TalkZone Travel'n-On Radio Interview With John Agan

Hear local historian John Agan talk about the Dorcheat Museum on TalkZone Travel'n-On Radio. This tour was conducted on December 8th, 2009 click on the link to learn about the history of our area.
http://www.talkzone.com/archive.asp?aid=43038

2010 "Night For The Museum" Kicks Off In March

The 3rd season of the popular “Night for the Museum” events will begin soon with the Reverend Benjamin J. Martin as the first speaker for the 2010 season. Museum director Schelley Brown commented that this year the museum will have a total of at least 6 speakers. The season begins with Black History in February followed in March with football great Charlie Hennigan. April is Confederate History Month and May will be a moving tale of World War II from the Elshout and Vandernoord families. There will be a summer break in June, July and August. We will pick up again in September, with the finale set for October. The popular events will be $5 per person this year with all money benefiting the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum.
Reverend Martin entered Morehouse College in 1959 on a Merrill Early Admission Scholarship after completion of the eleventh grade. He was awarded a Woodrow Wilson-IBM Graduate Fellowship to attend graduate school at Purdue University. Martin attended the Georgia Institute of Technology, and the Morehouse School of Religion.
Ordained to the Gospel Ministry in July of 1987, Reverend Martin moved to Minden in 1998 and followed in his father B.F. Martin’s footsteps as pastor of the Saint Rest Baptist Church. In the last 10 years the church has expanded outreach ministries to include Habitat for Humanity, medical and teaching missionaries to Jamaica, the Angel Tree project and many others. St. Rest Baptist Church was formed in 1865 and is one of the oldest churches in Minden. The history of St. Rest is an important part of our Webster Parish history.
Reverend Martin is also active in our community, serving as a member of Webster Parish Jury Commission, Webster Parish Community Services Board and Webster Parish Convention and Visitors bureau. Martin is also involved in scouting, is an amateur radio operator, a radio-controlled model airplane enthusiast and an avid gardener.

City of Minden Supports The Museum

Mayor Bill Robertson proudly presents a check from the City of Minden to Thad Andress, President of the Dorcheat Historical Association & Museum, Inc. The Mayor and city council deem this an appropriate gesture for an organization that is dedicated to perserving our past for future generations. They encourage others to support the museum and museum activities by becoming members or simply through a a tax deductible donation. Mayor Robertson encourages everyone to visit the museum located in downtown Minden; it is a great place to learn about Webster Parish.

Holiday Hours

Dorcheat Historical Association Museum Holiday Hours
The Dorcheat Historical Association announces special holiday hours.
Closed November 26th-30th
Closed December 24th-28th
Closed December 31st- January 4th
“We would like to accommodate any out-of-town visitors during this holiday season. The museum board members have asked that if anyone would like to see the museum to please give us a call at 318-423-0192. We want to show off the museum and may be able to do so during the holidays by appointment only.”, stated museum director Schelley Brown.
The museum would also like to remind you of ways to support the museum under the Christmas tree this year. Show your support and purchase one or all of the three very popular museum cookbooks, Cora Lou Robinson’s Hunter Playhouse prints or giclee and also her recently offered “Minden Main Street” 1940s giclee, the popular “Night for the Museum” DVD sets make a great gift for anyone that loves the history of our area. We also have the new John Agan book that makes a great stocking stuffer. The museum offers shipping plus you receive free gift wrapping! Don’t forget to shop early at the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum located at 116 Pearl Street. Remember the musuem is a 501 c3 so you are urged to become a member or donate now for your 2009 deduction!

Marathon On Broadway A Fun Time But A Long Time!

Fun Times! The Dancing ended at 3:00 A.M. with the $1000 prize split among 3 couples. Sidney Johnson and Gloria Hillman of Shreveport, Devon Armstrong and Molly White of Texarkana and Viola Chanler and Ashley Rhame of Minden.

The Cora Lou Robinson's "Main Street" raffle was won by Michele Simineaux.

Dorcheat Historical Association Museum Has A Busy Weekend Planned For November 6th & 7th

The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum will be spreading the word about history all over Minden for the November 6th – 7th Festival of Memories weekend. Museum director, Schelley Brown commented, “The museum board is very excited about the festival weekend. We are giving away $1000 just for dancing! Plus we are giving two one-night stays in Jefferson Texas at The McKay House B & B. We want to invite you to put your dancing shoes on for the evening even if you don’t want to compete in the 24 hour “Marathon on Broadway”. We need people to register even if they don’t dance but for a few dances. All the money benefits the museum so just come out and have fun.”
This dance marathon reminiscent of the marathons that became fads during the depression era will be a step literally back in time, with dancers competing for the chance to win some big money! This event will take place at the Minden Civic Center as a fundraiser for the museum. The event will be open to the public for viewing with a $5.00 admission fee. Food and drinks will be available for purchase on site provided by Coca-Cola of Minden and Party Express Catering. Participants will be in 3 categories with dancers as young as 12 allowed to dance with a guardian’s permission. Prizes awarded in all categories plus a Grand Prize of $1000 will be awarded to one lucky winner. Pre-registration is $20 per person, $25 per person day of event. Day of registration will begin Friday November 6th at 4:00 p.m. with the dance to start at 6:00 on. Age divisions are as follows 12-40, 41-59, 60 plus. Museum director Schelley Brown stated, “The different age groups will be dancing for different lengths of time. But anyone that would like can dance the entire time to compete for the $1000 Grand Prize. If you dress in 1920s – 30s costume you can also earn extra break passes. This is going to be something that we hope our teens as well as our 40 plus crowd participates in!” Don’t miss lots of fun, music and food for everyone. Brown stated she also needs volunteers to help with this event.
Another great event that the museum is participating in for the weekend is the Saturday November 7th, “Artisan’s Fair” held at the First United Methodist Church located at 903 Broadway. John Agan; Webster Parish’s historian will be on hand signing and selling his newest book. “Remembering Minden, Echo’s Of The Past” book is just a collection of a handful of Agan’s popular Minden Press Herald column stories that have become a must read for anyone interested in our parish history. John will also be selling the must have museum cookbooks, Cora Lou Robinson Hunter’s Playhouse prints, and the popular “Night for the Museum” DVDs. All of these items will make great Christmas gifts plus it will all benefit the museum.
Don’t forget to purchase your $10 raffle ticket for the Cora Lou Robinson and Easley’s Fine Art and Frame 50 x 24 Giclee canvas prints of one of Cora Lou’s original 1984 art works “Minden Main Street” that was originally done for Minden Bank. As part of the November “Festival of Memories” celebration one $300 value print will be raffled off.
Cora Lou Robinson stated, “Now 25 years later canvas reproductions of my painting are being made available with all the profit going to the Dorcheat Museum-- a very deserving place. I hope the person who wins the print that will be given away during the “Festival of Memories” celebration on November 7th loves Minden and what it represents as much as I do.”
Museum director Schelley Brown stated, “I am very excited about the museum being able to offer this reproduction of what many remember as a small print that was given away and later sold through the bank many years ago. To be able to get the artwork the same size as the original painting and on canvas is almost as good as having the original. The detail and colors are so much more vivid that the small prints. You may also purchase a Giclee print through Easley’s Fine Art and Frame studio in Minden. Artwork must be ordered and paid for at the museum located at 116 Pearl Street. Kerry Easley is also offering a 20 % discount on framing with your purchase.
To help get the project get started the museum is offering several ways to receive your copy of this nostalgic look of Minden in the 1940s. You can register for the Marathon on Broadway dance which will take place on November 6th & 7th at the Minden Civic Center (the cost to register for the dance is $20-- this will get you in the hopper twice if you register for the marathon), you can purchase a raffle ticket for $10 each from the museum and several other locations around Minden, you can mail a $10 check to the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, P.O. Box 1094, Minden, La. 71058 (be sure to include you name, address and phone number with your check), or you can purchase a canvas print for the cost of $300. For more information you can contact the museum and Schelley Brown at 318-377-3002, 423-0192 or visit the web site at http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ .

The 2009 Season End A Big Hit

“Night For The Museum”--- The History of Cotton Valley with Mr. Lonnie Simpson A Big Success In Spite of Rain
The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Inc. 10th and final “Night for the Museum” of 2009 was another big hit in spite of the terrible weather. Museum director Schelley Brown stated, “I was a little worried with the terrible weather and the creeks rising over the roads. But when I opened the doors at 5:30 it was business as usual with another large crowd in attendance. The events have been bringing in between 150-200 people every month and have become the place to be in Minden to learn a little history as well as socialize with friends, neighbors and many visitors from out of town. The museum board members have been extremely pleased with the past two years. Next year we will have a few changes due to the cost of postage and cards that we mail out. We will only have 6 speakers and we will charge $5.00 for each event. I don’t believe that this will hurt us and it will surely help the museum’s efforts. I am looking forward to the 2010 speakers and welcome any suggestions for subjects.”
The night began with Simpson being introduced by another longtime educator Mr. Carleton Prothro. Simpson told the history of his hometown--- Cotton Valley, Louisiana and his memories of what it was like in the early 40s and 50s. Simpson was born in 1937 and graduated from Cotton Valley High School in 1956. His stories of the early settlers, teachers, businesses and industries that once thrived entertained and educated the crowd. He also told of the tragedies of several fires and the 1947 tornado. Mr. Simpson ended the evening by mentioning the local legend of Sallie Baker and some important facts about her.
Each museum event has been recorded and made into a DVD. These DVDs are a part of the fundraising efforts of the always expanding and progressing new museum. If you have not been able to make it to these events you can purchase each yearly collection series for $75.00. With each complete set you will receive a special $20 Minden 1950s DVD as a gift to you. Speaker DVDs are also sold separately for $10 each.
The next museum event is the “Marathon on Broadway” dance open to everyone. This event will be held at the Minden Civic Center November 6th -7th. For more information on the museum you can visit the web site at http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ or call Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192.

Don't Miss Your Chance To Own This Work Of Art

Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, “Folk Artist” Cora Lou Robinson & Kerry Easley of Easley Fine Art Team Up Again

Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Cora Lou Robinson and Easley’s Fine Art and Frame are teaming up for a new fundraising project for the museum. This collaboration will be in the form of 50 x 24 Giclee canvas prints of one of Cora Lou’s original 1984 art works that was originally done for Minden Bank. As part of the November “Festival of Memories” celebration one $300 value print will be raffled off.
Cora Lou Robinson stated, “I was thrilled back in 1984 when Minden Bank asked me to do a painting for their 50th anniversary. I was not only pleased because I was asked, but because I love to paint my heritage--my memories of growing up in Minden. I paint a life, not perfect, but filled with all the wonderful things that matter in the world-- family, friends, church and the wonderful place where I grew up. Mine is a life I would not change a minute of and a place in time I wouldn’t change for any other.
Now 25 years later canvas reproductions of my painting are being made available with all the profit going to the Dorcheat Museum-- a very deserving place. I hope the person who wins the print that will be given away during the “Festival of Memories” celebration on November 7th loves Minden and what it represents as much as I do.
Museum director Schelley Brown stated, “I am very excited about the museum being able to offer this reproduction of what many remember as a small print that was given away and later sold through the bank many years ago. To be able to get the artwork the same size as the original painting and on canvas is almost as good as having the original. The detail and colors are so much more vivid that the small prints. You may also purchase a Giclee print through Easley’s Fine Art and Frame studio in Minden. Artwork must be ordered and paid for at the museum located at 116 Pearl Street. Kerry Easley is also offering a 20 % discount on framing with your purchase.
To help get the project get started the museum is offering several ways to receive your copy of this nostalgic look of Minden in the 1940s. You can register for the Marathon on Broadway dance which will take place on November 6th & 7th at the Minden Civic Center (the cost to register for the dance is $20-- this will get you in the hopper twice if you register for the marathon), you can purchase a raffle ticket for $10 each from the museum and several other locations around Minden, you can mail a $10 check to the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, P.O. Box 1094, Minden, La. 71058 (be sure to include you name, address and phone number with your check), or you can purchase a canvas print for the cost of $300. For more information you can contact the museum at 318-377-3002 or visit the web site at http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ .

“Claiborne and Webster Parish… Once We Were One” Draws A Large Claiborne Parish Crowd for the September “Night For The Museum”

The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Inc. “Night for the Museum” was another huge success. The monthly event welcomed a large crowd from Shreveport, Claiborne Parish as well as the regular attendees from Minden and surrounding areas.
Monday, September 14th, 2009, Beverly Smith the ninth guest speaker for 2009 told the history of our two parishes and the close ties that bind us. Board members of the Ford Museum were on hand to support Ms. Smith in her appearance at Christopher’s in Minden. Linda Volentine, museum director of the Ford Museum was on hand to talk about the new Images of America “Claiborne Parish” book that has recently been published and is now available at the Ford Museum. Many of the guests were able to purchase a copy at the end of the evening.
Beverly Smith’s abiding interest in the history of Claiborne Parish and North Louisiana was evident. Her title of "Claiborne Parish historian," was obvious as she told the crowd of the early life of the parish and how pioneer life must have been. Smith has served three terms as president of the North Louisiana Historical Association and three terms as president of The Herbert S. Ford Memorial Museum in Homer.
The tenth and final speaker in the 2009 series will be the presentation of Cotton Valley history by Mr. Lonnie Simpson. Mr. Simpson will be speaking on October 12th, 2009. The museum already has an exciting list of speakers lined up for its history filled 2010 schedule. Each event has been recorded and made into a DVD. These DVDs are a part of the fundraising efforts of the always expanding and progressing new museum. If you have not be able to make it to these events you can purchase each yearly collection series for $75.00. With each complete set you will receive a special $20 Minden 1950s DVD as a gift to you. Speaker DVDs are also sold separately for $10 each.
The events will be held at Christopher’s located at 615 Main Street in Minden, on the 2nd Monday of the month. Doors open around 5:30 refreshments are served at 6:00 p.m. with speakers to begin at 6:30. No admission is charged for the events but donations to the museum are welcomed. If you would like to help with refreshments by bringing cake, cookies, or sandwiches please do so. It is recommended that you bring a lawn chair due to the large crowds. Seating goes quickly. For more information on the museum you can visit the web site at http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ or call Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192.

"Marathon on Broadway"

Dorcheat Historical Association Takes Part In Festival Of Memories… By Remembering the Great Depression
The Dorcheat Historical Association invites you to put your dancing shoes on for the November 6th - 7th, 2009 24 hour “Marathon on Broadway”. This dance marathon reminiscent of the marathons that became fads during the depression era will be a step literally back in time, with dancers competing for the chance to win some big money! This event will take place at the Minden Civic Center as a fundraiser for the museum. The event will be open to the public for viewing with a $5.00 admission fee. Food and drinks will be available for purchase on site. Participants will be in 3 categories with dancers as young as 12 allowed to dance with a guardian’s permission. Prizes awarded in all categories plus a Grand Prize of $1000 will be awarded to one lucky winner. Pre-registration is $20 per person, $25 per person day of event. Age divisions are as follows 12-40, 41-59, 60 plus. Museum director Schelley Brown stated, “The different age groups will be dancing for different lengths of time. But anyone that would like can dance the entire time to compete for the $1000 Grand Prize. If you dress in 1920s – 30s costume you can also earn extra break passes. This is going to be something that we hope our teens as well as our 40 plus crowd participates in!” Don’t miss lots of fun, music and food for everyone. Brown stated she also needs volunteers to help with this event. For more information please contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192.

Don't Miss The 2009 Season Finale! "Night For The Museum With Mr. Lonnie Simpson"

Don’t miss the season finale for Dorcheat Historical Association’s “Night For The Museum”--- The History of Cotton Valley with Mr. Lonnie Simpson
The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Inc. announces the 10th and final “Night for the Museum” of 2009. The monthly events have been a huge success with very interesting speakers. The events draw in between 150-200 people every month and have become the place to be in Minden to learn a little history as well as socialize with friends, neighbors and many visitors from out of town.
Monday, October 12th, 2009, the tenth and final speaker of the 2009 series will be Mr. Lonnie Simpson. Simpson will tell the history of his hometown--- Cotton Valley, Louisiana. Simpson was born in 1937 and grew up in Cotton Valley. Graduating in 1956, he later went on to earn a B.S. from Northwestern University in 1960. He then began his career in the Webster Parish Education system by teaching 6th grade at Stewart Elementary for 6 ½ years. He later became principal at Richardson Elementary followed by becoming principal at Sibley High for a year. Simpson returned to Stewart as principal remaining at this school until his retirement. Married to wife Hannah, the couple has one daughter, Stacey, who lives in Calhoun, Louisiana, and one granddaughter Hannah, who resides in Alexandria, Louisiana. The Simpson’s hobbies include riding horses, reading, and working with daylilies.
Each previous event has been recorded and made into a DVD. These DVDs are a part of the fundraising efforts of the always expanding and progressing new museum. If you have not been able to make it to these events you can purchase each yearly collection series for $75.00. With each complete set you will receive a special $20 Minden 1950s DVD as a gift to you. Speaker DVDs are also sold separately for $10 each.
The museum already has an exciting list of speakers lined up for its history filled 2010 schedule with a few changes in store to benefit the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum.
The October event will be held at Christopher’s, located at 615 Main Street in Minden. Doors open around 5:30; refreshments are served at 6:00 p.m.; speakers begin at 6:30. No admission is charged for this event but donations to the museum are welcomed. If you would like to help with refreshments by bringing cake, cookies, or sandwiches please do so. It is recommended that you bring a lawn chair due to the large crowds. Seating goes quickly. For more information on the museum you can visit the web site at http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ or call Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192.

Prothro’s “Telling Tales Out Of School” Draws A Packed House

The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Inc., 8th “Night for the Museum” of 2009 was a huge success. Monday, August 10th, Carleton Prothro was the eighth guest speaker for the 2009 season. Prothro known by many as “The Colonel” told of his many comical experiences at Minden High School. From the introduction by Dr. Richard Cambell and Thad Andress, the mood for the evening was already set.
Non stop laughter was in store for the 200 plus that attended the monthly museum event. The many pranks that have been played, memorable excuses from class, and tales of caught skippers were told by one of Minden’s most beloved educators. “Prothro’s ways of telling a tale were better than any professional comedian” said many that attended the evening. Always a smile on his face and a joke on his lips is what most people think of, when they think of this Minden icon. His humor sometimes questionable brought many a smile and much laughter for many former students, faculty members and longtime friends.
These monthly events have been a huge success with very interesting speakers talking on a wide variety of subjects. Each event has been recorded and made into a DVD. These DVDs are a part of the fundraising efforts of the always expanding and progressing new museum. If you missed this event be sure to go by the museum and pick up your copy today for only $10! Get the complete 2008 set for $75.
The museum has two more speakers lined up for its history filled 2009 schedule. The September speaker will be Beverly Smith Claiborne Parish historian with Lonnie Simpson to follow in October with the history of Cotton Valley. The events will be held at Christopher’s located at 615 Main Street in Minden, on the 2nd Monday of the month. Doors open around 5:30 refreshments are served at 6:00 p.m. with speakers to begin at 6:30. No admission is charged for the events but donations to the museum are welcomed. If you would like to help with refreshments by bringing cake, cookies, or sandwiches please do so. It is recommended that you bring a lawn chair due to the large crowds. Seating goes quickly. For more information on the museum you can visit the web site at http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ or call Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192.

Big Crowd For An Emotional Evening For Dorcheat Museum

An Emotion Filled Night For The Museum

On Monday, July 13th, 2009, Dr. William Wilkins was the seventh guest speaker for the 2009 season. Wilkins, known to many as Billy, spoke to a crowded room of history seekers at Christopher’s on Main.
Dr. Wilkins started the evening off with an emotional introduction of what he would be speaking about. His tearful memory of his mother on the day she lost her life in the tornado of 1933 was a very moving moment for everyone in the room. Wilkins also had many happy memories of his boyhood spent in Minden in the 20s and 30s. He named many of his childhood friends and the fun they had. He told of skating all over the city, building forts and fishing in Dorcheat Bayou. He said back then you felt like you knew everyone in town. After the tornado Dr. Wilkins moved to Shreveport with his father. He later would become a member of what we call “the greatest generation”. Billy Wilkins went to war during WWII and his stories of the war were as emotional as his stories of his mother. Dr. Wilkins was one of the many veterans that recently were honored in Washington D.C. with the Louisiana Honor Air group. Many rounds of applause were heard during the evening for what Wilkins and his generation have done for all of America.
“This night was an emotional look back at Minden’s history”, Brown stated. “This kind of response is what we hoped for when we started this in 2008. We want to teach history in a fun and exciting way and I think we are doing that. We are also capturing these history lessons on DVD. These are a valuable tool for learning, as well as fundraising. The events have included a wide range of subjects from the Civil War, WWII, the 1940’s and 50’s recreation at Hunter’s Playhouse, Black American history and each is available for $10 each or the entire 2008 series for $75.”The museum has an exciting list of speakers lined up for its history filled 2009 schedule. The events will be held at Christopher’s, located at 615 Main Street, in Minden on the 2nd Monday of the month. Doors open around 5:30, refreshments are served at 6:00 p.m, and speakers begin their programs at 6:30. No admission is charged for the events, but donations to the museum are welcomed. It is recommended that you bring a lawn chair due to the large crowds. Seating goes quickly. For more information on the museum you can visit the web site at http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ or call Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192.

Night For The Museum With Beverly Smith Claiborne Parish Historian September 14, 2009

“Claiborne and Webster Parish… Once We Were One” will be the September theme for Dorcheat Historical Association’s “Night For The Museum”
The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Inc. announces the 9th “Night for the Museum” of 2009. The monthly events have been a huge success with very interesting speakers.
Monday, September 14th, 2009, Beverly Smith will be the ninth guest speaker for the 2009 season. Ms. Smith will be speaking on the history of our two parishes and the close ties that bind us. This is certain to be an evening you don’t want to miss!
Beverly Smith has an abiding interest in the history of Claiborne Parish and North Louisiana. Considered by many to be the "Claiborne Parish historian," she has served three terms as president of the North Louisiana Historical Association and three terms as president of The Herbert S. Ford Memorial Museum in Homer.
Ms. Smith is a native of Homer and a graduate of Homer High School and Louisiana State University. A lifelong learner, she recently completed the Master of Liberal Arts program at LSU in Shreveport where she was honored by being inducted into the Omicron Delta Kappa leadership fraternity. Beverly Smith resides in Homer.
The tenth and final speaker in the 2009 series will be the presentation of Cotton Valley history by Mr. Lonnie Simpson. Mr. Simpson will be speaking on October 12th, 2009. The museum already has an exciting list of speakers lined up for its history filled 2010 schedule. Each event has been recorded and made into a DVD. These DVDs are a part of the fundraising efforts of the always expanding and progressing new museum. If you have not be able to make it to these events you can purchase each yearly collection series for $75.00. With each complete set you will receive a special $20 Minden 1950s DVD as a gift to you. Speaker DVDs are also sold separately for $10 each.
The events will be held at Christopher’s located at 615 Main Street in Minden, on the 2nd Monday of the month. Doors open around 5:30 refreshments are served at 6:00 p.m. with speakers to begin at 6:30. No admission is charged for the events but donations to the museum are welcomed. If you would like to help with refreshments by bringing cake, cookies, or sandwiches please do so. It is recommended that you bring a lawn chair due to the large crowds. Seating goes quickly. For more information on the museum you can visit the web site at http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ or call Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192.

"Telling Tales Out Of School" with Carleton Prothro August 10th, 2009

“Telling Tales Out Of School” will be the August theme for Dorcheat Historical Association’s “Night For The Museum”
The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Inc., announces the 8th “Night for the Museum” of 2009. The monthly events have been a huge success with very interesting speakers. Each event has been recorded and made into a DVD. These DVDs are a part of the fundraising efforts of the always expanding and progressing new museum.
Monday, August 10th, Carleton Prothro will be the eighth guest speaker for the 2009 season. Prothro known by many as “The Colonel” will be speaking on his many comical experiences in the Webster Parish school system. This is certain to be an evening you don’t want to miss!
Prothro is a graduate of Byrd H.S. and the University of Arkansas. He was married to Lois Price in 1957, and the couple has two sons: Carleton who lives in Danbury, Ct. and works for Bunge Corp in White Plains, New York and Lance who lives in Las Vegas, and is a geologist for Dept of Energy. The Prothro’s have two grandchildren: granddaughter, Whitney, whom recently became employed by St. Jude, and currently lives in Pittsburg, Pa., and grandson, Hunt, who is a junior at Auburn University.
Carlton’s career includes his military service of 27 years of active and reserve duty. He retired in 1981, with the rank of colonel. He is most known for his teaching career from 1958-1995 as teacher, counselor, assistant principal, and Title 1 coordinator. It is this part of Prothro’s life that will be the focus of the evening. The many pranks that have been played, memorable excuses from class, and tales of caught skippers will be told by one of Minden’s most beloved educators. Always a smile on his face and a joke on his lips is what most people think of, when they think of this Minden icon. His humor is sometimes questionable, but always brings a laugh to anyone within hearing distance.
The museum has an exciting list of speakers lined up for its history filled 2009 schedule. The events will be held at Christopher’s located at 615 Main Street in Minden, on the 2nd Monday of the month. Doors open around 5:30 refreshments are served at 6:00 p.m. with speakers to begin at 6:30. No admission is charged for the events but donations to the museum are welcomed. If you would like to help with refreshments by bringing cake, cookies, or sandwiches please do so. It is recommended that you bring a lawn chair due to the large crowds. Seating goes quickly. For more information on the museum you can visit the web site at http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ or call Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192.

“The Tales of Two Treebys” Draws a Standing Room Only Crowd”

On Monday June 8th, 2009, Joan Andress Williamson was the sixth guest speaker for the 2009 season to pack Christopher’s on Main. Speaking to a standing room only crowd, Mrs. Williamson spoke from the memoirs written by her mother Treeby Miller Andress and her grandmother Treeby Chaffee Miller.
This night was truly a look back at Minden’s history; the stories written so many years ago brought back memories and unveiled a glimpse of the past for many. Joan’s grandmother was the daughter of Christopher Chaffe, one of Minden’s early pioneer families. Joan’s mother, also named Treeby, was equally interesting and filled with many stories from the 20s, 30s and 40s era of Minden. “These stories reflected a bygone era that most of us would never have known anything about. These two women were not professional writers but were very gifted writers and conveyed their life experiences with the written word in a manner that was spell-binding. The Andress family is very fortunate to have this connection to their past in this form.” commented museum director Schelley Brown.
Brown also stated, “This kind of response is what we hoped for when we started this in 2008. We want to teach history in a fun and exciting way and I think we are doing that. We are also capturing these history lessons on DVD. These are a valuable tool for learning, as well as fundraising. The events have included a wide range of subjects from the Civil War, WWII, the 1940’s and 50’s recreation at Hunter’s Playhouse, Black American history and each is available for $10 each or the entire 2008 series for $75.”
The museum has an exciting list of speakers lined up for its history filled 2009 schedule. The events will be held at Christopher’s, located at 615 Main Street, in Minden on the 2nd Monday of the month. Doors open around 5:30, refreshments are served at 6:00 p.m, and speakers begin their programs at 6:30. No admission is charged for the events, but donations to the museum are welcomed. It is recommended that you bring a lawn chair due to the large crowds. Seating goes quickly. For more information on the museum you can visit the web site at http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ or call Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192.

Miller Andress, Joan Andress Williamson, and Thad Andress

Jr. Service League 5k A Big Success For Dorcheat Museum

Jamie Barnett, Spring Spectacular race coordinator, far left, and Lela Lemoine, Jr. Service League president, far right, present Dorcheat Historical Association Museum Director Schelly Brown with a check in the amount of $2,800, proceeds from this year’s race.

The Junior Service League of Minden presented the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum a check in the amount of $2,800 Wednesday afternoon, proceeds from this year’s 9th Annual Webster Parish Spring Spectacular 1 mile fun run/walk and 5K run/walk.
This year’s race attracted approximately 115 runners and walkers who enjoyed a post party, complete with entertainment, refreshments and door prizes.
The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Inc. was established to promote a strong sense of community pride by preserving the past for future generations. Their goal is to make patrons aware of Webster Parish’s historical assets and significance by promoting, teaching, involving and displaying history in many unique ways for the Webster Parish community and for others outside of the area.
The museum, which opened in June 2008, is located in the heart of Minden’s historical downtown at 116 Pearl St. To learn more about the museum, visit http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/.
Race winners were: Overall Female Open - 1. India Tucker and 2. Cherie Bonner; Female 14 and Under - 1. Bailey Hassell and 2. Alayna Robles; Female 15 to 24 – 1. Kelsey Hunter, and 2. Ashley Tyman; Female 25 to 34 – 1. Melissa Easter and 2. Anna Sanders; Female 35 to 44 – 1. Starla Townsend and 2. Staci Jo Kendall; Female 45 to 54 - 1. Anita Meeks and 2. Carol Twyman; Female 55 and over – 1. Jenneth Merriman and 2. Carolyn Smith; Overall Male Open Winners – 1. Trey Allen and 2. Michael Fontana; Male 14 and under – 1. Tyler Robles and 2. Cade Clemons; Male 15 to 24 – 1. Zachary Landers and 2. S. Southerland; Male 25 to 34 - 1. Gary Wilson and 2. Mac McGuire; Male 35 to 44 – 1. Micheal Harper and 2. Baudilio Rodriguez; Male 45 to 54 – 1. Micheal Meeks and 2. Richard Twyman; Male 55 and over – 1. Tad Jurgens and 2. Ramon Bosworth.
The Junior Service League would like to thank the following race sponsors for their support in making this year’s Spring Spectacular a tremendous success: $200 Level Sponsorship – Pitman’s Metal Words, Best Western of Minden, Dr. Scott & Dr. Elizabeth Phillips, Up-and-Running, First United Methodist Church of Minden, Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Minden, Inc., Waller Petroleum, Inc., Gina Almond – Allstate Insurance, The Grove Golf Course, Wal-Mart Supercenter of Minden, Erin E. Soleto, MD, Blazer Construction, Wise Insurance Agency, LLC, TG Garden & Gifts, Age Less Medical Spa, Mark Wise – Big Dawgg Productions, briancarlisle.com; $150 After Race Party – Dr. Carlos & Dr. Kathryn Irizarry; and $100 Registration Tables – Minden Presbyterian Church and Thad and Oneta Andress;.
Additional sponsors include: $75 Water/Check points – Jeanne Martin State Farm and Minden Athletic; $50 Distance Markers – Nedra T. Kelly, Minden Family Medicine, Richland State Bank, Sentell Law Firm, Madden Supply, LLC, and State Rep. Jean M. Doerge.
Other financial support was provided by: Elm Street Dental Center, LLC and Performance Physical Therapy; Door Prizes – Concepts, Crawfish Hole, Dorcheat Historical Museum, Embroidery House, Fanette’s, Mary Kay – Emily Walker, Merle Norman, Music Mountain Water, and Oak Alley Boutique; Post Race Party – Copeland’s Restaurant, Copeland’s Cheesecake Bistro, Domino’s Pizza, Subway (Homer Rd.), Save-a-lot, Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Minden, Inc., Dixie Paper, Brookshire’s, Interstate RV Park, and The Good Life Health Food Store and Deli.
A special thank you goes to Minden Presbyterian Church for the use of their gym and to Jeanne Martin State Farm for the water at the water check point.
Founded in 1931, the Junior Service League focuses on serving the Minden area through projects such as the annual 5K run/walk, which raises money for worthwhile organizations around Webster Parish; the Treeby Miller Andress scholarship, presented each year to a deserving high school senior; and the Angel Tea, which provides area school children with uniforms and school supplies during the Christmas season.
In addition, the League supports the Girl Scouts of Minden by maintaining the “Girl Scout Hut,” where the scouts hold weekly meetings. The hut also serves as a meeting place for the League’s monthly meetings.

Night For The Museum With Dr. William Wilkins July 13th, 2009

“The Worst Day in the Life of an Eleven Year-Old Boy, Seventy-Six Years Later”
The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Inc announces the 7th “Night for the Museum” of 2009. The monthly events have been a huge success in 2009 with 10 speakers scheduled to speak this year. Each event has been recorded and made into a DVD. These DVDs are a part of the fundraising efforts of the always expanding and progressing new museum.
Monday July 13th, 2009, Dr. William Wilkins will be the seventh guest speaker for the 2009 season. Dr. Wilkins experiences in Minden will highlight the worst year of his young life. The year 1933 was especially devastating for many in the area with fire, tornado, drought, flooding and failed banks. Dr. Wilkins life was altered forever in the tornado with the loss of his mother as she struggled to protect him for the deadly wind. His family ties go back many generations and have many interesting connections to much of Minden’s history. Many early Minden residents remember Dr. Wilkins uncle longtime veterinarian, and his aunts’ one of whom was married to Minden’s oldest living Confederate soldier Mr. T.A. Glass.
Museum director Schelley Brown stated, “This museum is so important to our area. Historic venues drive tourism in a big way in the state of Louisiana and this is our way of not only preserving history but helping the city of Minden and Webster parish by creating history related events in our area. Last year with our June opening we wanted to get the word out about the museum and what better way to do that than to tell our parish history from people that have lived it or whose grandparents experienced it.” The events have included a wide range of subjects from the Civil War, WWII, the 1940’s and 50’s recreation at Hunter’s Playhouse, Black American history. Each event has been attended by 150-200 plus guests. Many of these people travel a great distance to attend the monthly events.
The museum has an exciting list of speakers lined up for its history filled 2009 schedule. The events will be held at Christopher’s located at 615 Main Street in Minden on the 2nd Monday of the month. Doors open around 5:30 refreshments are served at 6:00 p.m. with speakers to begin at 6:30. No admission is charged for the events but donations to the museum are welcomed. It is recommended that you bring a lawn chair due to the large crowds. Seating goes quickly. For more information on the museum you can visit the web site at http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ or call Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192.

"Minden and Webster Parish Matters"

May is National Preservation Month. The theme for 2009's National Preservation Month is “This Place Matters”. Preservation Month raises awareness about the power historic preservation has to protect and enhance our communities and the places that really matter to us. They do this by celebrating the diverse and unique heritage of our country's cities and towns www.preservationnation.org . The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum along with Minden Main Street coordinator Pattie Odom did their part in the city of Minden, Louisiana with their contributions to history with the “Night for the Museum” May event.
On Monday May 11th, 2009, Mr. Richard Noles was the fifth guest speaker for the 2009 season to pack Christopher’s on Main. Noles a 5th generation citizen of the Heflin area is well known for his work in education. But many learned Monday night about his family and the history of what was known as Noles Landing along with some Heflin facts.
Noles brought along some priceless family heirlooms that went hand in hand with his story. One such artifact was a horn dating back over 150 years. This horn was an important part of the operation of Noles Landing after the Civil War and used to signal from one side of the lake to the other for passengers wanting to cross over to the landing.
The Noles family settled in the Heflin area in 1854. The family still lives on this same land acquired by a land grant. Noles learned much of his family history from a great aunt and other family members as he was growing up. Noles love of history was evident as he highlighted subjects ranging from Bayou Dorcheat, the steamboats at Noles Landing and his ancestors of the Civil War.
Museum director Schelley Brown stated, “I am very pleased at how these events are being received by the public. We now have over 750 names in our data base for the museum. Many of these have attended our monthly events at one time or another. These people are now traveling from Ruston, Arcadia, Shreveport, Haynesville and East Texas on a monthly basis to hear our speakers with a monthly attendance of 150-200. This kind of response is what we hoped for when we started this in 2008. We want to teach history in a fun and exciting way and I think we are doing that. We are also capturing these history lessons on DVD which is a valuable tool for learning as well as fundraising. The events have included a wide range of subjects from the Civil War, WWII, the 1940’s and 50’s recreation at Hunter’s Playhouse, Black American history and each is available for $10 each or the entire 2008 series for $75.
The museum has an exciting list of speakers lined up for its history filled 2009 schedule. The events will be held at Christopher’s located at 615 Main Street in Minden on the 2nd Monday of the month. Doors open around 5:30 refreshments are served at 6:00 p.m. with speakers to begin at 6:30. No admission is charged for the events but donations to the museum are welcomed. It is recommended that you bring a lawn chair due to the large crowds. Seating goes quickly. For more information on the museum you can visit the web site at http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ or call Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192.

"A Night For The Museum" with Mrs. Joan Andress Williamson June 8th, 2009

Two Treebys’ Memories of Minden “Stories I Grew Up With” Presented by Joan Andress Williamson

Joan Andress Williamson of Sewannee, Tennessee will be the speaker for the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum’s June 8, 2009 “Night for the Museum” presentation. Her talk will be a presentation of the writings of the Two Treebys. Mrs. Williamson’s grandmother was Treeby Chaffe Miller (Mrs. R.H. Miller) and her mother, Treeby Miller Andress (Mrs. Harry Andress), both of whom have written very entertaining memoirs of their lives in Minden. Both were lifelong residents of Minden, Mrs. Miller, 1865-1953, Mrs. Andress, 1905-1976.

Mrs. Williamson is an honor graduate of Minden High School and Newcomb College of Tulane University. At Minden she was selected for Girls State, a trombonist in the Minden High Band, a Grig staff member, and a swim team participant. She was President of her class at Newcomb.

Marrying Samuel R. Williamson, Jr., of Springhill, she moved with him to the sites of his educational endeavors, the U.S. Military Academy, Harvard University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and finally the University of the South at Sewanee, Tennessee. Assisting Dr. Williamson in many ways, the most lasting recognition of her contributions was at Sewanee. There, the Board of Regents dedicated a huge stained glass window at the University Chapel in her honor. All the other windows are recognition of deceased persons. Joan was recognized for her work with the foreign students at Sewanee, but even more for her hospitality that she provided for the Board of Regents, the faculty, the students, and the townspeople.

In addition, Joan has been very active in the Episcopal Church and has served in leadership positions in numerous civic organizations. Joan and Sam have three highly educated children, Dr. George Williamson, a history professor at Alabama, Dr. Thad Williamson, a political science professor at Richmond, and Treeby Brown who has Masters from Duke. Treeby is a consultant in maternal and child health policy. Joan and Sam are blessed with four grandchildren and the couple now resides in Sewanee, Tennessee.

This will be the 6th in the series of speakers for the museum for 2009. These popular events are held at Christopher’s located at 615 Main Street in historic downtown Minden, Louisiana. Admission is free with donations accepted to benefit the year old museum. Doors open at 5:30 with “first come, first serve seating.” Refreshments begin at 6:00 p.m. with program beginning at 6:30 p.m. For more information about the museum contact museum director Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192 or visit the museum located at 116 Pearl Street. Museum hours and information http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/

"A Night For The Museum" with Mr. Richard Noles May 11th, 2009

Click on picture to enlarge
When Steamboats traveled Dorcheat will be just one of the subjects for the next museum event!
The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Inc announces the 5th “Night for the Museum” of 2009. The monthly events have been a huge success in 2009 with 10 speakers scheduled to speak this year. Each event has been recorded and made into a DVD. These DVDs are a part of the fundraising efforts of the always expanding and progressing new museum.
Monday May 11th, 2009, Mr. Richard Noles will be the fifth guest speaker for the 2009 season. Noles a 5th generation citizen of the Heflin area is well known for his work in education. His many years of service with the education system of our area is extensive; Webster Parish school board from 1966-2003, teacher at Minden High, counselor, teacher at Sibley High, Principal at Cotton Valley, Dubberly elementary, Browning elementary and Heflin elementary, plus special education director, elementary director, and superintendent at Central office. Noles now serves on the Board of Directors of the Claiborne Electric Co-op and has been the Secretary-Treasurer since 2004. Museum director Schelley Brown’s comment, “Richard Noles has certainly made his mark in the history of education in our parish. We are very fortunate to have someone of his capabilities serving on our 2009 museum board.”
The Noles family settled in the Heflin area in 1854. The family still lives on this same land acquired by a land grant. Richard and wife Judy have raised 5 daughters on this longtime family property. Richard and Judy love cattle farming, gardening, travel and reading as hobbies. They are members of the Heflin Baptist church and serve on many other organizations that benefit their community.
Noles love of history will be highlighted at the May museum event with subjects ranging from Bayou Dorcheat, the steamboats at Noles Landing and his ancestors of the Civil War. This night will not only be fun and entertaining but should be highly educational for the people of our area. Don’t miss the 5th night for the museum!
Museum director Schelley Brown stated, “Last year with our June opening we wanted to get the word out about the museum and what better way to do that than to tell our parish history from people that have lived it or whose grandparents experienced it.” The events have included a wide range of subjects from the Civil War, WWII, the 1940’s and 50’s recreation at Hunter’s Playhouse, Black American history. Each event has been attended by 150-200 plus guests. Many of these people travel a great distance to attend the monthly events.
The museum has an exciting list of speakers lined up for its history filled 2009 schedule. The events will be held at Christopher’s located at 615 Main Street in Minden on the 2nd Monday of the month. Doors open around 5:30 refreshments are served at 6:00 p.m. with speakers to begin at 6:30. No admission is charged for the events but donations to the museum are welcomed. It is recommended that you bring a lawn chair due to the large crowds. Seating goes quickly. For more information on the museum you can visit the web site at http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ or call Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192.

A Taste Of Minden "A Taste Of Yesterday and Today"

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Sunday, April 26th, 2009, come join the Minden – South Webster Chamber of Commerce and The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum for “The Taste Of Minden” “A Taste of Yesterday and Today”

The Minden Civic Center will be the place to be for a nice Sunday afternoon of tasting and sampling from all your favorite catering companies and restaurants from our area. Serving begins at 11 A.M. for those that go to early church services and last until 2 P.M. This year the Dorcheat Historical Association will be hosting Museum Tours from Noon-3 P.M. plus the “Taste of Yesterday cookbooks I & II” will be on sale inside the Civic Center. Tickets Available Now! $10 Adults / $5 Children through April 17th, 2009 and $12 Adults / $7 Children at the door. Contact the Chamber Office for more information at 318-377-4240. Don’t miss all the food & fun and a little history.

Jr. Service League To Host Event For Museum

The Jr. Service League Of Minden's 9th Annual Spring Spectacular Run/Walk will be held Saturday April 18, 2009.

This year the proceeds will benefit the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum. For more information on the Run/Walk or to register online you can visit http://www.sportspectrumusa.com/ and go to the events page and scroll down where you see the April 18th event listed. We hope all of you walkers and runners will show your support and help us preserve our past for our future. You can also go to the Minden Event page with this link http://www.sportspectrumusa.com/raceDetail.php?ID=32

"Night For The Museum" With Mr. T.C. Bloxom Jr. "The Chief"

April 13th, 2009 “The Chief” Talks To A Standing Room Only Crowd

When you are known by one name, it gives you a certain status symbol. That was evident on Monday April 13th at “The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum’s 4th “Night for the Museum”. Known to many as simply “The Chief”, Mr. T.C. Bloxom, Jr. a longtime Webster Parish citizen and public servant that grew up in Minden spoke to a standing room only crowd. “The Chief” only recently retired from his position as fire chief of Minden after being involved with the fire department since he was a volunteer fireman at the age of 15. As police chief of the Minden Police Department, Bloxom’s stories were just a fraction of what he has witnessed in Minden and our surrounding communities. He has saved several lives and influenced hundreds more. Museum director Schelley Brown stated, “I was so excited that he agreed to do this for us. The stories that he told were both humors and on the very serious side. The Chief has many wonderful stories and was only able to tap into a few of those in the short time Monday night at Christopher’s. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed listening to him as was apparent from the standing ovation. His unique way of telling stories was a real inspiration to everyone in attendance.”
An added treat for event attendees was a short presentation by movie director; Mr. Jeffrey Goodman. Goodman’s movie “The Last Lullaby” was filmed in Webster Parish and will be coming out in May. Goodman showed a movie trailer of the film to the audience and also talked a little about the film industry in our area. Afterward, Goodman attended the museum to answer more questions about production and filming in Webster Parish. He was also pleased at the way the museum has showcased films shot in the parish.
The monthly events have been a huge success in 2009 with 4 speakers having spoken. Each event has been recorded and made into a $10 DVD. These DVDs are a part of the fundraising efforts of the always expanding and progressing new museum. To purchase your DVD of “The Chief” just drop by the museum Tuesday-Friday 10a.m.-4 p.m. (closed from 1-2 for lunch) with Saturday hours 10a.m.- Noon.
Museum director Schelley Brown stated, “Last year with our June opening we wanted to get the word out about the museum and what better way to do that than to tell our parish history from people that have lived it or whose grandparents experienced it.” The events have included a wide range of subjects from the Civil War, WWII, the 1940’s and 50’s recreation at Hunter’s Playhouse, Black American history. Each event has been attended by 150-200 plus guests every month. Many of these people traveled a great distance to attend the monthly events. Museum board members are looking forward to the next 3 speakers that are lined up. May 11th, 2009 will feature Mr. Richard Noles, June 8th, 2009 will feature Mrs. Joan Andress Williamson and July 13th will highlight the life and a tragic event dealing with the tornado of 1933 and the life of Dr. W.C. Wilkins.
The events will be held at Christopher’s located at 615 Main Street in Minden on the 2nd Monday of the month. Doors open around 5:30 refreshments are served at 6:00 p.m. with speakers to begin at 6:30. No admission is charged for the events but donations to the museum are welcomed. It is recommended that you bring a lawn chair due to the large crowds. Seating goes quickly. For more information on the museum you can visit the web site at http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ or call Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192.

4th “Night For The Museum” will feature a man know simply as “The Chief”

The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Inc announces the 4th “Night for the Museum” of 2009. The monthly events have been a huge success in 2009 with 10 speakers scheduled to speak this year. Each event has been recorded and made into a DVD. These DVDs are a part of the fundraising efforts of the always expanding and progressing new museum.
Monday April 13th, 2009, Mr. T.C. Bloxom Jr. will be the fourth guest speaker for the 2009 season. Known to many as simply “The Chief”, Mr. Bloxom is a longtime Webster Parish citizen and public servant that grew up in Minden. “The Chief” only recently retired from his position as fire chief of Minden after being involved with the fire department since he was a volunteer fireman at the age of 15. He still serves as police chief of the Minden Police Department. Bloxom has witnessed many changes in Minden in his years serving our community. He has also saved several lives and influenced hundreds more. Museum director Schelley Brown stated, “We are so excited that he has agreed to do this for us. He has wonderful stories and I know that everyone is going to enjoy listening to him. He has a unique way of telling stories and it will be a real inspiration to hear him tell about the things that he has been a witness to in our area.”
Museum director Schelley Brown stated, “Last year with our June opening we wanted to get the word out about the museum and what better way to do that than to tell our parish history from people that have lived it or whose grandparents experienced it.” The events have included a wide range of subjects from the Civil War, WWII, the 1940’s and 50’s recreation at Hunter’s Playhouse, Black American history. Each event has been attended by 150-200 plus guests. Many of these people traveled a great distance to attend the monthly events.
The museum has an exciting list of speakers lined up for its history filled 2009 schedule. The events will be held at Christopher’s located at 615 Main Street in Minden on the 2nd Monday of the month. Doors open around 5:30 refreshments are served at 6:00 p.m. with speakers to begin at 6:30. No admission is charged for the events but donations to the museum are welcomed. It is recommended that you bring a lawn chair due to the large crowds. Seating goes quickly. For more information on the museum you can visit the web site at http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ or call Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192.

Sarepta, Louisiana and Trace Adkins Country Music Star

One of the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum's famous list of people, Country Music Star Trace Adkins features his home town of Sarepta, Louisiana located in Webster Parish in this Music Video "Your Gonna Miss This". To learn more about Trace Adkins you can visit his offical web site http://www.traceadkins.com/ or read his new book "Trace Adkins A Personal Stand" Observations and Opinions from a Freethinking Roughneck.

Webster Parish Gets World Wide Recognition

Webster Parish gets World Wide recognition during Super Bowl 2009

This is the "Year One" movie trailer comercial spot that was aired during Super Bowl 2009. This movie was filmed between Sibley and Doyline along Dorcheat. Movie features many local stand-in actors and actresses from our area. Major star Jack Black is the main character.

March 9, 2009 "Night For The Museum With Mr. Don Hinton"

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1950s Photo of Don Hinton and his Dairy Barn

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Monday, March 9th, 2009, the third in the 2009 “Night for the Museum” series will be a night you don’t want to miss. Mr. Don Hinton longtime businessman and dairyman will be the guest speaker. “I know that Mr. Hinton is as excited about speaking as we are at having him, for this special night of history.” stated Dorcheat Museum Director; Schelley Brown.
Born south of Ruston in 1912, ninety-six year old, Mr. Don Hinton first came to Minden in 1935. During this time he worked for the Soil Conservation Service dealing with erosion and flooding problems in our area. In the late 30s Mr. Hinton went into the Dairy business renting Ferndale Farm Dairy until he was able to purchase it ten years later. He would be influential in the local dairy business until the early 1980s. Mr. Hinton has lead a busy life being involved in many aspects of Minden and Webster Parish history. He is very active in the First Methodist Church of Minden, was past president of the Webster Parish Fair Association, longtime member of the Chamber of Commerce and is still one of the regular attending Minden Lions Club members. Don’t miss you chance to hear how our town unfolded and became what it is today from a very active and longtime citizen.
“Night for the Museum with Mr. Don Hinton” will be held at Christopher’s located at 615 Main Street in Minden, Louisiana. Doors open at 5:30 P.M. with refreshments served from 6 P.M.-6:30 P.M. program will begin promptly at 6:30 P.M. with museum tour following the end of the evening. These events have brought in 200 plus attendees on a regular basis so arrive early for good seating or bringing your own lawn chairs are recommended. For more information about this special evening or the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Inc. Contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192 or visit the Dorcheat Museum located at 116 Pearl Street. Make sure to visit the web site for all updates and current events at http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/

Another successful “Night for the Museum”
The place to be was Christopher’s on Main Street was held on Monday March 9th, 2009.
Mr. Don Hinton, longtime business man and Webster Parish citizens kept the packed house of over 200 entertained and informed about the way things were in and around our area back in the 1930, 40’s and 50’s. Mr. Hinton’s event was expected to draw a large crowd. People began arriving as soon as the doors opened at 5:30.
Museum director Schelley Brown stated, “Every month you wonder how much bigger can our crowds get and every month they grow. The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum board is thrilled with the turnout every month. We are making great strides in saving and preserving our history with these monthly speakers. The museum is always changing and we are going to be a work in progress for a longtime. We encourage everyone to come to the events put on by the museum. The museum needs your support and this is something that the people of our area can be proud of. We also need your support in items, artifacts and old photos that people may have tucked away in an attic or trunk.”
The next speakers on schedule are “Chief” T.C. Bloxom, Jr. Monday, April 13th, 2009 followed by Mr. Richard Noles in May. We know that both of these will be standing room only so we encourage everyone to get to Christopher’s early. Doors open at 5:30. Speakers begin at 6:30. Lawn chairs are welcome.
For more information on the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Inc you can call Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192 or visit the museum web site at http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/

Rick Rowe and KTBS 3

It's a new year and time for our first Community Caravan of 2009. You may not realize it, but Webster Parish is a place with a lot of history. Rick Rowe's hanging out in a log cabin, but he's not in the wilderness! He's checking out a new museum in Minden, Louisiana. Click here to see the coverage of the Dorcheat Museum and Bayou Dorcheat. http://www.ktbs.com/news/Rick-visits-Minden-23587/

February 9th, 2009 "Night For The Museum" with Dr. Roy G. Phillips PhD.

This program is funded under a grant form the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, the state affiate of the
National Endowment for the Humanities.

The opinions expressed in this program do not necessarily represent the views of either the Louisiana Endowment for
the Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Click On Pictures To Enlarge Them
In Celebration of Black History Month the February “Night for the Museum” features local author and researcher Dr. Roy G. Phillips, PhD.
Monday, February 9th, 2009 will be the 2nd in the 2009 series of museum speakers. Held monthly at Christopher’s located at 615 Main Street in Downtown Minden, Louisiana. Doors open at 5:30 with speakers starting at 6:30. Admission is free of charge but donations are welcome. Get there early to get a good seat!
Don’t miss this exciting evening dealing with subjects from over 200 years ago through today. Hear about the struggles of one family from Africa through Slavery, Reconstruction, Jim Crow Segregation, World Wars, the Great Migration of black families out of the South and the tumultuous civil rights era of the 1960s, and beyond. Hear Dr. Roy G. Phillips tell of his travels to Africa and his exciting research on his own family. Hear how Dr. Phillips underwent DNA testing to find out what tribe his family came from. Find out about his remarkable close contact of the descendants of the plantation owners that had once owned his great grandfather and other relatives in the Shreveport and East Texas area. See a slideshow presentation of family and historical photos from the years of research done to complete his book “Exodus from the Door of No Return.”
This year marks a milestone year for African American citizens young and old, with the newly elected first black president in the United States. The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum is currently working on the Black History of Webster parish. The museum were recently awarded an Outreach Grant from Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities for up to $2,500 for research being done by help of Dr. Roy G. Phillips, PhD and Mr. James H. Smith entitled “The History of the African American in Webster Parish”.
Dr. Roy G. Phillips, PhD, is a retired campus president at Miami-Dade College, Homestead campus. After sixty years, he returned to his native home in rural Webster Parish outside of Minden. Encouraged by a conversation with renowned author Alex Haley, he researched his own family history back to their native land in Africa and published a book on his findings.
His co-researcher is James H. Smith, a well-known longtime educator, principal in the Webster Parish Schools system, advisor, and volunteer in many youth programs in the parish. Mr. Smith is quite knowledgeable about the Minden area where he has been a life-long resident. Historian John Agan will assist them in their work. Museum designer, Larry Milford will design exhibits based on their research.
Thad Andress; Dorcheat Historical Association President said, "Having read Dr. Phillips book, which includes Mr. Phillips personal history, I have complete confidence this research is in good hands."
Phillips and Smith are beginning research for the African-American exhibits at the Dorcheat Museum. They are contacting persons throughout the parish who have knowledge of this particular part of our history. Where practical and with the permissions of the persons involved, Phillips and Smith will make audio-video recordings of their interviews. This oral history will be valuable for future researchers as well as making interesting exhibits. All periods from 1800 to the present will be covered. Broad spectrums of topics of historical significance are covered including, slavery, reconstruction, occupations, churches, education, etc. In addition they will attempt to find printed information, manuscripts, pictures and artifacts that are of historical importance.
For more information about this and other museum functions visit the museum at 116 Pearl Street, contact Schelley Brown at 318-377-3002 or visit the museum site at http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ .

Dr. Roy G. Phillips

Click on above album to see the museum event photos.
Understanding Slavery an Important Lesson to Learn
The 2nd in the 2009 series of “The Night for the Museum” was another big success. Schelley Brown; Dorcheat Museum Director commented, “This event in celebration of Black History month was a true learning experience for everyone that attended. Dr. Roy Phillips spoke about his research of his family, slavery and his roots back to Africa. Dr. Phillips became involved in his family research after speaking to Alex Haley of Roots fame many years ago and was later able to write his own family history in his book that will be available soon at the museum. I think everyone in attendance learned a lot about the origins of slavery and its effects.” Brown also commented that, “Both Dr. Phillips and Mr. James Smith have been a real asset to the museum, with their work on the Black History of Webster Parish. We are so lucky to have them doing this work for us. I am so pleased with the response from the community that the monthly events are creating. When history excites people that has a positive effect on what we are tying to do with the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum.”
One surprise for the evening was a $5,000 check that was presented to museum association President; Mr. Thad Andress from Cultural Crossroads President; Julie Vogel. Julie spoke of the importance in the community to support art and history projects. The evening was successful with donations from others at the end of the evening in support of preserving our parish history.
A tour of the museum was followed, with a look at the work being done on the Slavery and Reconstruction exhibit. This work is being done by local artist Larry Milford. Milford’s touch is seen throughout the museum with the layout and wonderful murals that are part of the overall look of the museum. The museum has 10 speakers scheduled for the 2009 series with Mr. Don Hinton in March, Mr. T.C. Bloxom Jr. in April and Richard Noles to speak in May. You will not want to miss these next three speakers. The events are held at 6:00 P.M. on the 2nd Monday of the month, at Christopher’s located on Main Street in Minden. If you haven’t been to 116 Pearl Street to see what Minden has to offer you need to make a point of dropping by and spending some time. Help the museum preserve our history for our future. For more information contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192 or go to the museum site at http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/

John Stillmon Willis, Jr. Draws One Of The Biggest Crowds Yet

Mr. John Stillmon Willis, Jr.

Click on album above to see all pictures.
Monday January 12th, 2009, was the evening for one of the biggest crowds yet for a “Night for the Museum.” They came to hear Mr. John S. Willis the first guest speaker for the 2009 museum season. Museum Director; Schelley Brown stated, “I knew Mr. Willis was going to draw a large crowd from the amount of calls we begin receiving early last week. You could have heard a pin drop as Mr. Willis told of his many missions in such detail with twist of humor and through a few tears shared by the crowd. It is amazing to see someone with that kind of memory for detail share those moments in their life. I am so pleased with the response to these historic events. We had a crowd tonight of over 200, we had to go next door to get more chairs! People waited in line to get a chance to talk to Mr. Willis and thank him for what he did in WWII. It was a very moving night for everyone.”
Mr. Willis a longtime Webster Parish citizen grew up in the Doyline area of the parish. John Stillmon Willis, Jr. was born on the Willis farm south of Doyline to Ada Kennon Willis and John Stillmon Willis, Sr. in June of 1919. Mr. Willis spoke of his amazing experiences. He spent four years in the service, the later three years in the Army Air Corps. His combat service was as a B-17 Pilot out of Deephen-Greene Airbase with the 452nd Bomb Group in England. The average casualty rate for the Bomb Groups was a staggering 77% with his unit having an 85% casualty rate. Willis flew amazingly 35 missions. Mr. Willis even had a humorous encounter with the famous Lieutenant Colonel James “Jimmy Doolittle (Doolittle’s Raiders) that resulted in a surprise brand new B-17 for Mr. Willis. Many remember Mr. Willis and his late wife Mrs. Lillian Life Willis as a part of the Webb Hardware family. These two played important parts in the fabric of our community. They retired in 1988. Lillian died in 2006.
Black History Month will bring a very special “Night for the Museum”. In February we have a very special speaker on schedule Mr. Roy G. Phillips will be sharing his research of his family roots all the way back to Africa. This is an extraordinary journey that you don’t want to miss with more information to follow soon.
Many speakers are already lined up for an exciting and history filled 2009 schedule. The events will be held at Christopher’s located at 615 Main Street in Minden on the 2nd Monday of the month. Doors open around 5:30 refreshments are served at 6:00 p.m. with speakers to begin at 6:30. No admission is charged for the events but donations to the museum are welcomed. DVDs are available for all of the museum speakers. The 2008 collection is now on sale for $75 for 9 speakers. Mr. Willis’s DVD will be available by the end of the week for $10 each. Contact the museum at 377-3002 for information. For more information on the museum you can visit the web site at http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ or call Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192.

Dorcheat Historical Museum

Written by John Agan
Friday, 02 January 2009
Published in the Minden Press Herald
The past year was bittersweet for me in many ways; however, the highlight of the year was the opening of the Dorcheat Historical Museum. In the past I have written about the struggles that were endured over more than a half-century to bring this museum into existence.
This week’s Echo of Our Past will be more an Echo of Our Present and Our Future.
Although they didn’t know it, I am turning this space over to a couple of guest columnists this week – President Thad Andress and Executive Director Schelley Brown of the Dorcheat Museum.
Recently a newsletter was begun for members of the Association and it the first edition much of the story of the great things that took place this year was related.
So, today I am going to reprint some of the things from that newsletter, so that those of you who haven’t yet had the chance to participate in our museum will be brought up to date. My hope is that by the time the next quarterly newsletter is released, you will be a member and be able to read the news first hand.
To give credit in advance, most of what you read was written by Schelley Brown, as she composes the newsletter among the myriad of duties she has at the museum. I will also be including Thad’s President’s message from the issue.
The lead story of the newsletter is titled: “Museum Open For Business. The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum opened the doors officially on June 10, 2008. This was after a year-long construction and work phase that is still not complete. We now have the much-needed roof. Our volunteers and workers have been busy and have much more to do in the coming months and years.”
“Our first portion of the museum is nearly complete with minor tweaks along the way to take place. We still need items for the O’Bier Cabin exhibit. We need Civil War and Reconstruction items donated. Our Black History exhibit is in the works with the help of Dr. Roy Phillips and Mr. James Smith. Every day people come in with new items to add to our museum’s collection. This is how museums start, slow and steady. We are on the way!Never Completely Finished
“Soon we will begin working on our Children’s Learning Center. This room will have a seating capacity of over 100. A stage area and large screen monitor will be installed as well as a sound system. This area will have exhibits along the walls to enhance the museum experience for our visitors.
“A museum is never a completely finished project. New items are continuously found and donated. New Ideas always pop up to make things better. Please help us and take part. Remember, this is your museum, too!”In her Director’s Message, Schelley wrote the following:
“It has been a challenging, but very rewarding year at the museum. Thanks to our remarkable exhibit designer, Larry Milford, our museum is something we should all take great pride in. With the help of Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau grant money we have made great progress in 2007 & 2008, and are looking forward to 2009 and all that it holds.
“Our monthly ‘Night for the Museum’ events at Christopher’s on Main Street are a huge success. Held the second Monday of every month except December, these have turned into a historic social gathering. These nights have brought people from all over the area and all walks of life to share their history and memories with us.
“One thing I think more people need to be aware of as we go forward is that amount of money this all costs. Without the help of a few very generous people, we would not be where we are today. My fear is, what happens these few can’t give anymore? It is up to all of us to join in this effort of financial support. It is so important that you support the museum in any way that you can. Financially as well as with volunteer hours are important and the lifeblood of a museum. Members are our most important and most treasured assets.
“Cora Lou Robinson is helping the museum with postcard invitations to our local schools. This important program will encourage our teachers to bring their students to the museum. We are very hopeful that this will take off in a big way all over the parish.
“Take time out and visit the museum or, better yet, plan your next meeting here. Let’s make history together in 2009.”President’s Message
This was Thad’s President’s Message:
“It’s been a great year for the museum. It’s truly wonderful that excitement that has been created in Minden. Can you imagine all those people talking about history? It wasn’t long ago that we were saying we had not history or at least not much. Then John Agan came along and let us know that we were almost the historical center of the world!”
“A new museum was a project waiting to happen. Several of us decided now was the time to do it and together, with a number of others, put up the money to begin the project. The opportunity to hire someone as talented as Larry Milford was a real Godsend. We hope you like what Larry has done. The exhibits are definitely his creations. We have a long way to go, but it will be done ‘right’.
“Our second Godsend was Schelley Brown. She is a workaholic with a new idea a day about how to raise money to support the museum. There are a lot of people with ideas for what other people should do. Schelley means to do them all herself.
“Our volunteer supporters are growing all the time. The same is true of those making donations to the museum. It takes a lot of money to keep going, around $60,000 a year. That doesn’t include new exhibits and renovations of our unfinished areas. We believe we are spending our donor’s money wisely. We hope that more will contribute and those that have will make additional and larger gifts.”An Asset
So now, you have had a little peak at what is going on at the museum. In case you didn’t know we are located at 116 Pearl Street in Downtown Minden, about one half block east of the Post Office, or, if you’ve been here a while, the old Major’s Office Supply building. Drop by and give the museum a look. We are open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Saturday hours are from 10:00 a.m. until 12 Noon. Special tours can be arranged by calling the museum a 377-3002. I hope many of you will be calling that number to volunteer, or to provide those precious artifacts of local history we need to tell the story of our parish.I’m going to conclude this article with a long list, like the “begats” in the Bible. You know those lists in the Bible are lineages that help explain what made an individual or a people special Well, what follows in the “begat” list for the museum. These are those who have been listed as benefactors to the museum from 2006, through the end of October 2008. These good people have either helped financially or through donations of time and work. Now, if you’re name is missing, and you have given, chalk it up to me turning 50 this year and growing blind and forgetful. However, if your name is missing because you haven’t given, wont’ you consider joining these good folks in helping tell our story at the Dorcheat Historical Museum:Notes of ThanksWebster Parish Convention & Visitors Bureau, Mr. & Mrs. Thad Andress, Mr. & Mrs. Miller Andress, Coca Cola Bottling Company of Minden, Ann Mays Harlan, Mrs. Pat Stephens, Mr. & Mrs. Marcus Wren, Dr. Richard Campbell, City of Minden and Mayor Bill Robertson, Mr. & Mrs. Duane Cloud, Mr. & Mrs. Rick Cloud, Webster Parish Police Jury, Minden Main Street, Larry Milford, Claire Drake Moore, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Odom, Mrs. Cora Lou Robinson, Ronnie Sale, Mr. & Mrs. C. O. West, Joan Andress Williamson, Woodard Walker, LLC, John Agan, Dr. & Mrs. Richard Baker, Durwood Blake, Mr. & Mrs. D. B. H. Chaffe III, Phil Demaline, Mr. & Mrs. Ed LaBruyere, Charlotte Martin, Minden Historical Residential District Association, Ty Pendergrass, Linda Pound, Benton & Brown, The Rev. & Mrs. William R. Bryant, Mr. & Mrs. James Bryant, Judge John C. Campbell, Mr. & Mrs. Jack Carroll, Mr. & Mrs. Bobby Evans, Virginia Fox, George French, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Gorman, Frank Griffith, Mr. & Mrs. Jud Hale, Dr. & Mrs. Carl Hines, Mr. & Mrs. Ben Hunter, Mr. & Mrs. John Irving, Mr. & Mrs. Loye Jones, Mrs. Allyson Hancock Kinzel, Bob & Earlene Lyle, Mr. & Mrs. James Madden, Mr. & Mrs. Rodney Mason, Mr. & Mrs. Harry McInnis, Mike Merritt Timberland Services, Dr. & Mrs. Carter Norman, Mr. & Mrs. Glen Pittman, Mr. & Mrs. Homer Purtle, Regions Bank, Mr. & Mrs. Henry Bridges, Waynette Sharon, Mr. & Mrs. Terry Snook, Woodard Investments, Sallie H. Anderton, Gerard & Cheryl Benit, Mr. & Mrs. Fred Berry, State Representative Jean Doerge, Fiberbond Corporation, R. O. Machen, Gibsland Bank and Trust, Jean Mendenhall, Jeannine & Dr. Mark Miller, Mr. & Mrs. Bobby Mourad, Mr. & Mrs. Carleton Prothro, Mr. & Mrs. Lonnie Simpson, Fant & Collier Smith, Dr. & Mrs. Webb Stewart, Mrs. Barbara Stewart-Shaffer, Mr. Andrew Walker, Wal-Mart, Dr. & Mrs. G. W. Willis, Mr. & Mrs. T. C. Bloxom, Jr., Dr. & Mrs. Ed Brown, Dr. & Mrs. Fred Cabaniss, Mr. & Mrs. Billy Chanler, Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Corley, Judge and Mrs. Harmon Drew, Jr., Harry Edwards, Mr. & Mrs. Larry Elkins, Marcia Gater, Mr. & Mrs. Larry Hock, Marilyn & Lea Miller, George Rolfe, Mr. & Mrs. Lynn Sinclair, Ronnie Veitch, Robert White and Mr. and Mrs. R. E. Woodard.
John Agan is a local historian, an Instructor at Bossier Parish Community College, and a published author. His column appears Fridays in the Minden Press-Herald.

We Made Minden's Top Ten For 2008

An eventful year in Minden, Webster
Written by Press-Herald Staff
Wednesday, 31 December 2008
Over the next two days, the Press-Herald will recap the 10 biggest news stories of 2008 in Webster Parish.As follows are numbers 10 through 6.
TEN
Dorcheat Historical Museum opens
The greatly-anticipated Dorcheat Historical Museum, located at 116 Pearl Street, opened to the public on June 10.
The museum houses relics of historical interest and significance collected from all areas of Webster Parish as well as family heirlooms, which have been passed down through the generations. Many of the items have been donated by life-long residents of Minden.
Museum tours start with the history of Webster Parish, beginning with a Native American exhibit. They then progress down a timeline depicting progressions seen and made during the life of Webster Parish.
The Museum began hosting “Night for the Museum”, an exciting and entertaining evening featuring guest speakers who recall stories of Minden’s past. Speakers for this monthly event have included George Turner, Dr. Steve Kirkikis and Marilyn Miller.
The highly attended events are held at Christopher’s, located at 615 Main Street and include refreshments.Museum Director Schelley Brown said Night for the Museum allows for the recording of these important stories for future generations.

2009 Season for “Night for the Museum” will be filled with History

Click to enlarge picturesJohn Stillmon Willis, Jr. To Be The First Speaker of 2009

The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Inc announces the first “Night for the Museum” of 2009. These events were such a huge success in 2008 with 9 speakers’ total for the year. Each event was recorded and made into a DVD. These DVDs are a part of the fundraising efforts of the always expanding and progressing new museum.
Museum director Schelley Brown stated, “Last year with our June opening we wanted to get the word out about the museum and what better way to do that than to tell our parish history from people that have lived it or whose grandparents experienced it.” The events have included a wide range of subjects from the Civil War – the 1940’s and 50’s recreation at Hunter’s Playhouse. Each event was attended by 150-200 guests. Many of these people traveled a great distance to attend the monthly events.
Monday January 12th, 2009, Mr. John S. Willis will be the first guest speaker for the 2009 season. Mr. Willis a longtime Webster Parish citizen grew up in the Doyline area of the parish. John Stillmon Willis, Jr. was born on the Willis farm south of Doyline to Ada Kennon Willis and John Stillmon Willis, Sr. in June of 1919. Ada Willis would succumb to along illness when John was just 4 years old. John was then raised by his grandparents John Gladden and Anna Willis. He graduated with a degree in Agronomy from LSU. He farmed until Pearl Harbor. He spent four years in the service, the later three years in the Army Air Corps. His combat service was as a B-17 Pilot out of Deephen-Greene Airbase with the 452nd Bomb Group in England. The average casualty rate for the Bomb Groups was a staggering 77% with his unit having an 85% casualty rate. Willis flew amazingly over 30 missions. After leaving the service John spent 20 years in the family lumber business. The next 20 years many remember Mr. Willis and his late wife Mrs. Lillian Life Willis as a part of the Webb Hardware family. These two played important parts in the fabric of our community. They retired in 1988. Lillian died in 2006. Mr. Willis will be speaking on his early childhood days around Lake Bistineau as well as his amazing stories of WWII and life in our surrounding communities. Ms. Brown commented, “I know Mr. Willis is going to be a wonderful first speaker for 2009. We are so excited that he has agreed to do this for us. He has wonderful stories and I know that everyone is going to enjoy listening to him.”
Speakers are already lined up for an exciting and history filled 2009 schedule. The events will be held at Christopher’s located at 615 Main Street in Minden on the 2nd Monday of the month. Doors open around 5:30 refreshments are served at 6:00 p.m. with speakers to begin at 6:30. No admission is charged for the events but donations to the museum are welcomed. For more information on the museum you can visit the web site at http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ or call Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192.

Holiday Hours

The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum Holiday hours. On December 4th we will be open until 8:00 p.m. for Wrap It Up Downtown In Minden. The Week of Christmas we will be closed for a week from December 24th Christmas Eve - New Years Day. We will open again on Friday January 2nd, 2009. We will be in town the week we are closed so if you have family in that would like to see the museum please call Schelley Brown 423-0192 or Thad Andress 377-7311. If we are able to we would love to come down and show you the museum.

We Start Them Early To Volunteer Here At The Museum

Volunteer Kristin Little is a seventh grade student at Webster Jr. High school. During her Thanksgiving vacation this young volunteer got in a days work at the Dorcheat Museum sorting and folding the Winter 2008-09 Newsletters. Kristin needed 10 hours of service for this semester for her Beta Club Service Project. The Dorcheat Museum was glad to have this help from a young person. It is important to start children out young to learn about the importance of volunteerism. We hope Kristin enjoyed her work here and will want to continue to help us in the future. We also hopes she gets an A+ on her work at school.

2008 Season Finale

2008 Season Finale for “A Night for the Museum” A Big Hit
Monday, November 10th, 2008 was the 2008 “Night for the Museum” season finale. The monthly history events but on by the new Dorcheat Historical Association Museum have been a huge success and have increased awareness of the importance of Webster Parish history. Schelley Brown the director of the museum stated, “These events began to help promote the museum. We weren’t sure at first how they would go over, but we were thrilled when they kept growing in attendance every month. The people of Minden and surrounding areas are now looking forward to our next speakers. We not only created an interest in history but also stirred people’s memories of items and artifacts that they have tucked away in closets and attics. These items have now found there way to where they belong in the new museum.
Monday night’s speaker was the official Bossier Parish historian Clifton Cardin. Mr. Cardin has done extensive research about old Bossier Parish which at one time was part of what is now Webster Parish. He is the author of many history related books dealing with our area. Cardin donated one of his books to the museum on Monday night to be placed in the library reference section of the museum. Cardin also donated the same history book to be given away in the gift basket that was given away and was won by Sandra Sparkman.
Cardin told of some of the great leaders of our Parish and the huge influence they made on this area. One in particular was Judge John Watkins the man that had “Shed Road” constructed. Cardin talked on the importance and rarity of this type road and how he is looking for a picture of this structure. No picture exists of the old road to his knowledge and historians would love to find this in the future. Cardin also presented the museum with several pictures that were recently located dealing with the Yellow Pine area of Webster Parish.
All of the events have been recorded and are available for sale now as a complete set. You can save by getting the entire 9 DVD set which sales normally for $10 each. Now get all 9 DVDs for $75.00. These make a great gift for Christmas and the museum now has special old-time gift wrapping to make it a perfect gift of history. The museum has several items including prints and history books and the popular “Taste of Yesterday” cookbook series. All of these items are related to our area and are a great way to support the museum plus make great gifts for your holiday list.
The monthly events will continue in January 2009 with first speaker to be Mr. John S. Willis. Willis is a longtime Minden citizen and also a WWII Veteran with many heroic stories to tell. February will celebrate African-American History Month with Dr. Roy Phillips. Dr. Phillips has traced his family history to Africa and back. Dr. Phillips has published a book about his family and has done extensive research in Africa as well as the United States about African- Americans in our area. Dr. Phillips is also currently working with Mr. James Smith, long time educator in Webster Parish on the Black history for the museum. A grant has been applied for to help with this exhibit.
The museum has a lot to look forward to in 2009 as work continues on the Children’s Learning Center in the back room of the museum. The museum hopes to have classes come to the museum for tours and is encouraging local children’s club leaders, teachers and schools to call for tour times. This museum is not what you expect in a small town and you must get out and see it for yourself. For more information contact Schelley Brown at 318-377-3002 or 318-423-0192. To read more about the museum go to http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/

Lunch Bunch At First United Methodist Church Minden, Louisiana

Dorcheat Historical Association Museum Director Schelley Brown spoke to the First United Methodist Church (Lunch Bunch Group) in Minden, Louisiana on Wednesday November 5th, 2008 at their monthly noon meeting. The topic was the importance of historic preservation in our area. The importance of now having the museum available to consolidate all the preservation efforts was relayed to the crowd. A invitation was extended to everyone attending the luncheon for a free tour of the museum following the program. Several lunch attendees took the museum tour offer and arrived at the museum for their free tour later in the day. All were most impressed with the quality of our Webster Parish Museum.

Cookbook Fair In Ruston, Louisiana

On Saturday November 1st, 2008, the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum was invited to attend the 2nd Ruston Parish Library Cookbook Fair. The new "Taste Of Class" Cookbooks were a great hit along with the recipe for Rene's Vacation Peanut Butter Candy. Our first cookbook also had good reviews. We are almost out of both of our cookbooks so hurry to get yours if you haven't already done so. These make the perfect wedding, Christmas, or birthday gift. We also have nostalgic gift wrapping available.

Newsletter Winter 2008-2009

Click to enlarge for reading!

November Night For The Museum With Bossier Parish Historian Clifton D. Cardin

“Webster and Bossier Parish our Connections from the past”
“The November 10th, 2008 “Night for The Museum” promises to be one of our most informative evenings to date” stated Museum director Schelley Brown. Clifton D. Cardin the official Bossier Parish Historian will be on hand for a very special evening of history. Mr. Cardin will be speaking on Old Bossier Parish, now western Webster parish and other historic events shared by Minden, Webster and Bossier Parish.
Mr. Cardin is a Louisiana native with close ties to Webster parish having lived in Dixie Inn from 1984-1996. Since retirement he now owns Nike-Hercules "Cold War" Missile Base in Bellevue. He gladly answers all questions in regards to his knowledge of our parish history.
He is an accomplished author of five books on Bossier Parish history. He is currently working on several other history related books.
1. Bossier Parish History 1843-1993 the first 150 years.

2. Proud to be in Bossier for Willis Knighton-Bossier's grand opening.

3. Images of Bossier Parish

4. Bossier Parish Headstones, a complete list.....

5. No Pardons to Ask, Nor Apologies to Make… Aka William King Civil War diary
The topic of Mr. Cardin’s talk will be about how Bossier parish was formed from Claiborne Parish. Until 1871, Bossier Parish included what are now Webster and Red River parishes. Its boundaries were originally Loggy Bayou to Lake Bistineau to Bayou Dorcheat to the Arkansas-Louisiana state line to the Red River back to the mouth of Loggy Bayou.
The monthly event will again be held at Christopher’s located at 615 Main Street in Minden, Louisiana. Refreshments will be provided by Dorcheat Museum and sponsored by Ty Pendergrass of Argent Financial. Refreshments will be served at 6:00 P.M. and an opening welcome from Mr. Thad Andress; President of the Dorcheat Historical Association & Museum, Inc. and introduction by Webster Parish historian; John Agan. Program will begin at 6:30 with a special gift basket to be given away to a lucky attendee at the end of the evening! A two night stay with a value of $378 at the McKay House in Jefferson will also be raffled off at the end of the evening. A special tour of the Dorcheat Historical Museum located at 116 Pearl Street will follow these two drawings. “These events are growing in attendance every month. The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum is proud to be able to offer the citizens of Webster Parish a glimpse into the past. We will not be having an event in December so this will be our last event for 2008. We have a great lineup of speakers already booking for our 2009 events which will begin in January. 2009 is going to be filled with exciting museum events.” stated Ms. Brown. For more information on “A Night for the Museum with Mr. Clifton D. Cardin” please contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192 or visit http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ Reservations not required first come first serve seating.

Women's Department Club 2008

Click on photo to enlarge.Tuesday October 7, 2008 Dorcheat Museum director, Schelley Brown spoke to over 100 women for the quarterly meeting of the Women’s Department Club. The well attended luncheon was held at 12 noon in the Fellowship Hall of First United Methodist Church in Minden.
The Women’s Department Club of Minden has been an honored tradition for women since 1924 with the first president being Mrs. S.W. Brown. This group of women has formed an organization long steeped in tradition and good works. As was evident by the attendance, this group is dedicated to their causes and mission.
A wonderful lunch provided by B Rose Catering was enjoyed by everyone. The Pledge of Allegiance followed by an opening prayer by Carolyn Raley got the program started. Mrs. Glenda Toms current president of the organization introduced the guest speaker.
The subject for this meeting was historic preservation. What better woman to speak than Ms. Brown. Brown currently is the director of the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, current president of the Minden Historic Residential District Association and board member of the Minden Cemetery Association. Her love of preservation in all respects was evident by her passion in her speech. Brown opened with a comment about herself that she has said really is what she is all about. “It has been said that if it is old, rusty, paint peeling off, will not crank, or buried I probably have something to do with it!”
Brown emphasized how important the telling of family history from generation to generation is. She stressed the importance of writing down or recording your memories and your grandparent’s memories for the future generations of families. “Everyone knows how important the knowledge of medical history from generation to generation is but the other history and stories are just as important. If we don’t remember our history chances are we will make some of the same horrific mistakes that have taken place in the past.” One shocking detail of this was evident to the ladies, as Ms. Brown told about speaking to a high school group where several in the class had no idea what the Holocaust was!
The goals of the Dorcheat Historical Museum, the Minden Cemetery and the Minden Residential District Association were told to the crowd, with a request for support and volunteers from the members of the Department Club. Many signed up for the upcoming “Taste of Class” cookbook that will be on sale within the next few weeks. An invitation to come to the museum following the luncheon was extended to the group with several making the tour of the museum their next stop for the day. For more information on the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum you can contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192 or visit the museum web site at www.museuminminden.blogspot.com

Bring Your Class To The Museum

The Dorcheat Museum encourages the teachers of Webster Parish to bring your class rooms to the museum.
Click on pictures below to enlarge.
Please call us for more information and to book your class trip today!
318-423-0192

1933 A Year Of Devastation For Minden

Click to enlarge

“A Night for Remembering So Much”
Many came together Monday night at the Dorcheat Historical Association’s monthly “Night for the Museum” to remember not only the event theme but to remember Mrs. Juanita Agan. The unexpected death of scheduled speaker John Agan’s mother was a shock to many in the Minden area. Museum director, Schelley Brown began the evening by urging everyone to sign cards for the family that were placed on each table and by telling everyone about the frequent calls shared with Mrs. Agan and how they always left you with a smile.
As the program began Thad Andress described the Juanita he knew as a child. Andress explained how Mrs. Agan and her beloved J.C. were an Andress Motor Company romance that would last a lifetime. Richard Campbell would continue with his memories of growing up in Minden and how loved and cherished Mrs. Agan was to so many. He also spoke of how priceless she was to those that love history.
The theme for the October event was the disasters of that year and the toll it took on Minden and Webster Parish. Dr. Campbell then began the program with a reading of a 1933 newspaper to set the tone. Webster Nation was the first one from the crowd to get up and tell his story. He was a young boy just wanting to play a game of baseball that day after school. He was stopped from leaving the house by his father. This act possibly saved his life. He described the scene with such emotion that you could feel the fear that was felt that day. He described in detail the sights and sounds of that terrible day. He said as long as he lives that he will never forget that day of having to go down into a crowded storm cellar with family and neighbors. Mr. Nation was also a classmate of Mrs. Agan and he spoke of her with the affection of lifelong friends.
Betty Lowe was next in line and she told how she and her family saw the storm approaching from Cotton Valley. Neighbors gathered in their large home that would later be almost totally destroyed by the cyclone. She told how they lived with neighbors and in two tents supplied by the Red Cross until a home was rebuilt for her family.
Joan Willey Luck, Eugene Allen, Dr. Steve Kirkikis, Marcus Wren and Faye Gordon all took the stage to tell of the death and destruction that followed the worst tornado to ever hit the state of Louisiana so many years ago. They also shared memories of what Mrs. Agan had meant to them. A tour of the 1933 museum exhibit was taken at the program’s end.
The 2nd Monday in November “Night for the Museum” will be an evening with the Bossier Parish Historian Clifton D. Cardin. Mr. Cardin will be speaking about the connections between the two parishes. For more information on the Dorcheat Historical Association and Museum contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192 or visit the web site at http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ . A DVD of each event is available at the museum located at 116 Pearl Street.

Large Turnout Expected Again For “A Night for the Museum” with Mr. John Agan
Monday, October 13th, 2008, “A Night for the Museum” will be a special night for history lovers. John Agan, lifelong resident, local author, newspaper columnist, history teacher and the official Webster Parish Historian will be the guest speaker at The Dorcheat Historical Association’s “A Night for the Museum”. John is a 1976 graduate of Minden High School and earned a B.A. in History, a M. Ed. in Social Studies Education and a M. A. in History from Louisiana Tech. He did work toward his Ph.D. at both the University of Mississippi and LSU. He is currently an Instructor of History at Bossier Parish Community College . He has written three books on local history and since 2000 has written a weekly column on local history for the Minden Press-Herald. He is a member of the First Baptist Church where he has served as a Deacon and Sunday School Teacher and currently serves on the Board of Trustees. John is also am a member of the Minden Cemetery Association Board, the Germantown Colony Museum Commission, the Advisory Board of Cultural Crossroads and the Board of the Dorcheat Historical Association. Mr. Agan was appointed by the Police Jury as the designated official historian of Webster Parish.
Don’t miss this exciting and entertaining evening of hearing our history. This informative night dealing with Webster parish history during the 1930s should be another huge success. The monthly gatherings of history fans have been held to a packed house almost since it began over six months ago. Museum coordinators are again expecting a large turnout, so you may want to bring your lawn chairs just in case of a shortage of seating! “John Agan and his mother Juanita Agan have such a keen memory for detail. Minden is so lucky to have them both and we should be so appreciative of their work and knowledge. I don’t know where I would be with some of my projects without them. “Ghost Walk”, that benefits the Minden Cemetery , would never have happened without John helping me every year with scripts and information. The Dorcheat Museum would be in the same shape, I am afraid, without John’s knowledge.” stated Brown.
Our Webster Parish historian will be speaking on the subject of the new museum exhibit “The Disasters of 1933”. That year was especially tragic for Minden and the entire parish, as well as many other parts of the country. The “Great Depression” was in full swing for many, with droughts and flooding not much help to farmers. Banks failed and people struggled. Hear how Minden citizens survived bank failures, tragedy of fire, floods, and tornado. Minden later would triumph over all these events to become what we know and love today.
For this event museum director, Schelley Brown is encouraging everyone that remembers the 1933 disasters to come and have your story recorded. “This is a rare opportunity to get our oral history of this year down for posterity. Phil Demaline will be on hand making this recording possible. We want those that remember stories that were told to them, as well as those that were actually there, to stand up and tell us what happened to them. All of this will be a huge help with our new exhibit. We have an actual news reel from 1933 that shows live footage of the tornado of 1933 damage and the aftermath of the storm, but it has no sound. These real accounts can greatly enhance this exhibit.” stated Ms. Brown.
Mr. Agan will be speaking at Christopher’s located at 615 Main Street in Minden , Louisiana . Refreshments will be provided by Charlotte Martin and sponsored by Ty Pendergrass of Argent Financial. Refreshments will be served at 6:00 P.M. An opening welcome will be given by Mr. Thad Andress, President of the Dorcheat Historical Association & Museum, Inc. Everyone is encouraged to arrive before 6:00 P.M. for seating. Program will begin at 6:30. A large gift basket with a value of over $200 will be given away to a lucky attendee at the end of the evening! Also a raffle drawing for a two- night stay (value $378) at the McKay House B & B in Jefferson, Texas will be held.
Admission is free of charge and everyone is welcome. For more information on “A Night for the Museum with Mr. John Agan” please contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192 or visit http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ . Reservations not required. First come, first served seating

The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum Needs Your Help with The Disaster of 1933 Exhibit !

The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum is currently working on its new exhibit “The Disasters of 1933”. “This exhibit is a very important element in the museum timeline.” stated museum director Schelley Brown. This new exhibit is the work of local artist Larry Milford and includes not only a Tornado and Fire display but will also include sound effects and a live footage news reel that will be played on a small screen TV. “What we are working on now are the stories from the people that lived through this time in our history. We want to get these stories recorded at our next “Night for The Museum” which will take place on October 13, 2008 at Christopher’s on Main Street. We are encouraging everyone that remembers these 1933 events to please come out for this evening of history. We also are looking for pictures and artifacts from 1933. We hope that people will remember that they have old photos or items that were saved from the tornado or fire to come forward and help us make this new exhibit something we can all be proud of. Minden suffered a great many disasters that year with failing banks, fires, floods, and then the worst tornado on record to hit the state of Louisiana. To come back from all of that says a lot about the type people Webster Parish citizens were and still are.” said Ms. Brown. For more information about the museum you can contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192 or visit the museum blog at www.museuminminden.blogspot.com Remember this is your museum!

African-American Research Project in Webster Parish

Dr. Roy Phillips Mr. James Smith

Phillips and Smith to Begin Research for African-American Exhibit at Dorcheat Museum

Dr. Roy G. Phillips and James H. Smith are to begin research for African-American exhibits at the Dorcheat Museum. They will be contacting persons throughout the parish who have knowledge of this particular part of our history. Where practical and with the permissions of the persons involved, Phillips and Smith will make audio-video recordings of their interviews. This oral history will be valuable for future researchers as well as making interesting exhibits. All periods from 1800 to the present will be covered. Broad spectrums of topics of historical significance are covered including, slavery, reconstruction, occupations, churches, education, etc.

In addition they will attempt to find printed information, manuscripts, pictures and artifacts that are of historical importance.

Dr. Roy G. Phillips, PhD, is a retired campus president at Miami-Dade College, Homestead campus. After sixty years, he returned to his native home in rural Webster Parish outside of Minden. Encouraged by a conversation with renowned author Alex Haley, he researched his own family history back to their native land in Africa and published a book on his findings. Thad Andress said, "Having read the book, which includes Mr. Phillips personal history, I have complete confidence this research is in good hands."

His co-researcher is James H. Smith, a well-known longtime educator, principal in the Webster Parish Schools system, advisor, and volunteer in many youth programs in the parish. Mr. Smith is quite knowledgeable about the Minden area where he has been a life-long resident.

Historian John Agan will assist them in their work. Larry Milford will design exhibits based on their research.

The Museum has applied for a grant from Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities to support this project. The outline for the project was prepared by Pattie Odom and Charlotte Martin and presented to them. President Thad Andress said that this very important project will move forward even if the grant is not received.

Schelley Brown, Executive Director, encourages all persons that have artifacts, pictures, manuscripts, books, that you want to share with Dr. Phillips and Mr. Smith to contact her at 319-423-0192. Copies can be made of any pictures and the original returned.

This program is funded under a grant form the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, the state affiate of the
National Endowment for the Humanities.

The opinions expressed in this program do not necessarily represent the views of either the Louisiana Endowment for
the Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities.

A Vist From The Secretary of State, Jay Dardenne

August 8th, 2008

Click on Pictures To View Larger

A Vist From The Secretary of State, Jay Dardenne

The Dorcheat Historical Association and Museum was honored with some of Louisiana's state representatives. The Office of the Louisiana Secretary of State, State Representative Jean Doerge, and the Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau had a special press conference at the Germantown Colony & Museum on Germantown Road in Minden. This event was held with distinguished members of the Webster Parish Police Jury, the Germantown Colony Commission and Parish Historian John Agan. The excitement was generated by the State of Louisiana taking over the Germantown Colony as a state site. This will help protect and preserve this valuable piece of local and state history. A reception followed the press conference at Christopher's in downtown Minden. After the well attended reception. Secretary of State; Jay Dardenne along with assistant; Cathy Berry as well as Louisiana State Representative; Jean Doerge, Webster Parish Tourism Director; Lynn Dorsey and members of the WPCVB and other distinguished guest toured the new museum to see the tremendous amount of progress that has been made in one year's time.

State Representative Jean Doerge, Secretary of State Jay Dardenne and Secretary of State Assistant Cathy Berry in front of Overton scene in Dorcheat Historical Association Museum.

Memories Of Hunter's Night For The Museum

click on pictures to enlarge

“Night for the Museum Memories of Hunter’s Playhouse Era” with an All-Star Cast!

The September 9th, 2008 “Night for the Museum” was “A Sentimental Journey” to remember. Dorcheat Museum’s director; Schelley Brown stated, “We have never had a crowd this large before, folks having been calling me for weeks in anticipation about this night. People started to arrive at Christopher’s around 4:00 P.M. for the 6:00 P.M. historic venue event. These events just keep growing. In fact we have now officially outgrown Christopher’s. I am telling people to bring lawn chairs because of the limited number of chairs that we do have plus we did not set up tables and added more chairs just for this occasion. It is great that people have made this monthly event a must do! This era of time was so special to so many folks. Many of those that took part in Monday night’s event traveled back to their old hometown for the weekend and spent time with family and friends. It is wonderful to know that now we have people traveling a great distance to come to Minden once a month just to hear our speakers and take part in the museum activities.”

Monday night’s trip down memory lane included the legendary Harmon Drew on keyboard; The Minden Melodies singing group, a Playhouse skit on what it was like back then (with the boys seated on one side of the room and the girls sitting on the other in anticipation for that question of “will you dance with me”?). Master of Ceremonies; Lamar Pace kept the program moving with each introduction of the next speaker. A list of locals and those that experienced a wonderful time in Minden’s history made their way toward the stage, to tell stories and relive how important this time in their lives was. At one point a popular dance from the era “The Paul Jones” was brought back to life as a few couples were drawn from the crowd to form the two circles required.

Brown stated, “This was a moving and an emotional night for many as were evident by the smiles and tears seen in the crowd. This tribute to Larry and Gladys Hunter and what they did for Minden youth for over 30 years was a true testament that showed how important it was and how many lives were touched by their generosity. I don’t think they had anyway of knowing that over 50 years later crowds would gather in honor of what they did for children and young adults in our area. They made a lasting impression that will live on forever in the memories of so many. I am so glad that we will now have the new museum exhibit to showcase this as well as the DVD that captured so many memories for other to share. Their legacy will live on with this new exhibit.”

If you missed last night, a DVD is available for $10 at the museum. The next “Night for the Museum” is scheduled for October 13th, 2008. A night remembering the disasters of 1933 with historian John Agan will be a great history lesson for all of us.
Admission is free of charge and everyone is welcome. For more information on “A Night for the Museum” please contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192 or visit www.museuminminden.blogspot.com . Reservations not required first come first serve seating.
ROCK -N- ROLL IS HERE TO STAY















Don’t miss the next Dorcheat Historical Association and Museum Event on Monday, September 8th, 2008. Christopher’s, located at 615 Main Street in Minden, La. will be the place to have those poodle skirts on and your duck tails slicked back. That’s right, we are going back more than 50 years in time to when rock-n-roll was here to stay and chrome was blinding on your new ‘57 Chevy.
For those who grew up in the 1940s, 50s and early 60s in Minden when you said the words “I’m going to Hunter’s”, everyone knew what you meant. It meant you were going to go swimming, play ball or just hang out with friends at the Playhouse. It was a simple time, it was the best of times, it was the good ole’ days!
Artist Cora Lou Robinson described her teenage years as wonderful in part due to the generosity of the Hunter family. The Hunter family has owned the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Minden since 1901. Back in the 1940s the Hunters became the recreation hub for all of Minden and the surrounding area. Everyone swam in their pool, played in their playground, danced in their playhouse, and watched countless ballgames in their park. No other town has ever seen the likes of the Hunter family in Cora Lou’s eyes. The 1940s, 50s and early 60s were a special time in Minden, Louisiana because of the generosity of Gladys and Larry Hunter. Cora Lou’s love of the special times and memories of the 1950s and Hunter’s Playhouse is depicted in one of her first paintings of a dance at the Playhouse. This painting has recently been recreated in prints and Giclee’ canvas reproductions as a fundraiser for the all new museum located on Pearl Street in Minden.
This trip down memory lane will feature stories from several longtime citizens of the area, songs and dances from this special time in so many privileged people’s lives. This night will be recorded and everyone will be given the opportunity to tell their Hunter’s memory. Museum director; Schelley Brown stated, “Larry and Gladys Hunter devoted their lives to the children of this area and that love for them still shines in so many that it is only fitting that we have this special night of memories. We will not focus so much about what they did because everyone knows they were the reason for it all. This night is more of a tribute to their work by hearing how it changed lives. We will hear stories about what it was like to grow up and be able to enjoy what was offered to Minden’s youngsters.”
For more information on this special evening please contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192 or iluvoldcars@yahoo.com . Don’t forget to visit our museum blog at http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ . If you would like to be placed on our mailing list please give us a call. You don’t want to miss what is happening with the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum. Let’s make history in 2008!

Sons of Darkness, Sons of Light

“Night for the Museum Sons of Darkness, Sons of Light” with Marilyn Miller

“Night for the Museum Sons of Darkness, Sons of Light” with Marilyn Miller
The August 11th, 2008 “Night for the Museum” was a night to remember. Dorcheat Museum’s director; Schelley Brown stated, “We have never had a crowd this large before. People started to arrive at Christopher’s around 5:00 P.M. for the 6:00 P.M. historic venue event. These events just keep growing. In fact we have really outgrown Christopher’s. I am telling people to bring lawn chairs because of the limited number of chairs that we do have. It is great that people have made this monthly event a must do! We now have people traveling a great distance to come to Minden once a month to hear our speakers. Last night we had guest that had traveled from Alabama and Puerto Rico just to hear our speaker.”
Marilyn Miller one of Minden’s longtime citizens was the guest speaker at The Dorcheat Historical Association’s “Night for the Museum”. The large crowd was totally silent as Ms. Miller described in detail what took place almost 100 years ago. Ms. Miller shared historical aspects of her book, as well as her views on the social and political implications of the 92-year-old murders.
The story begins Christmas Day, 1916, John Nelson Reeves, his wife, Maud, and three of their four children were axed to death as they lay peacefully sleeping in their rural Webster Parish home. The gruesome slayings of the Grove, LA family members, and the next four years of trials and appeals of the accused killers, is the subject of a true-crime novel penned by Minden resident Marilyn Miller and published in October of 2000 by Sweet Dreams Publishing Company of Many (LA).
Ms. Miller graduated from Minden High School in 1970 and from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, LA in 1973 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism.
She was executive editor of the Minden Press-Herald for 17 years. And just this month, after 18 years on the job, she retired from her position as director of Marketing & Public Relations for Minden’s Fibrebond Corporation.
From February of 1974 to September of 1990, she worked in different positions at the Alexandria Daily Town Talk in Alexandria, Louisiana and the Minden Press-Herald in Minden, Louisiana.
During her tenure with the Minden Press-Herald, Ms. Miller earned many awards for writing and photography. These included the Louisiana Press Association’s honored “Freedom of Information” Award for uncovering government scandal that resulted in the first recall of a mayor in the State of Louisiana. Her long list of journalism awards also includes those from United Press International and the Associated Press for feature writing, investigative reporting, editorial writing, and photography.
Ms. Miller left the position of Executive Editor at the Minden Press-Herald in October of 1990 to become director of Public Relations for Fibrebond Corporation, the worldwide manufacturing company headquartered in Minden.
She became reintroduced to Minden readers and viewers in February of 2006, when she was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis, a rare neurological syndrome caused by damage to the spinal cord. Although there is no known cure for TM, Marilyn beat the odds and became one of the 1 in 3 victims of the syndrome who manage to walk again.
In August 2008, she retired from the position of director of Marketing and Public Relations for Fibrebond to focus more on her health.
After the riveting talk Ms. Miller had a book signing. The proceeds of her book were donated to the Dorcheat Museum. Betty Fowler was the winner of this month’s museum gift basket. The drawing was followed by a tour of the recently opened museum located on Pearl Street.
If you missed last night, a DVD is available for $10 today at the museum. The next Night for the Museum is scheduled for September 8th, 2008. “A night remembering the Hunter’s Playhouse era is already causing quite a buzz far and wide. Bring your own lawn chairs suggested for Hunter’s Playhouse event”, stated Ms. Brown.
Admission is free of charge and everyone is welcome. For more information on “A Night for the Museum” please contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192 or visit http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ . Reservations not required first come first serve seating.
The August 11th, 2008 “Night for the Museum” will be a night to remember. Dorcheat Museum’s director; Schelley Brown, announces another special historic venue event. Monday, August 11th, 2008, Marilyn Miller one of Minden’s longtime citizens will be the guest speaker at The Dorcheat Historical Association’s “Night for the Museum”.
On Christmas Day, 1916, John Nelson Reeves, his wife, Maud, and three of their four children were axed to death as they lay peacefully sleeping in their rural Webster Parish home. The gruesome slayings of the Grove, LA family members, and the next four years of trials and appeals of the accused killers, is the subject of a true-crime novel penned by Minden resident Marilyn Miller and published in October of 2000 by Sweet Dreams Publishing Company of Many (LA).
Ms. Miller will share historical aspects of her book, as well as her views on the social and political implications of the 92-year-old murders, during “A Night at the Museum” on Monday, Aug. 11. The free event begins at 6:00 p.m. at Christopher’s on Main Street. The public is invited.
Marilyn is not a stranger to most Minden residents. She was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on January 28, 1952 to Webster Parish natives Major (USAF Retired) W.S. Miller (deceased), and Lea McCollum Miller, an elementary school secretary (retired). She and her family traveled extensively in the United States and Europe before retiring to Minden, Louisiana in 1962.
Ms. Miller graduated from Minden High School in 1970 and from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, LA in 1973 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism.
She was executive editor of the Minden Press-Herald for 17 years. And just this month, after 18 years on the job, she retired from her position as director of Marketing & Public Relations for Minden’s Fibrebond Corporation.
From February of 1974 to September of 1990, she worked in different positions at the Alexandria Daily Town Talk in Alexandria, Louisiana and the Minden Press-Herald in Minden, Louisiana.
During her tenure with the Minden Press-Herald, Ms. Miller earned many awards for writing and photography. These included the Louisiana Press Association’s honored “Freedom of Information” Award for uncovering government scandal that resulted in the first recall of a mayor in the State of Louisiana. Her long list of journalism awards also includes those from United Press International and the Associated Press for feature writing, investigative reporting, editorial writing, and photography.
Ms. Miller left the position of Executive Editor at the Minden Press-Herald in October of 1990 to become director of Public Relations for Fibrebond Corporation, the worldwide manufacturing company headquartered in Minden.
She became reintroduced to Minden readers and viewers in February of 2006, when she was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis, a rare neurological syndrome caused by damage to the spinal cord. Although there is no known cure for TM, Marilyn beat the odds and became one of the 1 in 3 victims of the syndrome who manage to walk again.
In August 2008, she retired from the position of director of Marketing and Public Relations for Fibrebond to focus more on her health.
You don’t want to miss the story of Sons of Darkness Sons of Light as told by someone that researched and investigated this 1916 tragedy.
Admission is free of charge and everyone is welcome. For more information on “A Night for the Museum” please contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192 or visit http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ . Reservations not required first come first serve seating.

Proud To Be An American

“Night for the Museum with a look at Minden’s International Branches” was the 5th in the now successful monthly events for the new Dorcheat Historical Association Museum. “Every month we just have a bigger turn out than the month before! These nights of history have turned into something the people of Minden are supporting in a big way. I think everyone is really enjoying their selves, it gives everyone an opportunity to not only learn history or reminisce but it gives the people in Minden a place to come and socialize once a month with old friends that they may not see often. It really has become the place to be and that is exactly what I hoped for.”, stated museum director; Schelley Brown.
These events are held at 6 P.M. every second Monday night at Christopher’s located at 615 Main Street in Minden. Last night’s speakers, Dr. Steve Kirkikis, Jimmy Michael and George Mourad filled the evening with fascinating stories as told by members of the many immigrant families that had such a huge and important influence on Webster Parish. This informative night dealing with Webster parish’s families that made it to Minden via Ellis Island was well received by all those attending. You came away from the evening with a sense of pride for your country. You realized how much it means to those born in foreign lands to get here at all cost. Ellis Island is a symbol of America’s immigrant heritage. It is hard to imagine, that in the time between 1892 -1954, nearly twelve million men, women and children landed there in their search of freedom of speech and religion, and for economic opportunity. Imagine arriving on a huge ocean liner and seeing the Statue of Liberty and the New York sky line for the first time! To see Minden and the United States through their eyes is a different perspective of history for our parish. These families changed our parish and brought a cultural flair to our area that didn’t exist until they arrived.
If you were unable to attend the meetings a DVD of all the past events are available at the museum for $10 each. August and September are already in the works. August will feature local author Marilyn Miller and September will be a blast in the past to the e1940’s and 50’s with a “Memories of Hunter’s” themed night. Don’t forget that the Dorcheat Museum is now open. Hours are as follows; closed on Monday, open Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-1 p.m. closed from 1- 2 for lunch and open again from 2 - 4 p.m. If you would like to volunteer time at the new museum or donated items please contact Schelley Brown at 423-0192. Remember this is everyone’s museum so take part!

Juanita Agan

Juanita Agan succumbs
Written by Press-Herald Staff
Monday, 13 October 2008
She always had the words.
She always had the smile.
And Minden will always have the memories.
Mrs. Juanita Agan, a fine writer and even finer friend to anyone who had the pleasure of knowing her, passed away Sunday afternoon.
She was 85 years old.
Funeral services are tentatively scheduled for Wednesday at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church. Arrangements are being handled by Rose-Neath of Minden.
Agan wrote a weekly column, “Cameos”, which focused on “older times” or “Americana”.
To say she was a big part of the Minden Press-Herald is an understatement.
“Mrs. Agan was one of a kind,” Press-Herald Publisher Josh Beavers said. “We will never be able to replace Mrs. Agan.
We wouldn’t even be able to try. Minden has lost one of its best citizens."
“I cannot express to you how much she will be missed,” he continued.
With her tales of memories past, Mrs. Agan was a popular columnist for the Press-Herald.
“I have always written stories, mostly about our family’s experiences — things that my mother told me and then my own life experiences. I have written volumes of pages about my mother’s family and about her life. This was just for my children and grandchildren,” Mrs. Agan said during a previous interview with the Minden Press-Herald. “Some of my writing was just about my feelings — joy, sorrow, happiness, funny experiences and so on. Only in the last few years have I written about other people and events. I am not a story writer. I am just an old lady with lots of happy memories that I write about.”
Mrs. Agan was born June 28, 1923, in Shreveport to Louannie Longino Murphy, who would have been 40 on her next birthday, and James Allison Murphy, who was in his early 50s.
Mr. Murphy died of a heart attack when Mrs. Agan was just three years old.
“My mother devoted her time to me and told me the stories that her mother had told her of the Civil War and life after the war,” Mrs. Agan said. “My grandmother was 11 when the war was over, and her two brothers that had fought in the war never came home.”
In the early 1930s, Mrs. Agan and her mother moved a lot, going wherever a woman of nearly 50 could find work. In 1936, when Mrs. Agan was almost 13 and her mother was 52, they moved to Minden.
“Many of my mother’s friends were older than she was, and many knew much about the history of this area,” Mrs. Agan said. “We listened as they told us of their forbearers and about many funny incidents in the history of this area.”
Many of those friends were descendants of the original Germans who settled the Germantown area. Mrs. Agan was able to put those accounts into stories.
Mrs. Agan finished high school in 1939 at the age of 15. Due to the generosity of friends, she was able to borrow money from the Women’s Department Club to further her education.
“This was just a continuation of the love that Minden has shown me since I was the little girl of 13,” she said.Mrs. Agan’s interest in history was inherited by her children, Suzanne and John, and shared by her husband J.C.“My mother, who was very intelligent, instilled a love of history in my heart that was also passed on to my son and my daughter,” she said.
As soon as Suzanne was old enough to travel, the family began visiting historical sites in Louisiana, eventually traveling across the South, with trips planned to include historical stops.
When Suzanne was in fifth grade, her teacher, Ruby Salmon, announced that the class was about to begin a new subject — history, promising her students they would love it.
“Mrs. Salmon was a gifted teacher who instilled a love of history in these students, especially in my daughter Suzanne,” Mrs. Agan said. “Suzanne shares our love of history and especially this history of this area.”
Cameos of Minden was published in the Minden Press-Herald on Wednesdays.

YOU’RE INVITED TO A RECEPTION HONORING JUANITA AGAN

“THE CAMEO LADY”

ON THE OCCASION OF HER 85th BIRTHDAY

SATURDAY, JUNE 28, 2008

FROM 2 p.m. UNTILL 4 p.m.

AT THE DORCHEAT HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION MUSEUM

NO GIFTS PLEASE

The Long Awaited Dorcheat Museum is OPENING!

Dorcheat Historical Association Museum Open June 10th, 2008
Dorcheat Historical Association Museum is making history happen in 2008 for not only Minden put for everyone that has an interest in our community known as Minden, Louisiana and Webster Parish. The dream for a state of the art historical museum to collect, preserve, and exhibit the history of our parish is now a reality.
Under the leadership of President Thad Andress the absence of a local museum has finally been remedied. The Association has been doing serious fundraising drives to turn the building on Pearl Street into a museum that will not only preserve our heritage, but also be something the community can be proud of and show-off to all visitors.
This past year has been a busy year for the Dorcheat Museum. This year the museum has spent over $175,000 in building renovation and exhibit design. The facility at 116 Pearl Street not only boasts a new façade and roof, it has undergone a complete renovation in the front area. Much more is still to come with the renovation of the back area to be known as “The Children’s Learning Center”. This area will house a stage with seating for 80 plus people to enjoy talks, films and documentaries. This learning center will be a huge asset to our children in our community. “This museum is not just a few people’s museum it is all of ours and we want everyone in the parish involved and taking part in making it the success that we know it will be! We will always need funding and support from our community. Preserving our history is something I am passionate about. If we don’t’ teach our children where we have been with our parish history we are doing a terrible injustice to future generations!” stated Museum Director, Schelley Brown.
This museum will be financed through pledges, private donations and grants. We project that the operating budget will be in the neighborhood of $60,000 a year. Your partnership is vital during this exciting time in the life of the museum. Your membership is important not only to complete this project but also to maintain the day-to-day operation of the museum.
With a large grant in 2007 from the Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau large dioramas were built by local artist Larry Milford depict life from the early Indians along Dorcheat Bayou to present day Webster Parish with the story line researched by local historian John Agan.
The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum is the culmination of a dream that began in the fall of 1974, when, under the leadership of Mrs. Beth Drew White, this organization was formed to preserve the history of Webster Parish. Through the ensuing years the organization suffered many setbacks and trials, but the museum you will see today will represent a triumph over these difficulties.
Perhaps the best glimpse of life in our area comes through the photographs and written records that will be on display. The museum will have photographs of businesses, government buildings, homes and schools from our past. These photographs give a glimpse into life as it once was here in our area. With the help of everyone the museum will constantly be adding objects and modifying our displays for years to come.
The history begins with Dorcheat Bayou, the namesake of the organization and the stream that brought European settlement to our area and today ties our parish together. It will trace the story of local life from those years when European and Native Americans first met, on through the many trials and tribulations, along with the good times that make up local history. As you progress through the museum you will move forward through time and see how communities evolved.
The Dorcheat Historical Association wants to make sure it is clear to everyone that this museum is for “all of us.” It will chronicle as much as possible the entire historic experience of Minden. You will find the story of your heritage there if you are a member of the “first families” living in an antebellum mansion, or you are a descendant of the railroad families who came here in the 1920s. The story will include the record of the African American families and their fight to move from slavery, through the Civil Rights struggles of the 19th and 20th Century. It will include the unique contributions made by local residents in areas such as sports, music, industry and education. In short, for those of you who find Minden and Webster Parish a wonderful place to live, the museum will provide a picture of all those things that make this that place you love.
The contributions made by local residents in areas such as sports, music, industry and education will also be highlighted. The early businesses, churches, schools, and architecture and history of the antebellum homes will be highlighted.
The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum President, Mr. Thad Andress and wife Oneta Andress recently represented our new parish museum at the Louisiana State Capital building in Baton Rouge, during the annual Louisiana Association of Museums Conference which was held this year in the rotunda of the Louisiana State Capital Building. State dignitaries were on hand with a visit by Louisiana Senator Robert Adley, State Representative Jean Doerge and Malcolm G. Myer of the Louisiana Attorney General’s office.
Many visitors were quite impressed with the local museum’s display and what Minden and Webster parish will have to offer with the Tuesday, June 10th opening of the museum located at 116 Pearl Street. For the month of June the admission price will be waived. Normal admission price is $4.00 adults and $2.00 for children under 12. Museum hours will be Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-1 p.m. closed from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. for lunch and opened again from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.; Saturday hours will be 10 a.m. – 12 noon and for special showings and meetings, appointments can be set up in advance by calling 318-377- 3002 or 318-423-0192.
The museum in the past three months has hosted wonderful nights of history for everyone to enjoy, free of charge. Mark you calendars now and keep the second Monday of every month open for “Night for the Museum Historic Events”. Museum coordinators are again expecting a large turnout for the June 9th with “Greatest Generation Member” Mr. George Turner. You may want to bring your lawn chairs again just in case of a shortage of seating! The last three months performances by Mr. Frank Griffith, Marcus Wren and Webster Nation were both held to packed houses. These types of events are something the museum wants to offer on a regular basis as entertainment and a living history lesson. July’s event will feature Dr. Steve Kirkikis and several other families that came to Minden via Ellis Island. This informative night dealing with the immigrant families that had such a huge and important influence on Webster Parish should be another big success.




Be a part of something BIG!
Membership Dues and Contribution Levels for 2008:
· Individual - $20.00
· Family - $40.00
· Sustaining - $75.00
· Patron – $125.00
· Benefactor – $250.00
· Corporate Member - $500.00
· Bronze - $1000 - $2,499
· Silver - $2,500 - $4,999
· Gold - $5,000 - $9,999
· Platinum - $10,000 – 24,999
· Diamond - $25,000 & up
· We also have a stock transfer plan for your contributions; see Thad Andress for details

In return for your support, you will not only receive unlimited admission to the museum, but also, invitations to all museum activities. Please give every consideration to helping with this endeavor. Be a part of Webster Parish history by becoming a member of the Webster Parish Dorcheat Historical Association and Museum. Dues and donations for 2008 may be mailed to PO Box 1094, Minden, Louisiana 71058.
For more information on the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum you can call museum director, Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192 or visit http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/

A Look At Minden's International Branches

“Night for the Museum” with a Dr. Steve Kirkikis “A Look at Minden’s International Branches”
The July 14th, 2008 “Night for the Museum” will be a night to remember. Dorcheat Museum’s director; Schelley Brown, announces another special historic venue event. Monday, July 14th, 2008, Dr. Steve Kirkikis one of Minden’s past citizens will be the guest speaker at The Dorcheat Historical Association’s “Night for the Museum”. Don’t miss this exciting and entertaining evening of hearing our parish history as told by a member of one of the many immigrant families that had such a huge and important influence on Webster Parish. This informative night dealing with Webster parish’s families that made it to Minden via Ellis Island is sure to be well received by all those attending. Dr. Kirkikis’s parents were Gust A. Kirkikis, and Malamo Papanastas, of Greek ancestry whom came from Turkey to America and to Minden in the early 1920s following displacement by World War I. They were married in Minden on October 25, 1925. Ms. Brown exclaimed, “Ellis Island is a symbol of America’s immigrant heritage. It is hard to imagine, that in the time between 1892 -1954, nearly twelve million men, women and children landed there in their search of freedom of speech and religion, and for economic opportunity. Imagine arriving on a huge ocean liner and seeing the Statue of Liberty and the New York sky line for the first time! To see Minden and the United States through their eyes will be a different perspective of history for our parish. These families changed our parish and brought a cultural flair to our area that didn’t exist until they arrived. At the end of Dr. Kirkikis’s talk, several other invited guests such as; Tony Elzen and members of the Michael and Mourad families will be asked to come forward and hopefully speak about their families experiences.”
A bronze plaque inside the Statue of Liberty speaks volumes, to those that take time to read its message. It is a strong reminder of how fortunate we as Americans are to live in a free country.
The New Colossus
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,With conquering limbs astride from land to land;Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall standA mighty woman with a torch, whose flameIs the imprisoned lightning, and her nameMother of Exiles. From her beacon-handGlows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes commandThe air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame."Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries sheWith silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"Emma Lazarus, 1883

The new museum members are glad that they are able to capture, this important aspect of our community. These stories need to be recorded and remembered for future generations. Everyone will enjoy hearing the wonderful cultural and inspirational stories that Dr. Kirkikis has to tell; about his life in Minden and his knowledge of the other families from faraway places that came to call Minden their home!
Mark you calendars now and keep the second Monday of every month open for “Night for the Museum Historic Events”. These type events will eventually be held in the museum, when the area to be known as the “Children’s Learning Center” is completed. Museum coordinators are again expecting a large turnout, so you may want to bring your lawn chairs again just in case of a shortage of seating! The last four months performances by Mr. Frank Griffith, Marcus Wren, Webster Nation and George Turner were held to packed houses. These types of events are something the museum wants to offer on a regular basis as entertainment and a living history lesson. July’s event will be held at Christopher’s located at 615 Main Street in Minden, Louisiana. Refreshments will be provided by Charlotte Martin and sponsored by Ty Pendergrass of Argent Financial. Refreshments will be served at 6:00 P.M. and an opening welcome from Mr. Thad Andress; President of the Dorcheat Historical Association & Museum, Inc. and introduction by Webster Parish historian; John Agan. Program will begin at 6:30 with a special gift basket with items from the Ellis Island Museum to be given away to a lucky attendee at the end of the evening!
Museum director Schelley Brown stated, “With the help of Phil Demaline, these speaking engagements are being recorded so that we will have a digital record for the museum of all our local history. Our last three DVD’s featuring Mr. Griffith, Mr. Wren and Mr. Nation are still available for $10. Sound system will again be provided by Durwood Blake allowing everyone the opportunity to not miss a single word. A tour of the museum will be available to everyone following the program. This will give everyone the chance to see the museum just one day before its official opening on June 10th at 10 a.m. “Even though the museum is a long way from completion we are going to open so that people can appreciate what we are doing and where we are going with this project. It is always going to be a work in progress. A museum changes daily as people bring in artifacts and documents. For anyone that has taken a tour they know that this museum is so far beyond what people expect. It is going to be a huge asset to Webster Parish”, stated Ms. Brown.
Don’t miss your chance at hearing some exciting stories of Minden’s past from people that remember many important events and families that changed our community and are forever markers in time for Minden. Admission is free of charge and everyone is welcome. For more information on “A Night for the Museum” please contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192 or visit http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ . Reservations not required first come first serve seating.

"Night for the Museum" with a member of "The Greatest Generation" Mr. George Turner

The June 9th, 2008 “Night for the Museum” will be a night to remember. Dorcheat Museum’s director; Schelley Brown, announces another special historic venue event. Monday, June 9th, 2008, Mr. George Turner another one of Minden’s longtime citizen’s will be the guest speaker at The Dorcheat Historical Association’s “Night for the Museum”. Don’t miss this exciting and entertaining evening of hearing our parish history as told by a 4th generation Minden resident. This informative night dealing with one of Webster parish’s pioneering families is sure to be well received by all those attending. It has been said about Mr. Turner, “He is a quite hero”. Ms. Brown exclaimed, “I am so excited about this event because these men and women that fought in World War II overcame incredible obstacles in battle, to return home to their families. Their stories need to be recorded and remembered for future generations. I think everyone will enjoy hearing the wonderful stories that Mr. Turner; (a Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster recipient) has to tell; not only about World War II but also his stories about his life in Minden and his knowledge of the forgotten community of Long Springs!”
Mark you calendars now and keep the second Monday of every month open for “Night for the Museum Historic Events”. These type events will eventually be held in the museum, when the area to be known as the “Children’s Learning Center” is completed. Museum coordinators are again expecting a large turnout, so you may want to bring your lawn chairs again just in case of a shortage of seating! The last three months performances by Mr. Frank Griffith, Marcus Wren and Webster Nation were both held to packed houses. These types of events are something the museum wants to offer on a regular basis as entertainment and a living history lesson. July’s event will feature Dr. Steve Kirkikis and an informative night dealing with the immigrant families that had such a huge and important influence on Webster Parish.
Mr. Turner will be speaking at Christopher’s located at 615 Main Street in Minden, Louisiana. Refreshments will be provided by Charlotte Martin and sponsored by Ty Pendergrass of Argent Financial. Refreshments will be served at 6:00 P.M. and an opening welcome from Mr. Thad Andress; President of the Dorcheat Historical Association & Museum, Inc. and introduction by Webster Parish historian; John Agan. Program will begin at 6:30 with a special gift basket to be given away to a lucky attendee at the end of the evening!
Museum director Schelley Brown stated, “With the help of Phil Demaline, these speaking engagements are being recorded so that we will have a digital record for the museum of all our local history. Our last three DVD’s featuring Mr. Griffith, Mr. Wren and Mr. Nation are still available for $10. Sound system will again be provided by Durwood Blake allowing everyone the opportunity to not miss a single word. A tour of the museum will be available to everyone following the program. This will give everyone the chance to see the museum just one day before its official opening on June 10th at 10 a.m. “Even though the museum is a long way from completion we are going to open so that people can appreciate what we are doing and where we are going with this project. It is always going to be a work in progress. A museum changes daily as people bring in artifacts and documents. For anyone that has taken a tour they know that this museum is so far beyond what people expect. It is going to be a huge asset to Webster Parish”, stated Ms. Brown.
Don’t miss your chance at hearing some exciting stories of Minden’s past from someone that remembers many important events and people that changed our community and are forever markers in time for Minden. Admission is free of charge and everyone is welcome. For more information on “A Night for the Museum with Mr. George Turner” please contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192 or visit http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ . Reservations not required first come first serve seating.

“A Wonderful Night of History”
“Night for the Museum with Mr. George Turner” was the 4th in the now monthly events for the new Dorcheat Historical Association Museum. “I think this was our biggest turnout yet! These nights of history have turned into something the people of Minden are supporting in a big way. I think everyone is really enjoying their selves, it gives everyone an opportunity to not only learn history or reminisce but it gives the people in Minden a place to come and socialize once a month with old friends that they may not see often. It really has become the place to be and that is exactly what I hoped for.”, stated museum director; Schelley Brown.
These events are held at 6 P.M. every second Monday night at Christopher’s located at 615 Main Street in Minden. Last night’s speaker, Mr. George Turner told of the forgotten resort of Long Springs, his early childhood memories as well as his time spent in Europe and his experiences in WWII. The crowd set in complete silence as they were pulled into Mr. Turner’s narration of his life. Mr. Turner’s memory of dates was amazing. “It was like it happened just yesterday when you listened to his story.”, remarked a member of the crowd.
This quite man gives all the glory to God and said he is so thankful for the life he has led here in Minden. Being from one of Minden’s oldest pioneer families, his story of the wagon train that brought his great grandparents to the area was a time travel experience for everyone. As a child he grew up doing his homework by lantern and taking baths behind the stove in a #3 washtub. Some of the others in the crowd remembered these days too; but for those of us that have grown up with electricity and running water it made you think how far the world has come in just a short period of time.
The night ended with Father Wayne Carter of St. John’s Episcopal Church winning the 1940’s themed gift basket followed by a tour by everyone to the now open Dorcheat Historical Museum. Another advantage of these events is the items that people are coming forward and donating. “Last night’s donations were a treasure trove of Webster parish artifacts. Items dug from the site of Long Spring’s resort, a political card from 1920’s Minden mayor; Connell Fort and old tools with an advertising paper from Webb Hardware Company were given by different individuals. All of these types’ of items that people may have are so important to make this museum something that we can all be proud of.”, stated Ms. Brown.
Don’t forget that the Dorcheat Museum opens today with admission fee waived for the month of June. Hours are as follows; closed on Monday, open Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-1 p.m. closed from 1- 2 for lunch and open again from 2 - 4 p.m. If you would like to volunteer time at the new museum or donated items please contact Schelley Brown at 423-0192. Remember this is everyone’s museum so take part!

The Call of a Distant Steam Engine brings in a Large Crowd for The 3rd “Night for the Museum”

Big Crowd For A Night Of Train Stories!

The May 12th, 2008 “Night for the Museum” held a special place in many hearts, especially those that have rail dust mixed with their blood. Dorcheat Museum’s director; Schelley Brown, announces another huge turnout for this historic event. Train whistles and tunes from singing legend Jimmie Rodgers (the singing brakeman) greeted guest as they entered Christopher’s on Main Street, Monday night.
Mr. Webster Nation another one of Minden’s longtime citizen’s was the guest speaker at The Dorcheat Historical Association’s “Night for the Museum”. This informative night dealing with Webster parish railroading history during the 1930’s – 1980’s era was another huge success. Schelley Brown said the statement made earlier by Juanita Agan was so true, “When he talks of "railroading" his voice becomes animated, and then you understand the phrase - "romance of the rails". For 42 years he was the engineer on some of the most prestigious passenger trains, as well as engineer on many freight trains. Webster Nation should have finished high school in 1939, but he stayed over to play football the autumn of 1939, and graduated in January, 1940. He began his career with the L & A Railroad in 1941 at the age of 18 and continued until his retirement in 1983. Ms. Brown exclaimed, “I was so excited about this event because the L & A Railroad was so important to our area and so many families in Minden were railroad families.” Many of those members of Railroad families and the men that rode the rails made there way back to Minden to hear this longtime friend of the rail and a man that many obviously respect. One visitor whom was wearing his L & A pin had not seen Mr. Nation in over 15 years!
An opening welcome by museum director, Ms. Brown was followed by an introduction from Mr. John Agan, local parish historian. John set the stage with a little history and the importance of the railroad to our area. He spoke of his grandfather; a railroad man and his closeness to the Nation family. When Mr. Nation took the stage a silence fell over the room with anticipation of the steam engine stories that would follow. Mr. Nation did not fail to thrill the crowd with his stories of his career of being a very young engineer of steam era trains. He was taught, he said, “By one of the best engineers there was”, a Mr. Martin that had been a railroad man since 1903. He stated that Mr. Martin was the man that taught him an important lesson. He said Martin felt these wonderful pieces of steel and steam all had different personalities and that you had to learn how to read them to drive them and appreciate them! Mr. Nation said it was a sad time in his life when the steam locomotive and the passenger trains begin to die out.
After Mr. Nation spoke many railroad men stood up and made comments about Mr. Nation and their days on the rail. Mr. James Madden took the stage to talk about the railroad of today and his appreciation for those men of yesterday and today that work so hard to keep product moving across the country. KCS Signal Supervisor; Danny Francis got a laugh with his ability to make a very realistic steam engine whistle. Schelley Brown exclaimed “This is his signal for his daughter when they are eating out. It means that the train is pulling out so you better finish up.”
Brown stated, “With the help of Phil Demaline, these speaking engagements are being recorded so that we will have a digital record for the museum of all our local history. The “Night for the Museum with Webster Nation” is now on sale for $10 as well as the last two DVD’s featuring Mr. Griffith and Mr. Wren. Sound system again was provided by Durwood Blake allowing everyone the opportunity to not miss a single word. Refreshments were be provided by Charlotte Martin and sponsored by Ty Pendergrass of Argent Financial. Janis Bryan was the lucky winner of the special gift basket that was given away at the end of the evening.
The tour of the museum followed and as always the crowds were amazed at what our parish has to offer visitors. The museum will be opening June 10th, 2008. Hours will be as follows: Closed on Monday, Tuesday – Friday 10 a.m. - noon, closed noon – 2 p.m. then open again from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m., Saturday hours are 10 a.m. – noon and open for special meetings and groups by appointment. The museum has many things that need to be done and many things that need to be donated. Volunteers are needed for various duties in the museum. For more information on “The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum” please contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192 or visit http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ .

"Soon To Open Dorcheat Museum on Display in our State Capital

The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum President, Mr. Thad Andress and wife Oneta Andress represented our new parish museum at the Louisiana State Capital building in Baton Rouge, during the annual Louisiana Association of Museums Conference which was held this year in the rotunda of the Louisiana State Capital Building. State dignitaries were on hand with a visit by Louisiana Senator Robert Adley, State Representative Jean Doerge and Malcolm G. Myer of the Louisiana Attorney General’s office.
A Museum conference luncheon and seminars dealing with fundraising and grants were attended by Mr. and Mrs. Andress during the conference in the Old State Capital building. Many Louisiana museums had displays set up including the new Dorcheat Historical Museum. The display for the new Webster Parish museum was visited by Rachel Norman, assistant director of the Grants Program for the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities as well as hundreds of school children and guest for the event.
Many visitors were quite impressed with the local museum’s display and what Minden and Webster parish will have to offer with the Tuesday, June 10th opening of the museum located at 116 Pearl Street. Museum hours will be Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-1 p.m. closed from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. for lunch and opened again from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.; Saturday hours will be 10 a.m. – 12 noon and for special showings and meetings, appointments can be set up in advance by calling 318-377- 3002 or 318-423-0192.
The museum in the past three months has hosted wonderful nights of history for everyone to enjoy, free of charge. Mark you calendars now and keep the second Monday of every month open for “Night for the Museum Historic Events”. These type events are now held at Christopher’s on Main Street but will eventually be held in the museum, when the area to be known as the “Children’s Learning Center” is completed. Museum coordinators are again expecting a large turnout for the June 9th with “Greatest Generation Member” Mr. George Turner. You may want to bring your lawn chairs again just in case of a shortage of seating! The last three months performances by Mr. Frank Griffith, Marcus Wren and Webster Nation were both held to packed houses. These types of events are something the museum wants to offer on a regular basis as entertainment and a living history lesson. July’s event will feature Dr. Steve Kirkikis and an informative night dealing with the immigrant families that had such a huge and important influence on Webster Parish.
The Dorcheat Historical Association and Museum, Inc. has been a dream for over 30 years and will finally come to fruition in June. This year the museum has spent over $150,000 in building renovation and exhibit design. The design element of the museum is largely due to local artist Mr. Larry Milford. Director, Schelley Brown was hired in 2007 to raise awareness and promote the museum as well as collect exhibit information and artifacts. The museum has been funded largely by private donations and memberships as well as a grant from Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau. “This museum is not just a few people’s museum it is all of ours and we want everyone in the parish involved and taking part in making it the success that we know it will be! We will always need funding and support from our community. Preserving our history is something I am passionate about. If we don’t’ teach our children where we have been with our parish history we are doing a terrible injustice to future generations!” stated Ms. Brown. For more information on the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum you can call museum director, Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192 or visit http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/

May 12th "Night For The Museum with Mr. Webster Nation"

All…..A Board….The L & A Railroad with Mr. Webster Nation for a Special “Night For The Museum”
The May 12th, 2008 “Night for the Museum” will hold a special place in many hearts, especially those that have rail dust mixed with their blood. Dorcheat Museum’s director; Schelley Brown, announces another special historic venue event. Monday, May 12th, 2008, Mr. Webster Nation another one of Minden’s longtime citizen’s will be the guest speaker at The Dorcheat Historical Association’s “Night for the Museum”. Don’t miss this exciting and entertaining night of hearing our parish history. This informative night dealing with Webster parish railroading history during the 1940’s era should be another huge success. It has been said about Mr. Nation, “When he talks of "railroading" his voice becomes animated, and then you understand the phrase - "romance of the rails". For 42 years he was the engineer on some of the most prestigious passenger trains, as well as engineer on many freight trains. Webster Nation should have finished high school in 1939, but he stayed over to play football the autumn of 1939, and graduated in January, 1940. He began his career with the L & A Railroad in 1941 and continued until his retirement in 1983. Ms. Brown exclaimed, “I am so excited about this event because the L & A Railroad was so important to our area and so many families in Minden were railroad families. I think everyone will enjoy hearing the wonderful stories that Mr. Nation has to tell!”
The last two months performances by Mr. Frank Griffith and Marcus Wren were both held to packed houses. These types of events are something the museum wants to offer on a regular basis as entertainment and a living history lesson. These type events will eventually be held in the museum, when the area to be known as the “Children’s Learning Center” is completed. Museum coordinators are again expecting a large turnout, so you may want to bring your lawn chairs again just in case of a shortage of seating!
Mr. Nation will be speaking at Christopher’s located at 615 Main Street in Minden, Louisiana. Refreshments will be provided by Charlotte Martin and sponsored by Ty Pendergrass of Argent Financial. Refreshments will be served at 6:00 P.M. and an opening welcome from Mr. Thad Andress; President of the Dorcheat Historical Association & Museum, Inc. Program will begin at 6:30 with a special gift basket to be given away to a lucky attendee at the end of the evening!
Museum director Schelley Brown stated, “With the help of Phil Demaline, these speaking engagements are being recorded so that we will have a digital record for the museum of all our local history. Our last two DVD’s featuring Mr. Griffith and Mr. Wren are still available for $10. Sound system will again be provided by Durwood Blake allowing everyone the opportunity to not miss a single word. A tour of the museum will be available to everyone following the program. This will give everyone the chance to see the progress that has been taking place in the museum and to be able to hear about the new additions that are in the works. The Museum is changing daily as our opening approaches. It is so far beyond what people expect. It is so impressive and is going to be a huge asset to Webster Parish.”
Don’t miss your chance at hearing some exciting stories of Minden’s past from someone that remembers many important events and people that changed our community and are forever markers in time for Minden. Admission is free of charge and everyone is welcome. For more information on “A Night for the Museum with Mr. Webster Nation” please contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192. Reservations not required first come first serve seating.

Cookbooks And Art at Spring Art's Festival 2008

Cookbooks and Art make the perfect Mother’s Day Gift!
Dorcheat Historical Association Museum wants to remind everyone, “Don’t Forget Mother’s Day is May 11th! The museum has the perfect gift and will have a booth set up at the 2008 Spring Art’s Festival. So be sure to pick up your copy of “Taste of Yesterday” cookbook “Recipes from our Past and Present” for that special mother in your life.
“The Spring Art’s Festival is the perfect place to promote the new museum that will be opening this summer” announced museum director, Schelley Brown. The annual art festival held at “The Farm” on Union Street is all about children and being creative. With the help of local artist Larry Milford, the museum is also going to be a work of art as well as telling our parish history. The new museum plans to have many children and adult programs, in the future to teach everyone the importance of our heritage. “Art and history are important in our children’s lives and now our parish will have both very soon!” exclaimed Ms. Brown. “I am very excited in our progress this year and look forward to introducing history in unique and fun ways to our visitors.”
“The March and April “Night for The Museum” talks have been very successful and everyone is looking forward to more of these. The May 12th “Night for the Museum” will have a special railroad theme to be announced soon. If you have missed any of these events all are available on DVD for $10 and will also be on sale at this year’s festival.” stated Brown. Ms. Brown wants to encourage everyone to stop by the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum booth to see pictures and get information about the soon to open facility located at 116 Pearl Street. For more information about the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Inc. please visit http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ or call Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192.

Another Large Turnout For "A Night For The Museum With Marcus Wren II"!

April is Confederate History month; in remembrance of this time in history Monday night at Christopher’s on Main Street was the place to be! Nearly 200 people from as far away as Kansas turned out to hear Mr. Marcus Wren’s narration of events that took place during the “War Between The States Era of Minden”. The evening began with a greeting from Dorcheat Historical Association President Mr. Thad Andress. This was followed by a short opening speech from Dorcheat Museum director Schelley Brown. Ms. Brown stated, “That all wars are controversial but the need to remember those wars as a part of history so that the same mistakes are not made again is a museum’s obligation. The Minden Blues played an important part in Minden’s history and we don’t want that history or any other to be forgotten.”
Mr. Marcus Wren II has been a longtime businessman in our area and a thirty year member and supporter of the Dorcheat Historical Association & Museum. Mr. Wren spoke of his grandfather a civil war veteran! Mr. Wren’s grandfather was George Lovic Pierce Wren (1836-1901) of the Minden Blues. During the War G.L.P. Wren fought with the Army of Northern Virginia in most of the important battles of the war, including Bull Run and Gettysburg. Twice captured, he spent time in the Union Prison Camp at Fort Delaware. After the war taught school in the Pine Grove area of Webster parish and would later become a Louisiana State Legislator and Senator. Mr. Wren concluded his talk with the legend of how the familiar tune of TAPS came to be. This story was followed by the sounds of the TAPS played by Mickey Love on trumpet.
Museum board members were pleased, that so many attended this 2nd of many such events that they have planned for the future. Future events were discussed with the subjects to include a 1950’s themed event; black history in Webster Parish, Coca-Cola Company highlight, early baseball in our area, and North Webster Parish history are just some of what is in the works for the coming year.
Following Mr. Wren’s program, Ms. Brown drew a name for a large gift basket that was donated by local merchants and friends of the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum. The winner was Mr. Rod Gann of Minden. After the drawing everyone was invited to please take a tour to see the new Dorcheat Historical Association and Museum, Inc.’s progress. Large groups were shown the progress that has taken place in the museum since November. The new exhibit cases that are currently being painted are very impressive and will be filled with items related to the Civil War, Reconstruction, Historic Homes, Hunters & Coca-Cola, 1933 Disasters, Sports, Education, Churches, Industry and Business leaders just to name a few. This museum will follow a time line from the Indian era to present day with help from Webster Parish historian John Agan.
Many locals were able to meet the visionary artist behind the museum; Mr. Larry Milford. Larry was on hand after the speaking program to show people the work that has been done and tell of his plans for the future. Dorcheat Historical Association President Mr. Thad Andress emphasized the fact that this project cost and will cost a lot of money and that without everyone contributing in one way or another that this project would not be possible. Pledge cards and volunteer sheets were handed out and everyone was encouraged to take part and have a part in “their” museum. “This is everyone’s museum and it will take everyone to make it happen!” is the message museum board members want to convey to everyone.
If you missed hearing Mr. Wren a benefit DVD of the night is available for $10. For more information on the museum please visit the new blog site at http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ or contact Schelley Brown at 423-0192 or iluvoldcars@yahoo.com


For more information on “A Night for the Museum with Mr. Marcus Wren II” please contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192.

"A Night For The Museum With Mr. Marcus D. Wren II"

George Lovic Pierce Wren (1863-1901) in the uniform of the Minden Blues
Dorcheat Museum’s director Schelley Brown announces another special history event. Monday April 14th, 2008, Mr. Marcus D. Wren II another one of Minden’s longtime citizen’s will be the guest speaker at The Dorcheat Historical Association’s “Night for the Museum”. Don’t miss another exciting and entertaining night of hearing our history. This informative night dealing with parish history during the 1840’s era should be another huge success. Last months performance by Mr. Frank Griffith was held to a packed house. Museum coordinators are again expecting a large turnout, so you may want to bring your lawn chairs just in case of a shortage of seating! Mr. Wren will be speaking at Christopher’s located at 615 Main Street in Minden, Louisiana with refreshments being served at 6:00 P.M. and an opening welcome from Mr. Thad Andress; President of the Dorcheat Historical Association & Museum, Inc. Mr. Wren will begin his presentation at 6:30.
Museum director Schelley Brown stated, “With the help of Phil Demaline, this speaking engagement will also be recorded so that we will have a digital record for the museum. Our last DVD featuring Mr. Griffith is still available for $10. Sound system will again be provided by Durwood Blake allowing everyone the opportunity to not miss a single word. A tour of the museum will follow Mr. Wren’s talk. This will give everyone the chance to see the progress that has been taking place in the museum and to be able to hear about the new additions that are in the works. The Museum is changing daily as our opening approaches. The “WOW” factor is definitely there when you first walk in and even more so after you see what we will have to offer our visitors. It is so far beyond what people expect. It is so impressive and is going to be a huge asset to Webster Parish.”
Don’t miss your chance at hearing some exciting stories of Minden’s past from as far back as the War Between the States, as told by a great-grandson. Mr. Wren’s great-grandfather was George Lovic Pierce Wren (1836-1901) of the Minden Blues. During the War G.L.P. Wren fought with the Army of Northern Virginia in most of the important battles of the war, including Bull Run and Gettysburg. Twice captured, he spent time in the Union Prison Camp at Fort Delaware. After the war became a school teacher and would later become a Louisiana State Legislator and Senator.
Mr. Marcus Wren II has been a longtime businessman in our area and a member and supporter of the Dorcheat Historical Association & Museum. He remembers many important events and people that changed our community and are forever markers in time for Minden. Admission is free of charge and everyone is welcome. For more information on “A Night for the Museum with Mr. Marcus Wren II” please contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192. Reservations not required first come first serve seating.

Large Turn Out For "A Night for the Museum"!

March 10th, 2008 at Christopher’s located on Main Street in Minden was the place to be! At least 150-175 turned out in a light rain to hear Mr. Frank Griffith’s narration of events that took place in “Old Minden”. Mr. Griffith started the evening with one word “WOW”, in regards to the large crowd. “Much anticipation preceded this night for the museum”, stated Schelley Brown; museum director.
Mr. Griffith spoke of his grandfather a civil war veteran! That’s right Frank was born later in his father’s life. Frank’s father was born a year or so after the Civil War ended. His remarkable memory of detail and delightful delivery of his descriptive narratives left the packed room wanting more. Griffith spoke for about 30 minutes but many would have sat for hours to listen to these pieces of Webster Parish history. Plans to bring Griffith back for part II are already in the works for a later date. Griffith’s stories went back to the Civil War era of his grandfather and the decades of his father all the way to the 1950’s.
Mr. Griffith shared stories of scandalous political races of days gone by, the story of his father being elected sheriff over 100 years ago and many more stories that were related to him by B.F. Griffith Sr. so many years ago. Museum board members were pleased, that so many attended this first of many such events that they have planned.
Following Mr. Griffith’s program, Ms. Brown invited everyone to please take a tour to see the new Dorcheat Historical Association and Museum, Inc.’s progress. “Wow” seemed to be the word heard most often during the night, as large groups were shown the progress that has taken place in the museum since November. The new exhibit cases that are currently being painted are very impressive and will be filled with items related to the Civil War, Reconstruction, Historic Homes, Hunters & Coca-Cola, 1933 Disasters, Sports, Education, Churches, Industry and Business leaders just to name a few. This museum will follow a time line from the Indian era to present day with help from Webster Parish historian John Agan.
Many locals were able to meet the visionary artist behind the museum; Mr. Larry Milford. Larry was on hand after the speaking program to show people the work that has been done and tell of his plans for the future. Dorcheat Historical Association President Mr. Thad Andress emphasized the fact that this project cost and will cost a lot of money and that without everyone contributing in one way or another that this project would not be possible. Pledge cards were handed out and everyone was encouraged to take part and have a part in “their” museum. “This is everyone’s museum and it will take everyone to make it happen!” was the message put forth by museum board members. If you missed hearing Mr. Griffith a benefit DVD of the night is available for $10. For more information on the museum please visit the new blog site at http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ or contact Schelley Brown at 423-0192 or iluvoldcars@yahoo.com

Dorcheat Museum Exhibits 2008

The Early Years Of Webster Parish

1811 brings first American settlers to area. Following the Freeman/Curtis expedition and subsequent announcement of the area by Thomas Jefferson in 1806, immigration into Northwest Louisiana increased. In 1811 Isaac Alden traveled up the Red River into Lake Bistineau and Bayou Dorcheat and settled in what is today Webster Parish, about 8 miles east of Minden. Issac, from New Orleans, was the first English speaking man to make his home here and later became the first Justice of the Peace to preside over this area.
In August 1818, John Murrell, after leaving his home in Tennessee and traveling down the Mississippi and up the Red River into Loggy Bayou and Dorcheat with his wife, six children, a pack horse, his rifle and a dog or two found a cooling spring and settled his family near Isaac Alden's home in the "flat Lick" (small creek) area just east of today's Minden. At the time his only neighbors were Isaac Alden and a half-Indian named Fields. But that winter brought Mr. Allen for whom the settlement was later named (Allen's Settlement), Daniel Moore, Wm. Gryder, and Newton Drew who established the community of Overton on the east banks of Bayou Dorcheat. These first settlers found the country beautiful, pleasant and healthy. Game was plentiful and astonishingly tame. The black bear, deer, turkey, waterfowl, fish and quail were used as food. The panther, black wolf, wildcats and foxes were troublesome. Otters and some beaver provided fur. Even if John Murrell was not the first settler in the area, being preceded by Isaac Alden in 1811, the burial of his son in the fall of 1818 marked the first burial among the civilized in this area. Also, the birth of his son in 1819 marked the first birth in the area. The oldest graveyard in the area was located on the John Murrell plantation in 1822. This cemetery is today known as the Fuller Cemetery.
Charles Hans Veeder founded Minden, Louisiana in 1836. Mr. Veeder a German-American born in New York State came to Louisiana and built an establishment called The Rock Inn on a hilltop a few miles from Bayou Dorcheat and the town of Overton. Legend has it that the Inn was built on a salt lick that was the best deer hunting site in the area. By 1837 Veeder had laid out a town in the shape of a parallelogram and divided the area into lots. He named this settlement after the home of his ancestors-- Minden. Veeder left Minden to join the gold rush in 1849. He died in Bakersfield, California in 1875. The original parish seat for Claiborne parish was the Overton Community. A saw mill and grist mill was established at the junction of Cooley Creek and Bayou Dorcheat. Over the next few years commercial traffic and Overton grew. The economic life of Minden centered around commerce on Bayou Dorcheat. Three separate landings on the bayou served the Minden community, and the city served as a shipping point for goods from much of the interior of North Louisiana. Before the War Between the States, warehouses and commercial buildings extended from more than a mile along the East bank of Bayou Dorcheat. In 1848 after being hit by two Yellow Fever epidemics, Overton lost the title as Claiborne Parish seat to the town of Athens. By the mid-1850 Overton would become a ghost town. It was not until February 1871 when the new parish of Webster was formed with Minden the Parish seat as it is today. Charles Veeder probably never knew that his town was finally named the parish seat. A goal he had strived for, for many years.

Earliest Inhabitants along with the Overton Community and The Drew Mill

Riverboat Travel on Bayou Dorcheat

Early Pioneers and Inventors Of Webster Parish

Pioneer Life in Webster Parish

Early Churches and Civic Organizations In Our Area

Schools and Art

Famous Webster Parish Citizens

Early Leaders and Webster Parish Library System

Making History In 2007

September 17, 2007

Webster Parish Historian
John Agan

Mayberry Moments

In Minden's History

Overton Landing Exhibit

First Meeting of 2007

Schelley Brown(Museum Director)

Thad Andress (Dorcheat Historical Association President)

Lynn Warnock Dorsey (Webster Parish Tourism Director)

Dorcheat Historical Association Museum History in The Making

This year the Dorcheat Historical Association is making history happen for not only Minden put for everyone that has an interest in our community known as Minden, Louisiana and Webster Parish. We are not only moving forward in a big way but we are going to offer history in ways never seen before in Minden and Webster Parish. The dream for a state of the art historical museum to collect, preserve, and exhibit the history of our parish is a short step from becoming a reality. Our facility at 116 Pearl Street not only boasts a new façade, it is currently undergoing a complete renovation.
The hiring of Schelley Brown in 2007 as the Executive Director was a big step in moving forward. Ms. Brown’s job consists of not only daily museum operations but also includes event and fundraising planning. Many of you have attended the “Minden Cemetery Ghost Walk” this tour is just one of her many ideas that have made Minden’s history known to others. We feel that she is an important asset to our organization. Many new and exciting things are being planned for the Dorcheat Museum and Minden.
The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum is the culmination of a dream that began in the fall of 1974, when, under the leadership of Mrs. Beth Drew White, our organization was formed to preserve the history of Webster Parish. Through the ensuing years the organization suffered many setbacks and trials, but the museum you will see soon will represent a triumph over these difficulties. Today these dreams have turned into reality, with the purchase of our building located on Pearl Street in Minden, Louisiana. This building will house and preserve our history for our future.
We are very excited about the O’Bier cabin being constructed inside our facility. This cabin was saved by the Webster Parish Police Jury and now it will be enjoyed for many years to come inside our museum. The cabin will showcase the pioneer families of Webster Parish and the struggles and hardships they overcame to forge a new life in our area.
Among the collection are many items foreign to modern life, such as the Edison phonograph with an accompanying collection of the unusually thick records it plays.. The various pieces of furniture, largely crafted by hand by area residents, represent not only history but also folk art of the people of North Louisiana in the 1800s. A square churn from the 1890s is an extremely unique item, unfamiliar even to many reared on farms in the region.
In terms of items of local significance, though we have not opened, we have already obtained a treasure trove of items tied to the history of Minden. One item you will notice will be the traveling chest of Christopher Chaffe, who immigrated to Minden from England in the early 1850s and became one of the leading citizens of the area. You will also see an identification plate from one of the original cotton compresses invented by Samuel Webb of Minden. You will notice that the machines were manufactured in Reading, Pennsylvania. Throughout the museum will be various pieces of furniture, tools, and other physical relics of life in the Webster Parish area during the past two centuries.
Perhaps the best glimpse of life in our area comes through the photographs and written records we will have on display. We will have photographs of businesses, government buildings, homes and schools from our past. These photographs give a glimpse into life as it once was here in our area. The written records, such as the ledger books of the Crichton store and the parish tax assessment books, tell us even more about life here in those years. The store ledger reflects the needs of the people and the state of the economy, as changes in products sold and prices reflect changes in lifestyle, while the tax assessment books, when read closely, demonstrate the changes in land holding patterns, and even social changes such as the implementation of Jim Crow laws. With the help of you we will constantly be adding objects and modifying our displays for years to come.
With a large grant from the Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau large dioramas, built by local artist Larry Milford will depict life from the early Indians along Dorcheat Bayou to present day Webster Parish with the story line researched by local historian John Agan and Mr. Joe Hinton, Lake Bistineau historian.
Our history will begin with Dorcheat Bayou, the namesake of the organization and the stream that brought European settlement to our area and today ties our parish together. It will trace the story of local life from those years when European and Native Americans first met, on through the many trials and tribulations, along with the good times that make up local history. As you progress through the museum you will move forward through time and see how our communities evolved.
The history of Minden and the surrounding area will include the significance of not only the “first families” but also the working class families that came with the railroad in the 1920’s. The history of the African American families and their struggle to move from slavery on through the Civil Rights struggles of the 19th and 20th Century.
One important exhibit will be very important for our young people of Webster Parish. This exhibit is designed to show children and adults alike that you can be from a small town and make huge contributions to the world. Alan Bean the 4th man to walk on the moon will be highlighted. The great sport figures such as John David Crow winner of the Heisman Trophy, musicians such as Gene Austin, Trace Adkins, Joe Stampley, The Cox Family, Percy Mayfield and the legendary guitarist James Burton will play a big part in this exhibit. The contributions made by local residents in areas such as industry, politics and education will be highlighted. The early businesses, churches, schools, and architecture and history of the antebellum homes will be preserved for our future.
We the members of the Dorcheat Historical Association vow to keep and preserve all things of the past eras alive in museum displays and documentation in the museum.

The Following comments are reprinted from a much earlier story by local historian John Agan

I want to reiterate some thoughts I had about the need for a local museum seven years ago.

A people without history is like the wind on the buffalo grass - Sioux saying

The only thing new in the world is the history you don't know. - Harry S. Truman

Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. - George Santayana

There can be no doubt that the residents of Minden are a people with a history. Settled more than 160 years ago, we have a great history. Many of our cultural and educational institutions were created and thriving, long before our neighbor to the west, Shreveport. More significant than that was the work ethic and the lifestyle brought to this area by the hardy pioneer settlers of our region. Many came across Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi after the Great Indian Removal of President Andrew Jackson. Still others came as immigrants from foreign lands. All of these people were seeking the chance to create new lives and mold a culture and tradition that would survive and serve their descendants well. Based on that evidence, it can be said Minden is not like the wind-blown grass of the Native American proverb.

Do we know our history? Have we met the standard President Truman set for understanding the changes in society? How can we properly deal with the changes in our community and area, if we are ignorant of how similar changes effected life in our past? Unfortunately, we have fallen short in this area. Who do we blame? Our teachers? History teachers are charged with covering the entire history of the world, or our nation, or our state, in a single academic year. Time for teaching about our local heritage is severely limited. Even if the time were available, where could the teacher turn for information on "how it really was" in Minden's past? As Walt Kelly's comic strip character Pogo declared: "We have met the enemy and he is us." As citizens of Minden, we have no one to blame but ourselves. We have allowed so much of our history and its valuable lessons to be lost or forgotten, we risk losing the important base that history forms for a community and a society.

If we were to lose our heritage, then we would become the people described by Santayana, condemned to repeat the past. What are some of our major issues today? Growth and development of our town is one that comes to mind. Could we not learn from examining how this problem was handled in the past? Would it not be helpful to examine what actions were taken when our population doubled between 1840 and 1850? Aren't the lessons learned when one of the world's largest lumber mills came to our community in 1900 or when a major railroad relocated its headquarters here in the 1920s? How about the valuable lessons learned when we promoted our community and obtained an ordnance plant sought by so many communities in 1941? It seems these lessons of the past could be valuable to our town today.

Let's assume we want to examine the lessons of our past; where can we go? The library, yes the Webster Parish Library is an excellent source of our history or heritage. However, the library has to serve many other purposes and has for years been filling the gap in preserving the past, stretching their limited resources, even though that is not their primary purpose.

Is there a solution? Let me turn to history and give you some advice from some civic leaders of our past. ". . . it is quite apparent to thoughtful men and women for it requires no stretch of the imagination to understand that many of those old relics, heirlooms, and implements of the old pioneers now scattered all over North Louisiana, will very soon be lost to the present generation and posterity if some measures are not adopted for their preservation and care. Are they worthwhile? May they not be of interest to the present generation and to oncoming posterity in the passing of time in the studies of the habits, customs, traditions, and other methods of life of the patriots?" These words were written by Dr. Luther Longino in 1947. Dr. Longino was then 90 years old, and had lived most of those pioneer days he was recalling. He was beginning an attempt to create a place to preserve our past, unfortunately time caught up with Dr. Longino, and when he died at 91, his plans and dreams died with him.

"Too much has been lost already, if we don't act now, then it won't be done . . . people who say that they are not interested in the historical effort because they are not from this area do not have a valid objection. Their children are from here, and this whole thing is being done for our children. If you have no awareness of the past of an area, it will be hard to understand the present and future of it. A child needs to come to terms with his past so that he will not think that he 'just growed.'" These words come from a more recent time. They were spoken by the late Beth Drew White, President of the Dorcheat Historical Association in 1974, as the group began its drive to create a local museum. She and other citizens, many still working hard for our community today, fought to realize the dream of a museum. That effort was stymied by a disastrous fire, and once again the chance to preserve our heritage faded away.

Today, in 2007, the Dorcheat Historical Association under the leadership of President Thad Andress is prepared to finally remedy the absence of a local museum. The Association is beginning a serious fund drive to turn our building we own on Pearl Street into a museum that will not only preserve our heritage, but also be something the community can be proud of and show-off to all visitors. Local artist Larry Milford has designed plans that will make the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum the envy of all small town museums in the South. You can get a glimpse of the future by driving by the museum at 116 Pearl Street to see the renovations that have already taken place on the façade of the museum.

During the past few years the Dorcheat Association has collected many items of local history, unfortunately, since the move from the Crichton Hardware Building to the new building the Association owns, these items have been stored and not visible to the public. However, in the future these physical remembrances of our past will once again be visible to the public, but in a new home and in a setting that places these items in context and allows them to tell their, and our, story. The story will begin, with Dorcheat Bayou, the namesake of the organization and the stream that brought European settlement to our area and today ties our parish together. It will trace the story of local life from those years when European and Native Americans first met, on through the many trials and tribulations, along with the good times that make up local history. As you progress through the museum you will move forward through time and see how our communities evolved.

I want to make sure it is clear to everyone that this museum is for “all of us.” It will chronicle as much as possible the entire historic experience of Minden. You will find the story of your heritage there if you are a member of the “first families” living in an antebellum mansion, or you are a descendant of the railroad families who came here in the 1920s (like me.) The story will include the record of the African American families and their fight to move from slavery, through the Civil Rights struggles of the 19th and 20th Century. It will include the unique contributions made by local residents in areas such as sports, music, industry and education. In short, for those of you who find Minden and Webster Parish a wonderful place to live, the museum will provide a picture of all those things that make this that place you love.

Are we to become a people aware of our past and using this awareness to shape our future as Santayana suggested? Or will we become like the buffalo grass of the Sioux proverb and see our heritage scattered to the wind. The choice is up to us, and the time to make that choice is now. You will be reading about the plans of the Association in the Press-Herald and will probably be hearing about opportunities to take part in this project by contributing. I hope all of you will seriously consider taking steps to help preserve our heritage for future generations.

This project will be financed through pledges, private donations and grants. We project that the operating budget will be in the neighborhood of $60,000 a year. Your partnership is vital during this exciting time in the life of the museum. Your membership, contributions and pledges are important not only to complete this project but also to maintain the day-to-day operation of the museum.