Every year the Antioch Historical Society puts on a month-long exhibit, something with ties to the community that highlights an activity or person of interest.

This February “The Miniature Dollhouses of Norma Petko” will offer an exhibit of 13 dollhouses created over almost 40 years and displayed in the front windows of Petko’s house.

Petko, who passed away in May 2017, was not alone with her front-window-displays and part of the appeal is the story behind her coming to the hobby and sharing it with her friend and neighbor on Putnam Street, Jeannie Herrera.

Norma and Herrera lived across the street from each other on Burbank Court in 1953, starting a friendship that would last more than 60 years. In 1969, both moved independently to the same street, buying houses next door to each other.

A further coincidence is the story of how each became involved in creating miniature dollhouses.

“They got into miniatures sort of the same way. They each went on a family vacation and came back telling each other what they had found – dollhouses. Each started with a kit and as they each made more dollhouses, they started putting them in their front windows,” said Carole Ann Davis, Antioch Historical Society member and exhibit organizer. “So people would drive down their street and all of a sudden there were two houses with all of these dollhouses in their windows. It became a fun thing for people to see.”

When Petco passed away last May her family asked if the museum would be interested in the collection. The museum accepted and decided to put them on display.

Over the years, Petko designed a number of houses and built them from scratch with the help of her husband George, a valued member of the community in his own right. George Petko joined the original Antioch Volunteer Fire Department in 1947 and became a paid member of the department in 1949, where he served the City of Antioch and the Riverview Consolidated Fire District until his retirement as a captain in the late 1970s.

“Norma would design and George would help her build them; he was a wood worker and even made some of the furniture as well as helping with the construction,” Davis said.

Over the years the buildings changed, as did the decorations for different holidays. Inside they were filled with furniture, some of which Norma Petko made, and accessories. Each dollhouse contains pictures of family members and were named for her grandchildren.

The 13 miniature buildings on display include houses, a firehouse, a church, and even a stone house with its’ outside covered all in stones Norma installed stone-by-stone. One, a mini-mall, is a large structure divided into little shops, including a Native American shop, a rock shop, a gift wrapping supplies shop and a bakery.

Though the windows of Petko’s house on Putnam are empty, her world of miniatures is now part of the museum’s collection, there to be shared with others. They serve as reminders of the past, of lasting friendships and family.

The exhibit serves as a reminder of how Petko served her community as well as providing a treat for people who drove down her street. She was a lifetime member of the Antioch Woman’s Club, a member and long-time president of the Women’s Auxiliary to the Antioch Fire Department, and a member of St. George Episcopal Church, where she and her family established Mama Price’s Kitchen in honor of their mother. One Saturday a month and on holidays, the group prepared and served lunch to all comers. It was open to anyone who wanted to come, and for some it was the only hot meal they received that week.

“We’re letting people know she was involved in the community and that she and her houses are part of Antioch’s history. The exhibit is part of letting everyone know that the community is made up of people; not just buildings and parks,” Davis said. “And Norma was a special person in the different things she did during her life. Norma enjoyed her miniatures and, most of all, her family.”

The Antioch Historical Society invites everyone, at no charge, to the museum and the exhibit, describing it as fun for children and a great connection for adults and their children, and grandparents and their grandkids, as well as a nice example for people who might be interested in getting into miniatures.

“We’re always happy to have more people get into the hobby,” Davis said.

If You Go

The Miniature Dollhouses of Norma Petko: Antioch Historical Society, 1500 W. Fourth St. Open Feb. 3-28, Wednesdays and Saturdays 1-4 p.m. By appointment, or to arrange group tours, call Carole Ann Davis, 510-501-3957. No charge to museum or exhibit, donations welcome. Free parking at the rear of the museum and access to a handicapped lift.