Library. Penobscot County’s Register of Probate, Susan Almy, will offer “A Look at Probate Records.”

The Washington County Genealogical Society will meet at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 24, at the Pembroke Historical Society building in Pembroke. Gerald Gower of Raymond will discuss the Maine Genealogical Society project, “Maine Families in 1790.” Volume 8 is at the printer, and information is being gathered for Volume 9.

Send genealogical queries to Family Ties, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor, ME 04402; or send e-mail to familyti@bangordailynews.net.