Location: 1211 US Hwy 158, Berea.
County: Granville
Original Date Cast: 2025
Sam Ragan, often hailed as North Carolina's "literary godfather," played a pivotal role in shaping the state's cultural and journalistic landscape. Over the course of more than five decades, Ragan’s influence helped cultivate a rich literary tradition and broadened the accessibility of the arts throughout the state. As North Carolina's first Secretary of the Department of Cultural Resources and inaugural chair of the North Carolina Arts Council, Ragan was instrumental in founding institutions such as the North Carolina School of the Arts and the Visiting Artists Program. His efforts provided invaluable services for both the state's artists and its people.
Born on December 31, 1915, in Granville County, North Carolina, Samuel Talmadge Ragan developed a love for poetry early on, beginning his literary pursuits while still in grade school. His passion for writing deepened through his education at Atlantic Christian College (now Barton College) in Wilson, North Carolina, where he decided to make journalism his career.
Ragan’s professional journey in journalism began with a short stint at the San Antonio Evening News in Texas. However, in 1941, he returned to North Carolina to become the state editor of the Raleigh News and Observer. In 1948, he began writing his iconic column, “Southern Accent,” which would go on to become the longest-running newspaper column in the United States, reaching readers in forty-three states and twenty-four countries. His work at the News and Observer was briefly interrupted by military service during World War II. In 1968, he took ownership of The Pilot, a weekly newspaper in Southern Pines, North Carolina, where he continued writing his column until his passing.
Ragan’s literary achievements were just as notable as his journalistic career. He published six poetry collections, two of which were nominated for Pulitzer Prizes. His work, known for its profound engagement with life's seasons and nature, resonated deeply with readers. Among his most acclaimed works were Journey into Morning and To the Water’s Edge, both celebrated for their lyrical beauty and emotional resonance. Beyond his own poetry, Ragan was a staunch advocate for the literary arts. He founded the North Carolina Writers' Network and was instrumental in establishing the North Carolina Literary Hall of Fame, creating platforms to support and celebrate the state's literary community.
In 1982, Ragan was appointed North Carolina's Poet Laureate, a role he held with honor until his death in 1996. During his tenure, he traveled widely, delivering readings and lectures, and inspiring generations of writers. His commitment to making poetry accessible to all and cultivating an appreciation for the literary arts marked his service in this distinguished position.
Ragan’s contributions to literature and journalism earned him widespread recognition. He was honored with multiple awards, including the North Carolina Award in Fine Arts, the Roanoke-Chowan Award for Poetry, and the North Caroliniana Society Award. He was inducted into the North Carolina Journalism Hall of Fame and received honorary doctorates from prestigious institutions, such as St. Andrews College and UNC-Chapel Hill.
Bowling, Lewis. Sam Ragan: North Carolina’s Literary Godfather. Carolina Academic Press, 2020.
NC Bookwatch | Lewis Bowling, Sam Ragan: NC’s Literary Godfather | Season 22 | Episode 17. n.d. https://www.pbs.org/video/lewis-bowling-sam-ragan-ncs-literary-godfathe….
https://weymouthcenter.org/sam-ragan/.
Pace, Eric. “Samuel T. Ragan Is Dead at 80; Poet Laureate of North Carolina.” The New York Times, May 13, 1996, sec. U.S. https://www.nytimes.com/1996/05/13/us/samuel-t-ragan-is-dead-at-80-poet-laureate-of-north-carolina.html.
“Sam Ragan.” Accessed February 21, 2025. https://nclhof.org/inductees/1997-2/sam-ragan/.
“Sam Ragan.” Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities, n.d.
Sam Ragan Papers #04490, Southern Historical Collection, Wilson Special Collections Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
“St. Andrews Presbyterian College | Laurinburg, NC | Academics | Available Majors/Minors | Creative Writing at St. Andrews | The Sam Ragan Fine Arts Awards.” Accessed February 21, 2025. https://web.archive.org/web/20120323112338/http://www.sapc.edu/academic….