For over nine decades, the beloved Flying Santa made a number of visits to Fort Point Lighthouse in Stockton Springs during his annual Christmastime journey through the skies of Maine. Whether it was …
Alone on Nubble Light for Christmas until Flying Santa Showed Up
Christmastime is always more special when the holiday is shared with family and friends. Though a delicious meal and gifts add nicely to any Yuletide celebration, it is the warm company of those we …
Lofty Words for the Flying Santa
Following the first time that Flying Santa – the legendary Captain Bill Wincapaw, took to the air to show his appreciation to Penobscot Bay area lighthouse keepers by dropping gift bundles on …
A ‘Story Kind of Nice’ from Matinicus Rock Keeper
The 1950 Christmas season was anything but normal for the keepers on Matinicus Rock. Just one month earlier on November 26, 1950, a storm for the ages battered the Rock with such fury that to this …
A Flying Santa Memory at Hendricks Head Lighthouse
When Maine’s light stations were staffed by keepers and their families, Christmastime was more than a heartwarming holiday. Anticipation of Christmas was something that buoyed the lonely spirits of …
A Happy New Year Day
Words from the past can often find relevance in the presence – even when the circumstances have no direct connection. In a letter from the keepers of Matinicus Rock Light Station written ninety-two …
A Maine Lighthouse and its Connection to a National Christmas Tree
When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the American people were thrust into a state of shock and fear as a war that was engulfing much of the world had suddenly become all too …
Nubble Light…Like no other Lighthouse at Christmastime
Some traditions tarry through time and are simply observed, while others rekindle our spirits with a vibrant joy that is undiminished by familiarity. A decorated Cape Neddick Lighthouse – or Nubble …
Portland Head Light’s Christmas Wreath
As Maine’s oldest sentinel, the 1791 Portland Head Light has presided over much in the way of history. Marking the entrance to Portland Harbor, the venerable beacon has stood a faithful watch during …
Thanksgiving at The Rock
I was thinking how very different Thanksgiving 2020 feels compared to holidays in years gone by, and how – in some strange way, it mirrors aspects of many a Thanksgiving Day at offshore lighthouses …