Emar Andrepont Store
circa 1880
Built in the 1880s by Emar Andrepont, this building is typical of an old "general" country store. Originally built in the rural St. Landry Parish community of Prairie Ronde, the store operated for nearly 100 years. It was first owned by Emar, and then later by his son-in-law, Evrand Brown, who married Emar's daughter, Rose.
Like most general stores of the late 19th century, the Andrepont store was the original "one-stop" shop. Farmers and townspeople bought everyday items like hardware, bulk foods and clothing from the local store.
Many small town general stores also housed the town's post office, and this store was no exception. For a while, it too served as post office.
To maximize the storage and display of multiple items, storeowners like Andrepont used every open space for storage. Shelves were built into walls instead of windows. Storeowners purchased items such as coffee, flour, sugar, spices, kerosene, and others in bulk quantities, and measured out the desired amount into jugs and bags for customers.
Emae Andrepont, the son of Martin Andrepont and Hermina Charles Pitre, was born on April 21, 1863 in Prairie Ronde, He married Alice Dupre and the couple had seven children.
When Emar Andrepont died in 1941, the store was then run by Emar's daughter, Rose, and her husband Evrand Brown. They would operate the old store
this page online
The estate was willed to the children of a sister, Alice Andrepont Ledoux and her husband Dewey Ledoux. The children donated the store, along with the three-seater outhouse, to the city. It was moved to the village in 1992. The move was funded by the Opelousas Tourism and Activities Committee.
Erected by City Of Opelousas Louisiana.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Postal Mail and Philately series list.
Location. 30° 31.904′ N, 92° 4.484′ W. Marker is in Opelousas, Louisiana, in St. Landry Parish. Marker can be reached from East Landry Street (U.S. 190) east of South Academy Street, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 828 East Landry Street, Opelousas LA 70570, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Union Pacific Freight Depot (a few steps from this marker); Louisiana Orphan Train Museum (a few steps from this marker); La Chapelle House (a few steps from this marker); 19th Century Outhouse, c.1890 (within shouting distance of this marker); Sugar Kettle, c. 1800
More about this marker. The City of Opelousas Tourist Information is located on the grounds of Le Vieux Village Historical Park & Heritage Museum at the eastern entrance of Opelousas along U.S. Highway 190.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 4, 2017, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 267 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 4, 2017.
