All Aboard The Mailboat

"Just call me Captain Norm," says the new Great Pond mailman, Norman Shaw, who will be delivering mail and taking passengers on the mail route this summer — as well as offering evening rides on the lake.

Stating that his wife frequently refers to him as, "Norm, you old poop," after the On Golden Pond character, Captain Norm has chosen instead the role of Charlie the mailman and is approaching the legendary job with the same good nature and sense of humor portrayed in the movie.

Captain Norm also meets the Post Office requirement of owning a boat less than four years old and the edict "the mail must go through." Of the former, he has a spacious 10-person pontoon boat and has spent many leisure hours on Great Pond. As for the latter, this Waterville-born native says concerning bad weather, "I'm a Mainer."

To the delight of area wellwishers, Captain Norm has signed a four-year contract. The mail will go through, and also, thanks to him, the unique century-old tradition of the water route will continue . . . starting June 15.

For information about times of departure and passenger prices call 215–7520.

Captain Norm on the mailboat.

A group from Granite Hill Estates in Augusta enjoys the ride.

Dogs on docks are part of the mail ride ritual. The mailbox is at right.

On Golden Pond author Ernest Thompson (left) chats with former mailboat captain Jeff Holman at Great Pond Marina.