 On many of these flights, his only means of navigation were the lighthouse beacons maintained by keepers along the coast.He had a great deal of admiration for these men and their families and felt that something special should be done to show them how much their efforts were appreciated.On December 25, 1929, he loaded up his plane with a dozen packages containing newspapers, magazines, coffee, candy and other items - small luxuries that could make living on an isolated island a little more bearable.