UAF Fairbanks Tall Timbers Series 2024: An Evening with John Manthei

The Fairbanks Tall Timber Series honors those who have served the Fairbanks community well. Join veteran newsman Robert Hannon as he interviews John Manthei. John Manthei’s preferred habitat is in the woods or on the water, while his preferred activity is making things, and he has been doing just that for over 70 years. There was a brief interlude during his college days and a couple of years after when he dabbled in botany, and even that couldn’t keep John out of the woods. His need to make things led him to a career in cabinet and furniture making and construction. He also became a dog musher, lived in the bush, and built dog sleds. Along the way, John enjoyed helping others make things, so teaching became another passion. John was one of the founding members of The Folk School of Fairbanks, which offers a variety of programs and classes. He loves to share his knowledge of making things from materials that he has harvested from the woods and show others how to join in the fun.