Minnesota has a long history with snowmobiles. Some of that history was on display during the annual Goodhue-Bellechester Railriders snowmobile show February 7th. 44 Sleds lined the street south of the Corner Bar while owners and spectators enjoyed the show and indoor program.
Referred to as “The Grandfather of Snowmobiling”, Edgar Hetten founded both Polaris Industries and Polar Manufacturing (later renamed Arctic Enterprises and Arctic Cat) in Minnesota. He designed sleds at each company, focusing on developing snowmobiles for commercial and recreational use and could reach speeds of 25 mph. The Goodhue show included examples of both companies early 1960’s models owned by Nick Novak of Mazeppa.
Another rare and distinctive entry was a 1964 Trailmaker snowmobile manufactured by the
Abe Mathews Engineering Company based in Hibbing. This specialized all-terrain vehicle featured a Kohler 8-13hp engine, a unique track with an internal octagon drive system, and pneumatic tires. The Trailmaker earned its owner, Mike Wilson of Red Wing the trophies for best 1970 and older sled (7 in class), Best of Show/People's Choice (also received $50), and Most Off The Wall ($10). The Off The Wall winner must be able to drive the sled legally on the trail although Wilson did not participate in the ride.
The show was held just in time to create a custom trail with the snow that remained between a few days of warm weather before and after the cold show day. Steve VanDeusen and Jonathan Luhman talked to landowners, getting permission to modify and groom the trail for a 15-mile ride after the show. 26 sleds took part in the ride described as “pretty smooth and mostly snow, with a little ice, a little dirt, but awesome!”.
The Corner Bar provided food for the event and many sponsors supplied prizes for the raffle. A 50/50 raffle awarded $205.00 to Treyben Kehren.
For a complete list of sponsors, winners and more pictures, see the Goodhue-Bellechester Railriders Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064591093438
