C and C Programming

The Mission of the
Roseau Civic and Commerce

The mission of Roseau Civic and Commerce is to promote economic vitality and community growth, by supporting local businesses, fostering partnerships, and by welcoming and creating opportunities that strengthen our community for those who live, work and visit.

Who is the Roseau Civic and Commerce

The Roseau Civic and Commerce is a group of business members who share the common vision to support and strengthen the business sector, foster community pride, and create opportunities for a successful future.

Join the Roseau Civic & Commerce!

Be part of something bigger in our community.
When your business joins the Roseau Civic & Commerce, you’re not just signing up—you’re investing in Roseau’s future.

Why become a member?

Increase your business visibility in the local community
Connect with other local business owners and leaders
Promote your business through shared marketing and events
Have a voice in local economic growth and development
Help shape and support community events and traditions
Build stronger relationships with customers and residents
Collaborate with other businesses to strengthen the local economy
Access networking, resources, and growth opportunities
Help attract visitors and new residents to Roseau
Keep business and investment local and thriving

Together, we grow stronger.

The Roseau Civic & Commerce is built on collaboration, community pride, and supporting local success.

Get involved. Get connected. Grow with us.

For membership information, click the “Membership Application” link.

Community Events Sponsored by GoRoseau
and our Members

Screenshot 2026 04 22 104320 — Sponsored by Salol One Stop

Gazebo Concert Night — Go Roseau Sponsored Event

Screenshot 2025 12 26 104820 — Go Roseau Host

Screenshot 2025 11 18 181337 — Women of Today Event|Co Hosted

Screenshot 2025 09 03 074654 — Go Roseau Hosted

White and Orange Modern Live Music Event Instagram Post — Go Roseau Grant from NW Arts Council

Fall Fashion Show 1 — Collaborated with Roots Grounded

Screenshot 2025 03 19 075749 — Go Roseau Co Hosted

Black Blue Neon Abstract Color Mobile Video Background 1 — Go Roseau Hosted

Screenshot 2025 01 28 180601 — Co Hosted in 2025

3 Kings Day — Go Roseau Hosted – NWF Grant

Roseau Mural 2024 with artist Angina Korb funded by C and C Grant

Pow Wow Final — Co Hosted with Roseau County Museum

Screenshot 2024 08 28 080305 — Go Roseau CVB Event

The Historic Canadian Northern Railway Depot – Built in 1900

The Great Canadian Northern Railway Depot - History Remembered

A timeline of railroad history at the Warroad Depot

On Feb 16, 1900 the Canadian Northern Railway train stopped in Warroad for the first time.
March 3, 1900, CN built the first, original wooden depot. In 1901 pilings were driven for the railroad bridge. January 2, 1902 the first Port Arthur to Winnipeg train passes through Warroad. The 50 mile section between Warroad and Baudette is the only trans-continental line to run through the US.
July 15, 1914 embers from a coal burning engine ignited the original depot and it was destroyed by fire. Canadian architect John Scofield was hired. By September, work begins on a new, brick depot. The depot is the first one in built in the U.S. by a foreign corporation. It was negotiated by a special treaty between Canada and the United States. The cost for the depot was $30,000.
In 1918 the Canadian Northern Railway is sold to, and becomes, the Canadian National Railway. Until the 1930’s, immigration offices were housed in the corner of the depot’s waiting room.

The Canadian Northern Depot is listed in the National Register of Historic Places

In 1977, due to declining demand, CN ended its passenger service. The last passenger train passed through Warroad July 30 from Winnipeg to Thunder Bay, Ontario. September 13, 1978 by signed orders from the Minnesota Dept of Transportation, the depot was closed. CN made it known it wished to sell the depot and have it moved. The people of Warroad wanted to work to keep the depot as a symbol of Warroad’s past. In 1980, Governor Quie signed a bill making the depot a state historical site. The next year, the Marvin family donated $25,000 to purchase and renovate the depot in memory of George and Almina Marvin. In 1982 the depot was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

In November of 198, restoration of the Canadian Northern Railway Depot began Many original oak doors, window casings, countertops and woodwork were restored.
In 1985 the depot reopened as a facility for the City offices. The baggage room became the public library, the upstairs living quarters became the museum, and the waiting room was remodeled into the City Council Chambers. On July 4, 1985 is was dedicated in the memory of George and Almina Marvin and opened to the public. Their son , William Marvin dedicated his life to the Marvin Window Company and serving his hometown of Warroad. This seemed a fitting memory and tribute to his parents.
In 1990, a new Public Library and Heritage Center was built across the street. The Warroad Police department occupied part of the building from 1990 to 2005 when they relocated the new Public Safety Building. The depot still houses the city offices and the building inspector. The oak doors, window casings, and woodwork are restored from the original building, as is the counter at the office window. The public washroom doors are from the original building. It is open to the public for viewing. Be sure to have you photo taken and pause to imagine what the station was like in the 1900s.

A tribute to the trains - looking back as a boy

One of the things I remember from visiting my father’s hometown of Warroad, along the Minnesota-Canada border, was watching the trains go by from the front window of my grandparents’ home on Lake Street. I could see the CN logo on the trains and learned that this stood for Canadian National. My grandma sometimes watched with me and told me a few stories about riding trains when she was a girl in the 1910s. Her father was a station agent for the Soo Line,.

Lois J. Johnson Tweet

You can still hear the sound of the trains whistle and the rumble of the tracks when you are in Warroad. The train darts through town caring its cargo with no place to stop these days. Its presence is still a big part of this borderland community.

Approximately 20-24 non-passenger trains per day still pass through Warroad

Open for other historic sites in the area: including native burial sites, museum, and cutural arts.

Like Roseau, Warroad is a borderland community 20 minutes east of town. It offers unique dining, a craft brewery, event center (coming 2024) and many small shops and attraction. It is a gateway to Lake of the Woods and legendary fishing.

Polaris Industries’ Fearless Randy Hites Soaring High in the late 1960s!

Polaris Industries' Fearless Randy Hites Flying High! 1960s

Before Levi LaVallee! Before Chris Burandt! There was Randy Hites!

Randy Hites worked at Polaris Industries most of his life. Randy started as a welder at Polaris, did test riding, and was soon the first big-name racer driver for Polaris Industries. Randy won many races during his racing career. He was a daring man with no fear. His exhibitions of jumping the Polaris Mustang and Polaris Colt were known throughout the United States.

Please join us as we tell a “few” stories about:

Polaris Industries’ Fearless Randy Hites!

Polaris Industries' Fearless Randy Hites ~ 1965

Introducing the new 1965 Polaris Sno-Traveler MUSTANG model!

1965 St. Paul Winter Carnival first year of snowmobile racing held a Lake Phalen Park in St. Paul, MN.

In January 1965, several Polaris employees, Randy Hites, and Edson Brandt, traveled to St. Paul, Minnesota, entering the 3-mile St. Paul Winter Carnival Second Annual Snowmobile Competition at Phalen Park. The Winter Carnival races at Phalen Park in St. Paul, Minnesota, would break trail for the Winnipeg to St. Paul I-500 Cross Country Race.

Randy and Edson would be driving the newest Polaris model, the Mustang!

Polaris 1965 Mustang — An ad for the 1965 Polaris Sno-Traveler Mustang Series

Map of the first Hodag run — The map of the 1965 Hodag

On February 6, 1965, the first Hodag 50 cross-country snowmobile race was organized. It was cross-country endurance marathon. A course was mapped out starting in downtown Rhinelander, going overland to Three Lakes, and from there to the finish line in Eagle River. This event had been planned as a test run for the marathon, but with 100 entries and 88 finishers it was a success. The winner took home a $200 prize.

A perfect testing course for the new Polaris Mustang model. Allan Hetteen, president of Polaris, along with two Polaris ‘test drivers”, Edson Brandt, and Randy Hites traveled to the first “Hodag” Cross-Country Snowmobile Marathon in Rhinelander, Wisconsin.

The Roseau group participated in the Hodag Class 20, for 16.5 horsepower machines. Randy Hites won in 1:45.29! Edson Brandt placed second. Where did the Polaris President place? Well … let’s tell you!

Rhinelander Hodag Cross Country race — The trail through the woods on the Hodag race.

Hetteen had crashed and was left stranded in the woods. After the race was completed, Mr. Hetteen was pleased with Randy and Edson winning the top two places in their class. BUT one could say the company’s President was a little disappointed the two young men had raced right by him, instead of stopping to help him!

Could “Racing Fever” distort perception …?

Randy Hites in the winner's circle!

Edson Brandt, one of the first race drivers for Polaris Industries

The Winter Festival Comes to Roseau ~ 1965

A two-day event in Roseau, MN called the Winter Festival-February 19-20, 1965, was organized.

This was the first international snow-machine race in history. “Over fifty competitors were entered in the cross-country race Saturday to kick off the Winter Festival sponsored by the Roseau Lions.” according to an article in the Roseau Times-Region newspaper.

The above photo features the Slalom and Oval race winners on Sunday, February 20, 1965. Front row: Left to right: Robert Eastman, Gerry Reese, Louie Knochenmus; Second row: Marlys Brandt, Eleanor Johnson, Tim Hetteen, Greg Grahn, Rodney Johnson; Back row: Jean Grahn, Allan Hetteen, David Erickson, Roger Skime, Don Hedlund

Polaris Industries’ fearless Randy Hites was in another town, racing with his racing partners the Brandt Brothers, Edson and Clayton!

In the first years of a Polaris racing group, besides Randy Hites included: Marlys and Edson Brandt; Clayton Brandt; Dennis Olson; Eleanor, Mitchell, and Rodney Johnson; Jean, Greg, and Jimmy Grahn; Allan, Steve, and Timmy Hetteen; Clem Deschene; Bob Eastman; Gerry Reese; Frank McDaniels; and many others. This group would travel to various race venues throughout the Midwest participating at racing events.. The exposure to what the Polaris snowmobiles could do, as well as other manufactures, drew large crowds filling county fairground grandstands, watching racing along lakes, along highway ditches, and even farmers’ fields!

The racing frenzy could now be enjoyed in Roseau County even more!

Polaris Industries' Fearless Randy Hites Flying High! 1966

A new snowmobile model, the Colt was a direct response to Polaris racing. The Mustang was a little too big overall for racing. A more compact machine with engine options would better meet the needs of the racing team. Randy spent many hours testing, racing, and promoting the new Polaris Colt model.

Polaris issued a brochure showing the various models the company made, including the new Colt model.

Do you recognize the man wearing sunglasses and a red jacket?

In the following 1966 Second Annual Winter Festival in Roseau, MN. While Randy did not win the jumping event, he certainly thrilled the crowd! David Johnson’s son Rodney won with a 300-Hirth engine.

In 1966 at the St. Paul Winter Carnival, following Herb Howe’s first place finish and Edson Brandt’s second placing in the Winnipeg to St. Paul 458 mile race another derby was held. The derby was at Lake Phalen Park, Randy finished third in Open Class. He is the third man from the left in the back row. Marlys Brandt, seated on the snowmobile, scored a second in the Powder Puff! Edson Brandt placed third in the 14-horsepower class. All pictured in this photo won on a Polaris snowmobile!

Polaris Industries' Fearless Randy Hites Promoting Polaris Mustangs and Colts 1966-1967

Randy would participate in a variety of racing events, either oval, lemans, or cross-country. He was also known for his ability to jump the snowmobile high into the air. He would perform in exhibition shows at a number of winter festivals throughout the Midwest. Even after racing the course Randy would do acrobatics and jumping, thrilling the crowd in attendance. These antics on Sunday helped sell sleds on Monday!

Randy was asked to participate in several advertising campaigns for Polaris Industries. The advertisements were for magazines, newspapers, and television videos.

Randy driving a Polaris Mustang for a photo shoot.

1966 Introduction of the Polaris Colt snowmobile!

Randy's photo was featured in a variety of ads promoting the new Polaris Colt model.

Polaris issued a brochure showing the various models the company made, including the new Colt model.

Polaris Industries' Fearless Randy Hites Videos

Randy Hites Was Fearless on More than Snowmobiles!

Randy had quite the sense of humor, could tell many stories, and many stories told of his antics!!

Jim Bernat, a long-time Polaris employee, and Hall of Fame legend in the racing world, tells of an incident around 1963. “Polaris had moved to the new production facilities south of town. The company had already expanded to the west, building an addition for the Wash and Paint Systems. I was a forklift driver, and had a new forklift. Randy was driving a new forklift as well, as he was in the Maintenance Department. There was a lot of room on the new concrete floors. Well, Randy and I decided to have a forklift race. It was like a mini-race course! We had a great time turning and going back and forth trying to beat each other! Afterwards, we noticed the new rubber tires on the forklifts had left big black marks all over the new concrete floors! We weren’t the only ones who noticed. Soon David Johnson came back to where we were working. He asked, “You guys been racing?” We both nodded yes. David replied, “You know something, I think you two better clean this up. I think tonight would be a good time to do it, and be back in the morning, on time!” Both Randy and I nodded sheepishly, replying, “Yes sir!” … and we did!”

The trophy — David Johnson presented the “forklift drivers” with this plaque years later. The plaque says, “Jim’s forklift racing career was short-lived. Jim’s snowmobile racing career fared much better!”

Greg Marier, an Engineer at Polaris in the 1970s recalls, “I remember Randy telling us one of his racing stories – he was in a cross country race in a big group of racers right after the start. The snow dust was awful, everyone was jockeying for position when all of a sudden the group in front of him split up and gave him a great chance to move up! He powered thru right into a huge hole that sent him flying!! Randy laughed and said those guys in front really didn’t do him any favors!

Randy Hites Was Fearless On Snowmobiles! The Video is Proof!

Randy rode his sled with vengeance, full-steam ahead, over ice, drifts, snow, road crossings in any race he competed in on cross-country races. The video below shows the style of his riding/driving fearlessly. In this video he is in the St. Paul Winter Carnival Winnipeg to St. Paul I-500 race.

Randy would have won it.. but he was so hard on the machine that he broke the chain case while in sight of the finish line!

“

Randy Hites Recognized as Polaris' Longest-term Employee in 2000

Randy was a fearless man who had a strong work ethic. He also took great risks to prove the durability of fast snowmobiles and fast cars!

He attended school in Badger, MN and later served in the United States Air Force for four years. David Johnson hired the young teenager to work on the welding line as a welder at Hetteen Hoist and Derrick. After his racing day and exhibition shows were gone by, Randy worked in the Production/Maintenance area for many years. Randy was David Johnson’s right-hand man at Polaris Industries.

David Johnson in his suit jacket — David Johnson, Vice-President of Polaris Industries; Plant and Facilities Here he is pictured in his office in the 1970s.

Randy was married for 32 years to Mariannette “Tootsie” Wysocki for 32 years and lived in Roseau, MN, where they raised their four children: Terry, Tammy, Todd, and Teresa.

Randy passed away February 17, 2005, at the age of 68 years old.

Roseau Fire Department in 1977. Randy took great pride in being a volunteer fireman serving many years.

In 1994 Randy Hites recognized for 40 years of service as an employee for Polaris Industries.

Randy Hites 1936 - 2005

For more Polaris History visit the Polaris Experience Center

or the Roseau County Historical Society. Links Attached

Researched and written by: Carmen Przekwas

References: Aaron Johnson; Mike Hetteen; Roseau County Historical Society, Warriors of Winter; Polaris Pioneers; Polaris Industries archives, Roseau Times Region, Starfire Kids, Snow Goer,

Photos: Hetteen Archives, Roseau County Historical Society, Aaron Johnson

Polaris Industries First Lady ~ Gertie Hetteen, Vitality and Enthusiasm ~ Part 3!

Polaris Industries First Lady ~ Gertie Hetteen, Vitality and Enthusiasm

We’ve informed you about the journey of Gertie Hetteen in the previous two parts of our extended account of her life. You may ask “Why do you call her Polaris Industries First Lady ~ Gertie Hetteen, Vitality and Enthusiasm?”

Well, we will tell you why!

We would like to summarize some of the prior events that occurred leading up to Gertie becoming the first lady of Polaris Industries:

On September 3, 1949, Gertie Erickson married Allan Hetteen.
In 1950, Gertie’s husband Allan became a partner with his older brother Edgar, and Edgar’s brother-in-law David Johnson at Hetteen Hoist and Derrick in Roseau, MN.
1954 Hetteen Hoist and Derrick changed their business name to Polaris Industries.
On January 10, 1956, Orlen Johnson test-drove the Polaris Sled #1. David Johnson fabricated and designed using automobile parts and scrap material starting in 1955.
On February 9, 1956 Sled #2 driven onto the Minnesota tundra by Allan Hetteen.
On September 27, 1957, the first carload of Polaris Sno-Travelers departed by rail for Alaska.
1960: Edgar Hetteen, Erling Falk of Roseau, and Rudy and Bessie Billberg of Alaska ride three Sno-Travelers 1,200 miles from Bethel to Fairbanks, Alaska, in 21 days.
In June 1960 Edgar left the company, relocating to Alaska. Though within a year he moved to Thief River Falls, MN and started a new company, eventually called Arctic Cat.
June 1960 Allan Hetteen becomes President of Polaris Industries.

So now you know why we call Gertie:

Polaris Industries First Lady – Gertie Hetteen, Vitality and Enthusiasm!

The saying, “Behind every successful man, there is a woman,” is a phrase that has been used for generations to suggest that women play a significant role in the success of men.

The Origin of the Saying: The phrase has its roots in the idea that women often provide support, encouragement, and inspiration to the men in their lives. Historically, women were often responsible for managing households and providing emotional support to their husbands, allowing them to focus on their careers or other pursuits.

Edgar, Allan, and David all had supportive wives. The men were able to spend hours at the shop fabricating, testing the product away from the home, traveling to all parts of the United States and Canada under a variety of weather, good and bad conditions.

Thank you Ruby, Gertie, and Eleanor along with your families for the support you gave these three legends of Polaris Industries!

Eleanor and David Johnson, June 27, 1948

Allan and Gertie Hetteen on their wedding day September 3, 1949.

Now we will give you an account on some of the rest of Gertie’s story.

As a young wife, and mother, Gertie supported her husband’s quest for success. Through their working relationship, Polaris Industries would eventually become one of the largest snowmobile industries in the world!

Please join us as we go on a journey to tell you about:

Polaris Industries First Lady – Gertie Hetteen, Vitality and Enthusiasm!

Map showing Roseau's proximity to Canada.

1960 Polaris Brochure showing the different models.

Product of Polaris Industries in the early 1960s displayed outside the Polaris Industries facilities. The business was located at the intersection of State Highway 11 and State Highway 89 until moving in 1962 to a new location south of the original site.

Polaris Industries First Lady ~ Gertie Hetteen, Vitality and Enthusiasm!

The Polaris Sno-Travelers had bare metal seats, which made for some “hard riding”! In 1961 Allan approached his wife Gertie to design a seat cushion for one of the Polaris Sno-Traveler snowmobiles. Allan wanted to test how having the right cushion rode for a more enjoyable ride.
This is where we again explain why we call Gertie: Polaris Industries First Lady Gertie Hetteen, Vitality and Enthusiasm! Gertie agreed to create a proto-type. After a few days of test riding, the seat cushion proved to be an asset for a much more comfortable ride across all types of snow terrain. Allan and the test riders agreed 100% to have Gertie make the seat cushion she had designed.

1960 Polaris Sno-Traveler with no seat

1963 Polaris Sno-Traveler with a cushioned seat

Albin Erickson, Orlen Johnson, David Johnson, and Allan Hetteen participated in the testing of the new design (just to name a few Polaris employees who tried out Gertie’s product.)

Albin Erickson, a Polaris Industries designer, fabricator, and test driver

Orlen Johnson, Fabricator and Test Driver for Polaris Industries

David Johnson, Vice-President of Polaris Industries, and all-around owner, including being a test driver!

Allan Hetteen, President of Polaris Industries and more.

… and they called it Northern Upholstery!

Polaris Industries incorporated the seat design into the production line for the 1962 production vehicles. Meanwhile, Gertie arranged for the purchase of industrial sewing machines, a foam compressor to pack the hand-cut foam, sewing tables, and other equipment to transform the family’s home basement into a small business. She hired several friends and family to assist her initial endeavor, starting in the fall of 1961.

The Hetteen's home basement turns into a small factory.

Darlene Lisell and Elizabeth Erickson utilized the basement kitchen as a working upholstery shop!

Donna Olson sewing seat backrest material together.

Adeline Pederson stapling the skin (fabric) onto the plywood and foam

Gertie checking her sewing was a little startled by the flash of the camera.

There were seats, seats, and more seats everywhere in the Hetteen home!

Imagine living in your home surrounded by snowmobile seats stacked all over! Gertie, Allan, and their family of three boys, Stephen, Timmy, Mike all persevered and adjusted to “snowmobile seat décor” for several years.

During this new venture of manufacturing snowmobile seats, Gertie and Allan were blessed with their fourth child on April 7, 1962. They named the baby boy Donavon.

The Hetteen Boys. L-R: Timmy, the pet dog, Mike, Steve

Entertaining Sunday company after church. Arthur H. & Ruth Erickson. Note the seats in the background.

Even company such as Donald Erickson and several trick or treaters on Halloween were greeted by seats!

The family dog Chip, even got into it. Note the snowmobile seats piled up in the left top corner of the photo

During all the transition of starting a new company, Gertie and Allan welcomed a baby boy on April 7, 1962. They named him Donavon Mark!

The Snowmobile Seat Proves to be a Success!

Observe the advertisement for the Polaris Sno-Traveler featured in the Wisconsin State Journal, Madison, Wisconsin on Sunday, February 4, 1962.

The snowmobile rider is seated on a white cushioned seat.

Northern Upholstery Outgrows the Hetteen Basement 1965

The small business soon outgrew the Hetteen basement. Due to the high demand for snowmobile orders, production numbers increased at the Polaris factory, which meant snowmobile seat production was also increasing! It was necessary to build a larger facility. It was determined to construct a building east of the Hetteen home. The new facilities provided a more convenient and efficient place to work. In addition more employees were hired to help with the increased workload.

Donavon and Mike playing in their basement. The seats in the background will soon be gone!

The two youngest Hetteen boys, Donavon and Michael playing with their kitty. Note the seats in the background! Soon the family will reclaim their living space. Northern Upholstery will be relocated to another building!

The Northern Upholstery new building facilities

In the late summer of 1965 the Northern Upholstery building has been completed! This photo shows the next stage to finish the inside before the cold northern Minnesota weather arrives.

The Hetteen Team moving plywood out of their basement!

The garden shed turned into a for the cut plywood

The one-stall garden shed was used for storing the prepared plywood for the base of the snomwoible seat. Note: The roof on this shed was the roof saved from the original display unit outside of the original Polaris Industries building.

Polaris Industries First Lady Gertie Hetteen, Vitality and Enthusiasm! She Proves Herself Once Again!

The December, 1966 issue of the Roseau Electric Cooperative Volts and Views published an article about the newly expanded company stating:

“Eight ladies work there full-time, and they are busy, since they make the seats and backrests for ALL of the Polaris Sno-Travelers made by two shifts at the Polaris factory. They also make covers that are sent to the Polaris plant at Beausejour, Manitoba in Canada.”

Imagine eight ladies produced 70 seats per day all done by hand! They had a system and it worked!

The Magnificent Eight had vitality and enthusiasm!

Since Anne Strandlund was missing when the Volts and Views article was done, we’d like to share these photos with you of her working..

Anne Strandlund drilling holes into the plywood.

Anne Strandlund stitching seat material together.

The final article on Polaris Industries First Lady ~ Gertie Hetteen will be published soon.

Watch for it!

Gertie Hetteen, Adeline Pederson, and Elizabeth Erickson playing some cards during a break.

When the job is a large one, bring outside!

Gertie Hetteen

Construction started for a larger, better equipped production plant and office space located three and one-half miles west from Roseau and Polaris Industries.

To find out more about Gertie and Allan Hetteen's history visit the Polaris Experience Center and the Roseau County Historical Society

Learn more: Roseau County Historical Society

Learn more: Polaris Experience Center

Written history and research by Carmen Przekwas

Photos and special memories shared by Mike Hetteen and Donovan Hetteen, sons of Gertie and Allan Hetteen.

History/Research: Roseau Times Region; Roseau Electrical Coop Volts and Views; Edgar Hetteen Archives; David and Eleanor Johnson’s Collection; Roseau Historical Society; Hetteen/Carter Archives

Historic 1954 UTV Ride + a Chance to Win a 2024 Sportsman 570

Join us for the Historic 1954 UTV Ride – Polaris 70th Ride . Win an ATV! All powersports welcome!

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

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