Mary Allen
Introduction: The Tale of Misty of Chincoteague
Misty of Chincoteague is a beloved children’s book that tells the story of a wild pony from the island of Chincoteague. The book was written by Marguerite Henry and published in 1947. It quickly became a classic and has been beloved by generations of children ever since. But where did the story of Misty come from? In this article, we will explore the history of Chincoteague Island, the tradition of pony penning, and the inspiration behind the story of Misty.
The Island of Chincoteague: A Brief History
Chincoteague Island is a small barrier island located off the coast of Virginia. It is known for its pristine beaches, wildlife refuge, and the wild ponies that roam the island. The island has a rich history that dates back to the early 17th century when it was settled by English colonists. For centuries, the island was primarily used for fishing and farming. In the 20th century, tourism became an important industry on the island, with visitors flocking to the beaches and wildlife refuge.
The Pony Penning Tradition
One of the most unique traditions on Chincoteague Island is the annual pony penning. This tradition dates back to the 1920s when local residents would round up the wild ponies that roamed the island and sell them to mainland buyers. The proceeds from the sale would be used to fund the fire department. Today, the pony penning is still held every July, and it has become a major tourist attraction. Visitors come from all over the world to watch the ponies swim across the channel from Assateague Island to Chincoteague Island and to bid on the ponies at the auction.
Marguerite Henry: The Author of Misty of Chincoteague
Marguerite Henry was an American author who wrote over 50 books for children. She was born in Wisconsin in 1902 and began writing at a young age. She was passionate about animals and often wrote stories about them. Henry’s most famous book is Misty of Chincoteague, which was based on the wild ponies of Chincoteague Island.
The Inspiration Behind the Story
In the early 1940s, Marguerite Henry visited Chincoteague Island and was fascinated by the wild ponies. She learned about the tradition of pony penning and was inspired to write a story about it. Henry spent several years researching and writing the book, which was published in 1947. The book was an instant success and has since become a classic of children’s literature.
Misty’s Parents: The Phantom and the Phantom’s Mate
Misty was born to two wild ponies known as the Phantom and the Phantom’s Mate. These ponies were well-known on Chincoteague Island and were known for their beauty and strength. The Phantom was a silver dapple stallion, while the Phantom’s Mate was a chestnut mare. Misty inherited her father’s silver dapple coat, which made her stand out from the other ponies on the island.
The Birth of Misty and Her Siblings
Misty was born on Chincoteague Island in the spring of 1946. She was one of four foals born to the Phantom and the Phantom’s Mate that year. Misty was the smallest of the four foals, but she quickly became a favorite of the local children. Her story would soon capture the hearts of children all over the world.
The Wild Pony Roundup of 1957
In 1957, the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company decided to hold a special pony penning to honor the 10th anniversary of the publication of Misty of Chincoteague. The wild pony roundup was a huge success, with thousands of visitors coming to the island to watch the ponies swim across the channel. Misty was one of the ponies rounded up that day, and she was sold to a family in Illinois.
Misty’s Journey to Mainland America
Misty’s journey to mainland America was a long and difficult one. She had never been off the island before, and she was scared and confused by the new sights and sounds around her. She traveled by truck and train to her new home in Illinois, where she was greeted by her new owners, the Beebes. The Beebes had read Misty of Chincoteague and had fallen in love with the pony’s story.
Misty’s Life After the Book’s Publication
Misty lived the rest of her life on the Beebe family’s farm in Illinois. She became a beloved member of the family and was often visited by fans of the book. She even made several appearances on television shows and at book signings. Misty died in 1972 at the age of 26. Her legacy, however, would live on.
The Legacy of Misty of Chincoteague
Misty of Chincoteague has had a lasting impact on Chincoteague Island and beyond. The book has inspired countless children to learn more about horses and to visit the island to see the wild ponies for themselves. The pony penning tradition continues to be a major tourist attraction, and Misty has become an icon of the island. Her story has also inspired several sequels and spin-off books.
Conclusion: Misty’s Impact on Chincoteague and Beyond
Misty of Chincoteague is more than just a children’s book. It is a story that has captured the hearts of people all over the world. Misty’s legacy continues to inspire new generations of children to learn about horses, the island of Chincoteague, and the tradition of pony penning. Her story is a testament to the power of literature to bring people together and to inspire them to explore the world around them.