Minden’s Forgotten Literary Giant

“One of Minden’s Great Mysteries”
The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum held its second “Night for the Museum” for the 2011 series of speakers to a history seeking group on Monday night, March 14th, 2011. The event highlighted the life of one of the South’s and Minden’s forgotten literary greats, Ada Jack Carver Snell. Snell was the subject of Dr. Donnis Taylor’s doctoral dissertation, making Taylor the expert on the subject of Ada Jack Carver: that is to say if anyone can be on someone whose life was surrounded in mystery and reclusiveness.
Dr. Taylor’s extensive research on this woman that died in 1972 in a nursing home in Minden was evident. From the earliest writings of Carver, to her life at home with her parents, later her life here in Minden and then the tragic death of her young son were all highlighted in the evening’s museum event.
“I think everyone really came away with a feeling of who, what and why about Ada Jack, especially after hearing the tragic story of the scalding death of her child.” commented an attendee of the night. The whole story of Carver may never be truly known, but Dr. Taylor’s work has uncovered many unanswered questions and cleared up dates and contradictions of the past. Carver began to publish in 1915, but her most intense creative activity occurred in the mid-1920s with works published in Harper’s and several other well-known publications of that era. There will always be numerous unresolved mysteries surrounding the relationship between her life and her work. Ada Jack Carver Snell died in December of 1972 and is buried at the Minden Cemetery by her husband and infant son.
If you would like to hear the story as told by Dr. Taylor you can contact the museum for your copy of the DVD for $10 each. For more information contact Schelley Brown at 318-377-3002 or visit www.museuminminden.blogspot.com . You can also find the museum on Facebook.

“Ada Jack Carver Snell, Minden’s Forgotten Literary Giant”, will be the subject of the March 14th, 2011, Dorcheat Historical Association Museum’s “Night For The Museum”. Dr. Donnis Taylor will be speaking about one of the South’s greatest women authors. Dr. Taylor was born in El Dorado, Arkansas and lived there until she moved to Ruston to attend Louisiana Tech. In the middle of her freshman year, she married Sonny Taylor, a Ruston native. In 1963, the couple moved to Minden, when Sonny was hired to teach and coach at Minden High School. Dr. Taylor began her teaching career in Webster Parish, spending one year in Dubberly and four in Sibley before transferring to Minden High School, where she is remembered by many for teaching English twenty-four years before “retiring” from the public school system to enter higher education.
She received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Louisiana Tech, and earned the Doctor of Philosophy degree at Southwestern Louisiana University (now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette). Shortly after her retirement from Webster Parish, she accepted a position at Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, where she is presently an associate professor of English, teaching Comp I, Lit I, and Advanced Composition. Every three years, when Southern Lit is offered, she teaches that as well, which gives her an opportunity to teach the works of Ada Jack Carver, alongside those of other great Southern writers.
Taylor is an active member of the Arkansas Philological Association (APA) and in 2009 served as the organization’s state president. She has presented numerous papers at APA and other professional conferences, and most of them have been about Ada Jack Carver, the subject of her doctoral dissertation. Four years ago, Dr. Taylor was awarded a Southern Arkansas University faculty research grant, which enabled her to do even more extensive research on the Minden author. One of the results of that study was the publication of one of her papers on Carver in the nationally circulated Philological Review, a juried literary journal published by the Arkansas Philological Association.
Ada Jack Carver Snell was born in Natchitoches in 1890. She married John B. Snell, in 1918 and moved to Minden. Born into an upper-middle-class Baptist family, Ada Jack Carver was raised in an atmosphere of distinction and ease in Natchitoches. The rich heritage and atmosphere of Louisiana’s oldest settlement filled her days as a youth. She would later remember these experiences with her colorful and descriptive writings of life in Louisiana.
Carver began to publish in 1915, but her most intense creative activity occurred in the mid-1920s with works published in Harper’s and several other well known publications of that era. There are numerous unresolved mysteries surrounding the relationship between her life and her work. Ada Jack Carver Snell died in December of 1972 and is buried at the Minden Cemetery by her husband and infant son.
Don’t miss your chance to hear about one of Minden’s most interesting past citizens. Event will be held at Christopher’s, 615 Main St., Minden, La. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., with first come, first serve seating. Program begins at 6:00 p.m., admission is free with potluck desserts and snacks welcome. For more information contact Schelley Brown at 318-377-3002 or visit www.museuminminden.blogspot.com . You can also find the museum on Facebook.

Standing Room Only For POW Stories

The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum held its first “Night for the Museum” for the 2011 series of speakers to a standing room only crowd, on Monday night, February 21st, 2011. The event highlighted the early life of Bill Barkas and first cousin, Dr. Mattie Jacks Mosley. Both of whom are POW survivors from WWII in Manila.
This event was a lesson in survival and being proud to be an American citizen. The crowd traveled back in time to the years 1942-1945 in war torn Manila. Mosely and Barkas described in vivid detail their experiences and earliest childhood memories of life in Manila during the war years. Barkas went on to include his pride in becoming an American citizen and what it means to him.
It was early Monday morning, the 8th of December 1941, just hours after the Pearl Harbor attack, Zero fighters of the Empire of Japan flew to the Philippines in tight formation from the north, directing their attention to Manila, bombing strategic military targets. Panic quickly surged through the city of 800,000. The civilians of Manila prepared for the worst as banks were mobbed; stores were quickly emptied of canned goods and supplies. Within a few days, the Commonwealth President Quezon quickly declared Manila an "Open City" to avoid further destruction of what was then known as the “Pearl of the Orient”.
During this time over 3700 Americans, British, Australians and other Allied civilians would be interned at the centuries-old University of Santo Tomas. Prisoners built private shacks or shanties for their families around campus buildings, after the Japanese occupation of Manila, Santo Tomas main building was used to hold civilian POWs, and classrooms for sleeping quarters from January 4, 1942 - February 3, 1945.
These prisoners endured many hardships including the lack of food, water, and disease. Both Barkas and Mosely remembered the lack of food and water. Mrs. Mosley described how sick they became after they were finally given food, as their bodies became accustomed to foods again. Many were just skin and bones at their release including her parents. She said her parents would not let pictures be taken of them due to how much weight they had lost during the three year period.
Santo Tomas University was liberated by the US Army 1st Calvary Division (8th Regiment, 1st Brigade). Mrs. Mosely told of seeing General MacArthur in the streets and the thrill of being picked up by one of the first tanks rolling down the streets during the American liberation of the city. She described being scooped up by an American soldier and placed on the top of the tank as her parents followed behind. The first wave of soldiers was backed by five tanks from the 44th Tank Battalion. The university still educates to this day. A plaque, dedicated in 1954 tells the history of the main building as an internment camp.
The next “Night For The Museum” will be held March 14th, 2011. It will feature Dr. Donnis Taylor and with her presentation about Ada Jack Carver Snell. Snell is considered one of the South’s forgotten literary giants and one of Minden’s sometimes forgotten greats.
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., free admission, first-come, first-served seating. Guests are welcome to bring their favorite appetizer or dessert. Drinks are provided. For more information contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192. Or visit the web site at www.museuminminden.blogspot.com or join on Facebook.

POWs speak at the first 2011 “Night For The Museum”

POWs speak at the first 2011 “Night For The Museum”
The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum will hold its first “Night for the Museum” for the 2011 series of speakers on February 21st, 2011 . Cora Lou Robinson is the chairwoman in charge of finding speakers this year. Cora Lou has an exciting lineup planned for the five guest speakers for 2011. This year admission will be free to these popular events with donations accepted and of course the popular potluck desserts and snacks welcomed.

The first event will highlight the early life of Bill Barkas and Dr. Mattie Jacks Mosley, both of whom are POW survivors from WWII in Manila . Barkas moved to Minden in 1967 and has a bachelor’s degree from Louisiana Tech in Agricultural Engineering. He was born in the Philippines to an Australian father and Filipino mother. Bill became a US citizen on April 29th, 1965. Married to wife Edie, the couple has three children (Jessica, Bill Jr., Hanna) and 10 living grandchildren. Bill and Edie will be celebrating 54 years of marriage in March of this year. The couple is a member of the First United Methodist Church of Minden.

Dr. Mattie Jacks Mosley is a first cousin to Barkas. Dr. Mosley, Emeritus Professor of Library Science, LSU Shreveport retired from there in 1998. She has a bachelor’s degree from Louisiana Tech in English, a masters in library science from LSU-Baton Rouge; and a Ph.D. in library and information science from the University of North Texas in Denton . Mattie was born in the Philippines. Her mother was Australian, and her father was American. She is married to Thomas Mosley and has two sons, Thomas Jr. and Chris, and three grandchildren. She has written articles for various professional journals and served as consulting editor for the Salem Press. She has served as president of the Louisiana Association of School Librarians and in various capacities for the American Library Association. She was the recipient of the Outstanding Faculty Performance Award on two occasions while at LSU-S. Since retiring, she enjoys traveling the world and the United States. The Mosleys are active members of St. James Episcopal Church in Shreveport. Mattie also is a volunteer at Live Oak Retirement Center.

This should be a very moving and educational night for Minden citizens as we travel back in time to the years 1942-1945 in war torn Manila. “You don’t want to miss this history filled evening of a first hand account of struggle and survival by two POWs.” 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., free admission, first-come, first-served seating. Guests are welcome to bring their favorite appetizer or dessert. Drinks are provided. For more information contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192. Or visit the web site at http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/

Let's Make History In 2011

Let’s Make History In 2011
The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum located at 116 Pearl Street is looking forward to the New Year and especially the lineup for the popular “Nights for the Museum” which will kick off in February. These history filled Monday nights have become the thing to do in Minden since they began in March of 2008. Christopher’s has hosted 25 speakers so far with an average attendance of 125 history lovers. “The museum board members are thrilled with our success and the attendance to the events. We never dreamed when we started that people would look forward to these evenings as much as they do. So much history was being lost in Minden every year as our older generation passed away. Now we have preserved so many wonderful stories and this year will be no different” stated Schelley Brown.
Brown commented, “Cora Lou Robinson is the speaker chairwoman this year and she has a wonderful lineup planned. These events are free of charge with donations accepted this year. As in the past potluck appetizers and desserts are welcome.”
The museum board is making plans for the parish schools. This year we want to encourage teachers to bring classes to the museum to learn a little more about the area where they live. Last year we had over 300 children come through for our Summer Pioneer program. This year we will expand that program for the summer offering free summer admission again. Teachers and groups are urged to call Schelley Brown at 377-3002 to make tour arrangements.
The new state of the art Theater system is also a new feature that was installed this year. This gives the museum the opportunity to host meetings and parties for outside organizations and it is available to book for parties and reunions. This system is similar to what the Minden Civic Center offers on a little smaller scale and is a great asset for our city. This room is perfect to show DVDs, PowerPoint presentations or slide shows. The Media/Learning Center also houses the work in progress LAAP exhibit and the military exhibit that should be completed this year. This exhibit highlights WWI to current conflicts and also honors the men and women killed in action from Webster Parish. Working on this exhibit, the museum has learned of a Webster Parish man that was killed on the Battleship Arizona at Pearl Harbor. Donations have been steady to put this exhibit together and Larry Milford, Richard Campbell and Terry Snook are working to make this a proper tribute to our soldiers.
New exhibits are in the works and new ideas are on the board for local artist Larry Milford to use his magic in creating a first class museum. “Every first time visitor we have is amazed at the quality of the museu. It’s always a “WOW” when they walk in the door! We have had visitors from other countries this year that have been so impressed at what we are doing here in Minden, La. It makes you so proud of your community.” said Ms. Brown.
If you would like to tour the museum, the hours of operation are Tuesday-Friday 10a.m.-4.p.m. (closed from 1-2 for lunch) Saturday 10a.m.-noon. Large tours are conducted Tuesday-Friday and by appointment on Saturdays. For more information visit the museum at 116 Pearl Street or call Schelley Brown at 377-3002. Visit the website at www.museuminminden.blogspot.com or join the museum on Facebook to keep up with the latest news.

KTBS Coverage of The Hunter Family

http://www.ktbs.com/video/26478210/index.html This is a great story about Minden and the Hunter Family of Minden

Help Make Us Grown in 2011

Click on each picture to enlarge to print then right click on the picture you wish to copy!

Ghost Walk 2010

A great day for history November 13th, 2010 at the Minden Cemetery! Hosted by the Dorcheat Historical Association and Museum.

7th Old Minden Cemetery Ghost Walk 2010

Click on the album to view each picture.





Pratt-Lewis Duel
It was August 18, 1868 when Clarence Pratt and John Lewis of Minden Louisiana decided to settle a dispute of Honor between the prominent families. Lewis and Pratt are buried about 100 feet from each other in the Old Minden Cemetery.

Click on the link below to see more great pictures from the day.
http://picasaweb.google.com/RebelWolfSpirit/OldMindenCemeteryGhostWalk2010

Cora Lou Robinson Giclee Drawing December 1st, 2010

On December 1st, 2010 the Dorcheat Museum will be drawing for a $300 value 50" x 24" canvas Giclee of Cora Lou Robinson's 1984 original art work "Minden, La. My Hometown Main Streets" circa 1940s.
Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Cora Lou Robinson and Easley’s Fine Art and Frame are teaming up for a fundraising project for the museum. December 1st, 2010 the museum will be drawing for a work of art for $5 for each ticket. 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.
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.
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 canvas for $300 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.
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 www.museuminminden.blogspot.com

Cypress Area Garden Club Visits Museum

On October 22, 2010 about 30-40 members of the Cypress Area Garden Club from the Benton area visited the Dorcheat Museum for a goup tour. This group spent a full day in Webster Parish visiting local attractions. This is just a few of our visitors in this picture.

Minden High Homecoming 2010

Minden High Homecoming 2010

Minden High School Homecoming 2010. Many class memebers from the 50s, 60s and 70s enjoyed activites at the museum October 15th and 16th. Click on album to see all the pictures.

"A Lesson in Salt" with Mr. Jeff Girard

“A Lesson in Salt” with Mr. Jeff Girard
On October 11th, 2010, “Night for the Museum” celebrated archaeology month. “We were so excited to have Assistant Professor of Anthropology at NSU Mr. Jeff Girard as our special guest speaker for the evening. Everyone learned so much from his topic on the “Archaeology of the Lake Bistineau Salt Works,” stated Schelley Brown.
Many were made aware of the ongoing work in the lake area by the state archaeologist. With the recent fires in the Lake Bistineau lake bed and the burning off of underbrush, everyone was surprised to discover how rich this area is in archaeology artifacts dating back to prehistoric times. Everyone that attended was pleasantly surprised in the rich history of the lake and our area.
Girard has an M.A., Anthropology, University of Texas at Austin. His fields of interest include: Site Distribution Patterns; Late Prehistory of the Southeastern and Southern Plains; Archaeological Method and Theory.
Girard has more than 20 years experience in archaeological research in the Southeast, Southern Plains, and Southwest. As regional archaeologist at NSU, he works with landowners in the identification and preservation of cultural resources on private land, carries out research projects in areas where little information is available, and promotes awareness of cultural resources through public presentations throughout northwestern Louisiana. Recently, he directed NSU's archaeological field school excavations at a major mound site in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana. He has an ongoing project concerned with understanding landform and human settlement changes in the Red River floodplain of northwest Louisiana.
All DVD’s from previous speakers are available at the Dorcheat Museum located at 116 Pearl Street. These make a great gift, so drop by the museum and pick up your little piece of Webster Parish history today.” stated Schelley Brown. For more information contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192. Or visit the web site at www.museuminminden.blogspot.com

“Museum Gala A Historic Event”

“2010 Museum Gala A Historic Event”

“Museum Gala A Historic Event”

Monday, September 13, 2010 , the Dorcheat Historical Museum hosted its second fundraising event since the 2008 opening of the parish museum. “This fundraiser was a huge success, raising over $20,000.” Louise Snook, board member and gala event organizer reported. With over 125 guests in attendance, the museum was filled with anticipation of the night’s activities which included a silent auction and a first time viewing of the new state of the art Media/Learning Center & Theater. This room will also house the military exhibit covering WWI to present day conflicts.

“Master Chef” Jim Begbie provided a lavish assortment of foods which included a variety of cheeses, sushi and caviar. “I think people were really pleased with the variety of silent auction items and the wonderful variety of foods. We are so fortunate to have the support of so many people from far and wide. We have been pleased with our progress and we know we couldn’t do any of it without so many generous friends of the museum.” stated Schelley Brown.

Golf trips, B & B stays, appliance gift certificates, photography gift certificates and catering services were just a few of the many items to pick from. The silent auction was a big hit with the crowd bringing in over $11,500 for the evening on the auction alone. “The members of the museum board would like to thank all of the local merchants for their generosity in helping us put all of this together.” Brown said.

The item that had everyone’s attention was an original painting by folk artist, Cora Lou Robinson. Robinson’s painting of a birthday party at the old Minden Community House was a top fundraising item for the evening. Many local people were depicted in the painting which was from a memory of one of Robinson’s own birthdays. The high bidder, Mrs. Margaret Evans, is now the proud owner of not one, but two Cora Lou originals. Mrs. Evans was also the winner of the St. Jude original that was raffled off at the 2010 Minden St. Jude Auction.

Many first time guests were shocked at the quality and beauty of the now two year old museum. A member of the 8th Air force Museum was in attendance and was quite impressed with what has been done in Minden. “I think what Larry Milford and others have accomplished is quite amazing for a small town museum.” a guest said. With visits this summer from Louisiana tourism professionals, we know by their input that we are doing things the right way.

The museum is really a showplace for our area and has recently received quite a bit of notice from the Shreveport area on local TV stations, magazines and newspapers. This past summer over 300 people passed through the doors of the museum for private tours during the Summer Pioneer Program. With the new Media/Theater room opening, it gives the museum an extra advantage of being able to offer this facility to others. “We can now rent this part of the museum out for meetings, reunions and parties, plus we have the added benefit of the theater system for Power Point or video presentations.” commented Brown. For more information on the Dorcheat Museum call 318-377-3002 or visit at 116 Pearl Street. To sign up for updates visit the website at www.museuminminden.blogspot.com you can also find us on Facebook.

October 11th, 2010 "Night for the Museum" with Mr. Jeff Girard

Digging Up Bones “Night for the Museum” With Mr. Jeff Girard
October 11th, 2010, “Night for the Museum” will celebrate archaeology month. “We are excited to announce that Assistant Professor of Anthropology at NSU Mr. Jeff Girard will be our special guest speaker for the evening. This will give us an opportunity to learn about our very early history in this area,” stated Schelley Brown.
Girard has an M.A., Anthropology, University of Texas at Austin. His fields of interest include: Site Distribution Patterns; Late Prehistory of the Southeastern and Southern Plains; Archaeological Method and Theory.
Girard has more than 20 years experience in archaeological research in the Southeast, Southern Plains, and Southwest. As regional archaeologist at NSU, he works with landowners in the identification and preservation of cultural resources on private land, carries out research projects in areas where little information is available, and promotes awareness of cultural resources through public presentations throughout northwestern Louisiana. Recently, he directed NSU's archaeological field school excavations at a major mound site in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana. He has an ongoing project concerned with understanding landform and human settlement changes in the Red River floodplain of northwest Louisiana.
This will be the last “Night for the Museum” series for 2010. 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. All DVD’s from previous speakers are available at the Dorcheat Museum located at 116 Pearl Street. These make a great gift, so drop by the museum and pick up your little piece of Webster Parish history today.” stated Schelley Brown.
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. Free Admission to this event. First-come, first-served seating. Guests are welcome to bring their favorite appetizer or dessert. Drinks are provided. For more information contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192.

The Civil War Years In Minden

Don't miss our newest book about Minden's rich history!

This book contains 24 of Webster Parish Historian, John Agan's columns dealing with the Civil War Era in Minden. Cost of book is $25 plus $5 for shipping and handling. Mail your check to Dorcheat Museum P.O. Box 1094 Minden, La. 71058

"Night At The Museum" September 13th, 2010

Join us for an evening of Food, Fun, Festivities and Fundraising....We will be unveiling the new state of the art Media/Learning Center and Theater....Catered by "Master Chef" Jim Begbie.....Silent Auction... Cost $25 Per Person payable to Dorcheat Historical Museum.... Must send money by September 1st, 2010 to P.O. Box 1094 Minden, La. 71058.
Don't miss this night of history. For more info call Schelley Brown at 318-377-3002.

If you have something that you think we could use for our silent auction and you would like to highlight your business please give me a call at 318-423-0192.

New Book To Benefit the Museum

This book could be called Minden, Louisiana:1838-1938, but it's not really a history. When I Was a Little Girl and After, Too is the memoirs of a Southern lady who lived her life in the middle of her family's history. Treeby Miller Andress--a Minden High School and Newcomb College graduate, teacher, wife and mother of three--provides a humorous account of her own early days in Minden and a somewhat more serious account of her ancestors' lives. They were prominent business, civic and church leaders for the entire hundred years covered. This book was compiled by son, Thad Andress as a loving memorial to his grandmother and mother. Click on card for information to order book. Cost is $15 plus $5 for ship and handling.

Mail you checks to Dorcheat Museum

P.O. Box 1094 Minden, La. 71058 or visit the museum at 116 Pearl Street.

Spend your summer as a History Pioneer

Be a History Pioneer at the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum. The Webster parish museum located at 116 Pearl Street is offering free summer admission to everyone, beginning with the end of the school year. Tuesday – Friday special 30 minute to 1 hour tours will be offered for young and old. Each child will receive a special museum activity book when they visit plus everyone will learn a little Webster parish history. Schelley Brown commented, “I hope that all parents and grandparents will take advantage of our free admission programs this summer. With the high cost of summer activities for children we wanted to be the place you can come to for an hour or so without having to spend a dime. We want to be able to fill a void for our visitors and children on summer vacation in our area. I have several types of tours for all ages plus I plan on having antique cars and tractors on display throughout the summer in front of the museum. We hope to have our theater room finished before summer is over which will be a great bonus for everyone. The museum is a fun place to visit and I know that everyone will enjoy the history activity book that they will receive at the end of their tour.” For group tours it is suggested to call ahead. For more information call the museum at 377-3002 or visit www.museuminminden.blogspot.com .

Sometimes History Happens Right In Front Of You

Elshout and VandenOord Story

Click on album above to see all the pictures
A story right out of “A Band Of Brothers”
The Elshout and VandenOord Story

Sometimes you not only get to hear history but you get to witness it. So was the case at the May 10th, 2010, “Night For The Museum”. The remarkable story of WWII bravery in war torn Holland was told by Michael Elshout and Marcel VandenOord. A moving introduction these young men, by Cora Lou Robinson, set the tone for the evening.
First to speak was Michael Elshout, grandson of Leo Elshout. Michael started his talk with the phrase, “I once knew a man…” He spoke of his grandfather Leo’s bravery, courage, and dedication to his family and his country of Holland and his love for America. Leo Elshout and his relatives were heroes to nearly 50 allied soldiers during “Operation Market Garden” in September 1944. Hiding glider pilots from German soldiers for almost 2 months, this family risked their lives to save others from almost certain death.
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 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. Connell would later sponsor Elshout so that he could come to Minden.
One particular part of the story dealt with the 101st Airborne Division. The American soldiers were cautious and not as trusting as the British soldiers that had landed the day before. When Leo and his cousin, David arrived at the site of the glider landing, Leo showed the American soldiers the note that the British soldiers had written, saying that Leo was to be trusted to help. The American commander was Russell Vaught. Vaught at one point during the rescue held a gun to Elshout’s back and told him that if anything went wrong, he would kill him first. Fortunately for the soldiers and Elshout, all arrived safely to their hiding place.
For Elshout’s acts of bravery he received a Presidential Citation signed by then General Dwight D. Eishenhower and was presented with the King’s Medal for Courage by the British Counsel in New Orleans.
Next to speak was Marcel VandenOord cousin to the Elshout family. Marcel’s father was also a key participant in underground operations during WWII Holland. Marcel told of the hardships his parents endured in their native country before arriving in Minden. He also told of his mother’s arrival in New York and that she was quite surprised when she was told that she had not reached her final destination of Minden yet!
Schelley Brown commented, “The event that topped the evening was in the final minutes when all the members of the family were asked to take the stage for questions. It was during this time that funny events and stories were shared by members of the audience. It was then that two strangers, a man and a younger woman sitting on the front row stood up. As the gentleman choked back tears the room fell silent. He introduced himself as ‘My name is Joe Vaught and it was my father that held the gun to Leo’s back. I have been searching for this family for many years. Leo Elshout saved my father’s life.’ You could have heard a pin drop as the tears began to flow from everyone’s eyes. The young woman stood up and introduced herself as Kristi Vaught.”
This father, daughter team had come a long way to tell their part of this story. Kristi had flown in from Honolulu, Hawaii to ride from Houston, Texas with her father. Kristi had found the story on the museum web site several months ago. Brown said, “She had contacted me but never really said why she was interested in the story. We were all shocked to have this part of history played out right before us all at Christopher’s. The Elshout and VandenOord families were equally as surprised and pleased. Kristi also supplied all of us a diary that was written during this time by a possible Elshout relative. She has been doing research on this for 13 years or so. I think Joe and Kristi will be back soon. They were so taken with our town and our people that I feel sure they will be visiting us again.”
The May event was the last in the 2010 series of speakers before the summer break. The “History Pioneer Program” has now started at the Dorcheat Museum. Free admission to the museum all summer long. Special tours will be given Tuesday – Friday and by appointment. All children will receive a special history coloring book with their visit to the museum. Museum board members hope everyone will take advantage of the free summer programs. For more information contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192.

Cruisin For A Cure Wheels Through Time Show & Shine 2010

Click on Album above for pics

Weatherman Reports Of Hail, Tornados and Rain Hampers 2010 Show

The “2010 Cruisin’ For A Cure Wheels Through Time Show and Shine” once again is hampered by weather. Schelley Brown show promoter stated, “We had great pre-registration of 79 vehicles. That is usually 1/3 or sometimes ¼ of the number that will actually show up for a show. I knew from the week long weather reports that we may have some problems. People started calling from Mississippi, northern Arkansas and south Louisiana on Tuesday and Wednesday about the weather and if we were going to postpone. You just can’t postpone this type of event because you have no way to contact folks after you do so much wide spread advertising. With the threat of hail and tornados you are going to lose a lot of folks. We ended up with 116 registered by the end of the day. People just can’t take the chance of coming out with these types of vehicles. They have too much money invested to risk any damage. Many still came to the show they just came in the everyday cars. We did still have one group of motorcyclist come from north Arkansas. They ended up trailering the bikes and unloading at the Holiday Inn to attend for the first time.”
The weather turned out fine with the exception of a little rain around 8 a.m. other than that the overcast day was fine for show goers. The silent auction was a big success and the R & V Works fish cooker raffle went over big this year. With the help of show volunteers over 1000 $1 tickets for the cooker were sold and over $3,000 was made with the silent auction. Total numbers are not in for the show with outstanding bills still to be paid but Brown reported that even with the weather issue they could still end up with around $7-8,000 to split.
David Barnhill was the lucky winner of the $500 vehicle prize money. David graciously turned around and presented $300 to Terry Gray the grandfather of Brock Haines Cassell a recent St. Jude patient. The Ark-La-Tex Antique and Classic Car Association was the $200 club winner for the most pre-registered cars with a total of 8 cars registered before the April deadline. Margaret Evan was the winner of the fish cooker. Margaret graciously donated the cooker to the Dorcheat Historical Association to use in an upcoming September event.
“I have so many people to thank this year. I could not have done this years show without all my corporate and individual sponsors and the Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau. Without our money sponsors we could not even start to do a show. Besides sponsors I also have to thank the Hunters and Coca-Cola of Minden for their continued support from the very beginning in 2004, Durwood Blake and Billy Reeves help with sound equipment, Ronnie Sale for his help with the stage and electrical, the members of the Dorcheat Bottom Band with guest Aubrie Stahl and Hunt Powell these folks rocked the fairgrounds, Mike Spillers aka “Elvis” the King of Rock n Roll in Minden, the city of Minden employees, Larry Tims of Fairway Carts, Jimmy Hall and his crew from Party Express Catering with their great food, Wayne Hatfield of Hatfield Ice in Homer, members of the Ark-La-Tex Antique and Classic Car Association, members of the Dorcheat Historical Association museum for all of their volunteer help at various task and stations during the day, my good friends Debbie & Barry Warner and Pam Holley for their help with registration since 2004, Joe Morgan for his expertise in fish cooker raffle ticket sales, Mitzi and Mike Madden for all that they do in so many ways, Danny Francis for his constant help and support, John and Melinda Parnell, Eddie and Katie Sangid, Shawn Lewis, Lynn Dorsey, Lou and Terry Snook for lots and lots of extra hard working hours before, during and after the show. All of these people and many more are what make this show work and run smoothly. Without them I would never attempt to do this.”

A Great Partnership For Tourism

Schelley Brown, Larry Milford, Thad Andress from museum except check from Kerry Easley and Lynn Dorsey from Webster Parish Convention and Visitors' Bureau.

Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Inc. and Webster Parish Convention and Visitors’ Bureau have been working together for many years on the Dorcheat Museum. Museum director, Schelley Brown stated, “Without the WPCVB the museum would still be working on the first phase of the project. I am proud to say that this organization through the last several years has seen the benefit of having a parish museum. The museum is the go to place for out of town visitors that are searching for information and a place to experience something a little different than what many small towns offer. They not only find out about history while they are taking a tour, but also what to see and do in the area while they are visiting the northern part of Louisiana. We sometimes recommend hotels, camping sites, restaurants, parks, and shopping or just a good spot for a family picnic and photo taking. We have gone beyond just giving out and preserving historical information when it comes to our visitors. That is why it is so great to have tourism director, Lynn Dorsey just a phone call away when I have a question or need help with a project or a visitor.”
Since 2007 WPCVB has been a huge supporter of the museum. Brown commented, “When we first started working on the museum. The board knew that we would need a lot of money to get off the ground to complete the construction and repairs on just the building. That was before we even thought about the exhibits. I was hired to help raise awareness and money in 2007.” The board begin working with WPCVB soon after. The first year the museum was generously awarded $50,000 to get started on the front room exhibits. This amount of money from tourism freed up the money that the museum was raising with cookbook sells and donations to repair the roof and totally rework the front half of the 116 Pearl Street building. In 2008 a matching grant of $25,000 was awarded with the museum exceeding that amount in expenditures for the year on more exhibits for the front room. In 2009 another matching grant of $20,000 was given to upgrade exhibit lighting and enhance new exhibits that were being built in the front area. Again the museum far exceeded their expenditures for the year. During this time Dorcheat Historical Museum produced a brochure that was distributed state wide to travel centers that was funded by WPCVB. This brochure has been a big help in getting the word out and in fact is in need to be reorder soon.
In 2010 the grant award of $5,000 was given. The current projects in the works for the museum are the reconstruction era case, police and public officials and commerce exhibits. The theater room and military exhibits located in the back part of the museum will soon be a learning center and meeting room. This part of the museum will be made available to outside groups for gatherings as well as a place to hear special speakers and programming at the museum. A state of the art sound and projection system is currently being installed. Hopefully by the beginning of the school year this section of the museum will be up and running.
Brown closed by stating, “Neither I nor my board members can ever fully express our gratitude to WPCVB for believing in us and having the vision to see what we would become for our parish. We look forward to our future of preserving our past for many years to come. I also look forward to a long and lasting relationship with tourism in our parish.”

History Buffs Turn Out For “A Night for the Museum” with Mr. John Agan

Monday, April 19th, 2010, was a special night for history lovers. John Agan, lifelong resident, local author, newspaper columnist, history teacher and the official Webster Parish Historian was the guest speaker at The Dorcheat Historical Association’s “A Night for the Museum”.
Agan took a look at Minden’s past leading up to and during the Civil War years. John Agan presented an informative night dealing with this trying time in Webster parish history. John’s extensive research on the subject was evident by all the facts that he presented in his talk. Schelley Brown stated, “I think a lot was learned tonight about Minden. I think everyone found out things that they never knew about the town that we live in. We had quite a few new faces this month which I was pleased to see. Our goal is to offer programs that will draw in different people with different interest.”
The next event will be held May 10th, 2010. You don’t want to miss a wonderful tribute story of World War II courage. Learn about the Dutch families of the Elshouts and VandenOords and how they came to settle in Minden after World War II. Brown stated, “This is a story that everyone needs to hear!”
“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” please contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192 or visit www.museuminminden.blogspot.com . Reservations not required. First come, first serve seating.

LAMcon10 THE FUTURE IS NOW!

Dorcheat Historical Association Museum Members In Baton Rouge

Louisiana Association Of Museum Annual Meeting and Conference 2010 was held Monday April 12th and 13th at the Old State Capital building in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Schelley Brown, director Dorcheat Historical Association Museum and Eddie Hammontree, collections cataloger attended the annual event. This event is an assemblage of museum employees from across the state for idea and information exchange with others in the field.
Key note speaker for the event was Dr. Lonnie Bunch III, the director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. This is a yet to open venture for the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. This new museum will be built next to the Washington Monument in the near future. Bunch spoke of the vast work that is yet to be done on this project and how this new museum should make an impact on everyone that visits. Bunch has worked with the Smithsonian for many years and has acquired many artifacts and images for this new museum. Schelley Brown stated, “I learned a lot from listening to Dr. Bunch, about the importance of how exhibits are presented to the public to make the most impact visually and emotionally. I also learned the great deal of time it takes to get a museum started.”
Brown and Hammontree also learned that the Dorcheat Museum was right on target for what our local facility is trying to accomplish with local parish history. Brown commented, “The very first meeting that we attended was about spreading the word through new social media. We have been doing this since day one. We have a Facebook group where we get the word out to those members about upcoming events, we list on the internet sites, we are working on a new email marketing program, we have our Blog that is updated weekly about each event and happening dealing with the museum. About the only thing we are not doing is using Twitter. In fact we were surprised that many were not familiar with these applications.”
Eddie Hammontree commented, “As far as activities we seemed to be at the forefront. Compared to other museums we seem to offer more programs to the public on a regular basis. One conference attendee that knew about the Dorcheat Museum commented she was envious of the public response to our programming.” It is good to know that our local museum is on track to be a top notch facility for our area.