Description
The third sequel to Misty of Chicoteague was also inspired by actual events. The Ash Wednesday Storm of 1962, a level 5 nor'easter, struck on the first day of Lent, raging for three days. The real life Misty was pregnant and back at the Beebe ranch on Chincoteague. Temporarily housed in the family's kitchen, Misty weathered the storm just fine, much to the relief of fans world-wide. The Washington Post was one of several papers reporting that she was ok. Many of the island's unprotected ponies did not fare as well. Of the 300 living on both islands, 55 died on Assateague and 90 on Chincoteague. Many drowned, carried out to sea. The real life Misty also helped raise funds for restocking the island pony herd-- Twentieth Century Fox re-released the film Misty into theaters for the "Misty Disaster Fund" and Misty and newborn Stormy made appearances in theaters across Maryland and Virginia to help publicize the charity drive.
