This month we passed the 300 mark of towns that have reported updates on their canes. Our next milestone is 350, which would be the half-way mark to hearing about all 700 canes.
Thanks to all of the Historical Societies, Town Clerks, Selectmen, Town Officials, community and family members who have sent us updates on the canes throughout New England. Together we’ll continue the history of this odd, but charming New England tradition.
I am writing to see if it would be possible for my mother who turns 100 years old on Dec. 10, 2010 to receive the Boston Post Cane. She is currently living in an assisted living facility in Rumford, Miane and I do not see Rumford on your list. She was born in Dixfield, lived in Rumford, Peru, Jay and most recently with me in Shawmut. She is a very bright, happy and busy individual. She completes the crossword puzzle in the daily newspaper each day, reads a novel every couple of days, crochets, knits, makes crafts,plays the piano in the dining room before meals, does jigsaw puzzles, but most importantly, she is truly the Good Will Ambassador at her place of residence. She is always happy and friendly and encouraging to those around her and the staff there put “newbies” in with her, because she never fails to cheer them up and show them the ropes. She loves going out to family celebrations such as Christmas parties, baby showers, weddings, etc. and several times during the summer goes for rides to surrounding towns to see the sights, shop and always finds the best lobster rolls in town which she enjoys immensely. She takes almost no medication and has only just recently began using a walker. She takes a walk every day to keep herself “limber” (as she puts it) and is overall just a delightful person. Everyone loves her and she always finds making new friends coming in a positive experience. She tends to “mother” those less fortunate than her; those who are not as mobile, brings them coffee early in the a.m. before breakfast and of course, these people are at least 10-20 years younger than her. She is the sole survivor of six children, of which she was the oldest, has buried two of her own children and attributes her longevity to hard work and resilience; an ability to adapt to what life sends her way with true grace and acceptance. She is the most kind person I have ever met and is a role model to those of us around her. She is my best friend and I thank God for allowing us to have her for these many years. I hope you will consider adding Rumford to your list of Boston Post Cane recipients and hope that my mother will be the first resident to receive this honor which she so truly deserves.
Thank You
Virginia Palmer
po box 216
Shawmut ME 04975
207-453-9730
ginnyp@roadrunner.com
Hi Virginia,
Thanks for the information on your mom — you tell her story very well. This website only journals the awarding of the canes — we have nothing to do with who gets them, etc.
According to the tradition the award is given by the Board of Selectmen of each town. Over the years that responsibility migrates to different entities in different towns: some retain the tradition intact, others have the local Historical Society or Commission take on the task.
You need to contact officials in the Town of Rumford and find out if they still carry on the tradition. I do know that at one point Rumford’s cane had gone missing, so it is possible they no longer try to keep it going with a substitute cane.
I hope this helps in your quest.