The Jaffrey Select Board will begin its search for the town’s next Boston Post Cane recipient.
The cane, awarded to the town’s oldest resident, was last held by Delma Ouellette, who died last July. Ouellette had held the cane since January 14, 2008.
“I have mixed feeling about continuing the tradition,” said Select Board Chair Don MacIsaac. “To some, it’s considered an honor; to others, it’s a kiss of death.”
The tradition has been in place since 1909, according to MacIsaac, when Edwin Grozier, publisher of the Boston Post, forwarded the canes to about 700 towns in New England. The tradition was considered to be a publicity stunt to increase circulation of the newspaper.
The board has decided to award the distinction to the oldest registered voter in Jaffrey.
Rather than awarding the cane, which is an original, the board will present a framed certificate. The cane was crafted by J.F. Fradley, a New York manufacturer, from ebony shipped from the Congo in Africa, according to MacIsaac. The cane has a 14-carat gold head, and a ferruled tip.
The cane is currently on display in the town office. Those who think they know the oldest voting resident in town can call the town office at 532-7880.