Historical Cultural Landmarks

JALUFKA-GOVATOS HOUSE - HERITAGE PARK
1513 NORTH CHAPARRAL STREET

The Jalufka-Govatos House was built by James Jalufka about 1905 at 1408 N. Mesquite Street in what is known as "Old Irishtown." His father was originally from Moravia in Austria (present-day Czech Republic) and immigrated to the United States at an early age. James and his wife, Helen J. "Captain", maintained an outstanding rose garden at the original site of the house. He was a veteran of the Spanish-American War, World War I, and was prominent in the South Texas cotton industry. She was an entrepreneur and acquired the name "Captain" when she successfully operated a boat works at the old Pleasure Pier in downtown Corpus Christi. Pete and Minnie Lee Govatos, members of a family active in the City's Greek Community since the 1920s, purchased the home from the Jalufkas in 1944. Residents of Corpus Christi since 1940, they lived in the house until Minnie Lee’s death in 1960. The Govatos Family operated three restaurants in Corpus Christi and were active in the establishment of the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. The house changed ownership several times until it was acquired by the City in 1987 and moved to Heritage Park. Unusual paired columns defining the front porch and a bay window are typical of Southern Bungalow architecture. The house is accented with gently pitched broad gables supported by knee braces. The foundation is a good example of rusticated block. The house was restored by the Czech Heritage Society of South Texas for offices and meeting rooms. The Czech Heritage Society of South Texas is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserve, maintain, and promote the customs, language, heritage, and social relationship of American people of Czech descent. Membership is open to all persons interested in the preservation of Czech heritage and culture.

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