1936 Westendorf

1936 Westendorf: Fred Westendorf built this machine in 1936 to go ice fishing with on the Saginaw River in Zilwaukee, MI. It is the only one built. Fred was a machinist at Wicks Machinery in Saginaw, MI.

Several of the features included retractable foot pegs. This made it possible for Fred to slide it into his Model A Ford. The rear drive wheel is spring loaded in the up position. When pressure is applied to the foot pegs, it moves the wheel on the back down, making contact with the ice or hard-packed snow. The rear skis were widened for more flotation. The front ski was moved forward for better steering. The 1.5hp Briggs & Stratton engine was not powerful enough, so he bored it out to give it a little more power. This machine was purchased from Fred at an auction by Dan Boyse's dad. He took it to a show where it received the nickname of the "Pizza Oven". Fred also built small steam engines and an operating tabletop sawmill.

On Sept 20, 2019, The Top of the Lake Snowmobile Museum was awarded a grant of $12,500 for Operational Support from the State of Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA – ART WORKS). The grant was awarded through the MCACA peer review process and was one of 561 applications to compete for MCACA fiscal year 2019 funding. The grant requires a 1:1 match and helped the museum leverage the $12,500 of support from its annual income and the many donations from supporters. In particular the museum has received grants from the Graymont Community Economic Development Fund and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. It has also received significant donations from the Antique Snowmobile Club of America, The Midwest Vintage Snowmobile Shows, Inc., many snowmobile clubs, several recreational and snowmobile shows, the museum’s internal $1,000.00 Challenge, and many museum members. The grant funds will be applied to museum operating costs. Applicable costs include internal operations, marketing, travel to shows within the State of Michigan and cost of employees. The MCACA peer review process allows for each grant applicant to be competitively considered by a panel of in-state and out-of-state arts and culture professionals. This ensures the taxpayers, who support this project through legislative appropriations, and all other visitors or residents in Michigan will have access to the highest quality arts and cultural experiences. A complete list of grant awards around the state is available by contacting MCACA at (517) 241-4011, or by visiting the MCACA website at www.michigan.gov/arts

Top of the Lake Snowmobile Museum
P.O. Box 2
W11660 US-2
Naubinway, MI 49762
Hours: 906 477-6298
Appointment: 906 477 6192

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