M.C. Hayward
M.C. Hayward is a lifelong resident of Johns
Island and recalls the Kiawah from long before
development began. He notes that even with all of the
houses that have been built, the trees remain plentiful. He
knew the old inn especially well. Hired in 1974, he spent
25 years there and served as bell captain until the doors
closed over a decade ago. Some of his favorite memories
of working on Kiawah come from those days as he recalls
all the people he met and how many of them have come
back to find and greet him over the years – including small
children who returned as adults and remembered him. He
notes with pride that he recommended a number of people
for employment with the Resort and, not only were they
hired, they secured good jobs and became outstanding
employees who remained for years.
From the inn he headed to transportation duties
in East Beach where he works today – the Resort’s
longest standing employee. He is a familiar sight around
the Island, but is most recognizable as the master of
ceremonies at the Mingo Point Oyster Roast. The Resort’s
longest running event features fabulous fresh oysters,
roasted and even shucked by M.C. and his crew. On
any given Monday evening between late May and early
September you can find him there running the show, and if
you are really lucky you might even get to see him dance.
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