Innovative Minnesota Man Crafts Artistic Toothpick Architectural Replicas

Jerry Hackett: The Toothpick Architect of Minnesota

Jerry Hackett, a Shakopee resident and former accountant, has turned a seemingly simple pastime into an remarkable art form: creating intricate replicas of iconic buildings using nothing but toothpicks. His dedication and precision have garnered attention across Minnesota, with his models displayed in county buildings and historical societies.

From accounting to Architecture in Miniature

Hackett’s journey began with a fascination for Minnesota county courthouses. He “printed out a list of all 87 counties, Googled pictures of their court houses and numbered them,” selecting those with unique architectural features. Among his recent works is a detailed model of the original Dakota County courthouse in Hastings.

The Dakota County courthouse, designed in the Italian villa style by A.M. Radcliffe, caught Hackett’s eye due to its 19th-century construction. Built in 1870 for $95,000 (approximately $2.3 million today), the building boasts symmetrical facades, keystone arches, and a central cupola. Hackett’s replica measures roughly 3 feet long, 3 feet wide, and about 2 feet tall.

A model of the old Dakota County courthouse, created by toothpick artist jerry Hackett, is on display at the new Dakota County courthouse in Hastings. (Image: Placeholder)

Dakota County Commissioner Mike Slavik, who represents Hastings, expressed his amazement, stating, “We’ve never received a gift like this before… We were not expecting it to be so large… It’s absolutely amazing that he put all that time into it.” The model is currently displayed at the county’s management centre, with plans to move it to the Dakota County Historical Society for long-term preservation.

The Art of Toothpick Construction

Hackett’s process is methodical and meticulous. “Before I start, I gather all the supplies and measure out everything,” he explains. Once prepared, he dips each end of the toothpick in glue and attaches it to the next on wax paper, where he has drawn the replica to scale. Eschewing retail purchases, Hackett orders toothpicks in bulk – about 10,000 at a time – from a restaurant supplier.

To maintain the dexterity required for his craft, Hackett follows a rigorous routine. “Every other day you’ll find him cranking out 300 reps on his hand grip exerciser.” His “man cave” is stocked with boxes of toothpicks, tiny tools, including a miniature table saw, and architectural blueprints of his subjects.

duluth’s Historic Old Central High School: A Labor of Love

One of Hackett’s most ambitious projects is a replica of Duluth’s Historic Old Central High School, a structure known for its clock tower and ornate interior. When seeking blueprints, Hackett faced bureaucratic hurdles. “I called up MnDOT, told them who I was and I could tell he was very leery of me,” he recounted. Eventually, a city employee provided the necessary drawings.

The result was a stunning replica, measuring 6 feet long, 3 feet wide, and over 3 feet tall, made from approximately 32,000 toothpicks.

A replica made of toothpicks of Duluth’s Historic Old Central High School on display at the St. Louis County Depot. (Image: Placeholder)

Barb Darland, board chair of the Duluth Central Alumni Association, described her reaction upon receiving the offer of the replica: “It’s absolutely pristine, stunning, immaculate and so precise… It’s really hard to comprehend how much time and effort he put into this particular piece, especially not even having a heart string to the building like most of us do.”

Gary Lundstrom,a DCHS graduate,who assembled the exhibit,echoed this sentiment: “When they opened up the (trailer) doors … I was absolutely in awe… this was the bride and groom on top of the wedding cake… This was the showpiece… The detail that jerry applied, it’s a labor of love. especially as he had no personal connection to the school. For him to generously donate that was just a phenomenal gift.”

A Glimpse into the Artist’s Mind

Hackett’s work prompts curiosity about his methods and motivations. Here are some frequently asked questions:

• Q: You worked in accounting,why not go into engineering? A: “I’m like George on Seinfeld,I always wanted to be an architect,” he joked,before adding,”No,not really.”
• Q: How do you cut the toothpicks so cleanly? A: “with these,” he said, holding up a pair of toenail clippers.
• Q: Do you have a favorite replica? A: “I always say the last one as I get better at it.”
• Q: How long does each project take? A: “Usually a couple of months, but it depends.”
• Q: What is the hardest part of the models? A: “The roof.”
• Q: How much do they cost to create? A: “The Dakota County courthouse cost about $100.”
• Q: What is your dream project? A: “St. Paul’s Landmark Center building.”

Toothpick artist Jerry Hackett at his Shakopee home. (Image: Placeholder)

Family and Recognition

Hackett’s family affectionately refers to him as the “Toothpick Boss,” even gifting him a T-shirt with the title. His wife, Pat, proudly displays his work in their home, including replicas of the Seattle Space Needle and the Eiffel Tower.

Holly Burford, brand manager for Diamond, one of Hackett’s preferred toothpick brands, praised his creativity: “We are excited to see the inspiring work of a local artist who has creatively transformed Diamond toothpicks into a beautiful sculpture… We celebrate the creativity of individuals like this artist, who make something extraordinary with our simple yet reliable toothpicks.”

Hackett’s portfolio includes St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Shakopee, the St.Croix Crossing bridge, St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in New Prague, and courthouses from Washington, Waseca, and Steele counties. His upcoming projects include the Blue Earth County courthouse in Mankato,followed by the Jackson County and Faribault County courthouses.

Remarkably, Hackett gives away nearly every piece he creates. “I figure they appreciate having the history,” he explains.

Where to See His Work

• The Dakota County courthouse replica is on display from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays at the Dakota County Administration Center, 1590 Hwy 55, STE 2300, Hastings.
• The replica of Duluth’s Historic Old Central High School is available for viewing from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at the St. Louis County Depot, 506 W. Michigan St., Duluth.

What materials and tools does Jerry Hackett use to create his toothpick architectural models?

Interview: Jerry Hackett, the Minnesota Toothpick architect, Unveils His Craft

We sat down with Jerry Hackett, the Shakopee resident who’s turning heads with his incredibly detailed architectural models made entirely of toothpicks. From county courthouses to historic high schools, Jerry’s passion and precision are truly remarkable.

From Accountant to Architectural Artist: The Genesis of a Unique Hobby

Archyde News: Jerry, it’s interesting how you transitioned from accounting to creating these stunning toothpick replicas. What sparked this unique passion?

Jerry hackett: Well, I’ve always admired architecture, and county courthouses, in particular, caught my eye. I just decided one day to try and recreate one using toothpicks. It started small, but the challenges and the satisfaction of seeing the final result kept me going.

The Process Behind the Masterpieces: Toothpicks, Glue, and a Lot of Patience

Archyde News: Your meticulous process is clearly key. Can you walk us through how you create these models? How do you even manage to cut toothpicks with toenail clippers so precisely?

jerry Hackett: (Laughs) It’s all about readiness! I gather all my supplies, meticulously measure everything, and then start gluing the toothpicks together on wax paper using scale drawings. as for the clippers, well, they offer more control than you might think. It’s just what works for me after trying many alternatives!

the moast challenging part is always the roof.

Duluth’s Old Central High: A Grand Achievement

Archyde News: The replica of Duluth’s Historic Old central High School is particularly impressive. What were some of the challenges in recreating such a complex structure, and what was it like working with the alumni association?

Jerry Hackett: Securing the architectural blueprints was a hurdle in itself! But once I had those, it was a matter of breaking down the structure into manageable components and patiently building it, toothpick by toothpick. Working with the alumni association was fantastic; their enthusiasm and appreciation made it all worthwhile.

The Question of Cost and Value: Time,Dedication,and Giving Back to the Community

Archyde News: Seeing as each building demands a lot of time,do you ever think about the chance cost behind all the incredible artworks you are creating?

Jerry Hackett: No,everything that I create I give away to the community. It would be wrong to exploit the donations for profit. My dream project is to recreate St.Paul’s Landmark Center building.

The Legacy: Preserving History, One Toothpick at a Time

Archyde News: What do you hope people take away from viewing your toothpick architecture?

Jerry Hackett: I hope they appreciate the history and the architectural beauty of these buildings. And maybe, just maybe, it inspires others to explore their creative passions, no matter how unconventional they might seem. I want them to stop thinking that accounting, isn’t more than just numbers!