By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
MAPLETON – Longtime resident Forest Chandler was presented with the Boston Post Cane and a plaque to commemorate the honor Nov. 2 by Town Manager John Edgecomb at the Town Office.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
FOREST CHANDLER was presented with the Boston Post Cane award by Mapleton Town Manager John Edgecomb on Nov. 2. Chandler was honored as the oldest living resident in the community of Mapleton; he credited an active lifestyle for his long and productive life of 98 years.
“This is an honor we bestow on the oldest citizen in our community. At 98, Forest has earned that honor,” said Edgecomb.
Chandler, well-known for his many years as a potato farmer, said his secret to a long life has been keeping physically active. But farming wasn’t the only thing that kept him moving over the years. Since the 1940s, all his spare time was spent on the dance floor with his wife, Gladys.
“I was born in Castle Hill April 6, 1909. I’ve lived on the State Road since 1932. I married Gladys in 1933. We started dancing in 1948, after the war. When I wasn’t busy with farm work, we’d go dancing,” said Chandler, noting he lost the love of his life and dance partner nearly 10 years ago.
That dancing turned into a lifetime of traveling throughout New England to attend various dancing events – sometimes two or three dances a week.
“We were pretty good at it. We square danced a lot of places. We went to New Hampshire one year – took friends of ours, the Irelands, from Limestone. The wife whispered to the caller we were celebrating our 40th anniversary. The caller made everyone laugh when he announced we got married when we were eight years old,” said Chandler. “Dancing kept us young.”
Chandler remembered his first car and how his father set certain rules when he drove it.
“I got my first car after I graduated high school in 1926. Dad brought the car home – it had a rumble seat and all. Dad set rules when I used the car, including no smoking or drinking in the car. I never smoked or drank in my life and he didn’t want me influenced by others who did. But Dad did tell me I could pick up girls,” said Chandler, with a smile. “I wish I’d kept that car.”
Chandler noted he’d seen a lot of changes in the world during his lifetime.
“Pencils were made of cedar and cost a penny. Schools had ink wells. Men landed on the moon. The Social Security Act went into effect. There’s been no end to the changes I’ve seen in my lifetime,” said Chandler.
Edgecomb asked Chandler if he felt as though changes happened too fast.
“I can’t believe all these things happened in my lifetime,” replied Chandler.
Chandler worked hard taking care of the farm – which at one point consisted of 120 acres – and creating a picturesque yard that has gained many a passerby’s attention. He said his attention switched to a smaller garden when his children were older and took over the farm.
“I spent 48 years taking care of the grounds. I set out every shrub and tree. It took about a month to lay out rocks for the pond. I’d work until dark every night,” said Chandler, who retired from farming when he was in his 50s. “I tried to stay one jump ahead of other farmers. If they did something, I’d try to find a better way to do it.”
Chandler said he hasn’t touched a garden in the past couple years. That responsibility now falls to the next generation.
“I haven’t done work in a garden for two years. I did it for what seemed like a lifetime. My theory was always ‘mow lawns, keep them short so it’s easier to care for in the spring.’ But my son doesn’t tend to it like I would have,” said Chandler, adding he’d asked his son to mow the lawn one last time this year, without much luck.
Edgecomb said Chandler’s property was one to be proud of and that many people had commented on its beauty over the years.
“Forest has had the finest looking place in town for years. A lot of care and love went into it,” said Edgecomb.
Chandler has fond memories of his days on the dance floor and memory books filled with signatures from fellow dancers.
“Gladys and I had two books filled with signatures and a third started,” said Chandler. “We had a good time wherever we went. We liked to go up to Fort Kent, Madawaska. Or sometimes we’d travel downstate or somewhere in New England.”
Chandler said he’d taught his son, Darrell, some dance moves but none of the children took to dancing like their parents.
“I wanted the three kids to come see us dance. I taught Darrell some steps. But they weren’t that interested,” said Chandler.
It was the Chandlers’ custom to arrive early and leave late when they attended dances.
“Gladys and I were always the first ones to the dance and the last to leave, often helping the caller lug equipment in and load up after the dance,” said Chandler.
Chandler said he never got tired of dancing and that it was good exercise.
“I could work all day, dance all night. It was good exercise. I’d get home and my feet never felt tired, thanks to good footwear,” said Chandler.
Chandler now has a plaque to add to his memorabilia for a life well lived. The Boston Post Cane will remain in a case at the Town Office, with Chandler’s name being added to the list of recipients.
