Brutanza Brut reunion in Brooten MN
By Tony Hoffer
“Does anyone happen to know where exactly the Brut snowmobiles
factory/assembly plant was located in Brooten,
MN? “
A simple question asked on an Internet forum provided the spark for 2011
Brutanza engineering Brut snowmobile 40th anniversary reunion on June 25th.
Brut snowmobile collector (and Brooten,
MN resident) Brad Goodenbour took
note of the responses to the question. In the interest of several respondents,
he took the lead in organizing an event and getting everyone together. It was
decided that the location most certainly should be in the home of Brutanza
engineering, Brooten, MN. A date was set, preparations were
started and event notifications were posted.
Four months later, the day of the event was at hand. I arrived at the Brooten
pavilion around 8:30 AM to find Brad and fellow enthusiast Dan Steman setting
up sleds from their extensive collections along the fence line. As the day
progressed, a steady stream of Bruts and people arrived until I counted a total
of 41 sleds varying from “barn fresh” originals to fully restored examples. A
wide variety of sleds were on display, including rare prototypes, original
Winter Carnival I-500 sleds, and factory Enduro models. Production models
ranged from the very first two ‘72 LC44 Bruts off the assembly line through the
full run of Brutanza Bruts, all the way to later examples of the Scorpion Brut
and Massey Ferguson Cyclone. It ended up being a great and full representation
of the production life of the unique, liquid cooled, Brooten engine.
Inside the large Brooten pavilion, Brad had set up an extensive display of
Brutanza memorabilia including original newspaper articles, Brut clothing,
prototype parts and promotional items.
Among the 200-plus people in attendance were former members of Brutanza
management, engineering, and factory employees including Omer Christianson,
Charlie Baker, Mike Baker, Gerry Reese, John Bohmer, and Gene Skarpness. Their
recollections and stories really highlighted an already great day, with each
taking time to look at individual sleds and answer specific questions from
collectors. In the process, many myths were dispelled and some misconceptions
about the innovative machines were cleared up and clarified. Having some of the
original personnel on hand who were responsible for these machines sure helped
answer the inquiries from those who love them.
The long distance award surely had to go to Jeff Jackson. Knowing this would
probably be a one time event, Jeff traveled all the way from Alaska to attend! He reportedly carried a
Brut LC44 top end in his carry-on (and got a note from TSA)!
The event wrapped up in the early evening hours with many attendees having
exchanged contact information, parts, and some great stories to take home with
them to end a truly fun day. I only wish I would have been able to be
everywhere at once and take in all of the stories being told in the different
groups. I’d asked John Bohmer, Gerry Reese and Mike Baker if they ever thought
that the Brut would still have all of this interest 40 years later, and they
each shook their heads in disbelief. Judging by the enthusiasm I saw, I’m
confident their legacy is in good hands.
