Boston Post Cane 2025

On August 2, 1909,  Mr. Edwin A. Grozier, Publisher of the Boston Post, a newspaper, forwarded to the Board of Selectmen in 700 towns* (no cities included) in New England a gold-headed ebony cane with the request that it be presented with the compliments of the Boston Post to the oldest male citizen of the town, to be used by him as long as he lives (or moves from the town), and at his death handed down to the next oldest citizen of the town.  The cane would belong to the town and not the man who received it.  Originally intended for men only, the cane was first presented to women in the 1930's.

This tradition has changed in many New England towns as populations have increased, and the original canes have been lost.  Where the original cane remains, it is on display in the Town Office, library or historical society.  Now a replica of the Bost Post Cane is presented to the Town’s oldest citizen.

On July 28, 2025, the Tuftonboro Board of Selectmen presented the Boston Post Cane to Fred Antell, who was 101 on January 28, 2025. Fred was honored to say the least. He also wanted the Selectmen to know of a lifelong project that he has been working on called “Safety for Life”.  Safety for Life is a sticker that Fred would like to be part of vehicle registration.  The sticker would remind vehicle owners of the significance of safety. If you would like to learn more about this special project, please visit 101-year-old Tuftonboro man advocates for road safety

The Selectmen were honored to meet Mr. Antell and wish him many more years in Tuftonboro.