In 30th year, Dollhouse & Miniature Show drawing new enthusiasts
When the late Barbara Elster bought her first dollhouse kit in the 1960s, her adult daughter told her that the project was "silly." Neither of them could have guessed that Elster's hobby would lead to an annual event that is celebrating its 30th year this weekend.
Dollhouses and miniaturizations of everything from fine art to fast food will be on display during the Dollhouse and Miniature Show this Saturday and Sunday at Mountain View Inn. At least 38 dealers, exhibitors and artisans from around the country will display their collections, give demonstrations and offer items for sale.
The show began in 1978 when Barbara Elster was a member of the Westmoreland Hospital Auxiliary. The group was looking for a fundraiser, and she suggested they host a dollhouse show.
"From the very beginning, it was successful," says Elster's daughter, Pamela Buzan. Each year, hundreds of enthusiasts attend the event to get new ideas and add to their collections.
Buzan, who operates a dollhouse and miniature store in Reading, attends the Greensburg show every year as a vendor. "I do it in honor of my mother. To travel five hours on the turnpike to get here, it must be a mission!"
That kind of passion is inspiring a new generation of young artisans who also will have tables at the show. Two students from the Ellis School in Pittsburgh who started their own business making dollhouse furniture will be joined by another teenage girl who makes miniature clay accessories. On Sunday, a Girl Scout troop from Johnstown will demonstrate a clay project.
Returning favorites include the National Association of Miniatures with its display of members' collections, and weaver Marion Chambers of Greensburg, who will make and sell tiny rugs, throws and other woven goods.
Co-chair Suzanne Mahady says there is no stereotypical dollhouse collector.
"Some had a dollhouse as a child but didn't appreciate it. Some are mothers bringing their children. There is a sentimental association with it, and an artistic one, too," she says
Buzan agrees that miniatures can appeal to a broad range of people.
"Dollhouse collecting is the second-largest hobby in the country," Buzan says. "Number one is model trains. There is a lot of crossover."
She says miniature items can be found in prices from 25 cents to thousands of dollars, depending on workmanship and materials.
"There's a niche for anyone, no matter what size your purse."
The auxiliary will raffle off a blue Vermont farmhouse with flower-filled window boxes and lifelike plants on the front porch. The winner will choose furniture for the house from Just Miniature Scale in Greensburg. Each child attending the show will receive a free gift donated by the store.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the expansion and renovation of the Critical Care Unit at Excela Health Westmoreland. Anita Owen, who recently resigned as chairwoman of the dollhouse show committee after 13 years, estimates that the event has raised about $260,000 for the hospital over the past 30 years.
As for the "silly" dollhouse that started it all, Buzan says, "Of course, we still have it!"
Additional Information:
30th annual Dollhouse & Miniature Show
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday
Admission: $5 for adults, $2 for children 10 and under
Where: Mountain View Inn, Unity Township
Details: Sally Loughran, 724-837-6618 or Suzanne Mahady, 724-537-7761
