The Town of Bradley Honors Boston Post Cane Recipient Lucien Lavoie

Town of Bradley Honors Boston Post Cane Recipient Lucien Lavoie

On October 20, 2026, the Bradley Town Council had the honor of presenting the Boston Post Cane to Lucien Lavoie, recognizing him as Bradley’s oldest resident.

Born in 1931, Lucien moved to Bradley at the age of 11, not speaking a word of English. He attended the Viola Rand School, where he learned the English language from none other than Viola Rand herself!

During the presentation, Lucien shared some wonderful memories with the Town Council, including the story of how he met his wife, Anne, while serving in the military. The couple celebrated an incredible 70 years of marriage this past May. Together, they raised three children in Bradley, and their family has grown to include seven grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

A Little History of the Boston Post Cane

The Boston Post Cane tradition dates back to August 2, 1909, when Edwin Grozier, publisher of the Boston Post newspaper, distributed 700 canes to towns throughout New England to honor their oldest residents.

The cane represents much more than longevity. It recognizes a lifetime of experiences, cherished memories, and the generations of individuals who have helped shape our communities.

Bradley’s own Boston Post Cane was rediscovered in 2000 when the municipal office relocated from the village to its current location. Since that time, the cane has been presented to seven recipients, each representing a special part of Bradley’s history.

The Town of Bradley extends its heartfelt congratulations to Lucien Lavoie! We are honored to recognize him and celebrate the remarkable life, family, and memories that are part of our town’s history.

Congratulations, Lucien!