Vintage Snowmobiles


Book Description

The Golden Age of snowmobile manufacturing was from 1968-1976 with a gradual slow down leading to 1982. During this time literally hundreds of snowmobile manufacturers sprung up and then disappeared. This book is a look at all the most interesting, rare, or collectible snowmobiles from that time period. The big names like Arctic Cat, Polaris, Ski-Doo, Yamaha, John Deere, Scorpion, Snow-Jet, Mercury, Rupp, Moto-Ski, to the many small-company brands like Allied, Boa Ski, Chaparral, Evinrude, Harley Davidson, Johnson, Polaron, Sears, Skiroule, Sno Prince, Viking, and even includes a chapter of collectible racing snowmobiles in the hobby, like the 1977 Arctic Cat Z that turned Arctic Cats racing program around, and treasures like a 1973 Chaparral grass drag sled or a 1974 Roll-O-Flex called The Wild One. This book would be a benefit to anyone interested in sleds from this time period or looking to buy a more collectible sled from this era.




John Deere Snowmobiles


Book Description

Long respected as a manufacturer of sturdy agricultural machinery, the John Deere Company began in the 1960s to build a line of consumer products in a dedicated factory in Horicon, Wisconsin. Starting with a lawn and garden tractor in 1963, Deere soon entered the fast-growing snowmobile market, introducing two models in 1971. The next 13 years would see a succession of models as Deere vied against tough competitors in a weather-dependent market. This detailed history, written by two key participants in the snowmobile program, describes the development of John Deere snowmobiles from start to finish: the design and engineering decisions that shaped each important model; reception of the snowmobiles by consumers; the factory race teams; the introduction of front-engine and water-cooled models; the process of selecting engines and negotiating with suppliers, including when problems developed; and the snowmobiles’ impact on product engineering. The text provides an inside view of Deere’s Consumer Products Division at a time of rapid growth, and of the people and processes that made it all happen.




Breaking Trail


Book Description

Follow Edgar Hetteen from poverty to millonaire as he starts Polaris and Artic Cat snowmobile companies.




First to the Pole


Book Description

"I loved Ralph Plaisted like my own dad. But even if you didn't know Ralph and his team, you will love this book. Ralph taught me the true spirit of adventure by living it. Who else could sit over a glass of scotch in Duluth looking out over Lake Superior's stark winter ice cap and dream of conquering the North Pole by snowmobile? Who else could realize that dream of having a United State Air Force plane radio to him at the Pole proclaiming 'Plaisted, every direction from where you fellas are is south!' That could--only--be Ralph. First to the Pole engages the reader on every twist and turn of this amazing journey. A journey that not only captures the North Pole, but the true spirit of adventure which was the fabric of my dear friend and wilderness mentor, Ralph Plaisted." --Eric Gislason, Longtime KSTP-TV Sports Reporter/Outdoor TV Show Host/Storyteller




Snowbug


Book Description

""No machine comes close to it." Those were the words of Dr. J.R. Weber, research scientist for the Canadian government working in the far north, in describing one of the first snowmobiles to be made - the one that was produced in Sudbury, Ontario. "I would suggest to anyone interested in learning more about "snowmobiles of the past" that this book is interesting." Ed Skomoroh, Vice President, Marketing, Polaris Industries, Inc. "Very interesting Reading!" Edgar Hetteen [founder of Polaris] Known for its working ability rather than for speed, the Snowbug was valued by trappers, hunters, mining and government officials as well as doctors and social workers whose duties took them into all types of weather and snow conditions in the north. Its popularity spread from Canada to northern Michigan and the New England States where heavy snowfalls also prevail




Warriors of Winter


Book Description




Ski-doo Racing Sleds 1960-2003 Photo Archive


Book Description

Hand picked photos & in-depth captions document the development of Ski-Doo's racing sleds from inception to the present. Though it's been said the first snowmobile race was held the day the second machine was built, the first organized race to capture wide attention was in December 1961 with about 40 entrants. After discovering the impact of this first race, Ski-Doo began devoting attention to building racing sleds in 1967 and still builds models specifically for racing even today. Most engine, suspension system, and chassis improvements in the snowmobile industry are attributed to the efficiencies requested by racing. This book includes some of today's most collectible production snowmobiles like the TNT and BLIZZARD models, along with custom one-off models designed specifically for racing. Many of these interesting Ski-Doo photographs have never been published before.




The Snowy Day


Book Description

The magic and wonder of winter’s first snowfall is perfectly captured in Ezra Jack Keat’s Caldecott Medal-winning picture book. Young readers can enjoy this celebrated classic as a full-sized board book, perfect for read-alouds of all kinds and a great gift for the holiday season. In 1962, a little boy named Peter put on his snowsuit and stepped out of his house and into the hearts of millions of readers. Universal in its appeal, this story beautifully depicts a child's wonder at a new world, and the hope of capturing and keeping that wonder forever. This big, sturdy edition will bring even more young readers to the story of Peter and his adventures in the snow. Ezra Jack Keats was also the creator of such classics as Goggles, A Letter to Amy, Pet Show!, Peter’s Chair, and A Whistle for Willie. (This book is also available in Spanish, as Un dia de nieve.) Praise for The Snowy Day: “Keats made Peter’s world so inviting that it beckons us. Perhaps the busyness of daily life in the 21st century makes us appreciate Peter even more—a kid who has the luxury of a whole day to just be outside, surrounded by snow that’s begging to be enjoyed.” —The Atlantic "Ezra Jack Keats's classic The Snowy Day, winner of the 1963 Caldecott Medal, pays homage to the wonder and pure pleasure a child experiences when the world is blanketed in snow."—Publisher's Weekly




Of Ice and Engines


Book Description




Honey Bunny Funnybunny


Book Description

A hopping good "tail" about the ups and downs siblings face! It's not easy being Honey Bunny Funnybunny—P.J. Funnybunny's little sister. Like most big brothers, P.J. loves to tease and play jokes on his little sister. Poor patient Honey Bunny puts up with almost everything. But the jokes stop short when P.J. paints the sleeping Honey Bunny's face bright green. Mr. and Mrs. Funnybunny are hopping mad...From now on, things are going to be different in the Funnybunny household! But does Honey Bunny really want something different? Beginner Books are fun, funny, and easy to read! Launched by Dr. Seuss in 1957 with the publication of The Cat in the Hat, this beloved early reader series motivates children to read on their own by using simple words with illustrations that give clues to their meaning. Featuring a combination of kid appeal, supportive vocabulary, and bright, cheerful art, Beginner Books will encourage a love of reading in children ages 3–7.