San Diego Archery Shop History

Jaz5833 · September 06, 2025, 07:46:09 PM

I don't post often here on TG but most everyone should know me if you frequent the LW Forum and my San Diego Archery History Project.
I have recently made contact with Roman Gray Jr., the son of a prominent Archery shop owner in the San Diego community of La Mesa during the 60's and 70's. While there's no one better than Roman junior to tell about his father, he was fairly young when his dad moved from San Diego to Alaska and as such doesn't know a whole lot about the scene in San Diego. Additionally, not foreseeing a need, over the years he has disposed of records, and such, pertaining to his dad's business.
He suggested that I might find some old acquaintances of his dad among the members here.
So, with that being said, I'm looking for any stories or pictures relating to Roman Gray Archery in La Mesa California.

Aside from my San Diego History Project, I'm also an amateur historian for the San Diego Archers and have collaborated with Dave Gordon Jr of Gordon Plastics Inc to donate historic items to the San Diego History Center. All my requests and efforts are motivated by the desire to preserve this history.

Any info would be appreciated.

M60gunner · September 08, 2025, 12:59:29 PM

Jim, wish I could help but if I have the right store in mind I visited it once. That was late 70's. I knew members of Bearstate Bowhunters that traded at his store that lived out that way. Unfortunately I believe they have passed on by now. Only other person I know that knew him was CR Learn because he mentioned him the one time we shot together at the "sandpit".

Archie · September 08, 2025, 01:54:04 PM

https://www.tradgang.com/tgsmf/index.php?topic=88141.msg1636203#msg1636203

Hud · September 11, 2025, 02:39:15 AM

You should find quiet a trove of information on Stickbow.com *********** about individuals and events at the San Diego's range at Balboa Park. Start with CR Learn and Ugly Coyote.

https://***********.bowsite.com/TF/lw/searchaction2.cfm

highcountry · September 11, 2025, 02:11:57 PM

How about Jerry Gentellalli? Of Rancho Safari. He has been out here for a long time. Nice guy. Used to chat with him about that area. He would take archers out for goats and pigs on the island. Long time ago!

M60gunner · September 11, 2025, 02:57:14 PM

Jerry passed away a couple years ago.

highcountry · September 11, 2025, 06:51:33 PM

wow, I never got the news. Sad. Great guy Had lots of awesome archery stories

Archie · September 11, 2025, 07:23:38 PM

Quote from: highcountry on September 11, 2025, 02:11:57 PMHow about Jerry Gentellalli? Of Rancho Safari. He has been out here for a long time. Nice guy. Used to chat with him about that area. He would take archers out for goats and pigs on the island. Long time ago!

My father and Jerry were hunting buddies long ago. Mom told of him coming over to the house for dinner when I was a kid. Dad told me he and Jerry bowhunted jackrabbits together in the Palmdale/Lancaster area, where there is now an airport.

Jaz5833 · September 14, 2025, 10:45:00 PM

Quote from: Hud on September 11, 2025, 02:39:15 AMYou should find quiet a trove of information on Stickbow.com *********** about individuals and events at the San Diego's range at Balboa Park. Start with CR Learn and Ugly Coyote.

I'm in weekly communications with Ugly Coyote (Ira Blair). He's been a fabulous resource and even better penpal.

https://***********.bowsite.com/TF/lw/searchaction2.cfm