his 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 Associ
ation & 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 wit
h 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 th
e 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 h
anded 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.
