ISHOF Inductees - 2006

Robert "Bob" Clough - Volunteer
Barnum, Minnesota

Robert Clough - 2006 Inductee to International Snowmobile Hall of Fame - Eagle River, WI
Robert "Bob" Clough
Bob started snowmobiling in 1965 and lived a vision that helped bring snowmobile trails and organizations of Minnesota to fruition. He was the co-founder of the Moose Horn Rod & Gun Club holding positions of Secretary and Treasurer, trail groomer operator and Carlton County Snowmobile Trail Coordinator. In the early years of Minnesota's Grant In Aid Program, Carlton County became one of the first counties to receive this aid due to Bob's dedication. Bob was also involved in the organizing of Minnesota Association of Snowmobilers in 1970 and past President of the International Snowmobile Association (ISA). While pursuing his goals for snowmobilers, he met with civic groups, town and county boards, and he was a frequent visitor to the State Legislature. Bob served as Chairman and organized the first Carlton County March of Dimes Snowmobile Ride and he also was involved with the MS Society Charity Rides. Through Bob's efforts the sport of snowmobiling continued to grow, and many of his visions are here to stay, locally and statewide.

Clyde Seely - Volunteer
West Yellowstone, Montana

Clyde Seely - 2006 Inductee to International Snowmobile Hall of Fame - Eagle River, WI
Clyde Seely
 Since the early 1970s, Clyde has devoted many years to keeping the Yellowstone National Park and surrounding area open to snowmobiling. These efforts not only effected that area, but other areas in the nation as well. Since the first purchase of Three Bear Lodge in 1970, he knew winter was a wonderland in Yellowstone and wanted to share it with others. They were the first in West Yellowstone to keep a motel open year around. He first started out with 15 Scorpion snowmobiles. These were used for special events the first few years, then open year around ever since. Clyde realized the impact that family recreational snowmobiling had on the community of West Yellowstone. During his time of volunteering in developing trails, he learned the wants and needs of the snowmobilers. He new there had to be some kind of organizational control of where, what, and how to get there. He has been part of the West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for more than 25 years, founding member of the National Alliance of Gateway Communities and serves on the West Yellowstone Vision Committee as Chairman of Continuing Education. Clyde knew the effort to keep access to Yellowstone would double when the National Park Service threatened to close Yellowstone to snowmobiles. He met with manufacturers, land access organizations, snowmobile clubs and associations, and government representatives. His efforts were to bring a balance to protect the park, public access, and the economy. Clyde devoted a tremendous amount of time and energy to protect the sport. He went beyond the pursuit of winter enjoyment for visitors of West Yellowstone. His efforts affected not just West Yellowstone, but all national parks across the nation.

Meldrim Thomson, Jr. - Trail and Program Developer
Orford, New Hampshire

Meldrim Thomson Jr. - 2006 Inductee to International Snowmobile Hall of Fame - Eagle River, WI
Meldrim Thomson, Jr.
As Governor of the State of New Hampshire from 1973 to 1979, Meldrim Thomson, Jr. was honored as a Trail and Program Developer. Governor Thomson grew up with a snowmobile family and was a strong and effective advocate for the sport. He understood the importance of snowmobiling as a family sport and appreciated the significance of its positive economic impact. In 1970, Conservation Officer Paul Doherty presented the Legislature with a proposed bill that would provide equitable legislation to "control" the mushrooming use of snowmobiles. The bill was tabled without action. Governor Thomson campaigned for this bill and on July 5, 1973 HB10 was signed into law. The Bill created the first in the nation "Bureau of Off Highway Vehicles." In November 1973, the Governor cut the newly proposed registration stickers with scissors to reduce the size to match the design of the snowmobile cowl. During his administration, the state purchased landowner liability insurance and refused to outlaw the use of snowmobiles during the 1974 gasoline shortage. He supported leasing 180,000 acres in New Hampshire's "North Country" for the state's first statewide trails system. Governor Thomson was the first Governor in the nation to actively promote snowmobiling, and because of his strong support he earned the nickname "The Snowmobiling Governor."