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

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

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

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