Porter Cottage
Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas
Marker Inscription
In 1928, John R. Harris, Jr., and Mary Helen Harris purchased this lot and constructed a one-story, brick veneer manorial suburban cottage designed by architect R. Newell Waters. In 1930, land developer Reginald Porter bought the house, and eight years later conveyed the house to his son, Dean Porter (1903-1969), and his wife, Gladys Sams Porter (1910-1980). Dean and Gladys engaged in ranching and real estate development in the Olmito area. Gladys was also involved with the Nurses Aid Program for the American Red Cross and the Brownsville Junior Service League. The Gladys Porter Zoo was named in her honor. Humorist and writer Sam Huddleston and his wife, Dorothy, lived in the house from 1969-1997.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
This one-story brick veneer cottage went up in 1928 for John and Mary Helen Harris and soon passed to Dean and Gladys Porter, who engaged in ranching and real estate around Olmito. Gladys Porter, active in the American Red Cross Nurses Aid Program and the Brownsville Junior Service League, later lent her name to the Gladys Porter Zoo. Humorist and writer Sam Huddleston and his wife Dorothy lived in the house from 1969 to 1997.
Why it matters
The cottage connects to civic figures who shaped Brownsville's institutions, including the zoo that still bears Gladys Porter's name.
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Related people
- · Dean Porter
- · Gladys Sams Porter
- · John R. Harris, Jr.
- · Sam Huddleston
Themes & tags
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