I posted this on a Facebook group and thought it would also be appreciated here.

Frank Eicholtz (Pronounced, Eye-Holts).

was Born in Burlington, Kansas, January 28, 1908 and came to California in 1930. A resident of San Diego, Frank was inducted into the California Archery of Fame in 1978. He died in June of 1983.

Frank was working on laminations of various sorts including plastics (Lamicoid) with great success when his friend Dr. Glen Havens, head of research for the defense company NARMCO, gave him a sampling of Conolon fiberglass, developed for use in aeronautics. Frank began experiments using this new material as a laminate but it was not immediately suited for such use. Frank experimented with different glues and techniques, eventually finding the right combinations that made Conolon a success as an archery application laminate. He is credited with being the first to do this and is considered the father of the modern laminated bow.

Frank is also credited with inventing the fiberglass arrow shaft but there is some mystery surrounding the fact. Frank entered into a handshake agreement with Mort Barrus of Costa Mesa to make fiberglass arrow shafts.

FROM LETTERS WRITTEN BY FRANK EICHOLTZ TO HUGH RICH:

I met Dr. Glen Havens who was working on the development of glass fishing rods. With his help I worked out a glass backing that revolutionized archery. Of course, that meant better glues and I finally got onto Urac 185 and later epoxy. We also made some glass arrows that wouldn't get crooked but lacked toughness until we tried epoxy resin and high pressures. Then I went to Mort Barrus in Costa Mesa for help and we were doing all right until he got killed in an auto accident. With my usual trust, I had failed to take precaution and my glass business and the Microflite arrow I had developed went with his estate to a glass firm who sold some of it to Bear Archery.

Throughout the 40’s and into the mid-50’s Frank produced bows under his own name using his Conolon fiberglass and later, Ultrabac and Glasface. Around 1953 he sold his bow making business to Wilson White who Frank had employed as a bowyer. It was about this time that Frank brought together George Gordon of Gordon Plastics and Bud Leach together and formed Gelco. George Gordon contributed $10,000 and provided Bo-Tuff fiberglass, Bud Leach was known for being a 2-time National Racquetball Champion and producer of high quality racquets. Frank enlisted him for his expertise in production molding. Frank and Bud each contributed $10,000 as well. Gelco enjoyed great success until a large number of bows started being returned due to breakage – glass failure. Frank blamed Gordon Plastics and George soon exited the company. The company failed not long thereafter.

Frank had bows made bearing his name under contract by Fasco when they were still in San Diego and in the early 70’s once again started making bows under the El Gato name. There were two models, the El Tigre Takedown and the El Puma one piece. Unfortunately, the compound was now king and Frank soon shut down production.

In addition to the above, Frank Eicholtz is also credited inventing the Bow-Lock, the first string release approved for use by the N.A.A. and the N.F.A.A. and the first takedown longbow.

He also had a couple of retail shops mixed in with all the events described above where he made bows and sold sporting equipment including mini-bikes and scuba gear.

Frank was President of several archery clubs, organized several clubs, and generally advanced archery all the minutes of his life.

Frank was also an accomplished flight archer and collaborated with Harry Drake in the 40’s. He won many flight titles as well as field titles.