This dollhouse scene built by Anita Kirwan and Leslie Hopwood is entitled, “Old Town Cafe.” The miniature is on loan courtesy of the San Diego Miniature Crafters Association. This was a special project for Anita, and her daughter Leslie, as it was pieced together during a season of SDSU Aztec football. While the men were off cheering on the alma mater, the ladies stayed home to play.
Anita’s collection of bright dinnerware and decor were perfect for the cafe. It was inspired by a little Mexican restaurant across the way from the Whaley House in Old Town. Anita would take her lunch breaks at the cafe before returning to her docent work at the historical Whaley House.
As with all her work, Anita’s miniatures capture special times and memories–and just depict fun. The photos in this piece are most special. The young lady in one photo is Anita with her pet rooster. The old-school TJ donkey picture is a group of SDSU fraternity brothers, including her husband. The frames for these photos were hand-carved by Leslie. Lunch is ready, and even the little rat is ready for his taco, if you can see him.