John Knapp – Toy Maker
Town of Oxford

I have been fascinated by trees ever since I was a child. That fascination has grown into a deep respect for all of nature, which led to the purchase of a 268 acre woodlot that I call home, along with my wife Bonnie. I retired from the U.S. Merchant Marine in 1998 and now spend most of my time managing this woodlot (with the assistance of a professional forester) in a environmentally responsible manner. A happy consequence of this hobby is a steady stream of sustainable forestry products, including the wood used in creating my toys.

My work is generally simple and unadorned, allowing the wood to shine through. After all, the trees have done most of the work already. A self-taught wood-worker, I am inspired by the wonder that toys bring to children, both young and old (myself included). Except for a one-year sabbatical, I have been a member of MIC since 2002 and I served as director in 2003 - 2004.

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