It's always Valentine's Day in Santa Ana

Macres Florist, 419 N Broadway, in a (circa 1940s?) photo by Edward Cochems. Courtesy Santa Ana Public Library.

Today's post is an early nod to Valentine's Day. And what says romance like Downtown Santa Ana?

In the late 1890s, a Greek immigrant lad named Harry Macres arrived alone in New York City and began selling flowers in the streets. Success in business (which was still considered a GOOD thing, back then) allowed him to open a flower shop, which also did a booming trade. In the early 1930s, he moved his family and his business to Southern California, initially opening a shop in Anaheim. In 1935, Harry and his son Albert expanded their business into Santa Ana, moving into what had been a motocycle and metalworking shop at the corner of Broadway and 5th St. The building had recently undergone rehabilitation in the wake of the 1933 Long Beach earthquake. Ultimately, it became their flagship location. Today, it's owned by Albert's son, Mike Macres. The business is a Santa Ana icon, the longest continually operating family business in the city, and has undoubtedly helped save countless marriages.

Macres built the Santa Ana float for the Rose Parade from 1947 through 1950, and was the first to put each flower in tiny vials of water.

Speaking of hearts and flowers, the Santa Ana Historical Preservation Society invites you to "bring your sweetheart to a special celebration of Valentine’s Day at the Howe-Waffle House, 120 Civic Center Drive West, on Sat., Feb. 2, 2013, noon to 4pm. Included with your tour of this 1889 Victorian gem are a cup of tea and a selection of delicious chocolates. Enjoy an extensive display of beautiful vintage valentines dating back to the 1800s. As an extra sweet treat, talented pianists Sandra Heaton and Therese Ton will offer a selection of vintage and modern love songs, played on our rare 1870’s Weber piano. Adults $5..." A walking tour of historic downtown Santa Ana for an additional $8 will be held at 2:30. (Call to reserve a spot: 714-547-9645.) For more information, visit SantaAnaHistory.com.