If you don’t dogsled, you’ve probably never heard of Frank Hall but if you do and particularly if you race sleddogs, you probably have. Frank Hall, master dogsled maker and designer, has died.
Frank Hall, an internationally known maker of dog sleds who lived and worked in Tompkins Township, died Friday at 83.
Hall, formerly of Sparta, developed interest in sled dogs as a boy. In 1938, he sent $15 to a man in Minnesota to buy his first dog and built a sled.
“I’ve never met anyone who didn’t want to be a Sergeant Preston at one time or another, even for a moment,” he said in 1990, referring to the North West Mounted Police officer who was the hero of an old-time radio and television serial.
Hall became a dog driver and breeder but was best known as an innovative builder of sleds.
After graduating high school and serving in the Navy in World War II, he moved to Jackson, where his wife, Nettie, worked as a schoolteacher.
Hall worked in the body shop at Art Moehn Chevrolet when his career as a sled builder was launched in 1961. He took a week off work, built six sleds and traveled to a weekend race where all six sold.
Soon he was known for designing and building advanced “Swivel Sleds.” His sleds were used in all the big races, including Alaska’s famed Iditarod.
Hall made his 5,000th sled in 1997.
When his workshop was destroyed by fire in 1999, he built a new shop behind his home and went back to work.
In addition to his role as a builder and driver, Hall helped develop and standardize his sport. He was active in the International Sled Dog Racing Association and the Great Lakes Sled Dog Association.
“The sport has been very good to me,” he said in 1997. “Most people work at a job they don’t really like just so they can afford to buy things they don’t really need.”
My wife and I met Frank Hall and his wife, Nettie, a little over ten years ago. We had decided to begin dogsledding and Frank was the guy to go to for a fine, all-wood dogsled. Frank had just built his 5,000th sled. We drove over to their place in Michigan and knocked on the door of their modest home at the end of the long, long driveway. We knew it was the right place because of the sled dogs in their kennels behind the house.
We were admitted into their home, noting in amazement that nearly every inch of wall space was occupied by books—mostly on Arctic exploration and outdoor adventure. Frank must have owned every book on Arctic exploration, snow sports, and the northern wilderness that’s been published in English over the last three-quarters of a century.
On the refrigerator door and kitchen table, as on yours or ours, were pictures and cards from friends and family. There were cards there from Martin Buser, Deedee Jonrowe, the Reddingtons, and many, many others—all great names in sleddog racing. These were numbered among Frank’s and Nettie’s friends and family.
Frank took us to his workshop, showed us around, and picked out a sled for us. It’s a wonderful sled—light as a feather and flexible as a willow wand. It handles beautifully and is perfectly suited to our small team. A great treasure. A Hall sled.
Smooth trails, Frank.
Recently my good friend Jerry Malloy passed away. Jerry had raced dogs and that was my connection to meeting Frank Hall. I went with Jerry to Frank’s house back in 1969. Later after some friendly conversation I told Frank that I was interested in starting the sport but I only had one huskie at this time. Frank gave me two dogs and Jerry Malloy mentored me further in the sport. Unfortunately the war cut short my racing career and I joined the Air Force. I was a K-9 handler and served in Southeast Asia. I came back a disabled veteran. Throughout my life I ‘ve though about Frank Hall and his generous gift to me. My best to Nettie and,” Happy Trails Frank Hall.”
You will be remembered Frank Hall,
John Klave
I was a friend of Jerry Malloy who recently passed away. I was at Franks house and met both Frank and Nettie around 1969. Are you folks still making the great Frank Hall brand sleds. I’m a disabled Vet and don’t get out much anymore. I live in the high desert, Calif. so not much sledding some snow, not enough. I have great memories of Oscoda back around 72. I was a K-9 handler at Wurtsmith AFB and organize several K-9 handlers for trail help if memory holds true Frank raced in that race along with another friend of mine Dr. Dick Dykman. Any reading material or e-mail you can send I would love to read. Wow! all that stuff back then was a wonderful memory. Best Wishes , John Klave
Mr. Klave,
Frank hall was my Great Uncle & I believe there are still some people making his sleds, although I’m not sure they sell wholesale…
When you had asked for some reading materials, my Uncle had written a book of his memoirs…have you ever read that? I cannot find it online, but I know my parents have a copy & I can always ask Aunt Nettie where to get a hold of copies if interested?
Michelle Conley
Frank Hall built my first and only sled back in 1976 while I was stationed at Eielson – I was determined to take up mushing even if it was just a 5 dog fun team. I’d found him from his ad in “Alaska” magazine (yep, sent all the way to MI for a sled to use in AK). Being a complete neophyte I didn’t know better but all the mushers that saw this sled were very impressed – some were even green with envy. He was truly a master builder.
Michelle mentioned his book (“Tracks I’ve Left in the Snow”). I just stumbled on it yesterday at http://www.a1petsupply.com and ordered a copy. I haven’t heard back but hopefully the page is current and it is still in stock there.
Michelle, Yes that would be wonderful to get a copy of Franks memoirs. Please E-Mail me and let me know where I can obtain a copy and again it was a pleasure getting to know your Uncle back in 1969 and helping at the races. It was a great memory in my life.
Thank You,
John Klave
Michelle, my E-Mail is JKLAVE@roadrunner.com
My copy arrived today. I ordered it here.
I have lost contact with the sled dog world. I still have a few of F rank’ book. In addition I also wrote a book with my memories of dog sledding and helping Frank build sleds.
The cost of the books is $10.00 each
Frank built my sled back around 1993. I met him at his home. He treated me like family. We talked about books. He took me in that back room where a lot of his books were. He picked out a few and offered to sell me any one he had. Upon his reccomendation I picked ‘My Dogs of the Northland’ by E R Young.
He opened it and showed me where he signed his name. He said
“Maybe I shouldn’t have signed it.”
I said
“I’m glad you did.”
I still have that book and have read it a hundred times.
I have since gotten another book by the same author, signed by the author in english and Cree Sybylic.
I took pictures of Franks operation. I was a professional photographer at the time. I have some nice shots. One I like was a guy who was there with a team. I anticipated his start and ran up that hill behind the shop and got ready. They shout was given to the dogs and they took off like a shot. I got a great image of the team and driver coming up the hill at me with Frank and Netti looking on in the back. I have the brown book Frank and Netti wrote had and Frank sign that too.
What a cool guy, he looked like a hockey player and reminded me a little of Gordie Howe.
RIP Frank, I am so glad to have known you, we will miss you!
I bought a Frank Hall sled from Joe Redington Sr. Before he died in 1999.
It is truly a beauty. Sure would like to know some history of this sled.
Thanks
Frank built 3 sleds for me. The first one was just a very simple one that I used to begin racing. The second one was a swivel sled and the third one was a freight sled when iI thought I might try racing in Newberry, Mi. in a 250 mile cross country race. That never happened. I lent the sled to Scott Mcvey and never got it back. I remember times when there was a meeting of the Great Lakes Sled Dog Association a lot of us stayed at Franks home in Jackson, Mi. We always stayed in our motor home but I remember going into his house and seeing wall to wall sleeping bags in the living room. In the morning you would find Frank in the kitchen cooking breakfast for everyone.
I hope to meet up with Frank someday in the great beyond.
Lou Miller of Ohio
One of Frank Hall’s dog sleds turned up in Kentucky. I bought it and have it displayed in my living room loft. It is in perfect condition and you can still see his name, address and phone number stamped on it. Love it but it could be 10 year before Kentucky gets enough snow for a sled.
I just bought one of frank halls sleds this past weekend. It was built in the 80’s and is a McCrumb special model sled for only $120. I plan on restoring it as best as I can and using it for recreational and maybe sprints in Michigan.
I have just became the proud owner of a Frank Hall dog sled. I want to make sure it is used in the way Frank would want. I would love to learn dog sledding but we don’t get much snow down here in northern Indiana. Suggestions are welcome to honor such a man.
Nat
I have 1 of his sleds that I am looking to sell!! Beautiful & Like new! Contact me for more info