It was late 1949, Howard Hill had held onto a childhood dream ever since he was 4 years old. When Poppa (his daddy)had carried him and his brothers and sisters by wagon to see the circus animals pass through his hometown of Wilsonville,Alabama. He had dreamed that someday he would kill an elephant with his bow and arrow. This childhood dream burned long and hard in his mind. When a young boy, he had told his daddy that someday he would do this very thing, his daddy had told him that he didn't think that under modern times it had ever been done. If he were to ever try such a thing, his daddy advised, he better talk to somebody that had more authority on such things or else he might get killed. Howard had asked his daddy who that might be. His daddy said, "The man upstairs GOD".
Now that Howard was 49 years old and soon would be turning 50. He knew that if he were to ever do it, it had to be now. He had talked about this for years, with his closest friends and they all new how dear this dream was to him. Many wanted to go with him as well. Even his own brother Onnie, told him, "You know how much I love to hunt" "Why I love to hunt as much as you""and you know I'm a good shot with a rifle" You'l need backup". "Howard, I'll do anything you ask of me" "Please let me go with you"."It will be my only chance in life". Howard told his brother,"Onnie","as you already know" "I love you, but I can't". "I've got to boss grown men around". "I know how you'll be". "You'll be wanting to go out hunting as much as me"."I won't be able to tell you no".
Howard wanted to make another motion picture film of his own. He had made his first, when he was 34 years old titled, "The Last Wilderness". This picture had launched him to stardom and had opened alot of doors for him afterwards. Even people he had grown up with around his hometown, didn't take him serious and made fun of him. They would say things like, "Look at Howard, playing with that kids toy". Everything changed after he made that first picture. Everyone now considered him to be a blood relative of some sorts, if you know what I mean.
He and Errol Flynn had been in business after the making of The Adventures of Robin Hood in 1938. The name of the production company was Flynn-Hill productions. They had produced and filmed many short subject films that would be shown at theaters around the world, between regular shown pictures. The short films always showed Howard's proness with the bow and arrow. Errol Flynn accompanied him on many of the short films.Ronald Reagan, an up and coming actor in his own right, had agreed to narrate for Howard on a couple.
He had won 196 archery tournaments in a row without a single defeat. He had already killed most every type of animal in north America, Mexico, and British Columbia. the largest animal he had killed thus far, was an elephant seal and the smallest was a flying hummingbird.
Sports authorities had written, that he was the "World's Greatest Archer". Some said that if in fact "Robin Hood" did ever exist, Howard Hill could match arrows with this noted archer as well. His legacy was great and doubtful by this writer, that we as archers will ever see anyone better than him, at shooting the bow and arrow. He accredited his ability with having found his God given gift.He was an archery "Rock Star", by todays diffination. There are alot of good archers today, but no one will ever fill his shoes or even come close. If someone doubts this statement, then they should do the research, before making any doubting remarks. Howard Hill was a legend in his own time. Your not a legend and shouldn't consider yourself to be legendary, until you have done something legendary. Today as we all know, most everything I can think of, has already been done by one of the early archery pioneers in the past. This being said, I feel it great to participate in such a wonderful sport, as archery. A sport, as is the case of a country, has no future without a proud past to build upon.
Howard knew how movies were made. He knew that in order to get a large production company to back his plans and make a safari picture. He would first half to have a good script or story, in order for them to be willing to back him.
Howard spent long hours writting the story that he thought they would go for. He decided that he may half to write in a love angle of somesorts, as most always had a beautiful actress included in the story line.
Finally he had the story completed and it had included african animals being killed with bow and arrow. He had made sure that the African elephant was included, so that his lifelong dream could be fullfilled.
Early on, in preparation of being able to kill as elephant. He knew that he would need the right bow and arrow to succeed. He built for himself a new bow that weighed in at 115 lbs. pull and named it "Gran Ma". He was comfortable with this weight and knew that he could handle it, no matter at what time or place, he was called to do so. His friend Jim Easton helped in designing a special 24SRTX aluminum arrow shaft, that they both felt sure would stand the test on the elephant.
Howard had spent many hours in a local machine shop and built several special broadheads of his trusted design, only differance being it was made one piece and of larger size. The total length of the completed arrow from tip of nock to tip of arrowhead, was 41 inches. The arrow weighed in at approx. 1700 grains. While testing, he had been able to shoot the arrow, measured to the point, through five automobile tire casings. Also his setup was capable of shooting through 10 bales of hay. he felt he had what he needed. All he needed now was an elephant, he thought to himself.
As luck would have it, he heard on the news that an elephant had died in a Chicago zoo. Here was his chance, he thought. He called and made arrangements to fly to Chicago. The zoo would let him test his equipment on the dead elephant, to make sure it would do the job.
Once there he found that the best place for him to shoot an elephant, was between the ribs, behind the shoulder. He hoped that once he made the shot, he didn't hit a rib, as he found they were like automobile bumpers. Also he learned from the zoo authorities, that it was on average 11 inches between an elephant's eyes and its brain. The best penetration he was able to achieve in testing was 7 inches, making a brain shot impossible. The only chance he would have if confronted with a death charge, would be through the eyesocket angling into the brain. The shot would be avoided, unless no other choice be at hand.
Now that his testing and preparations had been finished, it was time to approach a major production company and try to get their support.
Howard felt sure of himself and figured they would like his idea. He needed no introduction as he walked into Jack Warner's office, at Warner Brothers studio. Mr Warner got up from behind his desk when Howard entered his office and said, "Hello Howard" "What you been up to lately"? Howard replied,"Well I've written a story and would like to see a picture made from it". Warner said,"Sounds great" "Let me call over my assistants and we'll go over what you have".
A few minutes passed and then two men walked in. Howard spent the next hour and a half trying to sell them on his idea and plans. They listened closely and when Howard finally finished, they told him it sounded great, but had just one problem. In the story as expected, he would be the leading man, which was fine with them. But, he would also kill an elephant with his bow and arrow. One of the fellows told him that if he would forget about the elephant kill, they may have a deal in the works. It would be to risky if left in the picture as the leading man possibly could be killed, ruining the picture.He told them that he had dreamed all his life about doing this and there was no way that he would back down now. The meeting was over. Howard told them that he would go another way and the nest time they heard anything more about him, would be of his success. They wished him luck and he left disapointed, but still determined.
Howard's next visit was with Walt Disney of Disney Productions. Walt knew Howard and his expertise. He wondered why Howard wanted to talk to him, not giving out any information in advance.
Howard entered Walt Disney's office and in a short time had gone over his ideas and reason for the called meeting. Walt listened and told Howard that it was an interesting story, but no one would be interested in a animal picture. He thanked him for coming by and wished him luck.
Howard, never did care much for Walt Disney afterwards. Reason being, before Howard could finish his picture titled "TEMBO", Walt Disney had come out with his own elephant film, not titled "TEMBO" but, "DUMBO" the flying elephant. Prior to this meeting, Walt Disney's pictures had been on subjects like "SNOW WHITE" and etc. Howard figured in his own mind, that Walt had stole an idea from him. Maybe he was right, I don't know.
Still not giving up he went to see his old friend Errol Flynn. He explained what he wanted to do."Errol, I want to go to Africa and kill that darn elephant,you've heard me talk so much about, and make a picture. Errol said to Howard, "Its about time" "When you leaving"? Howard answered, "As soon as I can come up with the money I figure it will take".Errol then said, "How much do you figure"? Howard said,"I figure if I can come up with $250,000.00 and mortgage everything else I own" "I will have enough money to make the picture". Errol looked at his book keeper and told him to write out the check. The book keeper protested, and told Errol that it would be a mistake. He argued, if Howard were to get killed, "You'll loose it all", "with nothing to back it up". Errol Flynn looked at the book keeper and said, "Give me the check book" "I'll write the check". Errol continued, "Howard's word on the payback, is all I need". A year and a half later, Howard walked back into Flynn's office and paid him back in full. Errol Flynn charged him no interest.
Today, one must realize that $250,000.00 in 1950 was alot of money and would probably be equal to severl millions today.
Howard went to Africa and fullfilled his childhood and lifelong dream and made a magnificant motion picture film. The year was 1950 when he made the trip and it was the same year that Warner Brother's came out with their own Safari picture titled "King Solemon's Mine". It was still showing when Howard premired "TEMBO" across the street from where Warner's picture was playing. At first there wasn't many people getting in line to buy tickets to "TEMBO". They were lined up on the sidewalk across the street to see the other picture, once the ticket office opened.
Howard, seeing this began to think, "I've got to do something". So, he got two bullseye targets that he planned to shoot at on stage, before he showed his movie. Next he tied a rope to each and hoisted them up to the top of the theater sign on each side. he got a man to drive up the street and turn around and head back by the theater sign. Howard, standing in the backseat of the convertible automobile he owned at the time. He had instructed the theater projection operator to set up a large speaker in the upstairs window and turn on the picture where the animals in the film would be hollowing loudly. Howard rode back and forth in front of the theater shooting one bullseye after another with each pass in the automobile. With all the noise and seeing a "Wild Man" riding shotgun in an automobile, shooting his bow and arrow. The crowd crossed the street to Howard's side. After emptying his quiver, Howard jumped from the car and told the crowd. "If you liked this show, get yourself a ticket and come on inside to see the real show". During the showing of Tembo, it sold 10 tickets to 1 against Warner's picture across the street.
Warner called Howard back into their office immediately and offered to reimburse him on his investment in the picture, if he would let them handle it for him. He told them, "I came to you in the beginning and ask for your help", "and you turned me down". "I had to go it alone". "Now that I have and have succeeded, I'll go the rest of the way alone". Howard bid them fairwell and walked out, making several million dollars along the way.Jerry Hill......
Jerry, You keep the legend alive for all of us to enjoy.Thank You
Jerry,
Thank you for sharing Mr. Hill's innermost thoughts and feelings.
Danny
Jerry,
Great stuff. I haven't seen you in quite a while. I suppose ever since the Great Lakes Longbow Invitational moved away from Marshall, MI.
Glad to see you're still around and very pleased that you're sharing the old stories.
Keep 'em coming. todd
keep 'em coming Jerry!
Ben
I enjoy your stories Jerry. :thumbsup:
He is not done with the story. When I talked to him he still had 10 pages to type!!!!
Joshua
Thanks Jerry.
Jerry, I love reading your stories but please, make it easier to read by putting some spaces between the lines occasionally.
Bump
Sorry Ken, Josh is going to show me how to set up my computer to do it for me. Please keep in mind, I'm just glad I can get it on here, without loosing it, hitting the wrong button. This I have done twice with this story and had to start over.But for archers like yourself, I keep trying one more time and hope to not make the same mistake as before.So please bare with me.Jerry Hill..........
Awesome story Jerry. Might be better to do it on a word program that you can save as you go and then cut and paste later
Just a thought. Doesn't matter to me..just glad you are doing it...I just know what it's like to type something in and then lose it...
I know sometimes when it's late and I am posting a reply and i am a bit tired i hit the wrong button and it's all gone...Then usually I am too tired to do it all again so I don't.
Jer Bear
Well told, thank you.
Great story and will be waiting to hear more. Thanks.
I don't care if it's upside down & backwards, thank you for taking the time to post your stories of Howard, I love it.
Thank you, Jerry. I sure am enjoying this story.
oh, i thought this topic was about making a tembo bow. oops. :cool:
Ben. is that a wild jack ass in your picture that you killed? Howard Hill use to hunt them out west in the desert. I have a story about this that you will surely enjoy.Jerry
Hill.................
Rob, I'll try to do that next time.Jerry Hill........
Thanks for sharing,enjoy reading about Howard's adventures.Keep them coming.
Great story Jerry! We really appreciate your taking the time to share these with us. Can't wait to buy your book when it's done.
Jerry, that's what josh was telling me last night, when I kept hitting the wrong key and haven to start over. believe me before I finished, i was almost blue in the face.Jerry Hill.....
Thank you all for your continued support of my writtings. I enjoy writting them as much as you enjoy reading them. Hearing from you, all around the world gives me such a connection with our sport that I've never experienced before. I think that computers are great.Jerry Hill.............
Thanks Mr. Hill, been a pleasure seeing these again, grew up with a love of Howard Hill and have passed on that tradition to my sons.
And yes communication today is a wonderful thing
Great Story Jerry don't worry about putting space's between the lines it was easy to read.
I think everyone appreciate's your efforts and can't thank you enough.
and the legend lives on. Thanks Jerry it is appreciated.
JW
I wish you still had the shoot in Wilsonville. We were the venders that sold the Native American jewelry. We were there for the last two years. WarDancer
Thanks for taking the time I am looking forward to the next part of the story
Thanks for the story Jerry. Makes me want to want to watch Tembo again, after hearing this new info on the making and promoting of it.
George
Thank you for another great story!
Thanks sincerely Jerry.
I understand your difficulty with the computer. I'm just an old bush guy trying to learn new tricks too. Sometimes I feel like throwing it out the window. What holds me back is then I won't have the privilege to be in contact with people like you and Tradgang.
Your efforts are appreciated even way the heck up here (a small isolated native community in the Northern Quebec bush).
Yep, Jerry, it sure is. It's a feral African Wild Ass (donkey) - the one with the cross of Christ on the back. We have something like 5-million roaming our country. I'd love to hear your story about Howard and his donks!
Jerry, I was at the Wilsonville shoot the year you got a computer to tally the scores on, and I remember your frustration when it rounded off all the averages after the second round so it didn't give an accurate number. Keep after it, and keep those stories coming! These blasted things do get easier with time.
ben, man I'd love to be there hunting them jack's with you. Please write my name on one of your arrows and shoot it through one, so that I may be with you at least in spirit.also keep me posted on your hunting as I'm really interested in this.Jerry Hill....
Ken, thank you for your comments. I didn't know that two tin cans tied with a bowstring between them, could send a message so far.Isn't it amazing how technology has advanced. Please email me or something and keep me posted as to your doing's. I'll think of something for us to talk about and pass the time, and you do the same.Jerry Hill.......
Wardancer, I remember you being at the Howard Hill World tournament. Jan and I sure do miss seeing everyone and often wonder where everybody is these days. So how is everything in New Mexico?Jerry hill................
Jerry and Ben,
I spent some time in S. California with a lot of great longbow shooters and great trad archers. I was fortunate to meet, shoot and hunt with many old timers that remember Howard and some people that hung out with him back in the day. Howard and others loved to hunt those wild burros in the Mohave Desert and would hunt them quite a lot from the stories I have been told. Was also told they really liked the meat on those animals and prized it above deer meat. You can still run into those critters in the desert and they are as wild as anything out there. One look at you moving at over a hundred yards and they are moving away at a fast pace. Protected species even though they are overgrazing habitat for Mule Deer and Desert Bighorns. Now, only the Mountain lion gets to hunt them.
Ben, I sure wish I could go with you and hunt those jack's. Please put my name on one of your arrows and shoot it through one, so I can be along at least in spirit. This would please me to no end.Man I wish I were down there hunting with you. You've got it made.Jerry Hill....
Ken, Isn't it great that technology has advanced so far. I didn't know that you could take a bowstring and tie a tin can to each end and get the signal to reach so far. but, I'm glad it does, so keep me posted by email or whatever and let me know what your up to. If you need something to do just write me, we'll talk about fishing or something to keep from getting bored.Thanks for your support and comments. it keeps me coming back with something.Jerry Hill......
Wardancer,Jan and I remember you. you had some nice things for sale. I believe I bought a pair of throwing hawks off you. So, how is everything in New Mexico? We sure do miss seeing everyone at the Howard Hill World champioships. Often wonder whatever happened to everyone we new, you are one of the first that had come forward. Please stay in touch.Jerry Hill.........
Thanks for the story, Jerry. I've been a Howard Hill fan since a boy. My dad was, and he had an old archery magazine he kept for years( can't remember the name of it). It had a picture of Howard at Forksville, Pa. with a bunch of archers surrounding him, My dad was one of them. Wish I still had it. Keep the stories coming, I really enjoy them.
Jim, thank you for your comments and info about your father. What was his name? I might have met him at Forksville myself. I went to the Penn. bowhunters festival there years ago and then was invited back a few years later on. The first year I was there, I shot my longbow on stage. A fellow that had thrown up a quarter for John Schultz as me if he could throw one up for me on stage that night. I told him that if he was good enough to throw for John, he could throw for me. He tossed it up about three times as I could't see it well with the poor lighting in the barn. Finally on the fourth throw I got the lighting right, over my shoulder and drove it into the haystack. Got a good applause. Several years later I was there with Ben Rogers Lee, famous turkey hunter and call maker, (Now deceased).Haven't been back since.Plan to go to the Compton Shoot this year.Jerry Hill.....
Over your shoulder on a quarter? I have never been able to do that. It would far to dangerous for anything within bow shot of me.
Thanks Jerry, that story means alot. Wish I had the money to bring you and Mr. Schulz, Mr. Wesley and some of the other greats together for a dvd, where we walk a archery course and shoot arrows and tell the lost stories like that of mr. Hill and the other legends, would be great and they would never be lost.
Thanks, Jerry for the story. I love to watch the old movies and read about Howard.
Great stuff, thanks!!!
Great stuff Jerry
Thought I'd bump this. A good read.
Jerry good to hear from you again. I sure do miss our days at your shop and our archery club.
David Raia
Jerry, good to see you here.
Hopefully one of these days you'll come see us at the Howard Hill Southeastern Classic at Tannehill State Park.
I'd like to think you and Mr. Hill would approve of the event.
Terry Harris
Thanks for sharing Jerry, much appreciated and looking forward to more!
great story!!!
Great story, Could this be moved to the Howard Hill section?
Jerry thank you for taking the time to post that very interesting story and I am a big time fan of Howard Hill and have read about everything I can get my hands on about Howard. Thanks goodness for men like you and John Schulz,the Ekin family, John Lee, David Miller, Ron LaClair,and many others who keep the memories of the great Howard Hill alive.
Well, we haven't seen Jerry around here in several years. I wish him the best and hope he is well. He needs to come back and tell more stories.
AWESOME stuff!
Bisch
I love reading things that I never new before about the great Howard Hill, Thanks Jerry.
He killed an elephant seal?! That's pretty awesome
Gotta love this site. Where else can you experience the behind the scenes making of archery history? Jerry, thanks for sharing with the TG brotherhood. :notworthy:
Cmane, as far a I have been able to research, he is the only person to take an elephant seal with a bow. Several bow hunters have taken other seals, mostly harbor, and sea lions and at least two have killed a walrus...
Love the lost stories, wish we could of captured for of them.