WPCVB and Dorcheat Historical Association Making More Progress in 2011

 Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Inc. and Webster Parish Convention and Visitors’ Bureau are working together to create a jewel in the Parish.  “Since we began this project the Convention and Visitors’ Bureau has stood behind our efforts with the Dorcheat Museum projects.” Museum director, Schelley Brown Francis stated, “Without the WPCVBs support and help the museum would not be the showplace that it is today. I am proud to say that this organization since 2007 has seen the benefit of having a parish museum of outstanding quality. The museum has been visited by visitors from all over the world in the last few years. These visitor 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 help with hotels, camping sites, restaurants, parks, and shopping or just a good spot for a family picnic and photo taking. 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.  Lynn and I work very well together and have really enhanced the visitor experience over the last few years.  We have even given several driving tours of our historic districts to bus loads of visitors!”
         

   In 2011 a grant award of $7,500 will be given with half the funds presented recently. The current projects in the works for the museum are the military exhibits located in the back part of the museum.  This project is a big project and with the help of Larry Milford and Terry Snook should be a wonderful tribute to the armed forces of Webster Parish past and present.  The museum also has plans for a KASO radio/ St. Jude exhibit that will tell the history of what Minden has done thru the years for St. Jude and the beginning days of the radio auction and the Treat family.

The museum is free admission with free tours given Tuesday-Friday. Hours of operation are Tuesday-Friday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., closed 1-2 for lunch, Saturday: 10 a.m. – noon.  Special history gifts are given to each child visiting the museum.  Large tours are welcome, by calling ahead and booking the date and time.  The museum is up to date with social media, by being on Facebook and with email blast for those that have signed up thru the www.museuminminden.blogspot.com web site.  Everyone is urged to visit the website and sign up for these email blast to find out what is going on at the museum.  This is the best and fastest way you can find out about all the latest happenings.

The learning center and meeting room is now open and available for rent for meetings, reunions, parties etc. 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 was installed last year.
          

  Francis closed by stating, “The board members for the museum are so grateful to have WPCVB behind us.  The fact that they believe in what we are doing and have the vision to see how important we have become to our parish is so important. We look forward to our future of preserving our past for many years to come. We also look forward to the years ahead of us and our lasting relationship with tourism in our parish.”

Summer Is Here... Visit The Museum.... It's Free!

Webster Association of Retired Teachers

Webster Association of Retired Teachers Visit Museum

Thursday, May 12th, 2011 the “Webster Association of Retired Teachers” visited the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum for their annual year-end event. A special tour organized by museum board member Dr. Roy Phillips was provided by Schelley Brown Francis, the museum director. This interesting and informative tour took the members back through the time line of Webster Parish. The following members attended the event: Ms. Vila Dennis, President; Mrs. Catherine Terrell, Secretary. Members: Mrs. Marguerite A. Hayes Williams; Mrs. Mabel Jones; Mrs. Virginia Jefferson; Mrs. Mary Johnson; Mr. Nathaniel Johnson and Dr. Roy G. Phillips. Ms. Vila Dennis commented, “The tour was very informative and most enjoyable. After the tour the museum was presented a check by the group.
For your free group tour of the museum contact Mrs. Francis at 318-377-3002 or drop by the museum located at 116 Pearl Street in Minden. You can also find information about the museum on Facebook and on the museum web site www.museuminminden.blogspot.com .

“Stories From The Past From A Minden Native”

The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum held its 4th “Night for the Museum” for the 2011 series of speakers on Monday night, May 9th, 2011. The event highlighted the history of the Miller and Inabnett family. The evening began with an introduction of the evening by parish historian John Agan followed by guest speaker Mr. Joe Miller Inabnett. Inabnett told of his rich family history that dates back to the 1820s in the Minden area. Many that were on hand have vivid memories of Inabnett’s mother, Mrs. Roy Miller Inabnett. Mrs. Inabnett was a Minden native for over 90 years and had many rich memories of a century of change and of life as she knew it growing up in Minden. This was an emotion filled night for many including Joe Inabnett as he recounted stories and family history that had been handed down to him by his mother.
“I am so glad I was able to attend tonight.” commented one of the out of town guests that had traveled from Little Rock. “All of the speakers this year have been great! I have learned so much about our area by coming to the museum nights.” stated another museum patron. The museum is now open free of charge Tuesday-Saturday. The summer program will begin at the end of the school year with more information to be announced soon. These events will also be something that anyone interested in history will not want to miss.
If you would like to hear the story as told by Mr. Inabnett or any of the other speakers you can contact the museum for your copy of the DVD for $10 each. For more information contact Schelley Brown Francis at 318-377-3002 or visit www.museuminminden.blogspot.com . You can also find the museum on Facebook.

3 Heads Are Better Than One

“Three Members of One of Minden’s Oldest Famlies” The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum held its third “Night for the Museum” for the 2011 series of speakers to a packed house on Monday night, April 11th, 2011. The event highlighted the history of the Drew family. The evening began with an introduction of the evening by parish historian John Agan followed by Richard Drew Carey. Carey told of his extensive research of the Drew family with visits overseas and Utah seeking more information. Drew White followed with his story of the community of Overton and the hardships this family must have faced to just survive. The final speaker was the always entertaining Judge Harmon Drew telling stories of his grandfather and father. “Everyone just loves these museum events at Christopher’s.” commented an attendee of the night. “Where else can you go in Minden on a Monday night and see everyone in town and learn something about your surroundings free of charge? We really have something to be proud of.” stated another museum patron. The museum is now open free of charge Tuesday-Saturday. The next speaker will be Mr. Joe Miller Inabnett on May 9th, 2011. The summer program will begin at the end of the school year with more information to be announced soon. These events will also be something that anyone interested in Minden’s rich history will not want to miss. If you would like to hear the story as told by the Drew family members 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.

Help Make History… Come Often

The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum is one of Minden’s great spots to visit. You can see bits of history and learn while you are enjoying the sights and sounds that this museum offers. At a recent board meeting admission cost was discussed and voted to be dropped as a way to give back to the community. Board members present for this decision were Cora Lou Robinson, Richard Campbell, Ann Harlan, Charlotte Martin, Janet LaBruyere, Louise Snook, Becky Marvin, John Agan, Janice Mourad and museum director Schelley Brown. Several board members stated that this year the museum has had 100s of visitors from all across the country. Many are so impressed with what our small parish museum has to offer. On a recent trip to Minden, Rick Rowe of KTBS 3 was just amazed at the quality of our Webster Parish museum. We want people to feel that they can drop by on an everyday basis and see what is new at the museum. Exhibit work changes so rapidly and if you don’t come in often you miss things. With free admission everyone can use the museum like they use the library. It is a facility with lots of material for school projects, genealogy research, or just to bring children and visitors to learn about our rich heritage. We want everyone to feel welcome and not limited to access because of a fee. The popular “Nights for the Museum” are another way that the museum offers history and entertainment for the people of Minden and the surrounding area. These events have become the place to be in Minden. The last speaker before the summer break will be Mr. Joe Inabnett on May 9th, 2011. Then the “Summer Pioneer” program for children will begin. All children that visit the museum receive a history filled book about our area. “I have found that the adults love the activity book as well as the children!” commented Brown. For meetings, parties, reunions, and other functions the new Media/Learning Center room is perfect. This room has a surround sound theater system and 90 chairs and available tables. This room is the perfect spot for non-profit organizations to have meetings or for small business meetings. Call for rates and availability on this area of the museum. The museum gift shop is a place to go for local items such as the popular museum cookbooks, Cora Lou Robinson prints, “Night for the Museum” DVDs and local history books. “We ship too!” commented Ms. Brown. The fourth and newest cookbook is in the works. These books are a great gift and filled with local history. The newest book is dedicated to stores and restaurants of the past in Minden. If you have not visited the museum at 116 Pearl Street you are really missing a local treat. Hours of operation are Tuesday-Friday 10:00 A.M.-4 P.M. closed from 1-2 for lunch. Saturday hours are 10:00 A.M.-noon. Special tours can be arranged by calling 318-377-3002. Find the museum on Facebook and visit www.museuminminden.blogspot.com to read more about Webster Parish history and sign up for the museum email blast about current happenings.

April 11th, 2011 "Night For The Museum" The History of the Drew Family in Webster Parish

“The Drew Family a part of Webster Parish History since 1820s”
The Drew family and their part in our rich Louisiana history, will be the subject of the April 11th, 2011, Dorcheat Historical Association Museum’s “Night For The Museum”. Drew White, Richard Carey and Judge Harmon Drew will present a presentation of their family that dates back to the 1820s in our area.
European Settlement would begin in earnest a few years after Freeman and Curtis when the first settlers came to Webster Parish, following the waters of Dorcheat Bayou. The first settlement would occur in 1822, when Newitt Drew came to Louisiana from Middle Tennessee. Drew's trade was that of a gunsmith. He settled at the head of Lake Bistineau and a small settlement that would be called Overton named after the presiding judge for the area. This area soon grew up around him and his grist mill at the confluence of Cooley Creek and Dorcheat Bayou. By 1835, Overton would become the seat of Claiborne Parish. River commerce drove the community’s economy and soon warehouses and docks spread for nearly a mile along the Bayou.
However, the unhealthy location of the Overton settlement proved to be its demise as repeated outbreaks of Swamp or Yellow Fever devastated the population. By the late 1840s almost all residential presence at Overton had vanished and the business trade disappeared by the mid 1850s. Today nothing remains of this former parish seat, but a few graves in a cemetery atop a hill, isolated among gravel pits along Dorcheat Bayou.
Don’t miss your chance to hear about one of Minden’s most interesting families. 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. This program will draw a large crowd so lawn chairs are recommended to insure a seat. 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 to sign up for the museum email blast. You can also find the museum on Facebook. To learn more about Webster Parish’s rich history visit the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum located at 116 Pearl Street in Minden. Museum hours; closed on Monday, Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (closed from 1-2 for lunch), Saturday 10 a.m.-noon. Also open for special tours and rental by appointment.

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.