By Grace Allen

Evelyn “Deby” Readel Preston, a long-time Norfolk resident, was honored with the Boston Post Cane in a special presentation on July 14 at the Norfolk Senior Center. The cane is awarded to the town’s oldest resident and represents a special New England tradition dating back more than a century. Preston is 101 years old. 

Bill Crane, the president of the Friends of the Norfolk Council on Aging, presented the Boston Post Cane to Deby Preston on July 14.

Preston was awarded the cane by Bill Crane, the president of the Friends of the Norfolk Council on Aging. Anita Mecklenburg, the chairperson of the Select Board, read aloud a history of the Boston Post Cane. Karen Edwards, the director of the Norfolk Council on Aging, presented a proclamation from the Town of Norfolk recognizing July 14, 2025, as Deby Readel Preston Day.

Friends and relatives, including several great-grandchildren, also attended the presentation, which was held before the Senior Center’s weekly Bingo game. Preston is a regular participant.

When asked about the key to her longevity, Preston replied, “Just keep busy.” She likes to crochet, and is working on her 190th afghan, which she says she will donate to Milford Regional Medical Center. She has also knitted 1,600 hats to date, donating those to Boston hospitals. 

Deby was born on April 12, 1924. She and her husband Harold raised a son and two daughters in Norfolk, and for over two decades she served as a cook and baker in the cafeterias at King Philip High School and King Philip Middle School. Deby enjoyed gardening for many years, as well as traveling with her husband. 

The Boston Post Cane tradition began in 1909, when Edwin A. Grozier, publisher of the Boston Post newspaper, sent 700 ebony canes with 14-karat gold heads to towns across New England. Selectmen were instructed to present the cane to the oldest living resident of each town as a gesture of respect. The tradition stipulates that the canes belong to the towns and were to be handed down continuously to the oldest residents.

Former Norfolk Council on Aging Director Norma Shruhan, who served in the role from 1988-2016, determined after some research that Norfolk had never received a Boston Post Cane. So Shruhan had a replica made and started the tradition in town. Helen Rokicki, age 100, received the first cane in 2014. 

The cane is kept in its display case at the Senior Center and the recipient is presented with a lapel pin, a small honorary replica of the cane. Preston’s name was added to a special plaque of residents who have been awarded the cane. The plaque is also on display at the Senior Center.