Myrtle Beach Celebrates Tom Pierce’s 56 Years at Trader Bill’s

News Summary

Tom Pierce, a shark tooth expert and owner of Trader Bill Shark Teeth, is celebrating 56 years in business at the iconic store in Myrtle Beach. The store, known for its extensive collection of shark teeth and marine life education, continues to attract locals and tourists alike. Pierce, who contributes to the Smithsonian Institute, partners with the community to foster a love for marine history through shark tooth hunting, making Trader Bill’s a cherished local institution.

Myrtle Beach Celebrates Shark Tooth Expert Tom Pierce’s 56 Years at Trader Bill’s

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina – Tom Pierce, a dedicated shark tooth expert and owner of Trader Bill Shark Teeth, is marking 56 years in business at the iconic store located within the Gay Dolphin, a popular tourist attraction in the area. At 76 years old, Pierce continues to craft unique jewelry from shark teeth and educate visitors about marine life.

Trader Bill Shark Teeth is decorated with a multitude of shark jaws and shelves brimming with shark teeth from various species found across the country, including those sourced from the Carolinas. This well-known establishment has drawn tourists and locals alike, offering treasures from the ocean’s depths, like megalodon teeth, which can fetch prices ranging from $100 to over $500.

Pierce’s expertise has even led him to work with the Smithsonian Institute, contributing to the world’s largest collection of shark teeth. Engagement with the community is evident; he maintains a glass jar filled with shark teeth donated by local visitors, highlighting the store’s longstanding popularity. Throughout his career, Pierce has sold millions of shark teeth and often interacts with young visitors, helping to foster a love for marine history.

A Legacy of Craftsmanship and Community

Pierce, originally from Greenville, South Carolina, moved to Myrtle Beach in 1969 and began his career working with Bill Swanson, the store’s founder. When Swanson passed away, Pierce took over and kept the original name of the store as a tribute to his mentor, who had become like a father figure to him. Under Swanson’s stewardship in the 1970s, the business thrived, securing shark teeth from local treasure hunters and a quarry in North Carolina to sustain inventory.

Additionally to shark teeth, Trader Bill’s features a variety of fossils, including horse and elephant teeth, mastodon teeth, and even a dinosaur egg. Although Pierce no longer personally hunts for shark teeth, he continues to receive contributions from both hunters and beachgoers. This generational hobby often sees grandparents teaching their grandchildren the art of shark tooth hunting—a testament to the enduring fascination with the ocean’s ancient predators.

The Shark Tooth Hunting Community

Alongside Pierce, local enthusiast Charles Shelton Jr. has gained prominence in the region for his passion for shark tooth hunting and education. Shelton has been featured in various media, including National Geographic, and he runs workshops and events to promote shark tooth hunting in the Myrtle Beach area. With a Facebook group of over 46,000 members, Shelton shares knowledge about the best locations to find shark teeth, such as Cherry Grove, Myrtle Beach, and Litchfield Beach.

Shark species in these waters include megalodons, great whites, bull sharks, and sand sharks. Shelton emphasizes the importance of understanding local wind conditions and tides to maximize hunting success; he often visits multiple beaches in a single trip to enhance his chances of discovering fossils. Proper beach etiquette is a priority for Shelton, urging collectors to ask for permission before digging and to fill in any holes made during their search.

Historical Context of Trader Bill’s

The Gay Dolphin, home to Trader Bill Shark Teeth, has an extensive history dating back to the mid-20th century when it initially operated as a carnival. Bill Swanson famously transformed the business from selling sweetheart pins to shark tooth jewelry, capturing the fascination of tourists and boosting sales significantly. Interest in shark teeth surged after the release of the 1975 film “Jaws,” contributing to an increased awareness of the extraordinary marine life found along the local coastline.

From its humble origins to becoming a staple in the Myrtle Beach community, Trader Bill Shark Teeth continues to thrive under Tom Pierce’s stewardship, inspiring both new generations of shark enthusiasts and preserving the legacy of a cherished local tradition.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Myrtle Beach Addresses Rising Shark Sightings
Discovering Shark Teeth: The Myrtle Beach Community

Additional Resources

• Myrtle Beach Online
• Wikipedia: Shark Tooth
• Post and Courier
• Google Search: Shark tooth hunting tips
• World Atlas
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Shark
• My Horry News
• Google News: Shark tooth hunting

Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH

The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.