International Snowmobile Hall of Fame (ISHOF) | Eagle River, WI
  • Inductees
  • About
  • Nominate
  • Donate
  • Contributors
 

Recipients of the Allan Hetteen Memorial Award of Merit

Abe Matthews, Sr. - 2006 Award
Hibbing, Minnesota

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 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Mr. John M. Howes also moved with the Company. 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 1960s and snowmobile manufacturing were in its infancy. John Howes was seeking to mass produce this vehicle, a deal was struck and Howes 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 comprising 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 Howes' 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, all played a special part in the history of the Trailmaker, an All Season Vehicle. 

Sponsored by American Snowmobiler and AmSnow Online.

Senator Bob Lessard (retired) - 2004 Award
International Falls, Minnesota

Senator Bob Lessard (retired) - ISHOF recipient of the 2004 Alan Hetteen Award of Merit
MN Senator Bob Lessard (retired)
The Honorable Senator Bob Lessard (retired), from International Falls, Minnesota, was elected to the Minnesota State Senate in 1976. Bob, as an outdoorsman, strongly believed in the privilege of access and use of our States natural resources for recreation. As a member of the Legislative Commission on Natural Resources, Bob was instrumental in securing numerous funds for multiple use trails throughout the State, especially the snowmobile trail infrastructure. Bob has authored many Constitutional Amendments and Bills, many representing his belief for preserving recreation for the future. Senator Lessard was a tireless advocate in the representation of what was right for his constituents and the use of our natural recreational resources, especially his support of snowmobiling. Minnesota United Snowmobile Association (MnUSA) named Senator Robert Lessard as the Legislator of the Year Millennium.

Sponsored by American Snowmobiler and AmSnow Online.

Richard E. Harrison - 2003 Award
Crosby, Minnesota

Richard E. Harrison - ISHOF recipient of the 2003 Alan Hetteen Award of Merit
Richard E. Harrison
This Crosby, Minnesota inventor and manufacturer conceived snowmobile concepts and designs; many of which are still used on sleds ridden today. He also created jobs activity in his hometown as a result. From the Trail-A-Sled to the Scorpion snowmobile, Harrison was involved actively as a pioneering spirit from 1957 to 1975.

Sponsored by American Snowmobiler and AmSnow Online.

Bud Knapp - 2002 Award
Cedar Springs, Michigan

Bud Knapp - ISHOF recipient of the 2002 Alan Hetteen Award of Merit
Bud Knapp
Snowmobile historian Ernol "Bud" Knapp was the recipient of the second annual Allan Hetteen Memorial Award of Merit. Sponsored by American Snowmobiler magazine, the Hetteen award is presented annually on behalf of the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame in memory of Polaris co-founder and industry pioneer Allan Hetteen. Hetteen, one of three (3) founders of Polaris Industries in 1955, exemplified the traditions of snowmobiling. The award, given in his memory, was presented to Bud Knapp for his selfless efforts in preserving the accurate history of snowmobiling through his involvement with the antique and vintage snowmobile clubs. Bud was known as a one-man snowmobile historical society. He assisted snowmobile collectors around the world in understanding and evaluating the machines and memorabilia of the sport. Known throughout the sport of snowmobiling, Bud has amassed a collection of snowmobile information and materials that is unrivalled in collector circles. Bud Knapp was inducted into the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame in 2002 along with Wisconsinite Tom Anderson.

Sponsored by American Snowmobiler and AmSnow Online.

"Snow Goer Susie" Scholwin - 2001 Award
Wisconsin

The inaugural Allan Hetteen Memorial Award of Merit was given to Scholwin for her pioneering work in giving snowmobiling its first special interest magazine devoted to snowmobiling. From 1965 to 1970, Susie's leadership in publishing the first snowmobile magazine united snowmobilers around the world and created a way for snowmobilers to learn about and share their interest in snowmobiling. 

Sponsored by American Snowmobiler and AmSnow Online.

Location / Contact Info

The International Snowmobile Hall of Fame is located in Eagle River, Wisconsin, inside the World Snowmobile Headquarters, 200 feet North of the Eagle River Derby Track.  We are open for FREE public tours & your donations are always appreciated.
International Snowmobile Hall of Fame (ISHOF)
1521 N Railroad St
Eagle River, WI  54521-8141
Map  |  Driving Directions
Area Lodging & Airport Info
Get E-mail Updates
(715) 479-2186 phone
[email protected] e-mail
Hours of Operation:
Tuesday - Saturday - 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Closed Sunday, Monday & Holidays

Search ISHOF
Looking for an inductee, special award recipient or something else here at ISHOF?

ISHOF is proud to honor all Class of 2024 Inductees to the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame in Eagle River, WI. 


We also wish to recognize additional special award recipients.


These awards include the International Groomer of the Year, sponsored by Arrowhead Equipment, Track, Inc., Pisten Bully & Prinoth, Ltd.


Edgar Hetteen Memorial Award of Merit, sponsored by the Elmer Cone Family & the Iron Dog Brigade.


International Snowmobile Dealer of the Year, sponsored by Snow Goer, the American Council of Snowmobile Associations, the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations & the International Snowmobile Council.


International Snowmobile Clubs of the Year. sponsored by Woody’s, the American Council of Snowmobile Associations, the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations & the International Snowmobile Council.


Congratulations to the new class of inductees & all other special award recipients.


Know someone worthy of future recognition by ISHOF?  Nominate them here.

International Snowmobile Hall of Fame on Facebook

International Snowmobile Hall of Fame


Arctic Cat snowmobiles
Polaris snowmobiles
World Snowmobile Headquarters - Eagle River, Wisconsin next to the Eagle River World Championship Snowmobile Derby Track
Ski-Doo snowmobiles
Yamaha snowmobiles

Home  |  About  |  Inductees  |  Nominate  |  Donate  |  Contributors  |  Area Lodging  |  Privacy  |  Contact
© International Snowmobile Hall of Fame, All rights reserved.
  • Inductees
  • About
  • Nominate
  • Donate
  • Contributors