It takes a lot of years to become young. For Wellesley's oldest citizen, Herlda Senhouse, it's taken 108 years.
Mrs. Senhouse marked her milestone birthday on Thursday, February 28, with a celebration attended by the Board of Selectmen. The Board presented her with a card, flowers and a ceremonial proclamation recognizing her strength of character, joy of life and sense of community.
Originally from West Virginia, Mrs. Senhouse is a 1931 graduate of Woburn High School and moved to Wellesley 40 years ago. She is the current holder of the Boston Post Cane, one of 700 gold-topped ebony canes that were given to towns in the Northeast in 1909 by The Boston Post newspaper with instructions that the canes be presented to the oldest citizen in each town. Mrs. Senhouse was awarded the Wellesley Cane and a replica pin in 2016 on the occasion of her 105th birthday.
The actual Cane is held by the Wellesley Historical Society for safekeeping. In honor of Mrs. Senhouse's birthday this year, the Historical Society once again brought the Cane to her celebration.
Many life-long friends and honorary family members took part in the birthday party for "our Herlda" as they fondly call her, and attribute her longevity to good luck and a busy social calendar. Her favorite and frequent activities include going to church, getting manicures and pedicures with friends, going to restaurants and movies, playing Bridge, and enjoying a daily treat of chocolate.
Congratulations and happy birthday to Herlda Senhouse!
