From Holland To The U.S., Operation Market Garden World War II The Elshout And VandenOord Story

May 10th, 2010, “Night For The Museum” will be a moving story of courage and heroes during WWII. Hear how two families’ lives would be changed forever by an act of bravery in the war-torn country of Holland during WWII. “This is an amazing story that you don’t want to miss”, stated museum director Schelley Brown. This WWII story will be told by family members, Jan Elshout and Marcel VandenOord.
Operation Market Garden was the code name of an operation planned by the allied forces to take control of three strategic bridges in Holland. The allied forces of Britain, the United States, and Poland sent in gliders and paratroopers into the countryside of Holland, which was heavily occupied by German forces. September of 1944 would change many lives forever. Two soldiers, Tinsley Connell from Minden and Leo Elshout from Holland, crossed paths that September. This day would begin a journey that would become a life-altering event for both.
Leo Elshout’s was honored for his actions during “Operation Market Garden” after coming to Minden. He received a Presidential Citation signed by then General Dwight D. Eishenhower and was presented with the King’s Medal for Courage by the Brithish Counsel in New Orleans. The Elshout and VandenOord families become productive Minden citizens and a part of our rich history.
The May event will be the last in the 2010 series of speakers before the summer break. Events are held at Christopher’s, 615 Main St. in downtown Minden, La. Doors open at 5:30 with refreshments served at 6:00 p.m. Admission to each event is $5.00 per person. First-come, first-served seating. Guests are welcome to bring their favorite appetizer or dessert. For more information contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192.

April 19th, 2010 Webster Parish Historian John Agan To Speak On Confederate History

Large Turnout Expected For “A Night for the Museum” with Mr. John Agan
Monday, April 19th, 2010, 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 four 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. Sunday School Teacher and 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.
April is Confederate History Month and in remembrance of those soldiers and the happenings in our area during that time period, John Agan will present an informative night dealing with Webster parish history during the Civil War years. Learn about the many men that fought in the War Between the States and also learn some important information about the Confederate camp located in Minden. Museum coordinators are expecting a large turnout, so you may want to bring your lawn chairs just in case of a shortage of seating! “John Agan has such a keen memory for detail. Minden is so lucky to have him and we should be so appreciative of his work and knowledge. I don’t know where I would be with some of my projects without him. “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.
For this event museum director, Schelley Brown is encouraging everyone that might have artifacts or pictures related to our area to please notify the museum. “Night for the Museum” events are held at Christopher’s located at 615 Main Street in Minden, Louisiana. Doors open at 5:30. Everyone is asked to bring a favorite snack or dessert. Refreshments will be served at 6:00 P.M. Program will begin at 6:30. Admission is $5 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 www.museuminminden.blogspot.com . Reservations not required. First come, first serve seating.

Great attendance in spite of bad weather for Reverend Ben Martin

Monday night, February 8th the 3rd season of the popular “Night for the Museum” events began with a great crowd in spite of the rain and cold weather. In celebration of Black History Month, Reverend Benjamin J. Martin was the first speaker for the 2010 season. Museum director Schelley Brown commented, “I was very pleased with the turnout. Reverend Martin’s speech was very informative on the history of the Black Race. I think everyone here took away something from the evening. Creating a museum and museum exhibits are a big responsibility. The museum Board of Directors has stated from the beginning, history is something that needs to be told. Good or bad, controversial or not, subjects come up in history that everyone needs to know about. If we don’t tell what has happened in the past, chances are events such as the Holocaust and Slavery could be repeated.”
The Dorcheat Historical Museum located at 116 Pearl Street is a timeline of not only our local area but of outside events that affected our parish. Everyone is encouraged to drop by and see what an amazing job local artist Larry Milford has done in the last 19 months. This museum is something that everyone in Minden should be very proud of and a place that everyone should visit on a regular basis. There is always something new at the museum.
March will be standing room only 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.
Held at Christopher’s, 615 Main St. in downtown Minden, La. Doors open at 5:30 with refreshments served at 6:00. Admission to each event is $5.00 per person. First come first serve seating. Guests are asked to provide their favorite appetizer or dessert. For more information contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192. For more information on the museum visit the web at www.museuminminden.blogspot.com

Dorcheat Historical Museum Making Great Progress In Just 19 Months

Dorcheat Historical Museum Making Great Progress In Just 19 Months
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, the organization was formed to preserve the history of Webster Parish. Through the ensuing years the organization suffered many setbacks and trials, but the museum now represents a triumph over these difficulties. Today these dreams have turned into reality, with the purchase of a building from the DePingre family the museum is here to stay. This mortgage-free building now houses and preserves our history for our future.
The official museum of Webster parish opened its doors located at 116 Pearl Street in Minden, La. on June 10th, 2008. At that time, only a very small portion of the front room was complete. After a year of renovations and a year of raising awareness of our local parish history the Dorcheat Historical Museum Board of Directors decided that is was time to open the doors to show people what had been accomplished and what the plans were for the future.
Since 2007 local artist Larry Milford has made great progress in his overall vision of what each exhibit depicts and how it explains our local history. Museum director Schelley Brown has made additions to the museum with sound effects and video presentations on many of the exhibits. Brown stated, “This past summer I was able to go to the Smithsonian Museums, Mt. Vernon, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Gettysburg and many other historic sites, to see if what we were doing on a small scale measured up to these grand exhibits. I was pleased to see that some of what we have incorporated in our exhibits is in line with the large scale exhibits in these well known places. Museums are not quiet places to look at artifacts these days. They are filled with interactive, sights and sounds.”
“We have spent well over $300,000 in the past few years. From 2007-2010 the museum has received several substantial grants from Webster Parish Convention and Visitors’ Bureau, Webster Parish Police Jury, the City of Minden, Coca-Cola Bottlers Association Foundation, Cultural Crossroads, Louisiana Main Street Program, Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, and the Jr. Service League. All of these grants help greatly with research, exhibit construction and building repair cost. While those grants are extremely important private funding from individuals’ plays a very important part in the great progress we have achieved. These individual type donations are the ones that keep us operating on a day to day basis. We have had some very generous people that are committed to this project and a few generous volunteers and others that have donated their services and time.” commented Brown.
Brown stated, “The fundraising and membership drives never stop with a museum. Dorcheat Museum is constantly working to increase members, donations, and events to raise money. My goal is to have everyone in Webster Parish become at least a $20 a year member, buying one of our products, coming to one of our many events or visiting the museum. We still have work in the front to be completed, back theater room to finish and our military exhibit just to name a few. We estimate spending at least another $100,000 this year on exhibits to get where we want to be. A museum is never complete!”
More progress has been made by the recent hiring of Ms. Eddie Hammontree, retired director of Webster Parish Library. Ms. Hammontree is now cataloging the museum collection into the Past-Perfect IV museum software program. This program will be helpful to anyone doing research in the future. Eventually the museum hopes to have the museum collection online. The Bossier Parish museum uses this same software for their online collection.
The third season of speakers will begin in February. For two years the popular “Nights for the Museum” were free to the public. With the increase of postage and printing the museum board felt the need to charge a small fee of $5 per event for the 2010 season, while nearby areas charge much more. Brown stated, “Our first year and into our 2nd year Ty Pendergrass and Argent Financial funded the food for the events. Museum board member, Charlotte Martin was put in charge of refreshments. As the crowds grew by leaps and bounds, we felt it was time to make a change and everyone that attends the events agreed. The events now are potluck, giving the feeling of the close-knit community that we are. Everyone loves coming with something they have prepared special for the evening.”
Many are familiar with the popular cookbooks, Cora Lou Robinson prints, DVD speaker series and books that the museum offers as fundraisers. Another way that they also raise money is with the car show that Schelley Brown created in 2004. Brown stated, “I started the show in 2004 to give back to my community in the best way I knew how. I had always given money to St. Jude Minden Auction and so this was a way to for me to add extra to that. Many times after that first year because of the amount of work involved in putting on the show, I considered to cease doing it. By the third year it had gotten too big to stop. It takes almost a year to plan this show and involves a great deal of work. Anyone that is involved with me knows the amount of time that is spent in putting on the May show. I had been asked by several organizations in the past to put on shows and events for them including the Dorcheat Historical Association. I turned many of them down because of the time involved. When the Dorcheat Museum Board hired me they asked if I would continue doing the show. I really wanted to stop at this point but since I was hired to raise money for the museum I instead decided to change the name and type of this show and redirect where some of the net proceeds went. The show this year gives money to St. Jude in fact we have given $73,000 since 2004! St. Jude is a wonderful cause that I feel strongly about. In the future I have thought about giving half of the money to the Susan Komen foundation for Breast Cancer research. Giving to any cancer research is something that I feel strongly about. I think it is only fair that the Dorcheat Museum benefit for the amount of hours that are spent on this show by me. (The show has given $13,000 to the museum so far) After all they are paying my salary while I work on it. The name of the show now is “Cruisin’ for a Cure Wheels Through Time Show and Shine”. I left the words “For A Cure” in the title because I will always give half of the money to something dealing with some type of illness or disease. It is no longer just a car show it is now a car, motorcycle, tractor and anything that rolls show & shine. Show and shine means it is no longer a judged show.’ For more information go to http://www.mindencruisinforacure.com/ or http://www.mindencruisinforacure.blogspot.com/
The museum board is currently made up of President; Thad Andress, Treasurer; Richard Campbell, Secretary; Ann Harlan, Charlotte Martin, Janet LaBruyere, Marcus Wren, Cristola Walton, Pat Stephens, Louise Snook, Webster Parish historian: John Agan, Cora Lou Robinson, Ben Hunter, Dr. Roy Phillips, James H. Smith, Carleton Prothro, Lonnie Simpson, Ronnie Broughton, and Richard Noles. “As of our January meeting we are currently looking for a few new recruits to join our board as working volunteers”, stated Brown. Anyone with an interest in history and preservation is asked to drop by the museum or call 318-377-3002. For more information on the museum visit 116 Pearl Street from Tuesday – Saturday or visit http://www.musueminminden.blogspot.com/

"Night For The Museum With Louisiana Football Hall Of Fame Member Charlie Hennigan"

March 8th, 2010, “Night For The Museum” will be one you don’t want to miss. Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame member Dr. Charlie Hennigan will be the second in the 2010 series to speak at Christopher’s in downtown Minden. These popular events have drawn an average crowd of around 200 per evening. “Many of our guests come from all over the country. The museum board is so pleased with the response from the community.” stated Schelley Brown.
Many remember Charlie Hennigan as a 1953 Minden High School graduate that went on to become a record breaking football player for Northwestern State University and the Houston Oilers. Others remember him as part of “The Dirty Six”, a group of young, rambunctious boys that ruled the neighborhood known as “Oak Ridge Addition” off the Shreveport Road. However you remember him, you always remember his wit and humor and love of the game and his friends in Minden.
Charlie Hennigan played with the Houston Oilers in their first year, 1960, after having worked as a schoolteacher. He scored the first touchdown in Oilers history, but played in only 11 games. After a promising rookie season, in 1961 he started all 14 games and established himself as a superstar in the American Football League by gaining 1,746 yards receiving, a record that stood for 34 years. Hennigan was the first professional football player to catch more than a hundred passes in a single season (101 in 1964) and to twice gain over 1,500 yards in pass receiving (1961 and 1964).
He holds the all-time records for most games (3) in a season with over 200 yards receiving, and most games (11) in a season with over 100 yards receiving. Hennigan had the All-time AFL single game record of 272 yards receiving, against the Boston Patriots on October 16, 1961. He was an American Football League All-Star five straight years, 1961 through 1965, and is a member of the All-Time All-AFL second team, and a member of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame He went on to a successful career with a Doctorate in Education, and as a motivational speaker and teacher.
Events are held at Christopher’s, 615 Main St. in downtown Minden, La. Doors open at 5:30 with refreshments served at 6:00 p.m. Admission to each event is $5.00 per person. First-come, first-served seating. Guests are welcome to bring their favorite appetizer or dessert. For more information contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192.

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