The Boston Post Cane Certificate for New Gloucester’s oldest living resident has been awarded to Lillian Picard.

Born in 1919, Picard will be 97 in September. Town voting records indicate that she is the oldest living resident of New Gloucester.

The Boston Post Cane tradition started in 1909 when the Boston Post newspaper distributed canes to selectmen in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island to give to their oldest living resident. Today, the original New Gloucester cane is on display in the Town Hall and certificates are awarded to honorees.

In the 107 years of the Boston Post Cane’s existence, there have only been 18 New Gloucester recipients, including Picard.

Town Manager Paul First spoke with Picard after she was presented with the award. Here’s what First reports:

“According to Mrs. Picard, she and her four sisters were raised by their mother in Lewiston. Mrs. Picard never knew her father. He died when she was a young child. When they were 16, the girls went to work to help support the family. They were tough times and everyone had to contribute.

“‘Eventually, I found my Romeo,’ said Mrs. Picard. After leaving home, she married Romeo Picard. They were married for 53½ years, until her husband Romeo’s passing. Their son, Richard Benner, and wife Diane have two daughters. Mrs. Picard also has four great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren, including a young man named Romeo.

“I asked Mrs. Picard, if she had any advice for young families today. The advice that she offered was ‘not to give advice to young families.’

“When I asked Mrs. Picard what she remembered about World War II, she said that she went to work in the Androscoggin Mill in Lewiston. ‘My job was to inspect and trim fabric squares for making parachutes (for the troops). I remember a big parade when the war ended.’

“When asked about other memorable historical events, she responded, ‘I shook hands with President John Fitzgerald Kennedy when he visited the Auburn Airport. I was wearing white gloves. I said that I would never take off those gloves!’

“Mrs. Picard had a favorite teacher, ‘Mrs. Georgette LePage, my sixth-grade arithmetic teacher at Jordan Grammar. She was so nice and I learned so much from her.’

“Readers may wish to know Mrs. Picard’s secret for longevity: ‘I never had a drink and I never smoked.’ Later in the interview, she recited the lyrics of her favorite song, the 1930’s classic, ‘Lady in Red.’”

“In her spare time Mrs. Picard enjoys playing cards and doing jigsaw puzzles.

“This interviewer is impressed by her sharp mind and strength of character.”

– Tess Wrobleski

New Gloucester Selectmen Stephen Hathorne and Laura Sturgis, present Boston Post Cane honoree Lillian Picard with her award.