Turley Publications photos by Jonathan Cook

John Murphy was rewarded with the Boston Post Cane for being the eldest citizen in town.

Historic Commission honors eldest

Boston Post Cane awarded

By Jonathan Cook

Turley Publications Reporter

WEST BROOKFIELD – The Senior Center was filled with about 50 people including State Rep. Anne Gobi, as they gathered to honor John Murphy, the eldest citizen of the town.

Historical Commission member Amy Dugas welcomed the group and said, “We’re all here to congratulate John on a life well lived.”

In 1899, the Boston Post Newspaper began the tradition of presenting a gold headed cane to the eldest citizen in each of the 692 towns.

At first it was done for males only, Dugas said. But later the rule was changed.

“The ebony canes were made from special lumber imported from the Congo,” she said. “Cut to length and then seasoned for six months. The wood was polished and oiled and a 14 carrot gold head was applied. Over the years many canes were lost and by 1968 only 20 remained. West Brookfield has been fortunate enough to have relocated theirs. And for the past few years, the Historical Commission has carried on the tradition, albeit with a different cane. The original cane is on display in the Town Hall.

Murphy was “born in a home behind the Senior Center in West Brookfield July 25, 1912,” said Dugas. “His parents came from Ireland and John’s father worked for the railroad for many years. John spent his early years in West Brookfield, graduating from Warren High School in 1931.”

Dugas said that Murphy’s first career was as a grocery clerk and then manager of First National. “He eventually owned his own grocery store but was too generous with his customers, and so his business only lasted a few years.” An appreciative chuckle swept the room.

“He later managed other stores in Spencer until running a gas station where the Haymakers Grille now stands,” she said.

After that, Murphy joined the Army Air Force and became an instructor on B-17’s and B-15’s. When his service was over, he returned home and met his wife Bertha, Dugas said. Bertha worked as a nurse and physical therapist. The couple was wed in 1947.

At that point, they took wing to start a family in Somerville where Murphy worked as a plant manager, Dugas told the assembled audience. A pair of daughters was born, one in 1952 and the other in 1953.

But shortly thereafter, the family returned to the central region of the state. In 1955 they moved to Holden where Murphy ran Apian Way Pizza for 10 years, Dugas said.

But then a job with Ocean Spray took the family to Cape Cod, according to Dugas.

Returning to West Brookfield in 1978 to retire, Murphy moved into his in-laws house on Cottage St., Dugas said. But Murphy “got a little itchy,” she said, and he couldn’t keep himself from working. He picked up a job at the Pillsbury Funeral Home and worked there for another 20 years, she explained.

“He enjoys his children and grandchildren immensely, and commented on how blessed he is to have them. Well,” said Dugas, as her voice tightened. “West Brookfield is very blessed to have him.” Then she turned away and laughed and said, “I get all choked up.”

Selectman Mike Frew did the presenting and said, “Murphy, at the age of 97, is the oldest citizen of West Brookfield Massachusetts.” A plaque with his name will be placed in Town Hall.

He was also awarded a legislative certificate.

Dugas concluded by reading a traditional Gaelic blessing. “May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be ever at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, and the rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”