Thought I would lighten the mood a bit with a few stories.
Some time in the 1950s at a California State Shoot, Nubbie Pate, Hugh Rich, Bill Otto and a man they didn't know were a foursome for the tournament. For those of you not familiar with Nubbie, he lost his left leg at seven years old due to a train accident. I'll post his California Archery Hall of Fame induction resume so you can that the loss of his leg never slowed him down.
During the shoot they had to cross a stream to get to a target. Nubbie stumbled and fell. The stranger wanted to help Nubbie, but Hugh said, "leave him alone, he's OK". That didn't go over very well. The man cussed out Hugh up, down and sideways, asking how he could be so cruel to a poor crippled man! It took quite a bit of smooth talking from Hugh to explain how well Nubbie could navigate. While Hugh was being read the riot act, Nubbie picked himself up and went to the next target.
Hugh used a photo of Nubbie on the back of 2 Hugh Rich Archery catalogs.
Here's catalog number 6.
This is catalog number 7.
Here's his Hall of Fame induction resume.
One day in 1985 I went to Hugh Rich's home to continue helping him inventory his archery collection. A surprise, a big surprise, was awaiting me. It was Roy Dill! Roy told us a few stories and I asked him if I could write them up and submit them to the California Bowmen Hunters newsletter. He said yes, and I did.
This is from the September 1985 issue.
From November 1985.
January 1986.
March 1986.
April 1986.
July 1985.
Always great stuff Ira. Thanks!!
I wonder if Roy Hoff's book every surfaced anywhere. Out of stock on Amazon.
Deno
We need more fun like that.
I now have a big smile on my face! Thank you, Ira. In the piano story, I knew what was going to happen, as I have had arrows blow through the gap in straw bales. Hindsight in target placement is a an asset.
Thanks so much Ira. Great stories.
Love it. Have you forwarded these to Roy for old times sake?
The older guys seem to have been bigger pranksters than we tend to see at most shoots these days.