Town of Gilmanton looking for its oldest resident

The Gilmanton Board of Selectmen is currently soliciting nominations to identify the oldest Gilmanton resident in order for the board to present this distinguished resident with the Boston Post Cane.

In a tradition dating back to 1909, the Town of Gilmanton is looking to honor its oldest resident with the presentation of its Boston Post Cane.

The tradition began as a promotional gimmick by Edwin Grozier, publisher of the Boston Post newspaper, who sent canes to the selectmen in 431 towns across New England, inscribed with “Presented by the Boston Post to the oldest citizen of [blank].” Each cane was made of ebony from what then was the Belgian Congo, and each was capped in 14-carat gold.

Anyone with knowledge of an eligible senior citizen residing in Gilmanton may submit a nomination. Nominations should be submitted in writing, containing a name, age, date of birth if known, a phone number, and a brief biography. Click here to submit online: www.gilmantonnh.org/organizations/boston-post-cane-society/webforms/submissions-boston-post-cane-nominees

The town will contact all senior nominees to confirm the accuracy of the information contained in the nomination, and their willingness to accept the award.