By John Gunnell
The snowmobile riding season may be coming to its end at this time of year, as warmer weather takes away that frosty white stuff on the ground. But, one way to keep the enthusiasm going year ‘round is to get involved with collecting antique snowmobiles.
Here in the Central Wisconsin region, the interest in older sleds is booming and that makes sense when you think about it. After all, the Eliason Motor Toboggan—possibly the first snowmobile ever made—is housed in the FWD-Seagrave Museum in Clintonville. Add to that the fact that years ago, when snowmobile collecting was in its infancy, there was a national club for collectors of older models based in Waupaca.
Today, the Antique Snowmobile Club of America (www.ascoa.com) is located at 8660 Fawn Lake Dr. N.E., Stacy, MN 55079. It recently held its Winter Meeting in Mercer, Wis. That event included visits to Saynor, Wis.—home of Eliason Hardware Co.—Eagle River, Wis.—home of the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame—St. Germain, Wis.—home of the Snowmobile Hall of Fame—and finally to Minocqua, Wis.—to see the Warning Family Museum that includes several Eliason Motor Toboggan snowmobiles.
If you want to keep the spark alive after the snow is gone, make plans to visit the Classic Sled Roundup in St. Germain on May 29, 2022. Snowmobile season will be long over by then, but it’s never really over for enthusiasts. You can start dreaming about the 2023 snowmobile season at the Classic Sled Roundup. You’ll see displays and competitions with antique sleds. Parts will be sold and traded in the swap meet at St. Germain Community Park. Call 1-715-542-4463 or visit www.snowmobilehalloffame.com.
(Author’s note: This will be the last winter sports article until the snow flies again late in the fall. The photos of antique snowmobiles accompanying this article were taken at the 2020 and 2021 Manawa Snodeo events. Similar snowmobiles will be displayed at Classic Sled Roundup in St. German, Wis. on May 29, 2022).
May 29, 2022. St. Germain, Wis. Classic Sled Roundup. St. Germain Pavilion, 545 State Highway 155. 7 am -3 pm.
