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Vintage Snowmobiles: The Golden Years


A 1969 Alouette snowmobile (left) and a 1967 Viking snowmobile on display at the 2008 Tip-Up Town USA winter festival at Houghton Lake, Michigan (photo courtesy of flickr user, Corvair owner)

Bring on the snow! Snowmobilers have been eager to ride the trails in Wisconsin and elsewhere for some decades now. The enthusiasts know well the importance of getting on the trails early and often, given the unpredictable weather patterns found here which can make a great snowmobiling season or a poor one. December 2008 is a prime example of how quickly snow conditions change.

Do come inside the Wisconsin Historical Museum on Saturday, January 10, 2009, for a special presentation on vintage snowmobiles from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Author Jon Bertolino will be on hand to talk about his book, Vintage Snowmobiles: The Golden Years 1968-1982. A book signing follows the program.

Bertolino offers a look at many of the most interesting, rare or collectible snowmobiles. According to his research, literally hundreds of snowmobile manufacturers sprang up and disappeared during the period covered by his book. In addition to the big names everyone recognizes are the small-company brands like Allied, Boa Ski, Chaparral, Polaron, Skiroule, Sno Prince and Viking, among others.

If you enjoy the sport of snowmobiling, take a break from the trails to attend Bertolino's program about vintage snowmobiles which he dedicates in part, "To those who now want to rekindle those memories through collecting, riding, racing, and restoring vintage snowmobiles from a by-gone era."

:: Posted January 5, 2009

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