Misty of Chincoteague

In 1946, author Marguerite Henry went to Pony Penning Day on Chincoteague Island, Virginia, to research material for a book with Wesley Dennis. There she met the Beebes, Grandpa, Grandma, Maureen and Paul, and a sweet little filly named Misty.

Grandpa (Clarence) Beebe

Grandma (Ida) Beebe

Maureen & The Phantom

Grandpa Beebe & The Pied Piper

Maureen, Paul and the Black Comet

Misty was born on July 20, 1946. She was sired by the Pied Piper, and her dam was the legendary, illusive, Phantom. Misty was driven along with her herd across the channel that devided Assateague Island and Chincoteague Island. Maureen and Paul Beebe bought her at pony Penning with her dam. When Marguerite decided she wanted Misty for her book, Clarence Beebe at first refused, until a bargain was struck that the grandchildren, Maureen and Paul, be included in the book. Misty was sold for $150.00 and lived with Marguerite for 10 years.

Misty as a foal.

Misty turned out to be quite the pony. Marguerite's aptly named donkey, Brighty, and morgan gelding, Friday, kept Misty company. Above is Marguerite's husband with Friday and Misty.

Misty at two years of age.

Marguerite's house with Marguerite at the door.	Misty liked going in the house, with class, by the front door of course!
Misty keeping Marguerite company.	Misty shaking hands.

After the completion of Misty of Chincoteague, Misty became a living heroine. She had a movie made about her and a coal black filly was dyed white to look like Misty. Misty became even more popular. She has her hoofprints in cement in Chincoteague to prove it. Marguerite arranged for Misty to visit schools and theatres, as such was her popularity. Below is Misty at one of her many appearances.	A birthday party for Misty.
A close up of Misty's face.	Breyer cards of Misty.

At the time of the movie, Misty, who had returned to Chincoteague, was busy being a mama. She had many foals before she had Stormy, her most famous offspring. Wisp O' Mist, Phantom Wings, Misty and Stormy.	Misty and Phantom Wings, her first foal and only colt.
Phantom Wings	Misty and Wisp O' Mist, her second foal
Wisp O'Mist, Stormy and Misty
Stormy, was the last foal born to Misty, in 1962. She was born during the ash Wednesday storm on Chincoteague in Grandma Beebe's kitchen, where they stabled her for safety.	An early photo of Misty and Stormy. This pic is the one used by Wesley Dennis for the cover of the Stormy book.
Misty and Stormy	Misty and Stormy on the steps of Ralph & Jeanette Bebbe's house.

Misty on her stool with baby Stormy

Grandma Beebe, with Misty and Stormy

Misty and Stormy, the later years.

Misty and Stormy, Pony Ranch

Stormy with the last of her own foals, Foggy Mist.

Stormy at the Pony Ranch, Chincoteague

Stormy grazing at Pony Ranch

Stormy, running, Pony Ranch.

Stormy, visiting schools

Stormy on her stool

Headshot of Stormy

Last photo taken of Stormy

Misty passed away October 16, 1972 and Stormy died in 1993. They outlived all the Beebes except Maureen. Paul died in a car accident at the tender age of 21 and the elder Beebes died of unknown causes, but assumably from old age. Misty was stuffed and mounted and is now on display in the Beebe's old house, in the same spot she stayed during the storm. Misty has numerous descendants. Many children the world over are lucky to have a pony tied to a heroine in a book.

Misty had a statue and monument dedicated to her.

LINKS
A History of Misty

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