'It's an honor to be nominated': Historical society searching for next recipient of Laconia Centennial Cane

LACONIA — You don’t have to be a centenarian to have the city's Centennial Cane bestowed upon you, but it wouldn’t hurt your chances.

Pam Clark, treasurer of the Laconia Historical & Museum Society, says she and her peers are searching for the next recipient of the cane, and expect potential honorees will likely be in their 90s or 100s.

Candidates must be born and raised in Laconia, but could have lived elsewhere for a time before returning home. They must be able to prove Laconia is their city of birth.

John Gauthier was the last recipient of the cane, holding the honor for five years before he died last year at age 103.

Clark, who has been involved with the historical society for over 30 years in roles from secretary to president, has witnessed the handing over of the cane to at leas