“Yale Pharmacy? A shoe store?” You might ask about the Dupuis Building. The Dupuis Building at 2100 Yale Street once housed these businesses. Let’s step back in time to understand its story.
The Dupuis Building was built in 1952. Abel and Mildred Dupuis owned it. Abel Dupuis was the president of Yale Pharmacy Inc. Mildred Dupuis served as the secretary and treasurer. Their son, Abel Jr., held the position of vice president.
Imagine the bustling activity within its walls. Yale Pharmacy offered remedies and care. The Poll-Parrott Shoe Store fitted children with sturdy shoes. The Dupuis family played a vital role in this community hub.
Fast forward to 1953. Binswanger Glass featured the Dupuis Building in an advertisement. The ad highlighted the building’s “newness and freshness of design”. It also emphasized the interesting use of glass. The Dupuis Building stood as a symbol of modern commerce.
Today, the Dupuis Building may look different. Businesses come and go. Buildings evolve. Yet, its history remains etched in the neighborhood’s memory. The Dupuis Building represents the entrepreneurial spirit of the Dupuis family. They invested in their community.
The story of the Dupuis Building is a reminder of Houston’s growth. The city evolved from a small settlement to a major metropolis. Early entrepreneurs helped shape the city. The Dupuis family helped to create a community.
Consider Houston’s early days when the city council set the speed limit at 8 mph. Imagine the contrast with today’s bustling highways. The Dupuis Building witnessed these changes. It stood as a silent observer.
As you stand before the Dupuis Building, consider its past. Think of the families who frequented Yale Pharmacy and Poll-Parrott Shoe Store. Imagine the conversations and transactions within its walls. The Dupuis Building is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a piece of Houston’s history. It is a reminder of the people who built this city. The Dupuis Building represents a time when local businesses thrived.