Comments on: Cooter’s Is Closing Saturday

By: Richard West

Richard West — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 18:42:27 +0000

I just learned belatedly that Cooter’s Village Camera had closed. This is a great loss to Dallas, Highland Park Village, and all those in Dallas who take photography seriously. Walt Erikson from Cooter’s came to my house in 1961 and helped me set up my darkroom while I was a photographer for the Thomas Jefferson High School paper. I then was lucky enought to work at Cooter’s the summer of 1965 while I was in college. Al Cooter was a great boss. He stressed customer service above all else and wanted us to spend as much time as needed to solve a customer’s problem or explain a certain piece of equipment whether or not we made a sale. One time I inadvertently left the back door to the alley open and someone stole a slide projector from the storeroom in back. Mr. Cooter justifiably docked my pay ($225 per month) until the cost of the projector was paid for but then presented me with a check for the full amount. I will always remember Al, Walt, and Amy (my fellow student co-worker) fondly and wish the Cooter family nothing but the best.

By: John Kendrick

John Kendrick — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 18:24:31 +0000

I worked for Mr. Cooter when he opwned the Valet parking lot under Sanger Bros. store. I was a valet parking attendant which served customers coming to Sammy’s Restaurant. He then purchased Cooter’s Camera in the building which housed Hunt Grocery. I worked for Hunt, too. So sad to see the Cooter family leave the Village – fond memories.

By: B. J. Brow

B. J. Brow — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:47:45 +0000

Kirk, today I first heard of your closing. Will you reopen at a new location?
I have not seen you all for some time. Reason: Bad health over the past two years. I had to stop my photo interest so very few images anymore.
Kirk please either email me or call me at 469-563-8814.
Some of the best times of my life included visits with your dad & all of you.

B. J. Brown

By: James A.

James A. — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 01:32:25 +0000

Closing of Cooter’s Camera Village is an immeasurable loss for Americana.

By: Highland Park Village Transforming - City-Data Forum

Highland Park Village Transforming - City-Data Forum — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 17:12:47 +0000

[...] Highland Park Village Transforming With Cooter's Village Camera now closed in Highland Park Village which has been there for many many years. The center has recently taken a turn in its image and targeted rare designer boutiques. With that in mind I wonder what the folks at the shopping center have in mind for that space? Cooter’s Is Closing Saturday | Park Cities People [...]

By: Lv

Lv — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 04:18:44 +0000

I’m anticipated to know what big names HPV will lease the space to. Prada? Celine? Lanvin?

By: joeat

joeat — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 13:34:03 +0000

@Sammy, good question and I am not positive, but I bet it is Village Barbers. When I was growing up they were next door to where Mi Cocina kitchen is today.

By: dennis beecherl

dennis beecherl — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 23:07:44 +0000

DB iam sorry to see it close i bought my first nickon slr em model back in 1980 it was a great cammera and the people were very helpful the best cammera store ever.

By: Sammy

Sammy — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 16:58:09 +0000

Sorry to show my ignorance, but the statement says they are the second oldest tenant. Who’s the oldest?

By: Alfonso C

Alfonso C — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 16:05:00 +0000

bought my first camera there in 1966…A Rollieflex…sorry to see this chapter end…