Helen Glover Perry and James Glover II
This lovely photo of a mother son is one of my personal favorites. We’re looking at Helen Glover Perry and her son, James Glover II. They are both dressed to the nines and I can’t decide if I love her furs or the oversized suit on little James. I’m certain his she told him at one point, “You’ll grow into it!”
They are standing in the parking area for the Public School Stadium before or after an unknown event. This stadium was constructed in 1942 went through a series of name changes during its 70-year lifespan.
The Public School Stadium, located on the University of Houston campus, was renamed to “Jeppesen Stadium” in 1958. It was renamed once more to “John O’Quinn Field at Corbin J. Robertson Stadium,” or the considerably less mouthy “Robertson Stadium” in 1980. In 2012, Robertson Stadium was demolished and in 2013, the TDECU Stadium opened in its place.
I loved this photo so much that I had to see if I could find more. To my delight, I found several. I’ve listed them below with the bits of information that I was able to dig up on these beautiful individuals.
James Glover II
James Glover II was born in 1937 and would have been around 8 years old in the first picture. He would have been around 9 in the one b
He was quite the dresser and he’s showing off yet another fantastic outfit in this picture. Seriously, this photo could easily be on the cover of a high fashion magazine. The pocket watch really pulls it all together!
Below is a photo of James Glover II and his step-father, Johnnie Perry, posing for a photo in front of Phillis Wheatley High School. I love the matching outfits.
According to the Houston Post, James Glover II graduated from Wheatley High School, class of 1955. It looks like he was a member of the cheerleading team while he was there. This photo was taken in either 1952 or 1953. That smile of his hadn’t changed a bit!
Family Fishing Trip
The following two photos are from a Perry family fishing trip that took place in 1947. In it, we can see a young James Glover II and his mother along with some close relatives. It looks like the boys are having a blast!
Today
James Glover II passed away in 1993 at the age of 56. He was survived by his mother, step-father (Johnnie Perry), wife (Opal) and their son, James Glover III.
The Houston Post obituary mentions that he was the owner of the Hungry Farmer BBQ and Catering Company and a member of the Bronze Eagle flying club.
Helen Perry was born in 1919 and passed away only a few months after her son in 1993.
Throughout her life, she was very active in Houston’s Black community and held memberships of several organizations. In addition to being the secretary of the Fifth Ward Civic Club, she actively participated in local NAACP events and was a member of the Purple Cap Alumni Social Club.