The Ash Wednesday Storm of 1962

On March 7, 1962, a fierce nor’easter known as the Ash Wednesday Storm battered the Atlantic coast. The storm was relentless, bringing high winds, flooding, and destruction. Among those affected were the wild ponies of Assateague and Chincoteague Islands.

Misty, the Celebrity Pony

One of the most famous ponies on the islands was Misty of Chincoteague, the subject of Marguerite Henry’s beloved children’s book. Misty had become a national celebrity after the book’s publication in 1947.

Misty’s Pregnancy and the Storm

When the Ash Wednesday Storm struck, Misty was pregnant and staying at the Beebe Ranch on Chincoteague Island. With the island in turmoil and the water unsafe to drink, human residents were evacuated. Misty, however, remained behind, taking shelter in the family’s kitchen.

Public Concern for Misty

News of the storm and Misty’s pregnancy spread quickly, and people across the country were worried about her safety. Phone lines were jammed with calls from children asking about Misty’s well-being.

Misty’s Survival

Despite the severity of the storm, Misty survived. She weathered the storm in the Beebe’s kitchen, where she was kept company by a cat and lapped up spilled molasses.

Loss and Recovery

While Misty survived the storm, not all of the ponies on the islands were so lucky. Of the 300 ponies living on both islands, 55 died on Assateague and 90 on Chincoteague. Many drowned, carried out to sea.

The loss of the ponies was a tragedy, but it also posed a threat to the local economy. Without the ponies, the annual pony penning event, which brought tourists to Chincoteague, would be in jeopardy.

Misty’s Role in the Recovery

Misty played a vital role in the recovery of the pony herd. Her survival and the birth of her foal, Stormy, gave hope to the community. Twentieth Century Fox re-released its film adaptation of “Misty of Chincoteague” as a fundraiser for the “Misty Disaster Fund,” which was used to restock the pony herd.

Stormy, Misty’s Foal

Misty gave birth to Stormy, a delicate and sprightly filly, shortly after the storm. The foal’s name was inspired by the storm that Misty had survived.

Publicity Tour and Fundraising

Misty and Stormy embarked on a publicity tour to raise awareness for the Misty Disaster Fund. They made appearances at theaters across Maryland and Virginia, where they were greeted by enthusiastic crowds. The tour was a success, and by April, Chincoteague pony owners were offering to sell their ponies back to the herd to help rebuild its numbers.

Legacy of Misty and Stormy

Misty of Chincoteague and her foal, Stormy, became symbols of hope and resilience after the Ash Wednesday Storm. Their story continues to inspire people today. The pony penning event still takes place annually, and Misty and Stormy’s legacy lives on in the hearts of animal lovers everywhere.