The History of Snowmobiling

History of Snowmobiling

Period: Jan 1, 1903 to Jan 1, 1989

First Snowmachine

Jan 1, 1908

History of SnowmobilingThe very first vehicle that was built to go in snow wasn't built until 1908. That was actually the Lombard log hauler designed and built in Waterville, Maine.

Track and Skis

Jan 5, 1913

History of Snowmobiling ' >Snowmobiling</a> Then in 1913 Virgil White, a Ford dealer in New Hampshire, invented a track and ski unit conversion for the Model T Ford.

Motor Toboggan

Jan 6, 1924

History of Snowmobiling' >Snowmobiling</a> One of the most amazing snowmobiles was built in 1924 in Sayner, Wisconsin. It was the invention of a gentleman by the name of Earl Eliason. Mr. Eliason called it his motor toboggan, and that basically was what it was.

F.W.D. Corporation

Jan 5, 1939

History of Snowmobiling' >Snowmobiling</a>Mr. Eliason patented and manufactured his machine until 1939 when he sold out to F.W.D. Corporation in Canada.

Modern day recreational snowmobile

Jan 5, 1954

History of SnowmobilingIt wasn't until 1954 that the modern day recreational snowmobile was born. David Johnson was a partner with Alan and Edgar Hetteen of Polaris Industries, the former Hetteen, Hoist, and Derrick. At this time Mr. Johnson made his design of a snowmobile

Manufacturing

Jan 5, 1955

History of Snowmobiling' >Snowmobiling</a>Thus the early beginnings of the Polaris Sno Traveler. Polaris built a few machines per year from 1955 to 1957 and then phased out of farm equipment and began manufacturing sleds.

Dealer Network

Jan 6, 1958

History of Snowmobiling' >Snowmobiling</a>Polaris decided in 1958 that they had to set up a dealer network.

Snowmobile Trip

Jan 6, 1962

History of Snowmobiling' >Snowmobiling</a>History of Snowmobiling</a> Prior to leaving on the trip there was a ceremonial ground breaking for the museum by DavidEarly Design Polaris Logo Johnson, Edgar Hetteen, and Paul Doherty, who all went on the trip which followed most exactly the earlier route in 1962. Seven of the machines and twelve of the people actually went on one or more of the trips.

Museum

Jan 6, 1985

History of Snowmobiling' >Snowmobiling</a>Many events followed this 1985 excursion to raise money to build this museum. It was a long hard road that included public suppers, catering outside events, raffles, and much more.

Pioneers Reunion

Jan 6, 1994

History of Snowmobiling' >Snowmobiling</a> In 1994 Bob Brodeur, a member of the Northern Timber Cruisers Snowmobile Club, held a Pioneers Reunion to commemorate these events and honor the gentlemen that participated.