Machetanz, Fred, 1908-2002

Fred Machetanz was born in Kenton, Ohio, on February 20, 1908. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees from Ohio State University. Machetanz first came to Alaska in 1935 when his uncle Charles Traeger, owner of a trading post in Unalakleet, offered him a free six week trip. He stayed for two years because he was interested in the landscape in Alaska. He next went to New York City with the idea of illustrating books about Alaska, and was told by publishers that he should write his own. The result was Panuck: Eskimo Sled Dog and On Arctic Ice, both of which were well received. During World War II, Machetanz served in the Navy in the Aleutians. He returned to Alaska in 1946 and married Sara Dunn, a writer from Tennessee, the following year. Together they produced at least eight books, with her writing and his illustrations. They also made a least two films. Fred and Sara Machetanz also traveled on the lecture circuit. Their son, Traeger, was born in 1959. Fred Machetanz's first one man show was in 1962. His honors include an honorary doctorate from the University of Alaska (1973), Alaskan of the Year (1977), and Artist of the Year (American Artist magazine, 1981).

From the description of Oral history interview and speech, 1988-1994. (UAA/APU Consortium Library). WorldCat record id: 58993735

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