S.C. Hall Of Fame inducts Catawba chief, author Conroy

Best-selling author and 2009 South Carolina Hall Of Fame inductee Pat Conroy signs autographs after the induction ceremony in Myrtle Beach Wednesday afternoon.

By: Rusty Ray | SCNow
Published: March 18, 2009

The two newest inductees to the South Carolina Hall of Fame were honored at a ceremony at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center Wednesday.

Former Catawba Nation Indian Chief King Hagler, who died in 1763, was honored for his efforts to help in America's earliest days as a nation, and to help establish the tribal lands for Catawbas along the Carolina border belt region south of Charlotte.

"We're the first inhabitants of this country," said current Catawba Nation Chief Donald Rogers. "We're being lately recognized, but it's a good thing, because we are recognized."

This year's contemporary inductee is best-selling author Pat Conroy, who was born in Atlanta, but has lived in the lowcountry for most of his life.

Conroy's novels include "The Water Is Wide," "The Great Santini," "The Lords Of Discipline," "The Prince of Tides," and "Beach Music."

He entertained the crowd Wednesday with stories of growing up in Beaufort County, and how he can't go anywhere in the state without hearing a story that gives him material for his next book.

"Everywhere I go, there's something different, something new," said Conroy. "If I go to the mountains, if I go to the lakes people will tell stories from their area that I never dreamed of."

The South Carolina Hall Of Fame is located inside the lobby of the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, and is always open to the public for free.