Karl Horn was an aeronautical engineer at General Dynamics in San Diego. He and his wife were active miniature enthusiasts in La Jolla back in the 1970s and 80s, as well as being model railroad enthusiast. The Miniature Pub was completed in 1980. Their house had many miniatures on display that they would take to local miniature shows and luncheons. Sparing no expenses, the couple was very meticulous, and many of the items inside their miniatures were custom made. As a decoration for one of the miniatures they made in 1970, they commissioned an artist to replicate a large oil painting that was in their home. The 3×2 inch painting alone cost $300.
