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Small boat on river under a bridge, white and red with black tires as bumpers, trees in the background.

Mail by the Pail: The J.W. Westcott Company

OPENING ON AUGUST 23, 2025 in the Robert M. Dossin Gallery

New Exhibits

August 23, 2025 - August 24, 2026

Dossin Great Lakes Museum

100 Strand Drive, Belle Isle Detroit, MI 48207
313-821-2661

Wednesday - Saturday
10am - 5pm

Sunday
1pm - 5pm

Saturday, August 9, 2025
Closed for a private event

All Exhibitions

About this Exhibit

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Black logo with bold, white text and blue border hinting a stamp shape.

The J.W. Westcott Company has been an active and beloved presence on the Detroit River for over 150 years. Casually referred to as the “mail boat,” the Westcott is the U.S.A.’s only floating zip code – 48222. Westcott staff deliver mail, packages, crew members, and even pizza to the vessels that journey across the Great Lakes during shipping season from April to December, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Still a family company today, the Westcott has evolved with the times. In this new exhibition, learn how Captain John Ward Westcott started his business in 1874 as a marine reporter, documenting river traffic and delivering company communications to ships via rowboat. See how the company's vessels began contracting with the U.S. Postal Service in 1948 and how its operations have shifted with changing technology - from ship-to-shore radio, to bigger freighters, to cell phones and the internet – and its focus has adjusted to best meet the needs of mariners. 

Join us for a family friendly opening celebration on Saturday, August 23, with a special appearance by the Westcott. Tickets are on sale now!

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Detroit Historical Museum

5401 Woodward Ave,
Detroit, MI 48202
313-833-1805

Plan Your Trip Buy Tickets

Dossin Great Lakes Museum

100 Strand Drive, Belle Isle,
Detroit, MI 48207
313-821-2661

Plan Your Trip Buy Tickets
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