Gifts From the Sky: Celebrating The Flying Lighthouse Santa
It starts with a low rumble. As the noise grows louder, I shade my eyes and look up at the blue sky. Overhead, the roar approaches and its source comes into view—half plane and half boat.
I grew up in the California desert, and I still find floatplanes surprising. These amphibious planes often fly to the San Juan Islands near my home now in the Pacific Northwest.
And whenever I see floatplanes, I think of a storied name in lighthouse history: Captain William Wincapaw. A pioneering and accomplished pilot, he flew many types of aircraft, but when he settled into an amphibious plane, he felt the most "at home." [1].
Across the country from my San Juan Islands, Capt. Wincapaw flew among the islands of Penobscot Bay, an inlet of the Gulf of Maine. When ill or injured islanders needed help, Capt. Wincapaw transported them to doctors and hospitals. Using his pilot skills and experience in difficult circumstances, he was credited with saving many lives [2].
One December night, however, Capt. Wincapaw desperately needed help to save his own life.
During a blinding December snowstorm in 1929, Capt. Wincapaw flew on through the night, trying to find his way to shelter. His destination of Rockland, Maine seemed like a lost dream as he peered through the falling whiteness. He was no stranger to harsh weather, but this time he was unsure and disoriented in the swirling whiteness.
Then, a flash of light came. He recognized the beacon of Dyce Head Light, found his bearings, and made his way to safety [3].
In gratitude, Capt. Wincapaw took to the skies again a few days later. As he flew over the Light, he dropped a Christmas package to the lighthouse keeper and the rest of the hardworking family at Dyce Head.
As he headed back home, he realized other lighthouse families, who did so much for others, might also find encouragement from Christmas gifts dropped from the sky. During the Christmas season, lighthouse families began watching for packages containing newspapers, magazines, candy, coffee, and other highly-prized items
The service expanded to many other lighthouses, particularly along the New England coast. His son, Bill, Jr. and the festively-named Edward Rowe Snow continued the tradition. Mr. Snow, a noted New England historian and author, became the "Flying Santa" for nearly 50 years [4].
Lighthouse children eagerly listened for the roar of the plane’s engines every December. Along with the gifts, the Flying Santa volunteers brought hope, appreciation, and fun to lighthouse families. In an isolated world, especially during the harsh winters, they knew they were not forgotten.
Lighthouse expert and author Elinor DeWire writes that Capt. Wincapaw thought "all lighthouse families ought to be remembered during the holidays for their benevolent services, especially at Christmas when the symbolism of light to guide the way was foremost in everyone's heart" [5].
This December (2024) marks the 95th anniversary of the Flying Santa tradition. Volunteers begin early every year to gear up for the Christmas flights. Now using helicopters, the dedicated Flying Santa delivers Christmas cheer and packages to show appreciation to the men, women, and families of the Coast Guard. Nowadays, the helicopter lands and the gifts are distributed to the children.
Capt. Wincapaw's original mission of gratitude to those who watch over our coastal waters continues as children watch for gifts brought from the sky.
To find out more, attend the Third Annual Virtual Gala about all things Flying Santa here! The online gala is hosted by the United States Lighthouse Society. For more videos and podcasts, make sure to subscribe to the Lighthouse Society's Youtube channel here.
References:
1. Tague, Brian. The Origins and History of the Flying Santa. Friends of the Flying Santa website. [Accessed 2 December 2024].
2. Ibid.
4. Ibid.
5. Ibid
My book, Mystery Shores, is set on a lighthouse island filled with wild beauty and hidden danger. Since Mystery Shores takes place in 1893, there was, unfortunately, no Flying Santa.
Yet, even when facing a dangerous mystery, Christie and Melina follow the lighthouse tradition of risking their lives to help keep mariners safe.
