1975 Polar Bear

The Polar Bear was manufactured by Raybon Manufacturing in Wallingford, Connecticut. Ray Bonell, the company owner, operated a machine shop and fabrication business when he decided to jump into the thriving snowmobile industry of the early 1970s. They were produced from 1971-1976. Manufacturing their own all aluminum frame chassis, riveted and welded for extra strength, and fiberglass components, Raybon Manufacturing purchased skis, fuel tanks, engines, tracks and suspension utilizing a patented torsion bar with 12 bogie wheels and 2 take-up bogies for track adjustment. Approximately 500 sleds were distributed to dealers in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York and Michigan. This machine belonged to a dealer in Wisconsin and has a 295cc engine. He bought 3 of them, rode one and never put gas in this sled or the other one. All 3 machines are now in museums.
Owners: Todd & Russ Haske
Port Edwards & Saukville, WI

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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