1967 Herters

1967 Herters: In 1966, Herter's Inc. of Waseca, MN introduced the first of their snowmobiles called the Hudson Bay Husky Snow Sleds with 3 models. Herter's, founded in 1893, was a direct-buy mail order firm specializing in sports and outdoor equipment. For 50 cents, you could order their 600 page catalog. Their ad stated "Guaranteed no snowmobile made of more expensive materials, better workmanship, more durable or faster."
By 1969 they offered 6 models as well as a sled cutter and the trailer to pull your snow sled. In 1970, 14 models were offered and from 1971 through 1974 anywhere from 7 to 9 models were offered. Over these years JLO, Sachs, and Kohler engines were used. Herter's eliminated their snow sleds after the 1974 model year due to snow conditions and the state of the economy.

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

Web Design by www.superiorweb.net