Brownsville, Cameron County
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.