I have been fascinated by history (real people doing/pioneering real stuff) for most of my life. I have been pondering a couple of things recently and am bringing my questions to the best place that I know of to get answers - the TradGang Trad History/Collecting Forum. So, here is my first question (I will post the other on a separate Topic):
Who are some of the lesser-known bowyers who worked for and made significant contributions to some of the big-name manufacturers?
Here are a few pump-priming examples:
Nels Grumley was Fred Bear's bowyer in the early days of Bear Archery (until 1948). And, we are familiar with some of his contributions.
Owen Jeffery was also one of Fred Bear's bowyers. Dates? Contributions? Owen went on to found Jeffery Archery.
Bill Stewart worked for several of the big names: Howatt, Bear, and Wing (Bob Lee). Dates? Contributions?
And, how about Tom Jennings and Smithwick Archery?
Now, guys & gals, I turn to our History/Collecting community to fill in all of the gaps that I am leaving.
Ray