By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

NAPLES — Some detail-oriented party planners helped to bring back the tradition of the Boston Post Cane in the Town of Naples. 

Recently, the family of Larry Balboni came to the Naples Town Office and asked about the town’s Boston Post Cane. After all, Balboni was going to turn 100 years old on Nov. 2 and was no doubt the oldest person in the Town of Naples.

Until that time, Naples Town Manager Jason Rogers had never heard of the New England tradition of giving the cane to the oldest individual in the town. He had no idea what or where the cane was, he later admitted.

At the time, Town Clerk Michelle Thibodeau recalled that a cane was tucked away in the vault. That must be the one.

The cane was found. Meanwhile, it was discovered it had been 12 years since the cane was presented to anyone. 

“I am digging through the old files. The last time it was issued was 2012. That was the last time it was presented to a resident of the town,” he said. 

On Saturday afternoon, the town manager presented the Boston Post cane to Balboni. This took place during Balboni’s 100th birthday party at the American Legion Post 155.

“I think it is great that you can share the wisdom you have. One hundred years is not a short period of time to be on this earth. You have seen a lot. Your military history and then your civic contributions to the town and just the general joy you bring to the people around you” are impressive, Rogers said.   

“We should all hope to live so long to influence so many people and have so many friends to come out to share this day with you,” he said. 

Rogers had researched the cane and was happy to share the information with the people helping Balboni to celebrate his 100th birthday.

“In 1909, the Boston Post said, ‘Hey, we want to honor the oldest living residents in every New England town.’  So, the Boston Post commissioned a company to produce canes for every town in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine and New Hampshire,” he said.

“I thought, ‘Wow, I can’t believe we have one of these,’ ” he said, examining the cane in his hand.

“In 1909, this cane right here was given to the Town of Naples. I see a few dings so I imagine it has been dropped once or twice. This cane was designed to be handed from person to person, the oldest living resident in each New England town.”

He thanked the family members for bringing the tradition of the cane to the attention of town staff.

“I was amazed 1.) That we still had it and 2.) That we have the opportunity to revive this,” Rogers said.

His plan was to transition it to the Historical Society Museum, and have a photo of Balboni with the cane at the museum as well.

“It’s a great tradition to have. It’s truly a New England tradition,” Rogers said.