April 2023 Issue

EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN April 2023 Page 7 Home of Misty of Chincoteague Threatened with Development of 1962. My father brought Misty into the kitchen because the flood waters were rising. My mom had just gotten a new kitchen table, and my dad set the table on its side to block Misty in the kitchen. Our family was rescued by helicopter (as were many other islanders) from the side yard of the ranch.... a very exciting helicopter ride! Misty was in that kitchen for three days. A few days after the storm, Dad took Misty to Dr. Finney in Pocomoke, and Stormy was born!” These are the stories and the memories Faith is determined to save. “In theory, there are mil- lions of people who read Misty, who love Chincoteague and the ponies. It is the power of many,” Faith said. A donation from everyone Misty touched would do it. Faith shared future plans. “If we succeed, the Beebe ponies will stay on the property. The ponies are Misty descen- dants. We want to rebuild the barn and have a space for an educational classroom or a place for kids to have hands-on activities to learn about ponies. We want to take care of the house and allow tours. Most of the memorabilia is already in the museum on permanent loan - the signs from the ranch, Grandpa Beebe’s branding iron, and other items - they would go to the ranch.” Bonnie Beebe, Billy’s wife, said she’s never been a horse person, but she’s been moved by the people. “We've had people [visit] from other countries as well as from many states,” she said. “The majority came because of the book. I've heard people say that Misty was the first book they ever read. I've heard them say they had their own pony named Misty. I've heard from those that said they had a ‘not- so-great’ childhood, but they lived vicariously through Paul and Maureen - a bright spot in their childhood. Many grandmas have come, some carrying a tat- tered “Misty of Chincoteague” book they've had for 50+ years. They brought their granddaugh- ters to purchase their very own new copy of “Misty of Chin- coteague,” stamped by Billy with Grandpa Beebe's branding iron.” Misty’s story has impacted tourism, too. As many as 50,000 people have attended the annual Pony Penning swim. But, as a local child, Faith said the ranch was just the Beebe home to her. “It wasn’t until about 25 years ago, when I was working at the museum, and we started the road scholar program that I met Billy Beebe and we started to incorporate [the ranch] into our tours,” she said. They gave me the key and told me to go ahead and bring groups in there. That is what Chincoteague is about, you just help your friends and are there for each other.” Faith spoke of those whose lives were touched by Misty. When they finally visit the island, they literally cry,” she said. “They nurtured that book and carried it with them every- where they went. That story meant something to them, and this town means something be- cause of it.” Faith quoted board mem- ber Denise Bowden, who said, “Nothing in history has ever been accomplished by being cautious and afraid.” “I am doing two walking tours on April 1st as a benefit,” she said. “We have a magician coming to do a magic show on April 7 with proceeds going to the museum, and a dinner and auction on April 15. People can be doing fundraisers all over the United States for us and we would so appreciate it.” She spoke of two children who came into the museum a few weeks prior. They donated $2.73 from their piggy bank,” she said. “It reminded me of how, in 1962 after the Ash Wednesday storm, the first outpouring of support came in the form of letters from kids throughout the country who sent in their pennies and dimes. It all adds up.” She hopes others will realize the importance and open their hearts. “This would be like the happy ending in a movie, the ending you always hope for,” Faith said. The museum has until the end of April to raise the funds. At press time $200,000 of the $625,000 needed had been raised. Donations may be made online at https:// chincoteaguemuseum.com/ or https://gofund.me/bd12d625 or mailed to the Museum of Chincoteague, PO Box 352, Chincoteague, VA 23336. The museum can be reached at (757) 336-6117. (Continued from page 1)