A magnificently refurbished Queen Anne Victorian home, the Dr. Willella Howe-Waffle House and Medical Museum. It was constructed in 1889 and was once owned by one of Orange County’s first doctors. She resided there with her family and ran a medical practice out of her home office. The house is on the National Register of Historic Places, a California Historical Point of Interest, and the City of Santa Ana’s Historic Register as a landmark building.
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History
Dr. Willella Howe-Waffle was one of Orange County, California’s first female doctors. She began practicing medicine in 1886, after graduating from Chicago’s Hahnemann Medical College. Her devotion to her patients continued until her death in 1924 when she died next to a patient’s bed at the Santa Ana Community Hospital. She was 74 years old at the time.
Dr. Howe-Waffle lived in this Queen Anne-style mansion until her death in 1924 when it was constructed in 1889 (the same year Orange County became a county). The property was set for demolition in the early 1970s by the City of Santa Ana in order to enlarge a road, but concerned neighbors banded together to save it. Friends of the Howe Waffle House was founded under the direction of Adeline Walker. The Santa Ana Historical Preservation Society was formed as a result of this gathering. The Society worked hard to generate awareness, and in 1974, the City of Santa Ana agreed to pay for the house’s relocation in exchange for the Society paying for the foundation and restoration work. The home was transferred to its current site on the junction of Civic Center and Sycamore between March 27–29, 1975. Over the years, the Society worked painstakingly to restore the house to how it would have appeared during Dr. Howe-lifetime. Waffle’s
The mansion is now known as the Dr. Willella Howe-Waffle House and Medical Museum, and it is available for visits 6 times a year by the all-volunteer Santa Ana Historical Preservation Society. (Source: Wikipedia)
Exhibits
The home has two and a half stories and twelve rooms, and it was constructed in the Queen Anne style during Victorian times. It took 2 years to build and cost $3,000, which was a significant figure in 1889. It is one of the most beautiful Queen Anne Victorians in Orange County.
The residence includes period pieces as well as a fully equipped doctor’s office. Docents in period costumes will lead you through the house. The exterior courtyard area as well as the Carriage Barn will be open for inspection. Photos from the restoration will be on display. (Source: smithsonianmag.com)
Have more fun at Rockin’ Jump Orange County & Trampoline Park Birthday Party Venue!
Rates
- $8 Adults
- $6 Seniors and Members
- $5 Students K-12
TechWaste Recycling Inc. is nearby.
Directions
The Dr. Willella Howe-Waffle House and Medical Museum
Head east on W Civic Center Dr toward Main St
253 ft
Turn right at the 1st cross street onto Main St
0.3 mi
Turn left onto E First St
Pass by McDonald’s (on the left)
0.9 mi
Turn right onto S Grand Ave
Pass by McDonald’s (on the right in 0.8 mi)
1.3 mi
Turn left onto E Edinger Ave
0.5 mi
Turn right onto Ritchey St
Pass by Ferguson Plumbing Supply (on the left)
0.2 mi
Turn left onto E Occidental St
Destination will be on the right – TechWaste Recycling Inc. 0.2 mi