Edgar Lewis came to the Boothbay town office to vote early Oct. 18. Little did he know he was also there to participate in another longstanding tradition. The 98-year-old said he was surprised when Town Manager Dan Bryer presented him with the Boston Post Cane. 

“I got it!” Lewis said when he realized what was happening. “I thought I would have to wait a little longer for this.”

The tradition of the Boston Post Cane started in 1909 when the editor of the Boston Post sent 700 canes to towns in New England to be given to the oldest man in town. Boothbay's previous recipient was Curtis West, according to Bryer.

Lewis said it felt good to receive it. “I read about it, but I thought I'd never get near it,” he added.

Around a dozen family, friends and community members gathered to celebrate Lewis, who was born and raised in Boothbay. The only time he didn't live there was the four years he served in the Marine Corps.  

“He’s proud to have it,” said son Jeff Lewis. He said his father is part of “a long and impressive list of people that have brought a lot to the community.”