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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLoupotMarkerApplication 101603 AN AGGIE TRADITION OF FRIENDLY SERVICE SINCE 1932 In 1930 Judson E. Loupot began his used textbook business in his Texas A&M dorm room. This venture to pay for his schooling as his family's income had decreased father. J ' udson s busmess was soon ordered off campus by authorities. On fair weather days he could be spotted in the Northgate area selling from a folding table and loudly hawking his goods-"C'mon good Aggies buy these books". His success led to the quick construction of more permanent quarters. Lou aided by friends built a small structure in the Northgate business district in the spot now occupied by the "Dixie Chicken". Loupot moved to the present location at 335 University Dr. in 19 March 1971 (formerly LipscOmb's Pharmacy). In the year 2000 Loupot's Bookstore will have been in business for 70 years and all but 5 of those years it was operated by Mr. Loupot. During that 65 years he opened two more locations in the community. Along the way "Mr. Lou" or "Old Army Lou" was a friend to allmhe gave a helping hand to many Aggies by lending money, books or convincing students to stay in school. He donated to almost every organization on campus and to many community charities. His pranks and hi-jinks are would assist students with capturing rival school mascots. In 1995 his funeral was attended by students, former students, faculty, at his burial service at A&M Methodist church arch was formed by the TAMU Ross Volunteers along with mascot Reveille and lastly a 21 gun salute was fired in his honor. Today the stores are still famil3 memorabilia wall and collects stories from "Old Ags". proudly state '%oupot's the legend lives on" and it does as we continue "Old Army Lou's" tradition of friendly customer service. We offer"Lou Service" -parents and friends can phone or e-mail requests for cakes, care packages, anything for his parents!Donations are still given to campus and Loupot's ol ' " ' ' ' ' also has two scholarship programs. A sch arship for students m cns~s and 14 OPAS season scholarships (offered to students from communities of 5000 or less population). Aggie Facts and Figures, first published my Mr. Loupot on 1940 is in its 24th printing. Written to help new students adjust to campus life and also to recruit students to A&M it contains TAMU history ,the songs and yells. We give them to incoming freshmen and visitors -they are frequently requested by former students especially at Muster time and during football season. Loupot's website: offers viewers a history of Loupot's and TAMU as well as textbook reserves and online shopping. Website' www.loupots.com NORTHGATE REDMOND TERRACE 335 University Dr. College Station, TX 77840 (409) 846-6312 FAX: (409) 846-0748 1422 Texas Ave. College Station, TX 77840 (409) 693-0838 FAX: (409) 764-7355 info@loupots.com SOUTHGATE 308 George Bush Dr, College Station, TX 77840 (409) 693-2278 FAX: (409) 764-7273 About 01' Army Lou Judson E. Loupot, Sr. (1910-1995) was and is the spirit of Loupot's, Inc., and a corporation that bears his name and owns three bookstores in College Station, Texas. Aggies know/knew him as "O1' Army Lou" (Class of'32). Loupot came from Dallas to A&M in 1928, when College Station was just that --- a railroad station where young men dropped off at college. He arrived at College Station wear/ng his ROTC uniform and ROTC senior boots and decided he needed a few more clothes. So, he and his new roommate, Olin E. (Tiger) Teague, started wheeling, dealing, and trading until they literally had a clothing warehouse in their dorm. A surprise inspection and threat of expulsion sent them across the street with gaws, hammers, nails, and a few friends. Within 24 hours a new off-campus warehouse was bom in the Northgate area. He also sold hamburgers, chili, clothes, and used books. Judson Loupot's name is synonymous with used books. The LouLegend is based on his used book bus/ness. He made sure his precious Aggies always had the books they needed~--if he knew anything about it. He had a habit of doling out money to the Aggies who were "a little sh0nt of cd" bailing out Aggies who were arrested for being "a little less than sober," and feeding Aggies who were "a little broke and a lot hungry." He dealt m0stly on the basis of "an Aggie's word" or a handshake for really The LouLegend extends beyond the helping hand, i of some of the wildest rides to out-of town games, and to business ventures that were so absurd ; wonder what in the world he was thinking. asr-forward to the 90 s....He has three stores: Northgate, near the site of the original store(whiCh is now the Dixie Chicken), is where a visitor can stroll down memory lane via photographs of Lou and his family and friends throughout his remarkable life; Southgate --- which also houses a dedicated Corps department upstairs; Redmond Terrace is a smaller store, with all the same stock but with quick drive up access. During a visit with a Ion&time employee about his life, with all the changes and adventures, Lou summed it all up by saying, "It sure has been fun !" 3 Army Lou "Judson Marker He