MAGGIE BACON CAPTURES NATION-WIDE STAMP OF APPROVAL
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Thomas Edison once said, “I never did a day’s work in my life. It was all fun.” Maggie Bacon, postal clerk for eight years in the Wells Post Office on Route 1, embodies Edison’s words.
This spunky, quick-to-giggle, bright-eyed lady sports holiday-themed head-gear every day to greet customers with a smile and to remind them it’s February (with a headdress featuring pink valentines and lace) or April (Easter eggs and a petite lavender bunny) or August (a felt red lobster nestles atop her lid). In March, it’s shamrocks and green ribbons; in June, a rainbow-hued posey; in October, a slice of pumpkin pie … not edible, of course.
Initially, Maggie wore themed headpieces just “for or on the holiday.” Her co-workers smiled at her clever concoctions but told her, “I’m not going to wear that.” Soon, customer interest and smiling approval induced her to wear them daily. She said, “People often popped in just to see what I was wearing that day. If by chance I didn’t have one on, they’d ask, ‘Where’s your hat?’ So then I decided to decorate the inside of the post office according to the holiday. I sensed that my headpieces and the festive decor helped people calm down if they were stuck in a long line.” (As someone who’s stood in lines there, I can attest that the cute distractions triggered many a smile.)
Customer appreciation for Maggie galvanized significantly, however, when last October the U. S. Postal Service launched a month-long stamp-selling contest, specifically stamps that read “Help Breast Cancer Research.”
“I really wanted to win because I have a dear friend who lost her breast to cancer,” Maggie said. “Anything we can do to help survivors and her is good, because she’s never felt like a real person since. I was also compassionate about breast cancer stamps because of the research. I had a medical situation for years and I wouldn’t be the person I am today if research funds didn’t become available.”
Armed with personal motivation and a work ethic that doesn’t flag, Maggie frequently mentioned the contest to customers. The result? “One person bought 700 stamps and another bought 1000,” she said, “They were business people but they wanted me to win.”
Before long, the Wells Post Office was SOS-ing the Kennebunk, Ogunquit and Berwick facilities asking for “extra stamps because we’re running out,” Maggie said. On November 1, it was announced that Maggie Bacon, postal clerk in Wells, Maine with a population less than 12,000, had sold 12,742 stamps generating $11,446, ensuring her first place in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, and 24th nationwide.
For a woman who wasn’t able to drive a car until she was 55 and who had to walk to her various places of employment, winning this contest is the thrill of a lifetime. Since age three, Maddie has endured a medical problem which foreclosed any chance of obtaining a driver’s license. Her parents chauffeured her to school events and dances, for doctor visits and shopping. Otherwise she walked. Amazingly and finally at 52, she received the proper medical care (thanks to research) that ultimately allowed her to learn how to drive.
These days, Maggie drives to the Wells Post Office from her home in Cape Neddick which she shares with her elderly mother and a black and white cat named Max. Hanging on the wall of the living room is a plaque given to her by the Wells postmaster.
It reads, “POSTAL PROUD! Here’s our Maggie. Maggie Bacon is the mother hen of our office and our customers. She keeps our room stocked with snacks and is always keeping an eye out for those in need in the community. It is not unusual to find a bag hiding behind the counter next to her with items for a community member. Whether it’s food, blankets or just something to make people smile, we are truly lucky to call her ours. Every one should have a Maggie.”
