Have you heard the story of the lighthouse Flying Santa?
With the Christmas Holiday near, it’s that time of year to reflect on those that go out of their way to make it so special. Take for example the man they call “The Flying Santa.” It’s a story that dates back to 1929. You see, there was a pilot named William Wincapaw who often flew in the Penobscot Bay area of Maine, a very skilled pilot. He often flew amphibious planes which could land either on water or ground.
Although, helicopters are now used to deliver packages. The Friends of Flying Santa are now devoted to ensuring the flights continue in gratitude of all the work our men, women, and families of the United States Coast Guard do to keep our waters safe.
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Hudson River Maritime Museum (NY) crowdfunds for Lighthouse documentary
The Hudson River Maritime Museum announces the launch of the trailer and a crowdfunding campaign to complete the new documentary film “Seven Sentinels: Lighthouses of the Hudson River.”
Those interested in learning more about the film, each of the lighthouse organizations, and how to donate can visit www.hudsonriverlighthouses.org. Supporters through Indiegogo can receive perks like DVDs, signed Hudson River Lighthouses books, lighthouse tours, supporters-only film screenings, credits, and more.
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Bureau of Land Management and partners hosting events to celebrate 150th anniversary of Trinidad Lighthouse (CA)
Guided walks, living history performances, and a book signing are highlights of a celebration marking the 150th anniversary of the Trinidad Lighthouse set for Saturday, Dec. 4, at the historic lighthouse on Trinidad Head. Events run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Participants can meet for tours and information at the Trinidad Civic Club tent at the Memorial Lighthouse parking area. From there, members of the Trinidad Coastal Land Trust will lead half-mile walks to the still-functioning historic lighthouse where there will be informational exhibits and opportunities to enter the lighthouse to experience stunning views of the Pacific Ocean coastline.
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Restoration work atop East Chop Light (MA) nears completion
Restoration work has been under way this fall atop the East Chop Light, the familiar beacon perched on Telegraph Hill on Martha’s Vineyard that has guided mariners since 1878. Most of the work has focused on the brackets supporting the catwalk railing that rims the top of the lighthouse, adorned with a series of small cast iron lighthouses. Over time the brackets railing have found themselves in need of repairs.
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Sanji Lighthouse in Jeju City, South Korea, transformed into eco-friendly café and bookstore
Sanji Lighthouse occupies a high vantage point on the side of Sarabong peak near Jeju Port in Jeju City, and now it is being reborn as a cultural complex for local residents and tourists. The consensus in the local area suggested that, since the open space around Sanji Lighthouse is a popular walking trail among locals and tourists and comprises a tourist destination in the old city, it should be used as a cultural space rather than being permanently closed.
Flickr Creative Commons photo by Hyoung Won Park.
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Lighting of the Biloxi Lighthouse (MS)
The annual Lighting of the Biloxi Lighthouse is the official staple for the holiday season. Last night’s family-friendly event offered free hot chocolate and Christmas cookies with holiday music to set the mood.
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Government of Canada announces new heritage lighthouse designation in Ontario
The Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, has announced the designation of the Burlington Canal Main Lighthouse under Canada’s Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act.
The Burlington Canal Main Lighthouse is a 55-foot-tall, circular, tapered, limestone tower with an iron lantern and catwalk. The lighthouse marks the entrance to the Burlington Canal. It supported the passage of vessels from Lake Ontario to Burlington Bay, now known as Hamilton Harbour.
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Howth lighthouse image wins Irish round of international Wiki photo competition
A photo of Howth Harbour Lighthouse in Dublin has won this year’s Irish round of the world’s biggest photography competition, Wiki Loves Monuments. The Irish edition of the Wiki Loves Monuments competition took place during September, the eighth year of the contest in Ireland.
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Nobska Light (MA) wreath hanging
Volunteers worked to secure a wreath along the railing on Nobska Lighthouse this week. Volunteers and Friends of Nobska Light members hoisted the wreath onto Nobska Light Wednesday morning.
Click here for a photo gallery
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U.S. Lighthouse Society News is produced by the U.S. Lighthouse Society to support lighthouse preservation, history, education and research.
If you have items of interest to the lighthouse community and its supporters, please email them to Jeremy D’Entremont at Jeremy@uslhs.org
U.S. Lighthouse Society Historian Jeremy D’Entremont is the author of 24 books and hundreds of articles on lighthouses and maritime history. He is a past president of the American Lighthouse Foundation and founder of Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouses, and he has lectured and narrated cruises throughout the Northeast and in other regions. He is also the producer and host of the U.S. Lighthouse Society’s weekly podcast, “Light Hearted.” He can be emailed at Jeremy@uslhs.org