Friends,
There are some people who don’t just work for a company; they become part of its very DNA. For Mount Washington Cruises, Polly May was exactly that. It is with heavy hearts, but immense gratitude for a life well-lived, that we mourn the news of Polly’s passing.
Forty Years of First Impressions
Polly’s journey with us spanned more than 40 years, and for much of that time she served as our Ticket Office Manager. In many ways, Polly was the first person to welcome the world to Lake Winnipesaukee. She wasn’t just selling tickets; she was the start of a family’s vacation, the helpful voice for a nervous bride, and the steady hand that kept our shore-side operations running smoothly.
Her impact wasn’t just felt by her colleagues. To this day, returning customers frequently ask for her by name. She had a way of making every passenger feel like an old friend, a trait that has defined our company’s culture for decades.
More Than a Mentor
For many of us at the Mount, Polly’s passing marks the end of an era.
On a personal level, she knew me for almost my entire life, having worked with my grandfather long before I joined the crew.
In 2003 when Polly "retired" as Ticket Office Manager, I stepped into her shoes. It is a rare and humbling thing to be trained by a legend, but rarer still that she chose to work with us for another 15 years. She didn’t stay because she had to; she stayed because she loved this lake, this boat, our crew, and our passengers.
An Honorary Captain
Polly’s contributions were so significant that in 2022, we sought to celebrate her during our 150th Anniversary. We wanted to formalize what we all already knew: that she was a leader within our company and a champion within the tourism community. We were proud to name Polly one of the very first recipients of the title of Honorary Captain. It was a distinction she wore with her trademark humility and pride.
A Fixture on the Lake
Even after her well-earned (though delayed) retirement, Polly couldn't stay away from the water. She and her husband of 75 years, Donald (also a long-time member of the crew), remained beloved fixtures on our Sunday Brunch Cruises. Watching them board from Alton Bay was a weekly highlight for our crew—a reminder that the Mount wasn't just where they worked; it was where they belonged.
Rededicating the Ticket Office
As we look toward the future, we recognize that our company remains anchored by the legacy of those who, like Polly, gave so much of themselves to ensure our success. So that future generations of crew and passengers might come to understand her importance to our story, we are proud to announce that we are rededicating our Ticket Office in Polly’s honor. The next time you visit us to pick up your tickets, you’ll be standing in a space that Polly built with her hard work, her wit, and her kindness.
Polly, thank you for your years of service, and a lifetime of memories. You will be deeply missed, but every time the horn blows across the lake, we will think of you.
