Flying Santa

Flying Santa

The Flying Santa is a tradition that began in 1929, where Santa Claus delivers gifts to lighthouse keepers and their families along the New England coast. This unique holiday tradition was initiated by Edward Rowe Snow, a noted author and historian, who took on the role of Flying Santa for over four decades.

History

The tradition of the Flying Santa was started by William Wincapaw, a pioneering aviator and humanitarian. Wincapaw, who had a deep appreciation for the work of lighthouse keepers, began the practice of dropping Christmas gifts from his airplane to the isolated families living at lighthouses. His first flight took place on Christmas Day in 1929, covering the lighthouses along the coast of Maine.

Edward Rowe Snow

In 1936, Edward Rowe Snow joined Wincapaw in the Flying Santa flights. After Wincapaw's death in 1947, Snow continued the tradition, expanding the flights to include more lighthouses and Coast Guard stations along the New England coast. Snow's dedication to the tradition earned him the affectionate title of "Flying Santa".

The Flights

The Flying Santa flights were conducted using small aircraft, from which gifts were dropped to the lighthouse keepers and their families. These gifts typically included items such as books, magazines, toys, and other small luxuries that were difficult to obtain in the remote locations where the keepers lived.

Modern Era

Today, the tradition is carried on by the Friends of Flying Santa, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving this unique piece of maritime history. The flights now use helicopters, allowing for more precise delivery of gifts to Coast Guard families stationed at lighthouses and other remote locations.

Significance

The Flying Santa tradition is a testament to the spirit of giving and the importance of recognizing the often-overlooked contributions of lighthouse keepers and their families. It highlights the challenges faced by those living in remote coastal areas and the role of community and tradition in providing support and recognition.

See Also

• Lighthouse
• Edward Rowe Snow
• William Wincapaw

References

• "The Flying Santa: A New England Tradition" by Edward Rowe Snow
• "Lighthouses of New England" by William Wincapaw

External Links

• Friends of Flying Santa