Recognizing individuals for their special services in the advancement of snowmobiling;

Abe Mathews, Sr. from Hibbing Minnesota manufactured the Trailmaker snowmobile from 1963 to 1965. Abe Mathews owned a steel manufacturing business, then when he purchased Electric Power Door, Mpls. Mr. John M Howes also moved with the company. John Howes had been developing an “All Season Vehicle” since 1952, and by 1958 he had acquired several patents for the unique design of the track and internal octagon drive system.

Abe’s manufacturing business was slow during the early 1960's and snowmobile manufacturing were in its infancy. John Howe was seeking to mass produce this vehicle, a deal was struck and Howe sold his rights to Abe W. Mathews Engineering Company.

During the 1962-63 season, they produced over 300 units with marketing be established across the snowbelt. In the 1963-64 season over 500 units were built compromising 10% of the total snowmobile market. Then in August 1965, the steel manufacturing business was strong again and the “Trailmaker” division of Abe Mathews Engineering was sold to Boatel Industries.

The Trailmaker had many people playing a part of its history. From John Howe’s first idea, Abe Mathews for believing in it enough to manufacture and demonstrate it, Gerald Heald as mechanical engineer, and William Thayer for setting up dealerships across the snowbelt, they all played a special part in the history of the Trailmaker, an All Season Vehicle.

Sponsored by American Snowmobiler and AmSnow Online