LEEDS — More than three dozen people gathered at the Leeds Community Church on a June afternoon to honor Leeds’ oldest citizen, Rose Ames, 99, with presentation of the Boston Post Cane. Ames turns 100 today, Friday, July 7.

Selectman Dwight Buckley presented the cane to Ames, who attended the gathering with her son, Brian Bagley.

The gathering was organized by the Leeds Volunteer Fire Department, of which Bagley is a long-time member, and the Leeds Historical Society. In addition to members of these groups, there were representatives from the town and friends and neighbors who have know Ames since 1983 when she and Bagley moved to Leeds to operate the store at Curtis Corner.

The store is now closed, but the two remained in Leeds. Upon receipt of the cane, Ames  allowed as how she might not need the cane to walk, but the big knob on the end would come in handy to keep people in line.

The Boston Post Canes date back to 1909 and were originally sent to 700 New England towns by the Boston Post newspaper, to be presented to the town’s oldest citizen for use until death, at which time it would be passed to the next oldest citizen in the town.

In addition to the presentation, the gathering was an early birthday party to celebrate Ames’ 100th birthday. Donna and Bill Holt created a cake for the occasion.