Front Page News
July 4, 2012
Emily Pike Receives Boston Post Cane
The Town of Chichester was proud to present the Boston Post Cane to
Emily Pike. Ms. Pike turned 101 years "young" on June 26, 2012. Ms.
Pike is the oldest person to ever receive the cane and the only
person over 100 years old at the time of presentation. Pictured with
Emily Pike (center) are, L to R, her children, Gloria Hammond,
Ronald Pike, Francis Pike, Darlene Good, and Gordon Pike. Another
daughter, Maureen Prescott was not present.
The tradition of the Boston Post Cane began in 1909 when Edwin A.
Grozier, Publisher of the Boston Post, commissioned the manufacture
of 700 African Ebony canes topped with 14-carat gold heads. These
canes were presented to the Selectmen of towns throughout New
Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. The cane was to
be presented to the oldest citizen of the Town for their use as long
as they lived, and to then be handed down to the next oldest
citizen.
The Selectmen of the Town of Chichester presented Emily with a
replica of the original cane. The original cane is maintained in the
Town Hall in a custom pine case along with the names of all
recipients.
With esteemed pleasure and honor, The Chichester Board of Selectmen
|