Boston Post Cane Presented to Emily Zarraga, 102

On Friday, May 24^th, Emily Zarraga was presented with the Boston Post Cane recognizing her as the oldest living resident of Amesbury at 102 years old. The ceremony took place at the Amesbury Council on Aging’s (COA) monthly Breakfast with Chief’s. Born in 1922, Emily has been a long-time resident of Amesbury who is often seen at the Costello Center attending bingo with her sister Claire (78) who acts as her caretaker. They also participate in the COA’s monthly birthday events and outdoor activities. 

Doreen Arnfield, Director of the Amesbury Council on Aging said,"A lot has been said about quantity vs. quality of life. We are celebrating Emily’s quantity of years but from observing Emily and her sister Claire, her quality of life is good. She knows the importance of socializing and support and has that from her sister and friends here at the Center. Her smile lights up the room!” 

Edwin A. Groziere Boston Post Cane dates to 1909, when then Publisher of the Boston Post, Edwin A. Grozier, distributed a gold-headed cane to be presented to the oldest male citizen in 700 towns in New England. In 1930, women were added to the eligibility to receive the cane. The canes were made of ebony shipped from Africa, turned on lathes, and adorned with a 14-carot gold head with an engraved inscription. The canes were meant to be passed on to the next oldest resident as each passed away or moved from the town.

Like many towns in New England, Amesbury’s Boston Post Cane’s location was unknown for many years. During the preparation for Amesbury’s 350^th anniversary in 2018, the cane was rediscovered in the Clerk’s office at City Hall. Replicas have been commissioned and reproduced to once again continue the tradition in Amesbury, while the original cane has now been preserved in a case that is located in the Mayor’s office.

 “I served on the 350^th Anniversary Committee with volunteers who have continued working diligently over the last 6 years to ensure the revival of this tradition for our community. Coming together today to see all of that work pay off was really special. The room was buzzing with our older residents interested in getting their hands on the cane someday. Emily is an inspiration to all of us to keep our spirits high and to care for one another.” Kassandra Gove, Mayor of Amesbury  

History of the Boston Cane

https://bostonpostcane.org/