“She was a master storyteller and just an infectious person to be around,” Carr said. “She was just an absolute wonderful person and really epitomizes how wonderful the people are of the Eastern Shore and especially Chincoteague,” said Kevin Carr, artistic director for the Arlington Children’s Chorus.Ĭarr recalled how he met Hursh about 15 years ago when he stayed at a Chincoteague beach house for which she served as a caretaker of sorts.
During that time, Misty did many fan appearances, learned to perform tricks, and was the only equine member of the American Library Association. Misty lived there with Henry for 10 years. Once Misty was weaned, Henry had her brought back to her house in Wayne, Illinois. The Beebes were hesitant, but agreed to sell Misty if Henry would include their grandchildren Paul and Maureen in the book. Henry also wanted to buy a foal from the ranch named Misty. She told the Beebes it would help make their ranch famous and they would be able to sell a lot of ponies reared there. While on Chincoteague, Henry met the owners of Beebe Ranch, and was inspired to write about it. This long-time tradition involved “Saltwater Cowboys” rounding up feral ponies on nearby Assateague Island and having them swim the channel to Chincoteague, where they would be auctioned off. Henry was there to witness the annual pony swim and auction. Marguerite Henry was inspired to write her book Misty of Chincoteague while spending a summer on the titular island in 1946. Her pinto coat still looks fluffy and shiny, and her lifeless eyes still hold hints of the sweetness that endeared her to children around the world.
The body of the real-life Misty of Chincoteague is displayed for all to see. What is perhaps the most beloved pony in children’s literature is preserved in more than just books and movies.
0 kommentar(er)
