The Leeds Historical Society, in conjunction with the town of Leeds, is trying to determine to whom the Boston Post Cane should be presented.

The town’s previous oldest citizen, Rose Ames, died March 12 at age 104, according to a news release from the society.

In order to be considered the oldest citizen, the person must have resided in and/or been eligible to vote in Leeds for the last 20 years.

In 1909 Edwin A. Grozier, publisher of the Boston Post, a newspaper, gave 700 New England towns a cane, to 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 lived (or moved 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, eligibility for the cane was opened to women as well.

Those who think they are the oldest citizen, or know of someone who might be that person, can call the Town Office at 207-524-5171.

 

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