Ok, I have thrown up some vintage photos from my archives lately... but I enjoy hearing other's stories and seeing YOU with legends. So now it's your turn... someone who is a hero to you, a legend, etc.

Post away.... this promises to be a great thread.

Shoot Straight, Frank Addington

This is Fred Bear with my oldest son back in the early 80's.

My wife was laughing at my son, he kept sayin "this is really Fred Bear". Fred said I dunno why you're laughing, you're next. With that he grabbed her by the hand n pulled her onto his lap.

This is 2 friends of mine, myself and then of course you know the guy on the right,lol.

Of course ya gotta have refreshment on a hot day,lol.

Priceless photo's, GLF! Jawge

How about living legends.

GREAT POSTS!

Great Fred Bear photos!

And that's a good one of Barry & Gene...

Keep Em coming!

YES---post up!

Keep em rolling gang!

KEEP IT GOING.

Owen Jeffery

Seeing that picture of Gene and Barry, reminds me of the story told by his old pal, Jerry Karsky.

Seems Gene used to go out hunting with just his bow, arrows and a knife....and was always coming back with only one sock....go figure.

Garo

Myself with Ol'Buck, Tim Meigs and Larry Hatfield.

Larry I sent you a PM.

NALS 2007

My son Hunter who says he will be the best hunter in the world some day!!

Great posts...

And Hunter, your name implies you will be a well known bowhunter someday!

Shoot Straight, Frank

TTT

There are two in this pic.. I sat next to them both at a UBM banquet.. Can you name them???

How about this gentleman.. He was there at the beginning of Compton... Who is this?

Two of the founding members of Compton are in this pic with me. I'm in the center(green shirt). Larry Hudson on my right and Gene Eakins far left of me in the pic. Great trip down to west Texas...

Her is one of Mr.Bear and myself taken 9 months before he passed away. He asked me to sit, and talk for a while, and we talked for a hour and a half about bowhunting. He was a very nice man, and is still missed.

Great photos! Keep em coming! Anyone else?

TTT

Might not be legends "yet" but Fred and Michelle Eichler are two of our present day people who are well on thier way.Fred for his accomplishments with the recurve bow and Michelle for her accomplishments with Muzzy broadheads the most popular broadheads sold today.You will not find two more genuinely honest hard working people than these two.I enjoyed my stay at thier house and was treated like one of the family.I am on the corner of the table in the black t-shirt.

Controversial, but I'm one of his biggest fans. Just a chance meeting, then Tred got us started in this obsession when he gave my sons these bows.

Great thread AB, way to go!

With Gene and Barry at the PBS Banquet in Nashville.

Thanks. This is your thread. These are your stories. I love old photos, don't you?

I enjoy hearing from all of you and seeing these photos.

I have known Michele from Muzzy for many, many years--maybe 20. But I have yet to meet Fred. Also, I have not met Tred Barta. He looks like a genuinely nice person to me.

Speaking of Michelle, her mother is a class act too. I always steal a hug from her. She is a beautiful lady and very sweet. Michele had good parents. Her brother has been to our place.

I want to meet Fred and Tred. How is Tred's health now days?

John Lee and myself.......

CODY! Great to see your posts.. more.

Sorry guys, I didnt mean to post that pic mybad....

I was tryin to post a pic of myself and Ron L...

Cody

Fred and Michelle, Full Draw out fitters, Trinidad, Colo

RICK WELCH and I, what a shooter!

Larry Jones... what a gentleman. The "Elk Fever" video he made 20 years ago remains one of my favorites. He's a good guy, so is his wife Mirrium. (sp)

Cody--good pics, no worries. Glad to see you are still at it!

There's Fred E again... still have not met him. He and Michele were in WV and I was gone. I hope to track him down at ATA next year.

And I have not met Rick W either but hear good things about him.

Thanks gang---keep em coming!

Frank

I have a couple

Here is me with one of my favorite legends.

Here is the legend himself without me to clutter up the picture...

Son, Luke, with Bryon. Beav

Cody

You'll be a legend if you keep those ladies smiling! Great pics everyone

Who is in the black and white photo?

Frank,

That is Jawge Tsoukalis, the Patron Saint of the Leatherwall.

Friend to many.

Enemy to none.

Gentle soul and experienced self bowyer.

Teacher and mentor. Encourager.

He will be embarrassed at my descriptions but I have only shot straight.

I was privileged to have Jawge as a guest in my home...

Mike

Jawge is the best !

This is a little more recent. Byron and myself.

I know Jawge from his posts here and had no idea that was his photo. And you are right--he's a fine fella. I like him. Glad to put a face with a name. Thanks for posting. Please give him my regards.

Great St. Charles photo... great Byron Ferguson photo and of course great one of Stacy!

Keep Em coming gang!

Glenn and I shooting together some years back

With the late Glen Parker at a PBS banquet

Also at the PBS

G Fred, Glenn, and myself at a recent Compton Rendezvous

With Rod Jenkins and Denny Jr.

Good pics Cody, watching your shooting stance it looks exactly like HH and I'm sure your aim is as good!

Have'nt seen an Esquire post in quite awhile, glad you're back on!

Great pics Ron... thank you. Cool pic of you and Glen shooting.

Thanks for these... post more if you have them. This is a cool thread.

Shooting a demo with one of my "hero's" in Illinois...

Great photo`s.

I wonder if some of the folks that are here and now, truely realize how important they are to all of us? Some of them may not even realize that SOME of US consider them legends.

Byron was here in Austria - had the honour to talk with him and shared some time...a nice guy!!!

TTT

Cool photo John

With Gary Davis a couple of years ago.

Really enjoying this thread. Anybody know how Gary is doing?

Keep 'em coming gang... post more pics!

My daughter and me with Byron Ferguson last summer at Denton Hill.

Keep 'em coming!

From left to right. Ben Pearson, Ben Jr, and me at deer camp in Arkansas...Van

Dad and Bob...Van

Dad and Ben Pearson, Spring Bayou, La hunting camp...Van

And them with a deer...Van

Dad and Fred...Van

I was waitin for you to come thru Van, nice pics!!

VAN- THOSE ARE A GREAT ADDITION! I am crazy about archery history and your photos made my night. Those are priceless.

What was your dad's name? Can you tell us more?

Also, I think Mr. Swinehart was inducted into the Archery Hall of Fame when Stacy Groscup was... maybe 1999. I believe he had passed and his family was there.

I never met Ben Pearson, heard he was quite a shot.

Anyway, I love those photos. Thanks so much. This thread is a "good un.."

Frank Addington

PS Van

I think I am getting old. I started shooting 7 years after that photo of your dad and Bob.... 1971. I've been at this 39 years. Crazy huh?

Sadly I never crossed tracks with Howard Hill nor Ben Pearson.

I wasn't smart enough to get pictures with Earl Hoyt or his wife when I competed against him in Missouri's' "Show-Me games".

If they come any better than Jawge or Gary Davis I'd sure like to meet them, both are humble, honest men. You won't find better teachers of all things archery especially the building of self bows. I am honored to call them friends.

IMHO

God bless,Mudd

Great shots Van/Tx.

Frank, here's a bit of info about my Dad Sterling.

Oops. Link didn't come thru. http://www.bayoustatebowhunters.org/hall_of_fame.html

Dad and Ben before ATV's were cool ;-)...Van

One more and I'll quit. Roy Hoff & Dad. As a teenager I remember visiting him in California on a family vacation. This pic is at deer camp in S. Arkansas where I hunted with Dad and my uncles as a youngster...Van

Great pics all around.

Van, your pics made my day!

Correction. The pic above was in Texas at a Ben Pearson invitational hunt...Van

Well, one more. Dad and Dan Qullian in Alabama. First National Wingshooting tournament in 1986 I believe. Dad won ;-)...Van

My three boys with Glenn at Comptons.

Same shoot.

Not sure who them two fellers are in this picture with my boys.

PBS in Salt Lake City

These two clowns keep showing up in my pictures????

Awesome pics! More please! Matt.

This one was always funny to me. You just had to be there ;-) From left to right - Local newspaper reporter, Me and Dad...Van

Van More pics and stories please.... everyone else too. This thread is great... I love history. You all have a story to tell... MORE PICS/STORIES!!!

Van Went to the Hall of Fame and read your father's info. Seems like an amazing archer.

What is his story? Tell us more details/photos.

I too would love to hear more of your father, Van.

Great pictures Had not seen John Lee in years.

Van Why don't you write some highlights on your father and post here for us. I've been at this since 1971 and met so many archery greats (Bear, Hoyt, Jennings, etc.) but I missed Ben Pearson, Howard Hill and somehow missed meeting your dad. Can you post some additional info on us all.

Where was he from? What did he do? How did he get involved in archery? How did his path cross with these archery greats? Did he invent anything or make anything archery related? His best trophy? What was he known for?

These are just some suggestions that will help you fill in the blanks for us on your dad. Also feel free to add more photos.

Thanks Frank

Van Also, is there a way to post that video footage of your dad on here? The link you sent I could not get to.

Tell us about his exhibitions too.

We all have our opinions of what, or who constitutes a legend, but the term is applied very loosely. There are a good number posted here that I would consider legends, but also a few I would not...some no one heard of five years ago. A legend has been around and contributed over a long period of time.

Van...I read of Sterling Harrell many years ago but would be very interested in some more information. We don't see much of Ben either, it's all Bear, Hill, etc. It would be great if you posted some additional information regarding your dad and Ben....true legends for sure.

George, I agree. Amazing that we don't see more about Ben Pearson. Visiting with Ben Jr last week we discussed that. Ben indicated that he is trying to rectify the lack of information but he is a very busy man with a lot of projects going on lately...Van

TTT

Ann Weber Hoyt

http://www.bowhunting.net/artman/publish/AddintingtonHoyt.shtml

I did that Ann Hoyt interview shortly before her passing.

By the way, just finished an interview with Mike Steger, Fred Bear's foster son. It will be on www.bowhunting.net soon.

Shoot Straight, Frank

Anyone else? Keep them coming..

thanks for that interview Frank . I really enjoyed reading it.

Otis Toad Smith passed away in his prime Nov. 1991 my good friend,

TTT

Keep 'em coming gang

Come on gang... lets keep em coming

he is only 2 but, still a legend. me and noah

This is timely- I just started a thread about Ojibwa - Hudson Mike Hascell. One well worth seeking out and listening to.

Greg

http://leatherwall.bowsite.com/tf/lw/thread2.cfm?forum=23&threadid=208347&messages=1&CATEGORY=9

I had the pleasure of hunting with Bill Baker of Australia. He was the best stalking hunter I've ever been around and no one was more fun. He did much for bowhunting down under and was taken from us all too soon.

Loved those '70s velour pullovers. :-)

Joey, ya know those were comfy. :)

Denny, absolutely. Even had a couple longsleevers. :-)

Made the ladies want to snuggle. ;-)

Cool pics... some new legends added I see...

Pics of Noah, Ojibwa , Bill Baker and ole Fred..

Good pics gang. Keep em coming.

T T T

Me with Ann Clark in 1980 or so.... she is 85 today. (May 2, 2010.) I am performing a show at her party--it will be held in June.

Frank

T T T

This has been a fun thread gang... thanks.

Anyone else have some photos?

I had the honor of being a team mate with Jim Pickering in 1966 on the Michigan team at Cobo Hall in Detroit.

Bryon and I this last spring when he was at the Deer Spectacular here in Michigan.

Jerry Hill and I with some Howard Hill memorabilia...about 30 years ago.

Bill Bagwell standing behind me with a gallery of supporters as I try to kill the long elephant target at the 1980 World Longbow Championship in Wilsonville Alabama.

Bob Wesley and I in 1981 when Bow won the Longbow Championship, I was runner up.

Me with the Mittens and Wensels a couple years ago.

I`ll second Riverwolf...

I, and obviously others appreciate you all taking the time to post your photos.

I have few heros, and it seems the ones I have, bend bows.

Here,s one of my favorites! That needs no introduction in the TRAD world!

this has been an incredible thread. thanks everyone!

Yep, you guys keep it rolling... come on, who's next?!?

Also-- Ron--I knew Jim Pickering, or "Pick" as they called him. Is he still around archery?

I have only spoke with Mr. Asbell briefly on two different occasions all I can say I was an honored. Mr. Asbells books and articles have done nothing but help my shooting and maintian my interest in our sport. Thanks Mr. Asbell for all the help!!! You are a great guy!!!!!!!!

Ron LaClair: If you dont mind me asking: Do you have any other pics from the 1966 tournament at Cobo Hall in Detriot. Or, do you have the final results of the tournament. I was wondering if Bill Bednar, Roy Smith, or Jim Pendergast shot in the Cobo Hall Tournament in 1966. I know Bill Bednar was a PAA member and National champion. I think some of those guys were on the shooting circuit back then. Just wondering and curious. Thanks in advance.

One more question please: Does anyone know who was the first archer to shoot a perfect indoor round score of 300. Thanks Agian!!

I've got pictures of some of the shoots at Cobo Hall but I haven't got them scanned and my scanner is on the blink right now. Bill Bednar was at most of the events back then, Bill was a cool clam laid back kind of a guy and a heck of a shot. I don't recall the results of the 1966 event other than I finished in the money.

The others on the Michigan team that year with Jim and I were Dickie Roberts and George Clause.

I was there when the first 300 score was shot but I don't recall the mans name that shot it. He wasn't one of the top shooters, he just had it all together that day. He was shooting a Golden Eagle recurve made by Phil Grable with limbs made by Root. Phil and Erni Root were partners in the Golden Eagle which they later sold to Shakespear. I've still got a Golden Eagle that Phil gave me in 67.

This has been one cool thread gang, thanks.

Ron LaClair: I am impressed! Thanks for the terrific response. I figured you new one of those guys that I was asking about. Hey, when ever you get around to it I would enjoy seeing those old tournament photos. Thanks a bundle!!

Brigham54: From the looks of that photo I would hate to know what that indian has smoultering on his dish!!!

ttt

This was at the Michigan Bowhunters Association 50th Anniversary banquet in 1996. Left to right, My friend John Grumley , son of Fred Bears first bowyer Nels Grumley, myself, Doug Bartrem, past president of MBH, Carl Youngs, my mentor and the man that got me into organized archery back in 1959, and Frank Scott who was Freds Bears friend and at that time he was curator of the Bear Museum. Frank and Carl were Charter members of MBH as was Fred Bear. MBH was formed in 1946.

John, Carl and Frank have since passed on.

My mentor Carl Youngs in the 1950's

Carl and I at the 50th MBH banquet.

Carl took me under his wing around 1957 and he took me on my first shoot around that time. It was at the Detroit Archers, which was Fred Bears home club. As we were walking along side the club house, I saw Fred Bear coming in our direction. I said, "Carl, here comes Fred Bear" Carl just smiled and said, "Ya" When he got to us Fred said, "Hi Carl" and he stopped to shake hands. Carl introduced me to Fred and that was the first time I met Fred. That made quite an impression on me and now I had a new status ,..I was the friend of a friend of Fred Bear...8^)

Here's Carl at that same banquet, he was about 90 at the time, telling a story to a seemingly uninterested Lady. It was probably a hunting story, Carl loved to tell hunting stories and would tell them to anyone that would listen.

In his early days Carl made his own bows out of Osage as did many people in those days. I have some of the bows that he made that he gave to me before he died.

Great additions Ron... THANKS. You have added much to this thread. Any of you & Stacy?

At the Western States Rendezvous a couple weeks ago, some Washington legends were there...like Mr. and Mrs. Gail Martin and Larry Hatfield.

...and Gary Sentman, the man who broke Howard Hill's record by pulling 176 pounds.

Cool Bob Allen jacket.

Great photo too. 176? Has to be a strong man. Most I've ever seen shot is 130# on a compound. 176? That's crazy...

Thanks for posting!

T T T

Wanted to bring this back to the front. Ron LaClair....I also hope you are working on a book. I'll be in line.

Best thread ever!!!!!!

This was great,loved it. Pappy

Here's a pic of two more legends from the Northwest. That's Steve Gorr kneeling on the left and Fred Anderson on the right. Both are fantastic gentlemen who love people and bows.

...and George, hope you're working on a book too.

A book about classic bows from the 30's to the 70's with some of your great pics would be most welcome. I'll get in line now, OK?

heres me with the legendary "TradTech" LOL

master sgt.john hoskins, 173rd airborne brigade, in alaska bowhunters meeting with fred bear.

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v166/DTala/deer1/00000019.jpg[/IMG]

Really enjoyed this thread! Thank you everybody.

pic I took of Howard and Elizabeth Hill in 1967 at Vulcan Archery Club, Birmingham Al. I was 16 at the time, shot with Howard, visited at his home in Vincent Al. He could still shoot a gnats eye out at 67 years of age.

troy

larger?

TTT

This is so nice, Frank. By honoring the past in the present, we welcome the future. Jawge

I'll start the 2011 ball rolling. My son in law is a major in the Air Force so we got to visit them a couple of times out in CA. While there we visited with some Pasadena bow makers. I got to visit 2 individuals I greatly admire...Steve Gardener (left) and Tim Baker (right). Both are authors in the Traditional Bowyer's Bible series. It was a nice visit. Jawge

Some great pictures and memories..Glenn St Charles, Fred Anderson, Jay Massey, Tim Baker, are a few I knew (know) and enjoyed.

Others I have never met but have corresponded with and greatly value their contributions to archeryover the near 50 years I have been and archer. Liked Ron LaClair's picture of 'Gentleman Jim ' Pickering from WAAAY back in time.. The picture of "Jawge" Tsoukalas..Many others.. Van, I enjoyed your stories of your archer Dad when I visited back a few years..You and RonLaClair should put down some memoirs..:)

Somewhere around here I have some pictures of Gilman Keasey and I in his shop down in Corvallis and maybe some of when Dean Torges was out here a few years back hunting..I but have to remember where they are and maybe scan them up if this thread is still around. Jim

Mr Owen is pictured with the first 3 temporary "owners" of a bow he built for the SC Bowhunters Assn, it is passed around yearly like the Little Delta bow, adventures are logged for future bowhunters to read. Here are a few of things he is known for. Owen Jeffery worked for Hoyt Archery from 1942 - 1956 in building and designing bows that has won National & World titles. He was the head of the Shakespeare Archery Division for 7 years, President of manufacturing for 12 years for Fred Bear, and was Fred's hunting and fishing buddy. He designed the well known Fred Bear takedown, Super Kodiak and the Kodiak Magnum. Mr. Jeffery started his own bow building business (Jeffery's Archery in Columbia, S.C) in 1976. He has built over 50,000 bows. Owen is an accomplished archer as well, having won the Missouri State Champion six times and was Midwestern Champion, National Broadhead Champion, and Southern Regional Champion. He also taught Olympic shooters for the U.S., Russians, Japanese, French and Austrians. Jeffery is an avid bowhunter too; he took a world record whitetail buck that hung in the Fred Bear Museum. Although 84 years old, Owen Jeffery took 35 hogs last year with his bow!"

During my years as an officer with the Indiana Bowhunters Association (IBA), I've been fortunate to meet a lot of "legends" but I never seemed to have a camera handy. LOL! Fortunately, I managed to have the camera along when I ran into M.R. James at the IBA's banquet. He may not be a "traditional bowhunting" legend, but he's one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet and I think a lot of here remember reading Bowhunter magazine back in the day. Anyway, M.R. is a friend as well as an inspiration to me...

"Although 84 years old, Owen Jeffery took 35 hogs last year with his bow!"

Wow!!...Van

At this year's Indiana Bowhunter Association's banquet, Mark Baker was our guest speaker. Sure enjoyed talking to him and hearing his music.

Lost Arrow, I'm pretty sure the first indoor 300 was shot by Bob Bitner from Midland, Michigan. He still shoots at the Mid Michee bowmans club just west of Midland.

Dan Quillian walking down to retrieve his arrow on a 100yd. elephant shot. This is the 16th. Howard Hill Shoot in Vincent Al. 1985

Dan shooting the Bull

Fred at a awards banquet in Middletown Ohio.

Darrell Pace Olympic Gold Medalist

57, those are very cool pics!...Van

Dad and Ben Pearson Jr. ;-)...Van

Fred at Triangle Lakes shoot Ohio

Dad in Ben Pearson Archery catalog long after Mr. Ben passed away...Van

Dad and Glen Parker...Van

Dad and Jay Massey...Van

Very unique pic.

Mary Pearson, Dad, Fred and Mom...Van

Van you should write a book you have quite a few famous archery friends and know alot of people connected with the archery bussiness. I bet you have heard so many stories and it would be great if you put it down on paper so the history is not lost to future generations of bowmam. Thanks for your many posting on the leatherwall. Ron.

Thanks Ron!...Van

Manybows has an excellent suggestion, think about it Van. Enjoyed all the pictures from everyone, Thanks!

This is officially my favorite LW thread.... wow. I love archery history.

I so regret not taking the time to talk with Dan Q! I saw him once just after he took that huge bear at one of the trade shows. I recognized him from the pic and I may have spoken to him but all I really remember is waving at him while walking by. It saddens me he is one legend I never met.

Van, AWESOME...thank you. Great photos. I never met Ben Pearson either... I knew Acie Johnson when he ran the company, never met Mr. Pearson.

What a GREAT thread! Thank all of you so very much.

Here is one of my favorite modern day gentle giants of archery, Dick Mauch. At 84 he is a living legend and a great hunting buddy. BEST sour dough waffles you'll ever have--its the original starter he had from the Little Delta more than 40 years ago! I snapped this last fall in the ole Plum Creek cabin... and like Nugent's song "Fred Bear" you could sense Fred in the wind out at Plum Creek. Awesome place, Dick and Carol are fine hosts.

Please, keep this thread rolling.

Shoot Straight, Frank

Ron L thanks to you too and young Cody too.

GREAT THREAD!!!

Dick showing me around the Plum Crek ranch.

man this is a great thread! frank, thanks for starting this one. van, thanks for sharing your photos.

Yeah, this is my FAVORITE thread ever. Lots of history here..from lots of sources. Keep it coming!

Next?

Keep them coming. Great thread! Jawge

Now if we just had some good Greek food to eat while reading this thread.... :) Jawge, that's where you come in. :)

I always have that, Frank. LOL. I got no other pic of the greats. I've never had any taken except the ones I've posted. I may have a pic with The Dean but I don;t now where it is...may be on an external hard drive somewhere or a cd. I wish I took one with Rev Groscup at Denton. I don't like to bother people much. My wife made some delicious lentil soup yesterday. Good stuff. Jawge

Here's one for you old field archers. Dad and Karl Palmatier at the 1961 NFAA national tournament in Crystal Springs, AR...Van

kawartha club north of toronto,sept.2010

Jawge You are a blessed man. I look forward to meeting you this summer...

Thanks for the photo of Rick Welch, I have never met him but have heard good things about him.

Frank

Cool pics Van

Fred Anderson, myself and John Lee at an early Great Lakes shoot

Fred Asbell, Brian Cole and myself at the first Traditional Archery Expo in Hastings Michigan

Ron Was that Mr. Anderson from "Anderson's Archery" fame? I may start a thread on Anderson's....

Frank

Left to right - Jack Atkins (Ben Pearson's long time photographer and friend who filmed the Polar and Grizzly kill) - Jeff Lane (local hardware store owner who sold Ben Pearson products) - Me - Ben Pearson - Dad - can't remember other folks names.

Ben flew his piper cub to Ruston, La in 1964 and landed at the local tiny air strip for a short (one day deer hunt)with Dad and me. Jack Adkins came with Ben to hopefully film Ben shooting one. Weather turned real bad. We hunted one morning and called it quits. No shots fired. This was the first bowhunting season in Lincoln Parish, La.

The next day Dad, Jack and Ben flew to S. Arkansas for a hunt. I had to go back to school :-( ;-)...Van

Awesome, Van! Thanks, Frank. Jawge

[IMG]http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff241/waiting4fall/popjpp.jpg[/IMG]

Here's the story that goes with the pic, for anyone interested. http://theaccuracyfactory.forumotion.net/t160-giving-back-to-traditional-archery

Here's a good one, circa 2003. The FITA World Championship was held in New York City and Jim Easton called me at home to ask me to come and do media for the event. I was honored. I have used an Easton arrow to hit every aspirin and baby aspirin in my 26 year career.

Jim Easton has done so much to promote the sport of archery.

Shoot Straight, Frank

Photo: Rob Parog, Jim Easton and I

This thread just keeps getting better... THANKS LW

Howard and I hunting wild boar and buffalo in Australia. :^ )