1964 Hus-Ski Model 200

The Hus-Ski snowmobile was first manufactured from 1962 to1963 in Hespler, Ontario, Canada by Jim and Colin McQuat of Lachute, Quebec. It was designed to meet the needs of loggers who needed to access their timber areas. The Hus-Ski was unique with the articulating design that separated the tractor from the attached sleigh. The Canadians called the sleigh a ski seater. The legal work for the patent was done by a lawyer named John Turner, who later became one of Canadas Prime Ministers.

Early models were the 200 and the 400. The 200 was powered by a 148cc JLO and the 400 by a 247cc JLO engine. The McQuat brothers sold the company within a year to Johnson Wire Works who kept the Hus-Ski name, but moved the production to Pointe Claire, Quebec. In 1964 it was sold to FMC to be built as a Bolens, Diablo Rouge, until 1969.

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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