History of the MINUTEMAN CANE Award

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MINUTEMAN CANE AWARD Lexington’s historic Boston Post Cane has been missing for decades, but its tradition of honoring senior citizens is being revived by the Lexington Council on Aging and the Minuteman. While the Post cane was originally presented to the eldest male resident, the new award will each year honor a Lexingtonian, 80 or older who reflects today’s active senior citizen life. The Post Cane tradition began in 1909 when Selectmen in Lexington, along with officials in 430 other New England communities agreed to present the gold-headed ebony cane donated by Post editor Edwin Grozier. Accounts suggest Grozier chose the award because the walking is an ancient symbol of defense to age and reverence of ancestors. Although the Boston Post Cane and its traditions still flourish in many communities, the trail of the Lexington cane appears to have vanished in 1931. The New Award The new award, the Minuteman Cane was presented May 23, 1988 to Edith Cheever during Older Americans Month to be eligible, nominees must;  have lived in Lexington for at least fifteen years  must be 80 years old or older  display involvement with others in the community  serve as an inspiration through their actions  must exhibit a creative approach to life through choice of either a second career, hobby or service that benefits others Nomination letters can be submitted by friends, clergy or nominees themselves by the end of March. Letters should be sent to the Council on Aging, 1475 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA Selection will be based on the above criteria by a Town Manager appointed committee. The Minuteman Cane is a gold headed walking stick that bears a striking resemblance to the Town’s missing Boston Post Cane. Margot Shaw, who found the cane in a closet of her 4 Upland Road home, donated her discovery to the Town for the award. Although the inscription and design on the gold head differ. Shaw’s walking stick bears the same 1909 date as the Post Cane.