Walter Woods is Wellesley’s oldest resident at age 106, and the new holder of the ceremonial Boston Post Cane.
Town officials presented Walter with the cane and an official resolution at a small ceremony on December 30 at Elizabeth Seton Residence in Wellesley where he’s recovering from recent health issues.
Members of Walter’s family and some of his favorite nurses attended the presentation, delighting the guest of honor who waved for photos and chatted with the “many pretty women.”
The Boston Post Cane tradition was established in 1909 by Edwin Grozier, editor and publisher of the Boston Post newspaper, who as a publicity stunt, mailed canes to towns throughout New England to be presented by officials to the oldest resident in their community.
Wellesley is one of a handful of towns that still has its original cane, made of ebony with a 14-karat gold head, and part of the Wellesley Historical Society’s permanent collection. The cane was previously held by Herlda Senhouse, who passed away in November 2024.
Walter, an MIT graduate and talented engineer who once worked for NASA, is well-known for his many contributions to Wellesley and his dedication and influence as a Town government volunteer.
He served on the Board of Public Works for 16 years, including four years as chair, and as a Town Meeting member from Precinct A for 53 years. He also helped establish the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) in 1985 and served as the Town’s MWRA representative for 32 years until his 99th birthday.
As chair of a regional committee, in 1996 Walter worked to help lease 36 acres of Elm Bank land to the Massachusetts Horticultural Society where the gardens and property continue to be enjoyed today.
To his family, friends, and fellow public servants Walter is known as a true gentleman and an award-winning winemaker, and someone who, throughout his long life, has shared his wisdom and expertise to help make our Town that much better.
And Walter still has more to give, telling Town officials that he’s looking forward to seeing them at his 107th birthday celebration this spring!
Congratulations, Walter Woods!
