In 1909, Edwin A. Grozier, the publisher of the Boston Post Newspaper, shipped 700 ebony, gold topped canes to towns throughout the Post's readership area with instructions to present it to the oldest man residing there. The initial gift was a publicity stunt to increase circulation for the newspaper. Yet, from that act grew a tradition that continues in many New England communities today.

The original canes were made by J.F. Fradley and Co., a New York manufacturer, from ebony shipped in 7-foot lengths from Congo. The wood was cut to cane length, then tuned on a lathe to make the appropriate shape. Each cane was topped with a 14 carat gold head engraved with the words, "Presented by the Boston Post to the oldest citizen of (name of town) -To Be Transmitted”. The canes were shipped to the Board of Selectmen of the recipient towns. They were then awarded to the individuals.

The following are individuals known to have been Boston Post Cane recipients: