Recreating a City’s Past in Miniature

Model-maker Michael Paul Smith grew up in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts in the 1960’s, but his hometown of Elgin Parkdoesn’t belong to any state. It’s a state of memory. Smith painstakingly recreates the landscapesof his childhood in mini scale models of a fictional town.

In the documentary short “Elgin Park,” Smith says he was bullied as a kid for being gay. The sleek optimistic industrial design of mid-century America filled him with wonder in those dark days, and they’re still a source of comfort for him.

Smith photographs his models with a perspective that makes them look lifelike. His Flickr account has about 78 million views — so clearly Elgin Park is a place people want to visit.

Thispicture is set in 1942. The fictional DART Moving and Storage Company is owned by a character named “Murph” Growler.

(Michael Paul Smith/Flickr)

Hisphotographic techniques are impressive too. He doesn’t use Photoshop. Hefilms his miniatures in front of vintage buildings and natural landscapes in the real world.

The DART truck — SETUP shot by Michael Paul Smith.

(Michael Paul Smith)

And here’s the final shot.

The DART Moving and Storage Company by Michael Paul Smith.

(Michael Paul Smith)

Alan Wolfsonevokes another type of nostalgia with his “Miniature Urban Sculptures” of New York City in the 1980s. As the city became more gentrified, Wolfson continued buildinggrittyNew York blocksthat look dangerous — even at small scale.

“Follies Burkesk” combines a real peep show, which used to be 46th St and Broadway, with a made-up movie theater.

Follies Burlesk by Alan Wolfson.

(Alan Wolfson)

This homage to Katz’s Deli on the Lower East Sidewas a commission from someone who no longer lives in New York.

Katz’s Deli/Closing Time

(Alan Wolfson)

Check out the details on the inside.

Interior detail of Katz’s Deli/Closing Time

(Alan Wolfson)

It’s only a matter of time before the next generation of miniature sculptors recreates worlds we didn’t know we’d miss–like a Borders bookstore or a JC Penny.