On a recent episode of “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson,” viewers were treated to a truly unique guest. Frank Hill, known as the Manure Man of South Carolina, made an appearance and brought along a special gift for Johnny.
Hailing from Route 5 in Union, South Carolina, Hill is known for his ability to create handmade artifacts from quail droppings. Yes, you read that right – this talented artist can turn what some might consider waste into beautiful and intricate pieces of art.
Johnny introduced Hill to the audience, explaining how they learned about him through a newspaper article. As Hill took his seat, Johnny couldn’t help but comment on his size, noting that he was a “pretty good-sized man.” Hill graciously accepted the compliment and even told Johnny to call him by his first name.
In their conversation, Johnny learned that Hill got into this unique craft after the price of gas started skyrocketing in the 70s. As a bird enthusiast and hunter, Hill found himself with a high feed bill for his quail. This prompted him to come up with the idea of using the quail droppings to create something valuable.
Hill began making handmade artifacts as a joke, initially planning to sell them to his Yankee friends. But little did he know that his creations would become such a hit. He brought some of his work to the show, showcasing items such as jewelry made from quail droppings encased in plastic stones.
Intrigued by Hill’s craftsmanship, Johnny couldn’t help but get in on the action. Hill presented Johnny with a limited edition piece, a star-shaped creation made from the largest quail dropping Hill had ever seen. Johnny was moved by the gesture, jokingly comparing Hill to the renowned jeweler Cartier.
The conversation took another interesting turn when Johnny asked Hill about the potential use of dried quail droppings as fuel. Hill revealed that Clemson University had calculated that one ton of quail droppings could bring in a staggering $176 million. Although Hill found more success selling his creations as they are, the possibility of using them as a fuel source was intriguing.
As the segment came to a close, Johnny thanked Hill for sharing his fascinating craft with the audience. Hill expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to be on the show and promised to return to South Carolina, where he felt most at home.
The Manure Man of South Carolina certainly left an impression on “The Tonight Show” audience. His ability to transform quail droppings into unique works of art is a testament to his creativity and resourcefulness. It’s safe to say that Frank Hill brought a touch of Southern charm and ingenuity to the late-night talk show stage.
Originally aired on May 7, 1982
