Bridget Tobin recently announced her retirement, and on Tuesday, Oct. 23 there will be a party at the Oak Bluffs terminal in her honor, from 9 a.m. to noon.
Forty-four years ago when Bridget Tobin began working at the Steamship Authority, the Waltons were on television, the Exorcist and Papillon were in the movie theatres and Patty Hearst was kidnapped. The world was a different place then.
But through all the changes over the ensuing decades, Bridget Tobin has been a familiar and friendly face at the ferry terminals, including as manager of the Oak Bluffs terminal.
All good things must come to an end though. Bridget recently announced her retirement, and on Tuesday, Oct. 23 the SSA will host a party at the Oak Bluffs terminal in her honor from 9 a.m. to noon. All are welcome.
In a Gazette interview in 2013, Bridget's friendly demeanor at the Island’s exit ramp was described this way: “Watching Bridget greet walk-on passengers, take tickets, gab with truck drivers, help people with their luggage, is like watching a great conductor lead an orchestra.”
From her perch, Mrs. Tobin said she saw people at their worst and at their best, heading off for anything from a honeymoon to a funeral, cancer treatments to Red Sox playoff games.
“I know so many intimate details about people’s lives,” she said. “I keep my mouth shut. It’s an honor and a huge responsibility to protect people’s privacy. Especially if things are not going well.”
Her days began before sunrise, waking at 4 a.m. to put together and then put together again and again, the daily puzzle of fitting all the trucks and cars onto the ferries. But she repeatedly deflects praise.
“This is not a one-man show,” she said in the Gazette interview. “I’m only as good as my staff.”
It’s not a complete goodbye — Bridget plans to return in the summers.
Comments
The absolute best people
Richard J O'Neil NaplesThe absolute best people person to grace the Docks! You can't replace Her ability when it comes to helping people. Pam and I send our Love and good wishes
Hi Bridget, I’m glad JohnG
Karen K. DavisHi Bridget, I’m glad JohnG introduced us all those years ago—and congratulations on your retirement—I hope you can enjoy and relax!! Maybe I will see you in the summer. Take good care of yourself! Karen K Davis
Bridget for President in 2020
Jack FlynnBridget for President in 2020!!! LOL! Not down to the Island much lately but I'll miss your smilin' face when I am! Enjoy your retirement Bridget! Love ya! Jack Flynn
Congratulations on a
Don Carey Winchester, MACongratulations on a wonderful career. You were always a blast to see heading to and from work aboard the Islander when you were working for April Young. You were a leading lady amount a cast of characters. The SSA was a great summer job made better by your jokes and remarks. All the best.
As an ex-pat islander, there
Ben Merrill VermontAs an ex-pat islander, there have been so many times when the only way home for Christmas, a birthday, or a special event was to call the SSA and ask for Bridget...and even though she fielded thousands of such calls, she always made you feel like you were special...If anyone defines the real Martha's Vineyard for me, it's Bridget Tobin... Happy Retirement.
Congratulations Bridget!!
Alice Forrester NashvilleCongratulations Bridget!!
Hi Bridget,
Lori Welch Pixy 103Hi Bridget,
Congratulations on your retirement. So happy for you.
Lori
Congratulations to my little
Joseph Miron burkett Colombia River Gorge , WashingtonCongratulations to my little big sister whom as one commuter quipped , was like a leading lady conducting an orchestra and how she made it all flow so beautifully
Thanks for your 44 years
With tons of laughter & very few tears
There's a port in this harbor town
Where Bridget ruled putting no one down
A boatswoman she was , but she made it clear she couldn't stay cause no harbor was her home
The sailors said Bridget your a fine girl , what a great gal you could be!!
But now it's time to send those sailors back to sea
And now while those lonely sailors will have to pass the time of day
To regale the stories of Bridget's yesterday
But tonight when those ships shut down
Bridget will walk through a quiet town
She will always love the boys who were all around
But for now it's bye bye to vineyard sound
So let's give a huge island hug to this sister of mine , who will now be adventure bound !!
But have no fear OB next summer she'll be around !!
Love your brother from the same amazing mother !!!
J Miron Burkett
Bridget, you are the very
Margot Goodwin West Tisbury and CambridgeBridget, you are the very Best, and that is nothing new! From the very beginning of your career, you were one of my Mom Doreen's favorite people, with your smile and your welcome and your helpful ways. More recently, to their hearts you endeared my brother Peter, and our family friend Tommy, as they rode their bikes daily to visit you at the OB terminal. You always made their times and visits to you extremely special and welcoming. My sister Rosalee and her family you have always treated as family, all of us! We all felt it and knew it. I will miss your smile and cheer as I come and go to MVI! Bravo!! And enjoy your retirement! I'll say it again, you're the best!
Bridget is the bridge between
John & Jan Wightman WTBridget is the bridge between the “Authority” and the people it serves. It is her presence and actions that gives the Steamship a human connection to the public ... Always taking the high road,
Thank the lord that we have had our own Tobin Bridge to help us in our travels. Congratulations on a stellar career. Nobody could have done it better !!! Sending our love and the very best wishes for your new life.
Retirement??? Doubtful! To
tamara weiss chilmarkRetirement??? Doubtful! To the hardest working woman I know, Brava! Congratulations Bridget we love you.
Bridget is a great person and
Danny kortchmar Marina Del ReyBridget is a great person and has helped countless people get on and off the island including me. My family and I wish her all the best there is!
What a loss! Bridget, you
Marge and Jamie Harris Oak BluffsWhat a loss! Bridget, you are a pleasure to know and see at the terminals. Always a smile, a laugh and the ability to be the "go to" person when a need arises! Thank you for your service all these years and we look forward to seeing you in the summers, at the very least, but also around the island! Our best to you!
Congratulations Bridget!So
Michelle Drolette East Falmouth, MACongratulations Bridget!So happy for you...
From ticket seller to
Captain Jim Hocking East FalmouthFrom ticket seller to customer service representative on the old Steamer Naushon (remember?) to agent in Vineyard Haven to manager of Oak Bluffs, Bridget is Bridget. Nobody can be compared to her. Vineyarders are so fortunate to have her on their team, but I don’t need to tell them that. Can’t make the party, but wishing you the best future possible my friend.
You’re a lifesaver -really-
Marsha Smolev WTYou’re a lifesaver -really- when a loved one is sick. Thank you for your hard work and loving help.
No one has ever done it
Dick and Susan Ebersol Litchfield, ConnecticutNo one has ever done it better with such excellence and non stop good cheer. We love you.
Bridget you are the best !!!
joe barkett edgartownBridget you are the best !!!
Congratulations to my aunt
Justine Bridget Burkett Marshfield maCongratulations to my aunt and God mother Bridget. So happy for you, you deserve the very best. You and uncle Matt deserve a well relaxing vacation together.
Love you so much
Bob and I will never forget
Donna Enos ChappyBob and I will never forget your kindness always. You helped so many of us these years. We were so lucky to have you at the SSA. Wishing you the best in your retirement
Donna and Bob Enos
Thank you Brigit for doing
Sean the Cape & CaribbeanThank you Brigit for doing the difficult, day after day, year after year, without a complaint and with the grace and gift to consistently extend yourself and make others day! We Love You Always -Sean, Sarah, and Stella-Mei :-)
I'm sure our paths crossed in
Susan of OB WH CTI'm sure our paths crossed in my 67 yrs. of traveling to/from MV. But -- my comment is WOW -- given the number of folks who have added a comment ......you have TRULY MADE A DIFFERENCE ....and sounds like you'll continue to do the same, post-SSA activities.
I will always remember your
Renee Ortiz Vineyard havenI will always remember your kindness to Nancy Natusch, in helping her to get off for all her treatments, and many others who had to struggle with the logistics of living on the island and having to get off for dr appointments. I always knew you would do your best to help. Thank you many blessings in your retirement.
Every member of The Cox
Margie Cox Abbott Cape Town, South AfricaEvery member of The Cox family just loves you to pieces - and it’s always been that way. My late mother Emily Cox adored you. You ARE the Vineyard to those of us who can get there once a year, and you are the rock of the island for those of us who live there. I think we need an annual BRIDGET day every summer when the most number of people who love you can demonstrate this. Like so many, I am not sure I can give you up! Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Add new comment