Del C wrote:
I note that even the Gehrlein (Gerhlein?) Winch seems to have a German
type name, so maybe it's not as bad as I thought. Does anyone have any
information about this company?

Derek Copeland

Gehrlein Winches were built by Gehrlein Welding of Erie, Pennsylvania,
which was run by Larry Gehrlein and Larry Gehrlein, Jr., both involved
in soaring in the 1950's and until their deaths a few years ago.
Rod and Jay Gehrlein, sons of Larry Sr. operate Gehrlein Products a
glider repair facility, near Erie, and fly their gliders out of their
strip behind the repair shop.