Tuesday, October 13, 2009

The 2009 Season End A Big Hit

“Night For The Museum”--- The History of Cotton Valley with Mr. Lonnie Simpson A Big Success In Spite of Rain
The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Inc. 10th and final “Night for the Museum” of 2009 was another big hit in spite of the terrible weather. Museum director Schelley Brown stated, “I was a little worried with the terrible weather and the creeks rising over the roads. But when I opened the doors at 5:30 it was business as usual with another large crowd in attendance. The events have been bringing in between 150-200 people every month and have become the place to be in Minden to learn a little history as well as socialize with friends, neighbors and many visitors from out of town. The museum board members have been extremely pleased with the past two years. Next year we will have a few changes due to the cost of postage and cards that we mail out. We will only have 6 speakers and we will charge $5.00 for each event. I don’t believe that this will hurt us and it will surely help the museum’s efforts. I am looking forward to the 2010 speakers and welcome any suggestions for subjects.”
The night began with Simpson being introduced by another longtime educator Mr. Carleton Prothro. Simpson told the history of his hometown--- Cotton Valley, Louisiana and his memories of what it was like in the early 40s and 50s. Simpson was born in 1937 and graduated from Cotton Valley High School in 1956. His stories of the early settlers, teachers, businesses and industries that once thrived entertained and educated the crowd. He also told of the tragedies of several fires and the 1947 tornado. Mr. Simpson ended the evening by mentioning the local legend of Sallie Baker and some important facts about her.
Each museum event has been recorded and made into a DVD. These DVDs are a part of the fundraising efforts of the always expanding and progressing new museum. If you have not been able to make it to these events you can purchase each yearly collection series for $75.00. With each complete set you will receive a special $20 Minden 1950s DVD as a gift to you. Speaker DVDs are also sold separately for $10 each.
The next museum event is the “Marathon on Broadway” dance open to everyone. This event will be held at the Minden Civic Center November 6th -7th. For more information on the museum you can visit the web site at http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ or call Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192.