Floodwaters and Foundations on the Eastern Shore

_By Tiffany Amber Stockton

Tucked away in a quiet corner of southeastern Kentucky, my little nook is usually spared the brunt of nature’s wilder tantrums. But my beloved Chincoteague Island? Not so fortunate.

Dancing with the Elements

Let’s start with a geography lesson...with a twist.

Many in the U.S. aren't familiar with the name Delmarva. And I get it. This area often gets overlooked as insignificant. Many regions do, especially if they don't create national impact. But this peninsula is made up of DELaware, plus parts of MARyland and VirginiA. Pretty straightforward, right? Not for everyone, as I've learned. Chalk it up to being raised in the area and surrounded by the regional influences. :)

Years ago, during a family reunion on Chincoteague, I told a relative I was from Delaware. They blinked at me and asked, “Where’s that?” Rather than spell it out, I asked them if they knew the name of the peninsula where they lived, and they said, "Delmarva, of course." I then asked what the name Delmarva meant. Their answer? “That’s the electric company!”

Cue my teenage eye roll.

Eventually, I asked them to name the states that make up Delmarva. Some got Virginia and Maryland right away. Delaware? Crickets. Now, mind you, Delaware isn’t just one of the three. It actually takes up over 60% of the land area. For lifelong residents of the peninsula not to know that? That’s a sad commentary on the state of geographic literacy in our country. But I digress.

Forgotten in the Forecasts

Just as Delaware often gets left out of conversations, so does Delmarva when it comes to national weather reports. Hurricanes are tracked up the Eastern Seaboard with warnings issued for Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, New Jersey, and New York. But Delmarva and the MidAtlantic? Often skipped.

And yet, this region has experienced record-breaking flooding after some of the most devastating hurricanes in U.S. history. One such nor'easter in 1933 permanently severed a barrier island just south of Ocean City, MD and created 2 separate islands. Storms in this area hit quite hard with lasting effects.

Why? Because of how the weather systems collide.

Hurricanes coming from the southeast often clash with cold fronts sweeping toward the coast from the northwest. The result? A swirling, soggy mess that parks itself right over the peninsula, dumping rain for days. Historically, these storm patterns affected everything from local farming to smuggling operations during the Revolutionary War, when blockade runners would navigate Chincoteague Harbor to move goods south.

But when the peninsula turned into a swampy floodplain in late summer, travel became treacherous. There was more marshland than dry ground. One of these storms occurred when the famous horse, Misty, was about to give birth to one of her foals. He was named Stormy, as a result.

Wading Through Chincoteague

Flooding isn’t a freak occurrence on Chincoteague. It’s part of the rhythm of life.

As a kid visiting in late summer, I remember rolling up my jeans and kicking off my sandals to wade through water that sometimes reached our knees...or higher! On stormy weeks, residents would break out rowboats to navigate the streets. Picture this: getting dressed for Sunday meeting, only to pile into a boat instead of a car.

Some folks swoon over the gondolas of Venice, Italy. But I’m not so sure I’d enjoy that as a yearly lifestyle. There’s a fine line between charming and exhausting. And Chincoteague’s flooding can easily tip the scales.

The Aftermath and Adaptations

Of course, it’s not all whimsical boat rides and soggy socks. Flooding brings real danger. Property loss, structural damage, and sometimes even loss of life. That’s why so many homes and buildings on Chincoteague are built elevated, with raised foundations or full-blown stilt systems, much like beachfront homes all across the coastlines.

When storms destroy, rebuilds happen. Elevation has now become a way to survive.

Rain Boots and Resilience

Having grown up all around the Chesapeake Bay, I’ve seen my share of hurricanes, nor’easters, and relentless downpours that stretch for days.

My most recent visit to Chincoteague? Pony Penning Day. Unlike the last time I visited and had to trudge around the island with soaked shoes and mud-splattered legs, this time the weather cooperated with blue skies and warm temperatures. The ponies? Totally unfazed. The soggy marshland is their playground.

And it’s not just summer rains that cause trouble. Winter storms combined with high tides have also brought eerie sights. Ice floating in flooded streets. Snow meeting saltwater. Frozen sheets of water. A frosty floodplain.

Chincoteague takes it all in stride, just like the ponies. The islanders adapt, rebuild, and press on. It’s part of their story. And thanks to family roots and muddy memories, it’s part of mine, too.

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN:

* Have you ever experienced flooding where you live? How did your community adapt or prepare for future storms?

* If you lived on Chincoteague Island, would you embrace the “boat-to-church” adventure or head for higher ground?

* Do you know the geography of your own region? What fun or surprising facts could you share that most people overlook?

Leave answers to these questions or any comments on the post below.

** This note is for our email readers. Please do not reply via email with any comments. View the blog online and scroll down to the comments section.

Come back on the 9th of each month for my next foray into historical tidbits to share.

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BIO

Tiffany Amber Stockton has embellished stories since childhood, thanks to a very active imagination and notations of talking entirely too much. Honing those skills led her to careers as an award-winning and best-selling author and speaker, while also working as a professional copywriter/copyeditor. She loves to share life-changing products and ideas with others to help them just get rooted and live a life of purpose.

Currently, she lives with her husband and fellow author, Stuart Vaughn Stockton, along with their two children, two dogs, and five cats in southeastern Kentucky. In her 20+ years as a professional writer, she has sold twenty-six (26) books so far and has agent representation with Tamela Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. You can find her on Facebook and GoodReads.

Presidential Ties and Tidewater Roots

   By Tiffany Amber Stockton

We made it! My daughter and I attended the 100th anniversary of the first official Pony Penning Day on Chincoteague Island the last week of July. Although I grew up about 2 hours from the island and attended this more than once, it's always a delight to watch, and especially fun seeing it through the eyes of my 16yo daughter. If you missed last month's post detailing the history of this event, you can view it here.

A fascinating encounter that took place that week was discovering a family connection to the captain of the boat we rode for our sunset cruise around Chincoteague and Assateague. Our grandmothers were both Jesters, and since we knew they weren't sisters, we figured they were cousins. I'll be adding that mention in my upcoming book series set on Chincoteague (release date TBD).

Speaking of family connections, I thought it might be fun to go back to the father-in-law of that grandmother, and his connection to "American Royalty."

Tracing Family Through Edith Bolling Galt Wilson

Family stories often start as whispers, passed down over supper tables, tucked between photo albums, or told with a wink before bedtime. In my case, one of those whispers involved a cousin who became First Lady of the United States. According to some, she also ran the country during a critical moment in history. Her name? Edith Bolling Galt Wilson.

It wasn’t until I began researching my family roots that the puzzle pieces began fitting together in surprising ways. One piece led me back to my great-grandfather, who once shipped clams and oysters from Chincoteague Island to the White House during Woodrow Wilson’s presidency. Another piece led to Edith.

A Cousin by Marriage—and a Quiet Leader in the White House

Edith Bolling was born in 1872 in Wytheville, Virginia, a descendant of colonial aristocracy with deep Southern roots. Her life entered our family history in 1895, when she visited her sister in Washington, D.C., and met Norman Galt. He's my great-grandfather’s first cousin, and he owned the prestigious Galt & Bro. Jewelers, established in 1802.

Their marriage in 1896 tied our family to elite Washington society, but after Norman’s sudden death in 1908, Edith showed remarkable fortitude. She personally selected a capable manager to continue the jewelry business. Thanks to that foresight, she helped sustain the Galt legacy and kept the doors open to Washington’s most influential clientele.

But Edith’s legacy was only beginning. In 1914, she met a widowed President Woodrow Wilson. They shared mutual intellect as well as grief in losing a spouse. As a result, their bond quickly deepened, and they married in 1915. Just four years later, when a stroke left the president partially paralyzed, Edith quietly stepped into the background of American history.

Driven by Devotion

Though some dubbed her “the secret president,” Edith rejected any titles. Instead, she described her role as “a stewardship,” overseeing routine duties, protecting her husband’s health, and determining which matters deserved his attention. She didn't make any attempt to assume power or rewrite policy. She simply stood by her husband’s side with unwavering love, and remarkable grit.

A 2013 commemorative $10 gold coin from the U.S. Mint beautifully captures that image. One side features a sculpted likeness of Edith. The other shows her hand resting atop her husband's, steadying his cane. Such a simple symbol of strength and shared burden. And it's one I’d love to add to our family’s keepsake collection.

From Tidewaters to Washington, D.C.

Growing up, I always loved hearing Edith's story. Digging deeper into my mother’s side of the family, though, led me to how that story also touched the small seaside town of Chincoteague, where hardworking folks like my great-grandfather once helped feed a president.

These days, Chincoteague Island remains a vivid part of my heritage. It’s where stories come alive in salty sea air and oyster beds. I still feel the pull of generations before me. Strong, resilient, and deeply rooted in both the soil and the soul of the Eastern Shore.

Why It Still Matters

In our world of shifting trends and fleeting fame, there’s something grounding about knowing where you come from and who your people were. Edith Bolling Galt Wilson wasn’t just a First Lady. She was family. Her story, along with the others I continue to uncover, reminds me that we all carry a bit of history within us.

So here’s to the cousins, the clams, the coins, and the quiet strength of those who came before us.

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN:

* Have you ever uncovered a surprising or notable figure in your own family tree? If so, what stories or legacies have you learned from them?

* What part of your family’s history feels most "alive" to you, whether through stories, heirlooms, or local ties?

* If you could sit down for coffee with one ancestor, who would it be, and what would you ask them?

Leave answers to these questions or any comments on the post below.

** This note is for our email readers. Please do not reply via email with any comments. View the blog online and scroll down to the comments section.

Come back on the 9th of each month for my next foray into historical tidbits to share.

---

BIO

Tiffany Amber Stockton has embellished stories since childhood, thanks to a very active imagination and notations of talking entirely too much. Honing those skills led her to careers as an award-winning and best-selling author and speaker, while also working as a professional copywriter/copyeditor. She loves to share life-changing products and ideas with others to help them just get rooted and live a life of purpose.

Currently, she lives with her husband and fellow author, Stuart Vaughn Stockton, along with their two children, two dogs, and three cats in southeastern Kentucky. In her 20+ years as a professional writer, she has sold twenty-six (26) books so far and has agent representation with Tamela Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. You can find her on Facebook and GoodReads.

100 Years of Saltwater Cowboys and Penning Ponies

  By Tiffany Amber Stockton

This is it! It's finally July. And that means a special trip with my daughter to the 100th anniversary of the first official Pony Penning Day on Chincoteague Island. I haven't been back to the island where my grandfather was born for nearly ten years, and I just discovered a potential B&B owned by distant family members. If you missed last month's post about some of my family legacy on Chincoteague, you can view it here.

The History of Pony Penning Day on Chincoteague & Assateague Islands

Wild ponies have inhabited Assateague Island for hundreds of years. A lot of evidence says they are the descendants of the survivors of a Spanish galleon which wrecked off the coast of Assateague. This story, which has been passed from generation to generation on Chincoteague Island, is stronger than fiction. :) I heard it myself from my grandfather, and it's common lore among island residents.

If you ever view a shipwreck map of the mid Atlantic coastline, you'll see a remarkable number of shipwrecks. Before modern navigation, ships used lighthouses and the stars to navigate at night. It worked well until a bad storm came up or heavy fog set in, which impaired visibility. This caused ships to get off course and hit sandbars along the coast, which resulted in a lot of wrecks all up and down the eastern coastlines.

These wrecks would usually occur during a storm, and the large waves would beat the wooden ship apart. The large number of shipwrecks, together with it being common for ships to be transporting ponies to the Colonies or South America, makes it very likely that ponies originally got to Assateague from a shipwreck.

A book written in 2007 by Mr. John Amrhein, The Hidden Galleon, suggests the local story about the Spanish galleon is true. In the book, he describes the wreck of the La Galga in 1750, its location, the circumstances surrounding the voyage, the great storm of 1749 which decimated all the livestock on Assateague Island prior to the La Galga wreck, and the appearance of "Beach" Ponies shortly after the demise of the La Galga, along with other evidence. This might not be 100% provable, but the circumstantial evidence he presents is very powerful. You can easily see why this story has been favored for passing down the line. For more information, go to www.thehiddengalleon.com.

History of Pony Penning

Penning began as a way for livestock owners to claim, brand, break and harness their loose herds. By the 1700's it had become an annual event, complete with drinking, eating, and plenty of revelry by the entire community. The earliest known description of Pony Penning was published in 1835. The practice was then already an "ancient" custom held in June on Assateague Island. Penning on Chincoteague Island is not mentioned in print until the mid-1800's, and it's believed to have been begun by two islanders who owned large herds that grazed on Chincoteague.

The penning continued on both islands for years. By 1885, they were held on Assateague one day and Chincoteague the next. Assateague also had a Sheep Penning, which is believed to be a custom even older than the others. Word of the events began to spread, and hotels and boarding houses were booked for the festivities. In 1909, the last Wednesday and Thursday of July were set as the official dates for the yearly events. As Pony Penning increased in popularity, Assateague's Sheep Penning wound down and was discontinued by 1914.

Modern Day Pony Penning

After a string of disastrous fires in the Town of Chincoteague, the villagers realized their fire fighting equipment was seriously inadequate. In 1925, the town authorized the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company to hold a carnival during Pony Penning to raise funds. That year, over 15 colts were sold to benefit the fire company, and the carnival was a huge success. Bolstered by the interest in the pony swim, visitors began arriving from across the country for the annual penning.

The crowd in 1937 was estimated at 25,000. The increased revenue from the carnivals and auctions enabled the fire company to modernize its equipment and facilities, and in 1947 it began to build its own herd by purchasing ponies from local owners. They moved the herd to Assateague where the government allowed publicly owned herds to graze on the newly established Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.

That same year, 1947, Marguerite Henry published Misty of Chincoteague, the story that made Pony Penning internationally famous. A movie followed, as did several sequel books. The tale of the wild pony Phantom, her foal Misty, and the children who buy and raise her was awarded the Newbery Medal of Honor and has become a classic, still loved and enjoyed by each new generation.

Pony Penning is still held in July during the Chincoteague Volunteer Firemen's Carnival. "Saltwater Cowboys" herd the horses across the narrowest part of Assateague Channel at slack tide (between low and high tides), after which they are again examined by veterinarians. After a resting period, they are herded through town to a corral at the Carnival Grounds where they stay until the next day's auction.

The Pony Auction not only provides a source of revenue for the fire company, but it also serves to trim the herd's numbers. To retain the permit to graze on the refuge, the herd must not exceed 150 horses, so they hold this annual event to keep the herd within limits.

Each year thousands of people flock to Chincoteague Island to watch the Pony Penning and enjoy the Firemen's Carnival. For many of them, the trek to the shores of Assateague Channel on the last Wednesday and Thursday of July has become an annual event, an opportunity to participate in a tradition older than the country itself.

This year, they're projecting nearly 50,000 people in attendance. What have I gotten myself into?

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN:

* Have you ever attended Pony Penning Day on Chincoteague, or is it on your bucket list? What would you most look forward to seeing?

* What do you think makes traditions like Pony Penning so enduring and beloved, even 100 years later?

* The story of the shipwrecked Spanish ponies has been passed down for generations. Do you believe it’s fact, folklore, or a powerful mix of both? Why?

Leave answers to these questions or any comments on the post below.

** This note is for our email readers. Please do not reply via email with any comments. View the blog online and scroll down to the comments section.

Come back on the 9th of each month for my next foray into historical tidbits to share.

---

BIO

Tiffany Amber Stockton has embellished stories since childhood, thanks to a very active imagination and notations of talking entirely too much. Honing those skills led her to careers as an award-winning and best-selling author and speaker, while also working as a professional copywriter/copyeditor. She loves to share life-changing products and ideas with others to help them just get rooted and live a life of purpose.

Currently, she lives with her husband and fellow author, Stuart Vaughn Stockton, along with their two children, two dogs, and three cats in southeastern Kentucky. In her 20+ years as a professional writer, she has sold twenty-six (26) books so far and has agent representation with Tamela Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. You can find her on Facebook and GoodReads.

Gault & Galt: A Family Legacy

 By Tiffany Amber Stockton

Only 1 more month until the festivities surrounding the 100th annual Pony Penning Day celebrations, but I'll cover that in July. :) Actually, the famous fair is having a special allowance this year and will be open every weekend during both June and July. I recently shared some family history with my daughter, and that set me to thinking about family legacy.

If you missed last month's post about the Beebe family legacy on Chincoteague, you can view it here.

When History Gets Personal

When I was a little girl, my mom read me the beloved classic Misty of Chincoteague. I was completely captivated—wild ponies, island adventures, brave kids. But the best part? My mom didn’t stop at the story. She followed it up with tales of her own childhood and how her dad actually knew Grandpa Beebe, Paul, and Maureen. Then she pulled out a photo—a real picture—of her standing next to Misty. The Misty.

To little me, it was like finding out my mom and grandfather were local celebrities. In my eyes, they kind of were.

But let’s rewind a bit. Way back to 1919, when my grandfather—Pop-pop, as I called him—was born on Chincoteague Island. His parents, Daniel W. Gault, Sr. and Carrie Jester Gault, each brought a child from previous marriages, and together they had seven more. Pop-pop was the first of those seven. A big, bustling family.

In 1925, when Pop-pop was just six years old, the very first official Pony Penning Day took place. I love imagining him as a little boy, heart racing as he ran toward the beach, waiting for the moment when the saltwater cowboys would herd the wild ponies across the channel from Assateague to Chincoteague for the big auction. That tradition still lives on today, but for him—it was just part of growing up.

The Great Depression hit everyone hard, and my family was no exception. My mom used to tell me how Pop-pop’s father, my great-grandfather, would get creative just to keep the family going. He’d cut up old car tires to use the rubber for resoling shoes. Can you imagine? That kind of grit always stuck with me. By age 13, Pop-pop was already cutting hair in his dad’s barbershop to help make ends meet.

He graduated from high school in 1937, and not long after, the family sold the island barbershop and moved to Washington, D.C. That’s where he met my grandmother, Esther Mae Seiple. They got married after he returned from serving in the Army for five years stationed in the Panama Canal during WWII. After the war, he joined his father once again, this time at the “Father & Son Barber Shop” on Pennsylvania Avenue, just steps from Capitol Hill.

And let me tell you, their client list was impressive. Senators, congressmen, and D.C.’s elite sat in their chairs. It ran in the family, apparently. Another branch of our family, the Galts (spelled without the “u”), owned Galt & Bro., Inc. Jewelers. That shop served U.S. presidents and opened in 1802, right near the White House. The stories that came out of that business—like fixing Abraham Lincoln’s watch during the first shots at Fort Sumpter, or Edith Galt marrying President Woodrow Wilson—could fill an entire book. Maybe that can be my next project.

 

But back to Pop-pop.

Around 1952, not long after Congress opened a barbershop in the Capitol basement, my great-grandfather retired and moved back to Chincoteague. That left Pop-pop running the D.C. shop on his own. He kept it going until 1966 when Safeway bought out the block for a new loading dock. That’s when he, my grandmother, and my mom (who was born in 1950) packed up and moved to Suitland, Maryland.

He rented a chair in a barbershop in Fairfax Village, and that’s where my older brother had his very first haircut. Pop-pop stayed there, cutting hair and telling stories, until 1979 when he returned to his roots on Chincoteague Island. He took over a barbershop there and moved into a little apartment across the street.

That apartment became special to me. I can still picture myself sitting on his knee, spinning wild tales about my brother and me being in some sort of danger, and Pop-pop swooping in to save the day. What can I say? I’ve always been a storyteller...even at age four. :)

Sadly, our time together didn’t last as long as I wish it had. Pop-pop passed away from a heart attack in 1983. I was only seven. But the stories, the history, and the legacy we shared have stayed with me ever since.

And now, through this blog and the books I’m currently writing, his story lives on.

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN:

* Do you have a family story that connects you to a famous place, person, or moment in history? Share how your family’s past has shaped your perspective or inspired you.

* What childhood memory or family tradition still sticks with you today, and why? Whether it’s a holiday ritual, a special person, or a place you visited, we’d love to hear about it.

* Have you ever felt a personal connection to a book or story that tied into your real life? Maybe like me with Misty of Chincoteague, a fictional tale suddenly felt real. What is it?

Leave answers to these questions or any comments on the post below.

** This note is for our email readers. Please do not reply via email with any comments. View the blog online and scroll down to the comments section.

Come back on the 9th of each month for my next foray into historical tidbits to share.

---

BIO

Tiffany Amber Stockton has embellished stories since childhood, thanks to a very active imagination and notations of talking entirely too much. Honing those skills led her to careers as an award-winning and best-selling author and speaker, while also working as a professional copywriter/copyeditor. She loves to share life-changing products and ideas with others to help them get rooted and live a life of purpose.

Currently, she lives with her husband and fellow author, Stuart Vaughn Stockton, along with their two children, three dogs, and three cats in southeastern Kentucky. In her 20+ years as a professional writer, she has sold twenty-six (26) books so far and has agent representation with Tamela Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. You can find her on Facebook and GoodReads.

The Beebe Legacy of Chincoteague Island

  By Tiffany Amber Stockton

Less than 3 months to the 100th annual Pony Penning Day celebrations, but I'll cover that in July. :) As I make plans to return to my favorite island and relive some fun childhood (and adulthood) memories, I'm reminded of a family with as much history tied to the island as my own.

If you missed last month's post about a legacy of horses and a direct-descendant of the famous Misty of Chincoteague, you can view it here.

A Legacy Family on Chincoteague

Thanks to the heart and hard work of the Beebe family, hundreds of thousands have met Misty—the little horse who put Chincoteague on the map.

But to understand their deep connection to the island, you have to start with Clarence Beebe, the grandfather immortalized in Marguerite Henry’s classic stories.

Clarence was born on Chincoteague Island in 1884. Four years later, his future bride, Ida Virginia Whealton, was born just down the way. They married in 1906, raised ten children (six survived past infancy), and lived their entire lives on the island they loved. They’re both buried there today.

Clarence was a horseman through and through. Folks called him the “Chincoteague Pony Man,” and for good reason. He and Ida once owned 100 acres of the island and ran a busy ranch, known for its gentle ponies brought over from nearby Assateague. Every year, he’d buy wild ponies during the famous Pony Penning and train them to be calm, friendly, and ready for new homes. He would definitely be called a "horse whisperer" today.

Now, in the books and movie, Paul and Maureen Beebe are shown living with their grandparents, but like a lot of novelized real-life stories, that part’s fiction. They actually lived with their parents but spent many sun-soaked days at the ranch with Grandpa Clarence.

When author Marguerite Henry visited the island and met the kids, she asked what they wanted most. “A pony of our own,” they said. Clarence had ponies, but they were all for selling, not keeping.

Then came Misty.

Clarence and Ida had already purchased her parents—The Pied Piper and Phantom. From them came the famous filly. Marguerite Henry, inspired by the family and the island's charm, struck a deal with Clarence. She bought Misty for $150 and took her to Illinois, where the young pony became a star before returning to the island at 11 years old.

By then, Clarence had passed, and Ida asked their son Ralph to take over Misty’s care. He and his wife Jeanette carried the torch, tending the ranch and raising Misty’s foals. Their son, Billy King Beebe, later opened the ranch as a museum in 1999.

In 2023, the Beebe Ranch almost became a mere piece of property to a real estate investor, but the existing owners and last remaining family members who own the ranch appealed to the Museum of Chincoteague to purchase it instead. Since the museum itself lacked sufficient funds, they made a plea to the public and hoped for the best. The ensuing support from fans all over the world kept the legacy alive!

Today, visitors still come each summer to see Misty’s stall...and Stormy’s too. Family photos, old saddles, and newspaper clippings line the walls, each of them pieces of a story that began with one island man and a dream.

And what a story it is!

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN:

* What family traditions or stories have shaped your own legacy?

* Have you ever read a fictionalized account of something that really happened? What was the book and what did the author change for the sake of the story?

* Have you ever read Misty of Chincoteague or visited the island to see the wild horses?

Leave answers to these questions or any comments on the post below.

** This note is for our email readers. Please do not reply via email with any comments. View the blog online and scroll down to the comments section.

Come back on the 9th of each month for my next foray into historical tidbits to share.

---

BIO

Tiffany Amber Stockton has embellished stories since childhood, thanks to a very active imagination and notations of talking entirely too much. Honing those skills led her to careers as an award-winning and best-selling author and speaker, while also working as a professional copywriter/copyeditor. She loves to share life-changing products and ideas with others to help them get rooted and live a life of purpose.

Currently, she lives with her husband and fellow author, Stuart Vaughn Stockton, along with their two children, three dogs, and three cats in southeastern Kentucky. In her 20+ years as a professional writer, she has sold twenty-six (26) books so far and has agent representation with Tamela Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. You can find her on Facebook and GoodReads.

Ash Wednesday Storm of 1962 on Chincoteague

 By Tiffany Amber Stockton

With each passing week, I find myself returning to the culture, resilience and strength I find in a tiny little island with a big history, and one where my own family history is so richly intertwined. As I'm still buried in this current book where I hope to showcase that charm, let's take a little walk together through the sands of time.

The Resilient Community of Chincoteague Island

Throughout history, certain places stand as testaments to human resilience, where the past and present merge to tell stories of perseverance. Chincoteague Island is one such place—a small coastal town that has weathered many storms through the strength of its people. Known for its wild ponies, maritime traditions, and tight-knit community, Chincoteague offers a glimpse into a past where survival depended on cooperation, ingenuity, and an unwavering commitment to one another.

From its early days as a fishing and oystering community to its modern role as a beloved tourist destination, the island has faced its share of challenges. Fierce hurricanes, devastating fires, and economic shifts have tested the mettle of its people.

One of the most defining moments in Chincoteague's history was the Ash Wednesday Storm of 1962 (the same storm where Misty gave birth to her foal, Stormy, and another author penned a book about him). This brutal nor'easter ravaged the island, flooding homes and businesses, and leaving residents with an overwhelming task of rebuilding.

It was called the "Storm of the Century" for this area, but neighbors helped neighbors, families opened their doors to the displaced, and the town came together to restore what had been lost. In doing so, they preserved more than just buildings—they safeguarded a way of life rooted in community.

Chincoteague's history is also about the enduring strength of its people. The annual Pony Swim, a tradition dating back to 1925, is a perfect example of how the island's residents have turned their way of life into a legacy. Orchestrated by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, the event supports the town's emergency services while keeping a unique historical tradition alive. What began as a practical solution for managing the island's wild pony population has become a symbol of the town's unity and determination.

This unyielding spirit, passed down through generations, remains the foundation of life on the island. Here, history is found in the hands of fishermen mending their nets, in the voices of storytellers sharing tales of storms and survival, and in the quiet strength of a town that refuses to be defined by its hardships.

Visitors may come for the island's beauty and folklore, but they leave with something more—a deep appreciation for a place shaped not just by time, but by the indomitable spirit of its people.

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN:

* What is a storm (literal or figurative) you've weathered? Did you do it alone or with support?

* Do you live in a small town? What do you love the most, and what's one of the biggest challenges you face?

* If you don't live in a small town, would you ever? Why or why not?

Leave answers to these questions or any comments on the post below.

** This note is for our email readers. Please do not reply via email with any comments. View the blog online and scroll down to the comments section.

Come back on the 9th of each month for my next foray into historical tidbits to share.

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BIO

Tiffany Amber Stockton has embellished stories since childhood, thanks to a very active imagination and notations of talking entirely too much. Honing those skills led her to careers as an award-winning and best-selling author and speaker, while also working as a professional copywriter/copyeditor. She loves to share life-changing products and ideas with others to help improve their lives in a variety of ways, but especially from the inside out.

Currently, she lives with her husband and fellow author, Stuart Vaughn Stockton, along with their two children, three dogs, and three cats in southeastern Kentucky. In her 20+ years as a professional writer, she has sold twenty-six (26) books so far and has agent representation with Tamela Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. You can find her on Facebook and GoodReads.

Tiny Island, Big History

By Tiffany Amber Stockton

So, as if my life didn't have enough happening, I decided it was a good idea to sign on with a monthly challenge with a few other authors who are part of my local writer's chapter. Although I've remained consistent with article writing, copywriting and copyediting, it has been a few years since I last had a fiction novel release. This challenge is helping me flex those story muscles and form a daily habit that will lead to me finishing this book that has been sitting on my computer for far too long.

Although the research is already done, today I'm sharing a little background of unique facts about this little island called Chincoteague, just off the Eastern Shore of Virginia and to the east of the Delmarva Peninsula.

CHINCOTEAGUE ISLAND

The history of human activity in Chincoteague, on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, begins with the Native Americans. Settlers from Europe swooped in and overtook the land in the late 17th century, but until then, the Chincoteague Indians used it as a place to gather shellfish. They aren't known to have lived there, though, as the island lacked suitable soil for their agriculture. Marshland doesn't typically grow much of anything except reeds.

Picturesque view of Chincoteague away from the populated
portion of the island (looking toward Assateague)

Once the European settlers inhabited the island, a series of disputes over who would own the island ensued. That led to patents being issued and a final resolution of an even split between two gentleman. With ownership of the island settled, it mostly existed as a place to house livestock, since they could feed off the marsh grasses. No need for fences or other enclosures to prevent the animals from straying either. How far could the animals go when they're on an island surrounded by water? (grins)

This led to the origin of the ponies on Assateague, though legends reported a Spanish shipwreck which left the ponies as cargo to swim to the nearest island. Historians believe the legend of the shipwreck simply became entwined with the history of the ponies until it was accepted as "truth." Funny how history does that from time to time. Makes me wonder just how much of unrecorded history is truly fact or merely embellished truths spoken from generation to generation until the truth and the embellishment can no longer be separated. Have you ever come across details like this?

Anyway, back to Chincoteague.

Stanley Jester (a distant cousin) harvests oysters by hand at low
tide in his oyster bed in the shallows of Chincoteague Bay

For the next hundred years or so, the island remained a place to house livestock for owners living on the mainland of Virginia. Following the Revolutionary War, residents realized the potential of business and industry through the abundance of shellfish in the area. This industry became so big, shipments went as far north as New England to the cities steadily growing there, and as I mentioned last month, my grandfather's family lived here. It was shellfish being provided to the White House under President Woodrow Wilson which led to my great-grandfather's cousin marrying the president while he was in office, leaving me with a family connection to "American royalty."

Throughout these years of shellfish and seafood industry, Chincoteague thrived. In 1876, a rail line completed a stop just 5 miles from the island with a steamship completing the distance. This gave oystermen an efficient means of getting their shellfish to market and began the wave of tourists escaping the city heat in the summer. Tourism hasn't slowed since.

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN:

* If you had an island similar to Chincoteague just a short distance across a narrow channel from where you lived, what would you do with it?

* Are you a fan of shellfish or seafood? What's your favorite?

* What recounting of an event do you know where the real truth has been fused with legend or unrecorded history? How much is true and what is legend?

Leave answers to these questions or any comments on the post below.

** This note is for our email readers. Please do not reply via email with any comments. View the blog online and scroll down to the comments section.

Come back on the 9th of each month for my next foray into historical tidbits to share.

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BIO

Tiffany Amber Stockton has embellished stories since childhood, thanks to a very active imagination and notations of talking entirely too much. Honing those skills led her to careers as an award-winning and best-selling author and speaker, while also working as a professional copywriter/copyeditor. She loves to share life-changing products and ideas with others to help improve their lives in a variety of ways, but especially from the inside out.

Currently, she lives with her husband and fellow author, Stuart Vaughn Stockton, along with their two children, three dogs, and three cats in southeastern Kentucky. In her 20+ years as a professional writer, she has sold twenty-six (26) books so far and has agent representation with Tamela Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. You can find her on Facebook and GoodReads.

Sharing Faith-Based History Through Story

By Tiffany Amber Stockton

An email came to me with a reminder that today, the 9th of the month, is my day to post. The 9th day is special, not only because you get the privilege of reading a post from yours truly (tongue-in-cheek), but because it's the last single-digit day of the month before the double-digits take over.

Little tidbits like that often excite me, and finding them amidst other research for my novels is more than a golden nugget to me. It's like discovering an entire goldmine, rich with hidden details and secret little unknown facts that create a desire within others to find out more.

When others ask me about my genre, my answer is usually "historical fiction with romance." And that's true. While all of my books so far might be considered category historical romance, several readers have come back to say they feel like they are getting a rich history lesson interwoven with the story of the characters. But it's not the boring details of faceless names or disconnected dates and details. Instead, it's history that you often won't find in textbooks and stories that often get overlooked in the grand scheme of things.

When asked what I write, I usually reply, "Normal stories. The weird stuff (science fiction) is left to my husband." (Stuart Vaughn Stockton) It's why I write romance. That usually means I'm sweet and innocent. Well, all right. So, how about just sweet. On second thought, let's stick with historical fiction author. :) Yes, that will do it.

So, what makes history so appealing to me? Well, that would have to be the simplicity of it all. With the hustle and bustle of today's society, the pressures and demands on our time, and the frantic pace at which most of us live, I love to shift gears and slip into another world where the ringing of the telephone or the blaring of a car horn, or the tick-tock of a clock doesn't remind me of how much I'm not accomplishing. How demanding of your time everyone else is, because whatever they have to do or say is far more important than what's happening in your life.

Going back to when communities rallied around each other, and hard work and sweat, along with a man's word meant far more than it does today. That inspires me and gives me hope that maybe I can help maintain that mindset through the stories I tell and the books readers read.

My stories are usually a showcase of characters living everyday, normal lives, but their faith (or in some cases their discovery of their faith) is what helps them get through the difficult situations life throws their way. Toss in some unique historical facts, some often obscure or lesser-known settings, and some fun supporting characters, and you've got the recipe for most of my novels.

I've also been known to include cameo appearances by well-known historical figures such as George Washington, Thomas Edison, or Henry Ford. That alone can be challenging, as so much is written about people like those, and any portrayal of them must line up with the details that have thus far been written.



But never let it be said that I run from a challenge. Just take a look at my everyday life, staying home, running a business, homeschooling my 2 teenagers, corraling 6 furbabies, while attempting to find time to write and meet deadlines, as well as somehow figure out how to market my books and keep selling new ones. Praise God for my agent, or I likely would disappear into oblivion and lose myself in the mounds of housework, budgeting, errands, teenage drama, and the general craziness ofl ife.

Every day, it becomes clear to me why most authors wait until their children are out of the house before beginning their writing careers. That luxury isn't mine, though, and somewhere in all of this, God has a plan. My job is merely to trust Him and keep doing the best I can to move forward.

That's the simple faith most of my characters possess, and it's what propels most of my stories. I offer a slice of life as it might have been and invite you to lose yourself among the pages of the stories God gives me to tell.

That being said, I'm honored to be here with fellow historical fiction authors who share my love of history and passion for writing. This is my 12th year! It's equally exciting to visit with you, the reader. For without you, we writers couldn't keep doing what we love. Thank you for coming along for the ride!

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN:

* Share a little piece of the craziness that exists in your life on a daily basis.

* What has you coming back to this blog day after day, week after week, or month after month?

* When you choose to read historical fiction, what makes you select the book?

** This note is for our email readers. Please do not reply via email with any comments. View the blog online and scroll down to the comments section.

Come back on the 9th of each month for my next foray into historical tidbits to share.

BIO

Tiffany Amber Stockton has embellished stories since childhood, thanks to a very active imagination and notations of talking entirely too much. Honing those skills led her to careers as an award-winning, best-selling author and speaker, while also working as a professional copywriter/copyeditor. She loves to share life-changing products and ideas with others to help improve their lives in a variety of ways, but especially from the inside out.

Currently, she lives with her husband and fellow author, Stuart Vaughn Stockton, along with their two children, three dogs, and three cats in southeastern Kentucky. In her 20+ years as a professional writer, she has sold twenty-six (26) books so far and has agent representation with Tamela Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. You can find her on Facebook and GoodReads.

Christmas at the Biltmore

     __By Tiffany Amber Stockton__

In November, I introduced you to two American royal families—the Vanderbilts and the Rockefellers. This month, it's all about a Christmas Eve celebration at a grand estate.

I also apologize again for the lack of the post photos. Google is still giving me a fit about my account connected to this blog and despite logging in, it's telling me I need to sign in. (sigh) If I figure it out, I'll come back and add photos. Nevertheless, you can still enjoy the story. 😊

The Biltmore Estate: A Grand Vision Come to Life

On Christmas Eve in 1895, George Vanderbilt, grandson of Cornelius Vanderbilt, welcomed friends and family into his opulent new home for the very first time. The unveiling of the Biltmore Estate marked the culmination of a grand dream that began in 1888 when George first visited Asheville, North Carolina. Captivated by the region’s breathtaking mountain scenery, he began purchasing land, eventually amassing 125,000 acres for what would become his iconic estate.

Designed by renowned architect Richard Morris Hunt, the Biltmore Estate took six years to complete. The construction process was as ambitious as the vision itself, requiring its own brick factory, woodworking shops, and even a private railway to transport building materials. The result was a majestic 250-room French Renaissance chateau, which still holds the title of the largest privately owned home in the United States. Spanning 175,000 square feet—more than 4 acres of floor space—the mansion boasts 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces, a testament to Vanderbilt’s eye for both luxury and scale. I don't know about you, but I certainly wouldn't want to be the one cleaning all those rooms!

Despite its grandeur, the estate boasted some rather innovative forestry practices, with George ensuring the preservation of its natural beauty. After George’s death in 1914, his wife, Edith Vanderbilt, carried on his conservation legacy by selling 87,000 acres of the estate to the federal government, laying the foundation for Pisgah National Forest.

A Christmas to Remember

Although George Vanderbilt moved into the Biltmore House in October 1895, the estate’s official debut was reserved for Christmas Eve. Preparations for the holiday were nothing short of extraordinary. From scouting the perfect mistletoe and holly to selecting a towering Christmas tree worthy of the Banquet Hall, no detail was overlooked. Estate manager Charles McNamee and horticulturist Chauncey Beadle agreed that a 20-foot tree wouldn’t suffice, ultimately choosing a much larger one to suit the grandeur of the space.

When George’s family arrived, including his mother, siblings, and their children, they were greeted by the spectacular tree, adorned with gifts for estate workers and surrounded by tables piled high with presents for the family. Stockings were hung, plum puddings and mince pies were served, and the grand Banquet Hall became the heart of the festivities.

The celebration included elegant dinners around the 40-foot table, with George’s niece Gertrude noting in her Dinner Books that 27 Vanderbilt family members attended. It was the largest family gathering since George’s father’s passing a decade earlier. Adding to the holiday magic, Maria Louisa Vanderbilt read ’Twas the Night Before Christmas to the children, and the family exchanged gilded, jewel-encrusted Christmas cards—a fitting touch for such an opulent occasion.

The first Christmas at the Biltmore blended grandeur with heartfelt traditions, setting the tone for a legacy of holiday splendor that endures to this day, with as many as 5,000 visitors on their busiest day and evening.

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN:

* If you could spend Christmas at the Biltmore Estate, what would you be most excited to see or experience?

* The Biltmore Estate is known for its grandeur and sustainability efforts. Which aspect of its history fascinates you most: its architectural feat, conservation legacy, or holiday traditions? Why?

* Imagine hosting a Christmas dinner in a historic mansion like the Biltmore. What traditions or details would you include to make it unforgettable?



** This note is for our email readers. Please do not reply via email with any comments. View the blog online and scroll down to the comments section.

Come back on the 9th of each month for my next foray into historical tidbits to share.

For those interested in my life as an author and everyday gal, what I'm currently reading, historical tidbits, recommended reads, and industry news about other authors, subscribe to my monthly newsletter. The latest edition was just sent out last week. Receive a FREE e-book of Magic of the Swan just for subscribing.

BIO

Tiffany Amber Stockton has embellished stories since childhood, thanks to a very active imagination and notations of talking entirely too much. Honing those skills led her to careers as an award-winning, best-selling author and speaker, while also working as a professional copywriter/copyeditor. She loves to share life-changing products and ideas with others to help improve their lives in a variety of ways, but especially from the inside out.

Currently, she lives with her husband and fellow author, Stuart Vaughn Stockton, along with their two children, one dog, and three cats in southeastern Kentucky. In her 20+ years as a professional writer, she has sold twenty-six (26) books so far and has agent representation with Tamela Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. You can find her on Facebook and GoodReads.