Grafton native Clair Bee was a college basketball coach and author. He led Long Island University to national titles in 1939 and 1941 but left coaching after a 1951 betting scandal involving some of his players.

Bee also wrote the popular Chip Hilton sports book series for young readers, promoting honesty, teamwork, and small-town values. He received many honors, including induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame.