Gracie Vallejos
A Conversation with Melanie Brumit, Highlighting The History of Troup Part 3
For more than two decades, Melanie Brumit has called Troup home. After moving to the city when her daughter was four years old, Brumit has spent 21 years watching Troup grow, change, and deepen its sense of community. As both the local librarian and the President of the Troup Chamber of Commerce, she plays a key role in preserving the town’s past while helping shape its future.
When asked about her favorite piece of Troup’s history, Brumit points to two places that represent the heart of the community: “I like Aunt Lillie’s because it has a historical marker, but I also appreciate the veterans memorial in front of City Hall.” Both, she says, reflect the values that ground the people of Troup.
Brumit’s desire to serve the community is simple and sincere. “I just want to help our community be better and represent every aspect of the community — let everybody have a voice,” she explained. That passion is seen clearly through her involvement in the library, the chamber, and her steady support of local events.
When asked what has changed Troup’s culture over time, Brumit notes the impact of social media. “I don’t know if it’s for the better or the worse, but I think Facebook has definitely changed people’s voices,” she said. She added that face-to-face communication is often healthier for the community than conversations hidden behind screens.
Historically, the railroad is the industry that shaped Troup’s early growth — and, according to Brumit, its identity. “People from Tyler had to come to Troup to get on the train… We’re here because of the railroad,” she said. She fondly recalled stories of the old depot and even a caboose that once sat by the playground where the splash pad is now located. Though the depot no longer stands, the town’s railroad heritage remains a defining part of its story.
Over Troup’s 153-year history, the population has steadily increased. Brumit sees evidence of growth everywhere — from rising library memberships to major events like Holiday in the Country and the annual Christmas Parade. New housing developments, including those led by local developer Kristi Martin, are bringing more families into the area. “It’s definitely on the upside,” Brumit said.
Long-standing traditions continue to thrive as well. One of Brumit’s favorites is the strong community presence at high school football games. “I’m always surprised at how many people go even though they don’t have children in the sport,”she said. Generations return to the same seats year after year, celebrating hometown pride. With community pep rallies filling downtown, Troup’s spirit remains unmistakable.
For those who want to get more involved, Brumit encourages residents to look for simple ways to contribute. She mentioned local trash-pickup efforts, the need for volunteers or donations at the food pantry, and opportunities to support seniors in the community. “I think there are opportunities — people would just be willing to ask,” she said.
Brumit also shared a favorite fun fact: the Troup library used to be the town’s Piggly Wiggly grocery store. “I had a patron who told me his first job was bagging groceries right here,” she recalled. She loves exploring old photos of downtown, noting how the buildings have remained largely unchanged over time. “It’s nice to see that the view is still the same — it’s just gotten better,” she said. Brumit touched on a fun fact that there used to be a water well in Downtown Troup.
From the railroad that built it to the traditions that sustain it, Troup continues to thrive through the dedication of community members like Melanie Brumit. Her passion for preserving history and giving every resident a voice reflects the heart of what makes Troup, Texas, a town worth celebrating.
