Blog
Category: Leonard Family
Everyone who's stayed at the Refuge Inn has heard some version of Donald Leonard's story — the boy who couldn't be found unless you looked for the ponies, the dreamer who built an iconic motel with a little luck and a lot of help from his family and … Read more
Donna Leonard, former owner of the Refuge Inn, has devoted much of her life to sharing the beauty and stories of Chincoteague Island with others. She recently suggested we share this poem by one of her closest island friends, Mr. Tom Reed. Tom often… Read more
Donald Leonard was a lifetime member of the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company and a rough and tumble Saltwater Cowboy for decades. He seemed to have been born with ponies in his blood. This is not surprising as his great-grandfather, Kendal Jester,… Read more
Refuge Inn founder Don Leonard is pictured with three of his children, Carlton, Arthur, and Jane, along with the buyback colt that would become known as the original Don Leonard Stud.
What most people don't know: Don created the Buyback pro… Read more
We are thrilled to announce that former Refuge Inn owner Donna Leonard has been named the 2025 John White Shields Outstanding Citizen.
This award recognizes an individual who has consistently demonstrated excellence in community leadership and exhibi… Read more
Chincoteague Island is home to many talented artisans, creators, storytellers, and guides. Their contributions to the history of Chincoteague Island are what keeps its rich history alive. If you are visiting us this fall or winter, we encourage you t… Read more