June/July 2023 Issue

EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN June/July 2023 Page 5 Museum of Chincoteague Signs Contract to Save the Beebe Ranch By Lois Szymanski After Marguerite Henry’s 1947 book, “Misty of Chin- coteague” was released, crowds flocked to the island where two pony-loving siblings brought home a wild pony of their own. In the April issue of East Coast Equestrian, we shared how the iconic Beebe Ranch where Misty was raised was on the mar- ket. The Museum of Chincote- ague was fundraising to buy this piece of history so visitors could come and be a part of the story they loved as a child. After the article was re- leased, your donations showed up - along with many others - and now the museum’s dream is about to become reality. Museum exec- utive director, Cindy Faith said more than $450,000 has come in. A contract has been signed and they are set to close on June 30. Even though the full price of $625,000 has not yet been raised, Faith is confident they will reach their goal. With your help, it will happen. “We had $317,000 when we announced that we had a match- ing grant for $100,000,” Faith said, revealing how philanthro- pist, David Landsberger stepped in. Landsberger has donated to nearly every nonprofit on the island, including the library, the theater, the Community House, Brianna’s Park, and the YMCA - named in his honor. “He is a very generous person,” Faith said. Landsberger said he is lucky to be able to give. “My passion is the Eastern Shore and especially Chincoteague. I always want to preserve the life- style of this island and green spac- es,” he said. “I donate to a number of causes on the island. If you live here and you know the ponies and how Misty affected their story you know why.” The ranch’s storied history is important. After all, Misty rode out the Ash Wednesday storm of 1962 in the ranch house kitchen. “When we spoke, Cindy needed $200,000 to get to her goal,” Landsberger said. “I offered up to $100,000, matching every dollar that is donated, but I do have some stipulations that we are getting down on paper. I want to make sure the land stays in perpetuity, never to be developed. (Continued on page 7) Tell our advertisers you found them in East Coast Equestrian! It is 10.2 acres, and I don’t want them to ever sell any of it off. “When you live in a commu- nity, you have to help preserve Donations large and small to help preserve the Beebe Ranch have poured in from across the country, many accompamied by letters or drawings from children. Photo credit Museum of Chincoteague