1925

In 1904 the publishers of TheBoston Post, for an advertisement,, ordered 700 canes of the finest Gabon ebony with engraved gold heads. They sent one to the Council of New-England towns, asking that it be given to the oldest citizen, and handed down, on his or her death, to the next.

Our own Rad Tanzer had the honor of receiving this cane in April of this year. The presentation took place at St. Thomas Church in Hanover, where Rad has been a part of the parish for 63 years. Hanover is one of the very few communities that still possesses the original 1904 specimen. When the cane actually passed into Rad's hands, everyone in the church gave him a standing ovation and a thunderous round of applause. As his wife, Sheila, said: "It was a moment of tremendous and intense emotion." The dedication was followed by a sumptuous brunch at the Hanover Inn.

Congratulations, Rad. Not only are you the oldest citizen of Hanover, you are the oldest and only surviving member of the great class of '25 (to your secretary's knowledge). Maybe matriculating at Dartmouth at the age of 16 has something to do with it.

25 East Point Lane, OldGreenwich, CT 06870; (203) 637-8594