On Monday evening, April 14 at 7 p.m., the Mackinaw Area Historical Society will present Charlie Vallier as guest speaker at the Mackinaw Area Public Library. He will present a program about the history of snowmobiling and the story behind the Top of the Lake Snowmobile Museum, located on the north side of US-2 across from the business district, in Naubinway, Michigan.
Their Mission Statement has been to establish a facility to preserve and display for the public the history of snowmobiling, including snowmobile related memorabilia and literature, as well as to provide an educational center and meeting center for the Naubinway Land of Echoes Tribal Elders, and a community welcome center for the Naubinway/Engadine Merchants Association.
They currently hold two major antique snowmobile events a year which are attractions for the whole family: The Annual Top of the Lake Swap Meet and the Antique and Vintage Snowmobile Show and Ride.
In 2003, “Show regulars” met to discuss how they could show antique snowmobiles inside a facility. In 2006 they held their first organized meeting, followed by many others in which they learned how to form a non-profit organization, create a business plan and a mission statement and elect a board of directors. In 2007 they acquired a laundromat building and, after 6 weeks of renovations, moved into their first museum.
Just recently, in February, 2014, they held their grand opening of a brand new museum which they had diligently been working on since they first acquired 1 acre of land, just north of the Naubinway business district, back in July of 2010. The groundbreaking was held in May of 2013 and they moved in on October 19, 2013. In order to achieve the reality of their new museum they worked in partnership with the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians; were able to secure a substantial grant from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs; and acquired a building loan from a regional bank which is being paid back through donations from museum supporters.
The Top of the Lake Snowmobile Museum opened in 2007 with 62 sleds owned by nine people along with some interesting memorabilia. Now they have 82 sleds owned by 40 people, 9 donated to the museum, along with a wide variety of donated memorabilia. They have also had 6 sleds donated to the museum to use as raffle fundraisers. All funds received from donated items at their fundraisers are then used for museum operation.
Future goals include more displays, a library available to visitors, and office space for the local Communities Association and the local Land of Echoes Tribal Elders.
The program will be held at the Mackinaw Area Public Library on Monday, April 14, 2014 beginning at 7 p.m. Refreshments will be offered following the program.
