Lorraine Beaulieu is this year’s recipient of the Post Cane at the Enclave of Scarborough. Courtesyphoto
The Enclave of Scarborough held their fourth annual Post Cane Ceremony Jan. 14. During the ceremony, the community honors their oldest resident with a gold cane that the individual keeps for the entire year.
The 2021 cane recipient, Mary McGrath, passed the cane to resident Lorraine Beaulieu, who was born on May 21, 1923. Lorraine was joined by associates of the Enclave, fellow residents, and her family members; Denise Kinney, Michelle Boisjoly and Betty Hart.
Lorraine had no idea she would receive the honor and when the cane and flowers were presented to her, she asked why they were giving her all these things.
Enclave’s Lifestyles associate, Randi Gonneville said, “Because you’re the oldest person here, and that’s an honor.”
After the ceremony, saxophonist Ray Morrow provided entertainment and there was a special happy hour toast and hors d’oeuvres. Lorraine was truly moved.”
The origin of Post Cane, according to the website bostonpostcane.com dates back to Aug. 2, 1909, when Edwin A. Grozier, publisher of the Boston Post newspaper forwarded to the Board of Selectmen in 700 New England towns a gold-headed ebony cane with the request that it be presented with the compliments of the Boston Post to the oldest male citizen of the town, to be used by him as long as he lives (or moves from the town), and at his death handed down to the next oldest citizen of the town. The cane would belong to the town and not the man who received it.
In 1930, after considerable controversy, eligibility for the cane was opened to women as well.
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
