Logan Smith, an 18-year-old from Trenton, has embarked on an imaginative journey that blends nostalgia with modern technology. Since July 18, he has been meticulously recreating iconic sites from Pictou County within the popular video game Minecraft. “I thought it’d be cool to do so,” Smith remarked, reflecting on his recent graduation from North Nova Education Centre.
His motivation stems from a deep-rooted connection to the area he calls home. “I like making stuff in general, and I thought recreating some of Pictou County’s most iconic locations would be a neat project for me to do in my free time,” he explained. With a desire to pay homage to the county that has shaped his life, Smith has already brought to life several beloved establishments, including the Express Yourself Cafe in Trenton, Domino’s in New Glasgow, and the Tim Horton’s in Trenton.
Community Engagement and Creative Expansion
Since sharing his creations on Facebook, Smith has received an outpouring of support and requests from community members eager to see more. “Posting them online, they’ve been met with a positive reception,” he noted, adding that he has compiled a list of suggestions from fans. “I’ve been keeping them all on a list, working down that list one by one will be next in line for what I do.”
Among his notable recreations is Big Al’s Convenience, which tragically burned down last November. Smith expressed a desire to continue this project until he either exhausts his passion or completes every known spot in the county. “Given how many requests I’ve been given lately, the latter is likely going to happen first,” he stated. His upcoming projects include the Trenton Town Hall and Sparkles Arcade/Appleseed Modern Diner in New Glasgow.
Crafting with Precision
Smith’s creative process often involves utilizing Google Maps for reference, ensuring that he captures the essence of each location. “I’ve had no issues with missing details,” he confidently shared. However, his most challenging and favorite creation to date has been the Trenton Tim Horton’s. “It was the only spot so far where I had to go to the actual location for reference images since the internet didn’t have enough for me to go off,” he explained, beaming with pride at the outcome.
While he hopes that the Tim Horton’s will be the only instance requiring such a visit, Smith acknowledges the time commitment involved in traveling around the county for reference photos. The cubic nature of Minecraft presents its own set of challenges, as he navigates the limitations of the game’s design. “Since Minecraft is entirely blocks, I’m confined to the limits of the game,” he said. “While something like the playground in Trenton Park wasn’t much work, something like the Highland Square Mall would require a bit more work due to the size of the building and the amount of stuff it has inside.”
A Passion Project with Purpose
Smith’s ultimate goal is to create a collection of landmarks that resonate with both him and the community. He clarifies that he does not intend to produce an accurate map of Pictou County but rather to highlight familiar locations that evoke a sense of belonging. “I don’t plan to make the entire map of Pictou County, especially as I’m doing this entire thing solo. I’m recreating places individually,” he stated.
In a world increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence, Smith hopes his project will inspire others to embrace their creativity. “In an age where everything is being made with some kind of AI, it feels like the human spirit is slowly dying in favor of artificial slop,” he remarked. “Which makes any passion project done by people who put their heart into what they do in the current day all the more special.”
