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All the United States New Hampshire Meredith U.S. Mailboat Sophie C
AO Edited

U.S. Mailboat Sophie C

One of the two USPS mailboats left in service docks regularly at Weirs Beach, Bear Island, and other Lake Winnipesaukee islands to deliver their mail.

Meredith, New Hampshire

Added By
Will Milne
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U.S. Mailboat Sophie C. heading out, circa 1995   John Blanding/The Boston Globe via Getty Images
U.S. Mailboat Sophie C. heading out, circa 1995   John Blanding/The Boston Globe via Getty Images
Bear Island Post Office dock   Willymjr / Atlas Obscura User
The Post Office   Willymjr / Atlas Obscura User
Postcard featuring mail boats on Lake Winnipesaukee, circa 1930-1945   Boston Public Library Tichnor Brothers collection
Lake Winnipesaukee   Doug Donaldson / CC BY 2.0
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About

The M/V Sophie C. makes its waterfront deliveries to the residents of New Hampshire's Lake Winnipesaukee every mail season since 1892, which only lasts from June to September. The seasonal homes across the eight islands are typically starting to close after Labor Day, so the mailboat doesn't have to worry about issues with lake ice.

The mail boat first launched in 1945, and was named after the owner of the Winnipesaukee Flagship Corporation's mother. In 1969, the Sophie C took over the seasonal postal route charged with delivering mail to residents on the western side of Winnipesaukee. 

The Sophie C. stops at Weirs Beach twice a day for passengers and cargo. On the boat, you can purchase historically authentic postage stamps, depicting the vessels. Bear Island has its own outpost on a channel, where the mailboat can be spotted and traditionally waved to as it passes through.

The big sibling vessel to the Sophie C, the well-known Mount Washington Ferry, was used in 1945 by the U.S. Navy in World War II. The Boston Ship amd Engine Works built the Sophie C to temporarily fulfill the need for a ferry service, then adopted the permanent mail route when the Mount Washington returned from its military application.

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Lakes Postal Boats Mail

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The boat departs twice a day from Weirs Beach, first at 11 a.m., then again at 2 p.m. Stops vary depending on time and quantity of mail.

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Added By

Willymjr

Edited By

Michelle Cassidy

  • Michelle Cassidy

Published

June 7, 2023

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  • https://www.laconiadailysun.com/community/announcements/the-u-s-mailboat-sophie-c-returns-to-lake-winnipesaukee/article_fdb25c22-a7aa-11eb-aed6-1763ca92d3d3.html
  • https://cruisenh.com/pages/mailboat-cruises
  • https://cruisenh.com/blogs/news/u-s-mailboat-sophie-c-returns-to-lake-winnipesaukee
U.S. Mailboat Sophie C
1 Bear Island
Meredith, New Hampshire, 03253
United States
43.658595, -71.41984
Visit Website
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Nearby Places

Archie Andrews Statue

Meredith, New Hampshire

miles away

Endicott Rock

Laconia, New Hampshire

miles away

American Classic Arcade Museum

Laconia, New Hampshire

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Meredith

Meredith

New Hampshire

Places 2

Nearby Places

Archie Andrews Statue

Meredith, New Hampshire

miles away

Endicott Rock

Laconia, New Hampshire

miles away

American Classic Arcade Museum

Laconia, New Hampshire

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Meredith

Meredith

New Hampshire

Places 2

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