Topsail Beach says goodbye to longstanding post office
TOPSAIL BEACH, NC (WWAY) — Last month we told you about a Pender County beach town’s post office that had to close their doors.
Tuesday was their last day, and they held a celebration to honor and look back at the past 61 years.
The Topsail Beach Post Office closed its doors on Tuesday as USPS phases out contract postal units, which are operated by non-postal employees.
Dozens of community members, like Deborah Hamilton, gathered to celebrate the staple of the town that has been around since 1964.
“It’s just an amazing place to be and that it’s been here so long with Doris just running the show, it’s just so awesome that we had that. Really really really sad to let go but it’s a transition,” Hamilton shared.
Julia Pollock moved to Topsail Beach more than ten years ago.
She said the post office was more than a place to drop off and pick up mail.
“Puzzles, jig-saw puzzles and different things that you can just pick up and when you’re done with it, you just bring it back. So, it was just a meeting place for any age,” Pollock recalled.
For 87-year-old Doris Jenkins, the postmaster, this was her life’s work.
Her siblings Linda Woolard, Winston Everett, and Wilma Yopp said the turnout reflected their sister’s dedication.
“Doris’ dedication to this town and this post office has shown by the love that she has for the people and the people have for her,” Woolard said.
“It’s wonderful people will turn out to honor people that served in the community like this for so many years,” Everett added.
“She’d tell anybody, she’d tell our family…the mail comes first,” Yopp explained.
Larilyn Swanson, who worked at the post office for 12 years, also left her mark.
“Post office sign was getting pretty ragged looking so I made this sign for Doris as a surprise. Even though it’s been renovated several times, still that’s the original sign,” Larilynn Swanson shared.
Before Doris stamped the last piece of mail, people enjoyed refreshments on a day that was declared ‘Doris Jenkins Day.’
