Vote Roseau – Cenex Hometown Throwdown Champions for $100,000

Help Roseau become the Cenex Hometown Throwdown Champions and win the GRAND PRIZE of $100,000

CLICK BELOW TO VOTE FOR ROSEAU - IT'S EASY PEASY LEMON SQUEEZY. VOTING ENDS WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2024.

WATCH THE VIDEO : http://CenexHometownThrowdown.com.

Why Vote for Roseau?

Small towns across the US offer a unique charm and sense of community that is hard to find elsewhere. Roseau is no exception. With its quaint Main Streets, friendly faces, and tight-knit neighborhoods, we exude warmth and hospitality. Roseau residents appreciate that life moves at a slower pace here, allowing for genuine connections and a break from the hustle and bustle of life. It’s a place to enjoy nature, neighbors, and of course small town events like the Roseau Fall Festival.

What will will do with a $100,000? GREAT QUESTION!

The Cenex Hometown Throwdown Grand Prize is rewarded to bolster events and give the community opportunities to bring talent and resources for enrichment and growth. Visit the Go Roseau Facebook and leave an idea on events you might like.

Let's look at some FUN Roseau Fall Harvest Festival Memories

Now, as the town stands on the brink of potentially securing the grand prize, the spotlight turns to the nation as citizens across America are called upon to cast their votes to support Roseau’s victory bid.

The voting is open. It’s an opportunity for every American to rally behind Roseau, demonstrating the power of smalltowns everywhere!

Come join us the first week in October for the Roseau Fall Harvest Festival. The events are free and so is the fun! Watch the first ever, giant pumpkin boat contest on the Roseau River. This is your invitation to see why we are a finalist in the BEST Hometown Throwdown!

Sinnamon Krings

Roseau Promotions Director

The Amazing First Lady of Polaris Industries | Gertie Hetteen

A Trailblazer for Working Women and Polaris Industries Introducing Gertie Hetteen!

The Amazing First Lady of Polaris

If Allan Hetteen was the first President of Polaris Industry, then his wife Gertie was the First Lady.

“Soon I learned there was something very special about him.” stated Gertie Hetteen after she met Allan Hetteen, future President of Polaris Industries, while attending Roseau High School.

Gertie Erickson, a vivacious, freckled-face child of dairy farmer Albert Erickson and his wife Esther, was born March 30, 1930. The family lived in Falun Township approximately 20 miles from Roseau, Minnesota. Gertie attended a one-room, one-teacher country school until she graduated from the eighth grade. She attended Roseau High School in Roseau, Minnesota, graduating in 1948.

In 1954, Allan, his brother Edgar Hetteen, and his childhood friend David Johnson founded

Polaris Industries.

To learn more about Polaris’s history and how it started, open this blog lin

https://goroseau.com/polaris-how-it-all-began-the-story-of-a-company-in-the-making/

At the age of thirty-one Allan Hetteen became President of Polaris Industries in 1960. After a controversial promotional tour across Alaska, his brother, Edgar Hetteen left Polaris and later founded Arctic Enterprises, which would eventually become one of Polaris’ major rivals, Arctic Cat.

During Hetteen’s tenure, he led a 10-year period paving the way for Polaris’ success into the 21st century.

If Allan was the President of Polaris, that made his wife Gertie Hetteen the First Lady of Polaris. A position she worked long and hard at while making it all seem effortless.

In the 1960s, cultural changes were altering the role of women in American society. More females than ever were entering the paid workforce! Through Gertie’s efforts, she made a difference in many people’s lives. Her commitment to building a business, creating, and designing quality products and initially hiring women had an impact in the northern Minnesota rural community economically.

Gertie was the founder of Northern Upholstery, and partner with her husband in establishing several businesses such as Amco, Inc., Gallant Outdoor Apparels in a time when not many women were in leadership roles in the work force let alone to have the initiative in starting up new companies which would employ many people. The love these two people had for one another, their family, and others is evident in many aspects of their lives. Their faith in God was strong!

With Gertie and Allan’s combined talents and strengths, many people, industries, small businesses, and communities became stronger as well. People and communities experienced growth, unity, self-confidence growth, pride and financial security.

Please join in as we focus on, and share some of Gertie’s journey.

A baby girl is God's way of saying, "I thought you could use a lifelong friend."

Alma Gertrude Erickson was born on March 30, 1930. She grew up on a farm in Falun Township in Roseau County, Minnesota. She didn’t care for her first name, so her parents, Esther and Albert, called her Gertrude or Gertie. Gertie attended a one-room school in Falun until the eighth grade, transferring to Roseau High School her freshman year.

While attending high school as a freshman, she met a shy, tall, handsome classmate named Allan Hetteen. Allan Hetteen was soon to be a name that would forever be associated with Polaris Industries—a company he co-founded in 1954.

Alma Gertrude Erickson, born March 30, 1930.

Gertrude as a toddler was always ready to blaze a trail to start the day with gusto!

Gertie’s elementary school photo.

Gertie and Allan became friends much to the dismay of Allan. His wish was to date her as a girlfriend, but Gertie had other ideas. They did hang out together with a group of friends for several years. Finally, much to Allan’s delight, she FINALLY said yes to go on a date with him! The couple drove to Crookston to a softball game…with four of Allan’s friends.

Gertie wrote in her memories about her husband Allan,

“Soon I learned there was something very special about him. We attended different churches with our families. Allan eventually invited me to the Young People activities at his church. He worked with first grade boys and would take “his boys” out to the Malung School to play games on the softball field. Sometimes I went with BUT the first-grade boys wanted Allan’s full concentration to pitch the softball rather than having him pay attention to some silly girl!”

A look of a First Lady and her Husband

Her 1948 Roseau High School graduation portrait and Allan in his courting suit looking very presidential

Allan Eldore Hetteen was born on July 17, 1929 to Mae and Emanuel Emanuel on a dairy farm in Malung Township, Roseau County, Minnesota. He had a brother, Edgar, nine years older.

Allan moved with his family to Roseau, Minnesota when he was in elementary school.

Allan enjoyed the outdoors, taking photographs, being involved in his church, working with the youth, and working off and on in his older brother’s shop. He graduated from Roseau High School in 1948. He met and fell in love with a freckled-face, beautiful classmate. He loved her radiant smile from the moment he met her.

Allan as a young man, loved being outside. He did not like his picture taken on that day!

As a teenager Allan loved to take outdoor photos.

Allan waited patiently for Gertie almost two years! Patience is a virtue as finally they were a couple!

Allan’s graduation portrait from Roseau High School in 1948.

Gertie and Allan continued dating after graduation. “Hey Gertie! Who is the shy one now!?!” He eventually proposed.

Of Course she said, “YES!

Gertie would eventually become a trailblazer in the business world, but first and most of all she was a passionate, loving wife and mother!

In 1949 ...."Goin' to the chapel and we're gonna get married! Goin' to the chapel and we're gonna get married! Gee, I really love you..."

Allan Hetteen married Gertrude Erickson on September 3, 1949, in Roseau, Minnesota.

Here is their Christmas card sent to Allan’s brother Edgar and family.

Shown below is a photo of their first home together.

Their first home was 16′ x 6′ trailer.

Allan stood six-feet 3 inches tall. The only place he could stand straight up was with his head in the vent located in the middle of the trailer.

Gertie stated in her Memoria, “It was so cold in the winter the blankets and sheets would freeze to the wall.

Nine months later, the trailer was gone!

The First Home of Allan and Gertie’s!

Join us next week to find out what the future “Power Couple” are up to and why Gertie is called “The First Lady of Polaris and a “Trailblazer”?

To learn more about the history of Polaris and where it all began, visit the Roseau County Museum and Historical Society for a digital library roseaurosroseauhttps://roseaucohistoricalsociety.org/

Written and Researched by Carmen Przekwas

Memories shared by Mike Hetteen

Photos Hetteen and Przekwas Personal Collections

The Thrilling Journey of Polaris Industries: From Snowmobiles to Global Powersports | 70 Years in 2024

Polaris industries started in 1954 building snowmobiles,70 years later has grown to be a global powersport leader. Learn more about the journey to the top here….

Top 3 Vintage Polaris Snowmobiles

The 1960’s brought the design of the legendary snowmobiles including the Polaris Comet, Super Pacer, and Mustag. These machines were designed for extreme speed and with competition in mind.

A Top Bucket List Travel Idea: The Northwest Angle-The Northernmost point of the USA

Bucket list Travel Destinations Northernmost Point of the USA

Add the Northwest Agle to your top bucket list travel ideas. It may be the number 1 unknown travel spot in Minnesootas

61st WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SNOWMOBILE Derby (Looking back on the racers over the years)

The Eagle River World Championship!

Friday, January 19 – Sunday, January 21, the 61st Derby is on!

In honor of the 70th Polaris Anniversary being held August 16-18, 2024. We would like to highlight some of the World Champions who live or have lived in Roseau County or were driving the Polaris snowmobile to win the prestigious race.

The 1977 World Championship start of the race at Eagle River, Wisconsin. The top ten finalists for the world championship event included

Polaris Race Team members (on the right), Jerry Bunke, Brad Hulings, and Steve Thorsen.

The World Championship Derby Complex in Eagle River Wisconsin, considered “The Snowmobile Capital of the World”, hosts oval, snocross, and vintage racing. The World Championship Snowmobile Derby is not only the largest and most prestigious snowmobile competition in the sport, it is one of the highest-ranking winter sports events in the Midwest and is recognized around the world.

“Eagle River” is known as the Indianapolis 500 of snowmobile racing. The Derby attracts more than 40,000 spectators annually. Fans travel from all over the United States, Canada and beyond to watch more than 500 international drivers race their high-tech snowmobiles at speeds of more than 100 miles per hour on a solid ice oval track. For over 50 years, the race has been held on a fully contained, half-mile banked oval track located in the heart of one of Wisconsin’s most popular resort areas., Eagle River.

The Polaris snowmobile and Roseau County residents hold claim to many Eagle River Derby World Champions!

1964 winner of the “World’s First Snowmobile Derby, Stan Hayes

15-year-old Stanley Hayes was driving an experimental Sno-Traveler from Polaris Industries.

The next eight years would be run by a variety of other snowmobile brands, including Evinrude, Ski-Doo, Arctic Cat and Yamaha

Polaris Race Team legend Bob Eastman of Roseau, MN is the 1973 Eagle River World Champion!

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A lack of snow failed to ruin the 1973 championship derby on Sunday, January 21.

Eastman drove his sled to victory lane not on ice or snow, but on a sawdust race track!

A fan favorite, Eastman’s trophy presentation in Victory Lane was received with thunderous applauding from the crowd!

The top ten qualifying drivers for the finals in the 1975 World Championship

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Back row, left to right, Gordon Rudolph, Sam Sessions, Ed Schubitzke, Stan Hayes, Larry Coltom, Front row: left to right: Jim Adema, Don Omdahl, Giles Vileneuve, Larry Rugland, and Jim Bernat.

1975 World Champion

Jim Bernat

Bernat, living in Roseau, MN since the early 1960s, known as “Smiling Jim”, was a Polaris Race Team member since 1968.

Jim took home the world championship trophy on a Polaris 650 factory race sled.

1977 and 1978 Champion

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Steve Thorsen

Polaris Race Team driver, Steve Thorsen from Fergus Falls, MN was the second driver to win back-to-back championships.

Fun fact: 1977 was the first year of the Polaris IFS rather than the leafer suspension.

1990 World Champion

Dave Wahl from Greenbush, Minnesota driving a Ski-Doo , wearing Bib #74,

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Dave and his brother Durmont established Wahl Brothers Racing in 1981, after the closing of Arctic Cat and the break-up of Team Arctic. Their shop was located in Thief River Falls, MN. The team switched to racing a Ski-Doo twin track in 1987.

1996 and 1997 World Champion

Dave Wahl

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Dave Wahl, Greenbush, Minnesota driving a Ski-Doo to victory

In 1985 Wahl Brothers Racing relocated their business to their hometown of Greenbush, MN.

1998 World Champion

Cinco de Mayo Card Landscape 8.5 x 11 in

Terry Wahl

A resident of Greenbush, MN, Terry won his championship title on a Skidoo Champ 440 sled.

Terry is the nephew of Dave Wahl and son of Durmont Wahl. Terry joined Wahl Bros. Racing in 1993 as a team member.

Since 1998 Wahl Bros. have been racing for Team Polaris. “It has been an exciting change that has produced a World Championship Title in the Mod 500 Class, among other prestigious victories in oval races on Polaris race sleds.”

2010 World Champion

Matt Schulz, Wausau, Wisconsin

Matt was the first Polaris driver to win the Championship since Steve Thorsen in 1978.

2012 World Champion

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Nick Van Strydonk, Tomahawk, Wisconsin driving a Polaris with an engine built by former Polaris racer Larry Rugland.

Nick was just 21 years old.

2017 World Champion

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Bib # 13 Nick Van Strydonk, Tomahawk, Wisconsin driving a Polaris, won the 30-lap feature by almost

leading from start-to-finish!

2018 World Champion, 2019 World Champion, 2020 World Champion, 2021 World Champion

Photo taken in 2021

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Blaine Stephenson!

Blaine Stephenson from St. Cloud, Minnesota takes home FOUR championship titles on a Polaris race sled back-to-back-to-back-to-back!

Blaine is a professional ice oval snowmobile race driver for Wahl Bros. Racing, Greenbush, Minnesota and Polaris Racing.

The 2022 World Champion

Jay Mittelstaedt, La Valle, Wisconsin Driving a Polaris

Fun Fact: Jay met his now wife Paige Decker at the Eagle River Race Track, which was previously owned by her extended family, so they decided to have their wedding at the facilities.

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Eagle River is set to thrill with the 61st World Championship Snowmobile Derby

See you at the races

Researched by Carmen Przekwas, References: Roseau County Historical Society, Warriors of Winter, The Legend of Polaris, Mike Hetteen, Polaris Post Company newsletters, Starfire Kids, Snow Goer, Wahl Bros. Racing, World Championship Derby Complex, Photos: Randy Larson, Karolyn and Bob Eastman Collection All Rights Reserved

Polaris How it all began in 1954 – The Story of a Company in the making.

Polaris How it all began-the story of how three men in a shop laid the foundationfor a fortune 500 company in Roseau, MN. From Snowmobiles, ATV, Boats and watercraft Polaris has built it all.

polaris 1954

Polaris Snowmobile Racing- Meet the Official 1st Race Driver

December13, 2023

As the snowmobile racing season is about to start, we would like to look back at Polaris and the first official race driver. This year also marks Polaris’s’ 70th Anniversary and we plan to dig deep into the history showing you a collection of photos and memorabilia that has not been seen before. Let’s start by telling a little story about a Polaris legend!

DAVID JOHNSON

CO_FOUNDER of POLARIS

Did you know David Johnson, one of the founders of Polaris Industries, was the first official Polaris race driver?

1956 Polaris Sno-Traveler with David Johnson

1958 photo includes (left to right): David Johnson, Art Lisell, Mitchell Johnson, Steve Rugland

Note the all-aluminum Sno-Traveler Steve is standing by: was one of the first sleds made from aluminum patterned after the trailblazer’s nose (on left) only bigger.

In 1958 David Johnson, with a contingent of drivers from Polaris met up with the Harry C. Paul’s group from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Harry was a promoter and owner of the Autoboggan. The engine is inside the rear track unit, pushing forward as shown with the toboggan in the front with Mr. Paul steering.

Harry Paul’s 1958 Autoboggan.

The group set out to demonstrate the usefulness and design of the Sno-Traveler and Autoboggan. They chose to attend The annual Pas, Manitoba Fur Festival, a wintertime gathering with large crowds celebrating the bountiful harvest of fur pelts while having fun in the snow. There were a variety of contests, including dog sled racing.

The two parties participated in driving around the lake to prove the snowmobiles would work better than the dog sled teams. A tactic to draw more attention to the snow machines was to have the first “snowmobile race” to make them look more exciting. As David was quoted in Bill Vint’s “Warriors of the Winter”, “We tried to rig them a little bit so we had a zig-zag effect,” he confessed. “One guy ahead, and then the other, and so on. At a terrific speed of about 20 miles per hour!”

David Johnson is doing some zigging and zagging on a 1957 Polaris Sno-Traveler!

Much to the dismay of H.C. Paul, the Autoboggan broke down during the race expedition on the lake. David hooked up some straps and pulled Paul’s machine in with his Polaris Sno-Traveler.

Instead of going a shorter distance to Harry Paul’s truck, David decided to tour The Pas by driving through the town’s main street. Yet another opportunity for Johnson’s to promote Polaris’ brand as being trustworthy and reliable.

Because of that particular weekend, Harry later had a meeting with David Johnson, Allan, and Edgar Hetteen to form an agreement.

Polaris would build the snow machines, Harry Paul would become a distributor with the stipulation the Canadian-sold sleds name remain Autobaggon. The Autoboggans were built for Harry C. Paul, Ltd., Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada to market in Canada by Polaris Industries of Roseau, MN from 1958 through 1966.

In 1959, Johnson led another expedition into northern Manitoba and the Polaris group had plans made for some genuine snowmobile contests. A circular course was marked out with stakes in the snow on Grace Lake. The distance was about 400 yards. Three races were held, it was informal but marked the start of organized snowmobile racing and David Johnson won the race again!

In 1960 the Trapper’s Festival added cross-country snowmobile races to the festivities. Again, David Johnson on the Sno-Traveler was the winner. According to Harry Paul, “No one could beat David. In the cross-country, David would take off right through the small trees!”His sturdy machine blazing his trail. Everyone else was afraid to try it and dodged around the trees. David believed in the power of his machine. “David always won!” reported Harry Paul.

Snowmobile racing had begun thanks to Polaris’ first official snowmobile race driver DAVID JOHNSON!

Autoboggans were similar to Polaris machines but were painted Harvest Gold versus the bright red of early Polaris models. This particular model is a K95C with a 9.5hp Kohler motor.

David was a soft-spoken man, humble and generous. Johnson would remain a regular at the plant his entire life, visiting over coffee. When David walked into the engineering department, “the shop”time was given to talk with him about production and the latest in engineering. The coffee talk was sharing tales and asking for advice. When asked why they designed the sno- traveler, David would laugh and say.

We were pretty much outdoors people, and we did quite a bit of hunting in the Northwest Angle for all kinds of game. We had a lot of snow in some of those winters, so you had to go on snowshoes or walk or whatever. So, I used to tell people that we were lazy, we didn’t want to walk, so we thought of something to ride.” David Johnson told Snow Goer.com on October 9, 2013

It is hard to describe the effect David Johnson had on the industry since he helped build the first Polaris Sno-Cat in 1956. These pioneers left behind a great heritage. David lived in Roseau, the birthplace of Polaris until he died in 2016 at 93. His legacy and beliefs are woven into the small community. You can see many Polaris products at the Polaris Experience Center, in Roseau. Admission is always free. You can also arrange a tour of the manufacturing plant. If you like vintage, consider attending the David Johnson Sno-Cat Spectacular held in December. You won’t just find Polaris there. Take in shop-built, unconventional, and some classics. It’s a day to celebrate the engineering and mastery of putting snow skis and a motor together. Next time your skis hit the snow, think of the ones that rode the trails before you and those visions that are still being designed by people like David Johnson.

In the next article, we will be re-introducing some of the residents of Roseau County and Polaris employees who helped bring the Polaris snowmobiles to the forefront in racing!

You are invited to attend the 70th Polaris Anniversary Celebration on August 16-18, 2024. Book your lodging now.

Historical Content: Carmen Przekwas, Mike and Donovan Hetteen, Roseau Electric Volts and Views, Roseau Times Region and the Roseau County Museum Archives.

The Story of Allen Hetteen and Rosco Racing

November 30, 2023

Allen Hetteen was one of the three founders of Polaris in 1954. He served as the president, worked on development, and was hands-on on all the fronts. He turned wrenches and handled business decisions. On June 1, 1970, Allan Hetteen retired from Polaris Industries. He then started a Polaris Snowmobile Distribution company, Rosco, Inc. This story tells the beginning of that journey.

1970-1972 Rosco Race Team

Allan always felt a race program would advance the development of the snowmobile, which in turn would help increase sales of the product. He passionately believed his new company, Rosco, Inc., would also benefit from a racing team. Thus, the Rosco Race Team was formed.

The team would support the dealers and their customers, being visible to the public, answering concerns, and helping the other race drivers when needed for support with parts and mechanical assistance. Allan expected the drivers to be gracious, helpful, and good sportsmen, treating others as part of the team. His opinion was to create a positive image, which would help sell the products supplied by Rosco, Inc., but most importantly, present a positive picture of the recreational winter sport of snowmobiling. The team participated in races in the upper north half of Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

Officer Dale Amundson; General Manager Gene Fichter; Mechanics and Race Team Drivers. Allan Hetteen, on the far right, in the back row, shaking Race Manager Wayne Burkel’s hand.

He was pleased with the success of the team’s winning seasons. Allan felt every employee was an essential asset to a successful company. He was thoughtful in recognizing the staff and team for the efforts each of them contributed to Rosco, Inc., A Polaris Distributor. He would visit the Race Garage regularly. He was checking on the sled items needed and asking the drivers how the machines performed and what ideas for more speed and performance were required.

Left to right: Wayne Burkel, Team Manager, Bob Przekwas, Duane Opdahl, Ed Mansueto. Sitting on the sled: Roger Helgeson, Tony Burkel

At the end of the 1973 season, Rosco Incorporated would no longer be a distributor. The large sponsored Rosco Race Team of 1971 & 1972 ended. Although he no longer had his “own” race team, Allan still felt racing was important. He continued to sponsor racing for the 1973 season as a Polaris distributor, establishing a “Racing for Gold” incentive program for independent and dealer-sponsored race drivers.

On March 15, 1973, Rosco, Inc. was sold to Polaris Industries, A Textron Company.

Save the date to attend the 70th Celebration in Roseau. We will honor the heritage and look at the future of the company.

Hotels are limited. Click here to view lodging options.

Christmas Cookies with Grandma

Christmas is approaching, and with it comes one of my favorite traditions: baking day with the family.

As a little girl, I eagerly awaited the moment when the enchanting aroma of Christmas sweets would waft from Grandma’s kitchen. I loved the warmth of the kitchen, the festive decorations, and the laughter that echoed off the walls as we baked together. The scent of cinnamon and sugar filled you with warmth and excitement. Nothing was better than gathering with the family for an old-fashioned holiday baking day. The room’s laughter and the oven’s warmth made everything so cozy on a cold Minnesota day.

Granny Ava always bustled about, humming a festive tune as she measured ingredients and prepared the dough for their famous Christmas cookies. The first batch was always rolled out and cut with a drinking glass. The way her granny did when she was a child. Then, we were able to create and cut our trees and snowflakes. We each made and reserved our own sugar cookies to decorate and eat. The kitchen was a symphony of colors, with sprinkles, frosting, and an assortment of bright and festive candies waiting to adorn the sweet treats they would create. Granny Ava taught us the secrets of the perfect cookie dough, the art of rolling it out just right, and the joy of cutting out festive shapes with cookie cutters. As we worked, Granny Delilah shared stories of Christmases past, filling the kitchen with tales of happiness, wonder, and timeless traditions.

Time disappeared as my cousins and I laughed, shared memories, and created sugary masterpieces. Soon, the kitchen was filled with trays of cookies, each a work of art adorned with colorful icing and sparkling sugar. The sweet aroma of freshly baked treats filled the air, wrapping us in a comforting hug of holiday cheer. Little did we know we were baking up a timeless tradition of sweet memories

Today I share this tradition with my daughter and mother. Grandma Ava is with us in memory. Please enjoy our family Sugar Cookie Recipe perfected over generations.

Grandma Ava’s Sugar Cookies

4 Cups All Purpose Flour

¾ teaspoon of Salt

¾ teaspoon Baking Powder

1 Cup (2sticks) Butter

1 Cup Sugar

2 Large Eggs

2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
Mix the flour, baking powder, and baking soda in a bowl; set the mixture aside.
Cream the butter and sugar.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
Once combined, slowly blend in the dry ingredients until evenly mixed.
Separate dough into tablespoon-sized balls.
Place onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
Place on the center rack and bake for 5 to 7 minutes (or until golden brown). Let the cookies sit on wire racks for 2 minutes before cooling.

WATCH THE VIDEO : http://CenexHometownThrowdown.com.

A Trailblazer for Working Women and Polaris Industries Introducing Gertie Hetteen!

The Amazing First Lady of Polaris

If Allan Hetteen was the first President of Polaris Industry, then his wife Gertie was the First Lady.

In 1954, Allan, his brother Edgar Hetteen, and his childhood friend David Johnson founded

Polaris Industries.

To learn more about Polaris’s history and how it started, open this blog lin

A baby girl is God's way of saying, "I thought you could use a lifelong friend."

Alma Gertrude Erickson, born March 30, 1930.

Gertrude as a toddler was always ready to blaze a trail to start the day with gusto!

Gertie’s elementary school photo.

Gertie wrote in her memories about her husband Allan,

A look of a First Lady and her Husband

Her 1948 Roseau High School graduation portrait and Allan in his courting suit looking very presidential

Allan as a young man, loved being outside. He did not like his picture taken on that day!

As a teenager Allan loved to take outdoor photos.

Allan waited patiently for Gertie almost two years! Patience is a virtue as finally they were a couple!

Allan’s graduation portrait from Roseau High School in 1948.

Gertie and Allan continued dating after graduation. “Hey Gertie! Who is the shy one now!?!” He eventually proposed.

Of Course she said, “YES!

Gertie would eventually become a trailblazer in the business world, but first and most of all she was a passionate, loving wife and mother!

In 1949 ...."Goin' to the chapel and we're gonna get married! Goin' to the chapel and we're gonna get married! Gee, I really love you..."

Here is their Christmas card sent to Allan’s brother Edgar and family.

Shown below is a photo of their first home together.

Their first home was 16′ x 6′ trailer.

Allan stood six-feet 3 inches tall. The only place he could stand straight up was with his head in the vent located in the middle of the trailer.

Gertie stated in her Memoria, “It was so cold in the winter the blankets and sheets would freeze to the wall.

The First Home of Allan and Gertie’s!

The Eagle River World Championship!

The Polaris snowmobile and Roseau County residents hold claim to many Eagle River Derby World Champions!

The next eight years would be run by a variety of other snowmobile brands, including Evinrude, Ski-Doo, Arctic Cat and Yamaha

Eagle River is set to thrill with the 61st World Championship Snowmobile Derby

See you at the races

1970-1972 Rosco Race Team

Officer Dale Amundson; General Manager Gene Fichter; Mechanics and Race Team Drivers. Allan Hetteen, on the far right, in the back row, shaking Race Manager Wayne Burkel’s hand.

Left to right: Wayne Burkel, Team Manager, Bob Przekwas, Duane Opdahl, Ed Mansueto. Sitting on the sled: Roger Helgeson, Tony Burkel

Christmas is approaching, and with it comes one of my favorite traditions: baking day with the family.

Today I share this tradition with my daughter and mother. Grandma Ava is with us in memory. Please enjoy our family Sugar Cookie Recipe perfected over generations.

Grandma Ava’s Sugar Cookies

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