The 53rd event features Larry Jorgensen, author of “Make it Go in the Snow: People and Ideas in the History of Snowmobiles.” The presentation will be at 6 p.m. Thursday via Zoom.

Those planning to participate should contact library director Evelyn Gathu in advance at egathu@crystalfallslibrary.org or by phone at 906-875-3344. Organizers recommend borrowing a copy of the book being discussed from a local library or purchasing from a local bookseller in advance to get the most out of these events.

Through the years, explorers, creative inventors and small companies have approached the challenge of powered transportation in the snow with new ideas, often unique and sometimes successful. The name “snowmobile” was trademarked in 1917, but there were snow travel ideas before that date and certainly thousands more since.

As a pioneer in the field, Jorgensen brings his unique perspective on people and their machines and some historic rides throughout the Upper Peninsula and even abroad.

Book cover of “Make It Go In The Snow”

Jorgensen first became addicted to the sport and business of snowmobiling after buying his first sled, an Arctic Cat, in 1967. He purchased that Cat from the first Arctic Cat dealer in Green Bay, a local shoe repair shop that had a total available inventory of two machines.

Jorgensen was fortunate to become a riding member of the pioneer cross-country snowmobile group, the Peninsula Pathfinders of Upper Michigan. He participated in the club’s first three long-distance rides, including the 1970 trip across the giant Mackinac Bridge that connects lower Michigan to the Upper Peninsula. Although he owned the Arctic Cat, he had been convinced to ride an Eskimo snowmobile and it may have been the only time an Eskimo sled crossed the Big Mac.