DENMARK — The Boston Post Cane has a long-standing tradition in many Maine communities. In 1909, several hundred canes were given to New England communities by The Boston Post to be transmitted through municipal officers to the oldest citizen. According to town records, Denmark’s first presentation of the cane was done in 1909. Denmark continues the tradition of honoring its oldest citizen.

On March 15, 2024, Denmark Town Manager Betty LeGoff, Selectman Kirk McDermith and Town Clerk Micki Warner presented The Boston Post Cane to Richard Hook of Denmark. Richard, at 96, was recognized as being the oldest resident of the community. According to town records, Richard is the 30th person to be presented this honor since 1909. It was gratefully accepted, although Mr. Hook said, “I didn’t do much except get older.” 

Not true. Mr Hook spent many years working abroad helping developing countries modernize their banking and financial systems to meet the growing global economy. This work took him to Indonesia, Uganda, Kenya, India, Malagasy Republic, Morocco, Tunisia and Gambia, where he worked with local banks to expand their service areas to include small businesses and rural areas needing access to these services.

Richard has spent his retirement years with his wife Mari at their farm on Evan’s Hill, a place he always came back to on home leaves from far-off countries. It remains his “favorite place in all the world.”

Interestingly, Richard and Mari purchased their farm on Evan’s Hill in 1972 from the heirs of Herbert Evans, who was Denmark’s 18th recipient of the cane.