TalkZone Travel'n-On Radio Interview With John Agan

Hear local historian John Agan talk about the Dorcheat Museum on TalkZone Travel'n-On Radio. This tour was conducted on December 8th, 2009 click on the link to learn about the history of our area.
http://www.talkzone.com/archive.asp?aid=43038

2010 "Night For The Museum" Kicks Off In March

The 3rd season of the popular “Night for the Museum” events will begin soon with the Reverend Benjamin J. Martin as the first speaker for the 2010 season. Museum director Schelley Brown commented that this year the museum will have a total of at least 6 speakers. The season begins with Black History in February followed in March with football great Charlie Hennigan. April is Confederate History Month and May will be a moving tale of World War II from the Elshout and Vandernoord families. There will be a summer break in June, July and August. We will pick up again in September, with the finale set for October. The popular events will be $5 per person this year with all money benefiting the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum.
Reverend Martin entered Morehouse College in 1959 on a Merrill Early Admission Scholarship after completion of the eleventh grade. He was awarded a Woodrow Wilson-IBM Graduate Fellowship to attend graduate school at Purdue University. Martin attended the Georgia Institute of Technology, and the Morehouse School of Religion.
Ordained to the Gospel Ministry in July of 1987, Reverend Martin moved to Minden in 1998 and followed in his father B.F. Martin’s footsteps as pastor of the Saint Rest Baptist Church. In the last 10 years the church has expanded outreach ministries to include Habitat for Humanity, medical and teaching missionaries to Jamaica, the Angel Tree project and many others. St. Rest Baptist Church was formed in 1865 and is one of the oldest churches in Minden. The history of St. Rest is an important part of our Webster Parish history.
Reverend Martin is also active in our community, serving as a member of Webster Parish Jury Commission, Webster Parish Community Services Board and Webster Parish Convention and Visitors bureau. Martin is also involved in scouting, is an amateur radio operator, a radio-controlled model airplane enthusiast and an avid gardener.

City of Minden Supports The Museum

Mayor Bill Robertson proudly presents a check from the City of Minden to Thad Andress, President of the Dorcheat Historical Association & Museum, Inc. The Mayor and city council deem this an appropriate gesture for an organization that is dedicated to perserving our past for future generations. They encourage others to support the museum and museum activities by becoming members or simply through a a tax deductible donation. Mayor Robertson encourages everyone to visit the museum located in downtown Minden; it is a great place to learn about Webster Parish.

Holiday Hours

Dorcheat Historical Association Museum Holiday Hours
The Dorcheat Historical Association announces special holiday hours.
Closed November 26th-30th
Closed December 24th-28th
Closed December 31st- January 4th
“We would like to accommodate any out-of-town visitors during this holiday season. The museum board members have asked that if anyone would like to see the museum to please give us a call at 318-423-0192. We want to show off the museum and may be able to do so during the holidays by appointment only.”, stated museum director Schelley Brown.
The museum would also like to remind you of ways to support the museum under the Christmas tree this year. Show your support and purchase one or all of the three very popular museum cookbooks, Cora Lou Robinson’s Hunter Playhouse prints or giclee and also her recently offered “Minden Main Street” 1940s giclee, the popular “Night for the Museum” DVD sets make a great gift for anyone that loves the history of our area. We also have the new John Agan book that makes a great stocking stuffer. The museum offers shipping plus you receive free gift wrapping! Don’t forget to shop early at the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum located at 116 Pearl Street. Remember the musuem is a 501 c3 so you are urged to become a member or donate now for your 2009 deduction!

Marathon On Broadway A Fun Time But A Long Time!

Fun Times! The Dancing ended at 3:00 A.M. with the $1000 prize split among 3 couples. Sidney Johnson and Gloria Hillman of Shreveport, Devon Armstrong and Molly White of Texarkana and Viola Chanler and Ashley Rhame of Minden.

The Cora Lou Robinson's "Main Street" raffle was won by Michele Simineaux.

Dorcheat Historical Association Museum Has A Busy Weekend Planned For November 6th & 7th

The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum will be spreading the word about history all over Minden for the November 6th – 7th Festival of Memories weekend. Museum director, Schelley Brown commented, “The museum board is very excited about the festival weekend. We are giving away $1000 just for dancing! Plus we are giving two one-night stays in Jefferson Texas at The McKay House B & B. We want to invite you to put your dancing shoes on for the evening even if you don’t want to compete in the 24 hour “Marathon on Broadway”. We need people to register even if they don’t dance but for a few dances. All the money benefits the museum so just come out and have fun.”
This dance marathon reminiscent of the marathons that became fads during the depression era will be a step literally back in time, with dancers competing for the chance to win some big money! This event will take place at the Minden Civic Center as a fundraiser for the museum. The event will be open to the public for viewing with a $5.00 admission fee. Food and drinks will be available for purchase on site provided by Coca-Cola of Minden and Party Express Catering. Participants will be in 3 categories with dancers as young as 12 allowed to dance with a guardian’s permission. Prizes awarded in all categories plus a Grand Prize of $1000 will be awarded to one lucky winner. Pre-registration is $20 per person, $25 per person day of event. Day of registration will begin Friday November 6th at 4:00 p.m. with the dance to start at 6:00 on. Age divisions are as follows 12-40, 41-59, 60 plus. Museum director Schelley Brown stated, “The different age groups will be dancing for different lengths of time. But anyone that would like can dance the entire time to compete for the $1000 Grand Prize. If you dress in 1920s – 30s costume you can also earn extra break passes. This is going to be something that we hope our teens as well as our 40 plus crowd participates in!” Don’t miss lots of fun, music and food for everyone. Brown stated she also needs volunteers to help with this event.
Another great event that the museum is participating in for the weekend is the Saturday November 7th, “Artisan’s Fair” held at the First United Methodist Church located at 903 Broadway. John Agan; Webster Parish’s historian will be on hand signing and selling his newest book. “Remembering Minden, Echo’s Of The Past” book is just a collection of a handful of Agan’s popular Minden Press Herald column stories that have become a must read for anyone interested in our parish history. John will also be selling the must have museum cookbooks, Cora Lou Robinson Hunter’s Playhouse prints, and the popular “Night for the Museum” DVDs. All of these items will make great Christmas gifts plus it will all benefit the museum.
Don’t forget to purchase your $10 raffle ticket for the Cora Lou Robinson and Easley’s Fine Art and Frame 50 x 24 Giclee canvas prints of one of Cora Lou’s original 1984 art works “Minden Main Street” that was originally done for Minden Bank. As part of the November “Festival of Memories” celebration one $300 value print will be raffled off.
Cora Lou Robinson stated, “Now 25 years later canvas reproductions of my painting are being made available with all the profit going to the Dorcheat Museum-- a very deserving place. I hope the person who wins the print that will be given away during the “Festival of Memories” celebration on November 7th loves Minden and what it represents as much as I do.”
Museum director Schelley Brown stated, “I am very excited about the museum being able to offer this reproduction of what many remember as a small print that was given away and later sold through the bank many years ago. To be able to get the artwork the same size as the original painting and on canvas is almost as good as having the original. The detail and colors are so much more vivid that the small prints. You may also purchase a Giclee print through Easley’s Fine Art and Frame studio in Minden. Artwork must be ordered and paid for at the museum located at 116 Pearl Street. Kerry Easley is also offering a 20 % discount on framing with your purchase.
To help get the project get started the museum is offering several ways to receive your copy of this nostalgic look of Minden in the 1940s. You can register for the Marathon on Broadway dance which will take place on November 6th & 7th at the Minden Civic Center (the cost to register for the dance is $20-- this will get you in the hopper twice if you register for the marathon), you can purchase a raffle ticket for $10 each from the museum and several other locations around Minden, you can mail a $10 check to the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, P.O. Box 1094, Minden, La. 71058 (be sure to include you name, address and phone number with your check), or you can purchase a canvas print for the cost of $300. For more information you can contact the museum and Schelley Brown at 318-377-3002, 423-0192 or visit the web site at http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ .

The 2009 Season End A Big Hit

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

Don't Miss Your Chance To Own This Work Of Art

Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, “Folk Artist” Cora Lou Robinson & Kerry Easley of Easley Fine Art Team Up Again

Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Cora Lou Robinson and Easley’s Fine Art and Frame are teaming up for a new fundraising project for the museum. This collaboration will be in the form of 50 x 24 Giclee canvas prints of one of Cora Lou’s original 1984 art works that was originally done for Minden Bank. As part of the November “Festival of Memories” celebration one $300 value print will be raffled off.
Cora Lou Robinson stated, “I was thrilled back in 1984 when Minden Bank asked me to do a painting for their 50th anniversary. I was not only pleased because I was asked, but because I love to paint my heritage--my memories of growing up in Minden. I paint a life, not perfect, but filled with all the wonderful things that matter in the world-- family, friends, church and the wonderful place where I grew up. Mine is a life I would not change a minute of and a place in time I wouldn’t change for any other.
Now 25 years later canvas reproductions of my painting are being made available with all the profit going to the Dorcheat Museum-- a very deserving place. I hope the person who wins the print that will be given away during the “Festival of Memories” celebration on November 7th loves Minden and what it represents as much as I do.
Museum director Schelley Brown stated, “I am very excited about the museum being able to offer this reproduction of what many remember as a small print that was given away and later sold through the bank many years ago. To be able to get the artwork the same size as the original painting and on canvas is almost as good as having the original. The detail and colors are so much more vivid that the small prints. You may also purchase a Giclee print through Easley’s Fine Art and Frame studio in Minden. Artwork must be ordered and paid for at the museum located at 116 Pearl Street. Kerry Easley is also offering a 20 % discount on framing with your purchase.
To help get the project get started the museum is offering several ways to receive your copy of this nostalgic look of Minden in the 1940s. You can register for the Marathon on Broadway dance which will take place on November 6th & 7th at the Minden Civic Center (the cost to register for the dance is $20-- this will get you in the hopper twice if you register for the marathon), you can purchase a raffle ticket for $10 each from the museum and several other locations around Minden, you can mail a $10 check to the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, P.O. Box 1094, Minden, La. 71058 (be sure to include you name, address and phone number with your check), or you can purchase a canvas print for the cost of $300. For more information you can contact the museum at 318-377-3002 or visit the web site at http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ .

“Claiborne and Webster Parish… Once We Were One” Draws A Large Claiborne Parish Crowd for the September “Night For The Museum”

The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Inc. “Night for the Museum” was another huge success. The monthly event welcomed a large crowd from Shreveport, Claiborne Parish as well as the regular attendees from Minden and surrounding areas.
Monday, September 14th, 2009, Beverly Smith the ninth guest speaker for 2009 told the history of our two parishes and the close ties that bind us. Board members of the Ford Museum were on hand to support Ms. Smith in her appearance at Christopher’s in Minden. Linda Volentine, museum director of the Ford Museum was on hand to talk about the new Images of America “Claiborne Parish” book that has recently been published and is now available at the Ford Museum. Many of the guests were able to purchase a copy at the end of the evening.
Beverly Smith’s abiding interest in the history of Claiborne Parish and North Louisiana was evident. Her title of "Claiborne Parish historian," was obvious as she told the crowd of the early life of the parish and how pioneer life must have been. Smith has served three terms as president of the North Louisiana Historical Association and three terms as president of The Herbert S. Ford Memorial Museum in Homer.
The tenth and final speaker in the 2009 series will be the presentation of Cotton Valley history by Mr. Lonnie Simpson. Mr. Simpson will be speaking on October 12th, 2009. The museum already has an exciting list of speakers lined up for its history filled 2010 schedule. Each event has been recorded and made into a DVD. These DVDs are a part of the fundraising efforts of the always expanding and progressing new museum. If you have not be able to make it to these events you can purchase each yearly collection series for $75.00. With each complete set you will receive a special $20 Minden 1950s DVD as a gift to you. Speaker DVDs are also sold separately for $10 each.
The events will be held at Christopher’s located at 615 Main Street in Minden, on the 2nd Monday of the month. Doors open around 5:30 refreshments are served at 6:00 p.m. with speakers to begin at 6:30. No admission is charged for the events but donations to the museum are welcomed. If you would like to help with refreshments by bringing cake, cookies, or sandwiches please do so. It is recommended that you bring a lawn chair due to the large crowds. Seating goes quickly. For more information on the museum you can visit the web site at http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ or call Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192.

"Marathon on Broadway"

Dorcheat Historical Association Takes Part In Festival Of Memories… By Remembering the Great Depression
The Dorcheat Historical Association invites you to put your dancing shoes on for the November 6th - 7th, 2009 24 hour “Marathon on Broadway”. This dance marathon reminiscent of the marathons that became fads during the depression era will be a step literally back in time, with dancers competing for the chance to win some big money! This event will take place at the Minden Civic Center as a fundraiser for the museum. The event will be open to the public for viewing with a $5.00 admission fee. Food and drinks will be available for purchase on site. Participants will be in 3 categories with dancers as young as 12 allowed to dance with a guardian’s permission. Prizes awarded in all categories plus a Grand Prize of $1000 will be awarded to one lucky winner. Pre-registration is $20 per person, $25 per person day of event. Age divisions are as follows 12-40, 41-59, 60 plus. Museum director Schelley Brown stated, “The different age groups will be dancing for different lengths of time. But anyone that would like can dance the entire time to compete for the $1000 Grand Prize. If you dress in 1920s – 30s costume you can also earn extra break passes. This is going to be something that we hope our teens as well as our 40 plus crowd participates in!” Don’t miss lots of fun, music and food for everyone. Brown stated she also needs volunteers to help with this event. For more information please contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192.

Don't Miss The 2009 Season Finale! "Night For The Museum With Mr. Lonnie Simpson"

Don’t miss the season finale for Dorcheat Historical Association’s “Night For The Museum”--- The History of Cotton Valley with Mr. Lonnie Simpson
The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Inc. announces the 10th and final “Night for the Museum” of 2009. The monthly events have been a huge success with very interesting speakers. The events draw in between 150-200 people every month and have become the place to be in Minden to learn a little history as well as socialize with friends, neighbors and many visitors from out of town.
Monday, October 12th, 2009, the tenth and final speaker of the 2009 series will be Mr. Lonnie Simpson. Simpson will tell the history of his hometown--- Cotton Valley, Louisiana. Simpson was born in 1937 and grew up in Cotton Valley. Graduating in 1956, he later went on to earn a B.S. from Northwestern University in 1960. He then began his career in the Webster Parish Education system by teaching 6th grade at Stewart Elementary for 6 ½ years. He later became principal at Richardson Elementary followed by becoming principal at Sibley High for a year. Simpson returned to Stewart as principal remaining at this school until his retirement. Married to wife Hannah, the couple has one daughter, Stacey, who lives in Calhoun, Louisiana, and one granddaughter Hannah, who resides in Alexandria, Louisiana. The Simpson’s hobbies include riding horses, reading, and working with daylilies.
Each previous event has been recorded and made into a DVD. These DVDs are a part of the fundraising efforts of the always expanding and progressing new museum. If you have not been able to make it to these events you can purchase each yearly collection series for $75.00. With each complete set you will receive a special $20 Minden 1950s DVD as a gift to you. Speaker DVDs are also sold separately for $10 each.
The museum already has an exciting list of speakers lined up for its history filled 2010 schedule with a few changes in store to benefit the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum.
The October event will be held at Christopher’s, located at 615 Main Street in Minden. Doors open around 5:30; refreshments are served at 6:00 p.m.; speakers begin at 6:30. No admission is charged for this event but donations to the museum are welcomed. If you would like to help with refreshments by bringing cake, cookies, or sandwiches please do so. It is recommended that you bring a lawn chair due to the large crowds. Seating goes quickly. For more information on the museum you can visit the web site at http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ or call Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192.

Prothro’s “Telling Tales Out Of School” Draws A Packed House

The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Inc., 8th “Night for the Museum” of 2009 was a huge success. Monday, August 10th, Carleton Prothro was the eighth guest speaker for the 2009 season. Prothro known by many as “The Colonel” told of his many comical experiences at Minden High School. From the introduction by Dr. Richard Cambell and Thad Andress, the mood for the evening was already set.
Non stop laughter was in store for the 200 plus that attended the monthly museum event. The many pranks that have been played, memorable excuses from class, and tales of caught skippers were told by one of Minden’s most beloved educators. “Prothro’s ways of telling a tale were better than any professional comedian” said many that attended the evening. Always a smile on his face and a joke on his lips is what most people think of, when they think of this Minden icon. His humor sometimes questionable brought many a smile and much laughter for many former students, faculty members and longtime friends.
These monthly events have been a huge success with very interesting speakers talking on a wide variety of subjects. Each event has been recorded and made into a DVD. These DVDs are a part of the fundraising efforts of the always expanding and progressing new museum. If you missed this event be sure to go by the museum and pick up your copy today for only $10! Get the complete 2008 set for $75.
The museum has two more speakers lined up for its history filled 2009 schedule. The September speaker will be Beverly Smith Claiborne Parish historian with Lonnie Simpson to follow in October with the history of Cotton Valley. The events will be held at Christopher’s located at 615 Main Street in Minden, on the 2nd Monday of the month. Doors open around 5:30 refreshments are served at 6:00 p.m. with speakers to begin at 6:30. No admission is charged for the events but donations to the museum are welcomed. If you would like to help with refreshments by bringing cake, cookies, or sandwiches please do so. It is recommended that you bring a lawn chair due to the large crowds. Seating goes quickly. For more information on the museum you can visit the web site at http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ or call Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192.

Big Crowd For An Emotional Evening For Dorcheat Museum

An Emotion Filled Night For The Museum

On Monday, July 13th, 2009, Dr. William Wilkins was the seventh guest speaker for the 2009 season. Wilkins, known to many as Billy, spoke to a crowded room of history seekers at Christopher’s on Main.
Dr. Wilkins started the evening off with an emotional introduction of what he would be speaking about. His tearful memory of his mother on the day she lost her life in the tornado of 1933 was a very moving moment for everyone in the room. Wilkins also had many happy memories of his boyhood spent in Minden in the 20s and 30s. He named many of his childhood friends and the fun they had. He told of skating all over the city, building forts and fishing in Dorcheat Bayou. He said back then you felt like you knew everyone in town. After the tornado Dr. Wilkins moved to Shreveport with his father. He later would become a member of what we call “the greatest generation”. Billy Wilkins went to war during WWII and his stories of the war were as emotional as his stories of his mother. Dr. Wilkins was one of the many veterans that recently were honored in Washington D.C. with the Louisiana Honor Air group. Many rounds of applause were heard during the evening for what Wilkins and his generation have done for all of America.
“This night was an emotional look back at Minden’s history”, Brown stated. “This kind of response is what we hoped for when we started this in 2008. We want to teach history in a fun and exciting way and I think we are doing that. We are also capturing these history lessons on DVD. These are a valuable tool for learning, as well as fundraising. The events have included a wide range of subjects from the Civil War, WWII, the 1940’s and 50’s recreation at Hunter’s Playhouse, Black American history and each is available for $10 each or the entire 2008 series for $75.”The museum has an exciting list of speakers lined up for its history filled 2009 schedule. The events will be held at Christopher’s, located at 615 Main Street, in Minden on the 2nd Monday of the month. Doors open around 5:30, refreshments are served at 6:00 p.m, and speakers begin their programs at 6:30. No admission is charged for the events, but donations to the museum are welcomed. It is recommended that you bring a lawn chair due to the large crowds. Seating goes quickly. For more information on the museum you can visit the web site at http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ or call Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192.

Night For The Museum With Beverly Smith Claiborne Parish Historian September 14, 2009

“Claiborne and Webster Parish… Once We Were One” will be the September theme for Dorcheat Historical Association’s “Night For The Museum”
The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Inc. announces the 9th “Night for the Museum” of 2009. The monthly events have been a huge success with very interesting speakers.
Monday, September 14th, 2009, Beverly Smith will be the ninth guest speaker for the 2009 season. Ms. Smith will be speaking on the history of our two parishes and the close ties that bind us. This is certain to be an evening you don’t want to miss!
Beverly Smith has an abiding interest in the history of Claiborne Parish and North Louisiana. Considered by many to be the "Claiborne Parish historian," she has served three terms as president of the North Louisiana Historical Association and three terms as president of The Herbert S. Ford Memorial Museum in Homer.
Ms. Smith is a native of Homer and a graduate of Homer High School and Louisiana State University. A lifelong learner, she recently completed the Master of Liberal Arts program at LSU in Shreveport where she was honored by being inducted into the Omicron Delta Kappa leadership fraternity. Beverly Smith resides in Homer.
The tenth and final speaker in the 2009 series will be the presentation of Cotton Valley history by Mr. Lonnie Simpson. Mr. Simpson will be speaking on October 12th, 2009. The museum already has an exciting list of speakers lined up for its history filled 2010 schedule. Each event has been recorded and made into a DVD. These DVDs are a part of the fundraising efforts of the always expanding and progressing new museum. If you have not be able to make it to these events you can purchase each yearly collection series for $75.00. With each complete set you will receive a special $20 Minden 1950s DVD as a gift to you. Speaker DVDs are also sold separately for $10 each.
The events will be held at Christopher’s located at 615 Main Street in Minden, on the 2nd Monday of the month. Doors open around 5:30 refreshments are served at 6:00 p.m. with speakers to begin at 6:30. No admission is charged for the events but donations to the museum are welcomed. If you would like to help with refreshments by bringing cake, cookies, or sandwiches please do so. It is recommended that you bring a lawn chair due to the large crowds. Seating goes quickly. For more information on the museum you can visit the web site at http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ or call Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192.

"Telling Tales Out Of School" with Carleton Prothro August 10th, 2009

“Telling Tales Out Of School” will be the August theme for Dorcheat Historical Association’s “Night For The Museum”
The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Inc., announces the 8th “Night for the Museum” of 2009. The monthly events have been a huge success with very interesting speakers. Each event has been recorded and made into a DVD. These DVDs are a part of the fundraising efforts of the always expanding and progressing new museum.
Monday, August 10th, Carleton Prothro will be the eighth guest speaker for the 2009 season. Prothro known by many as “The Colonel” will be speaking on his many comical experiences in the Webster Parish school system. This is certain to be an evening you don’t want to miss!
Prothro is a graduate of Byrd H.S. and the University of Arkansas. He was married to Lois Price in 1957, and the couple has two sons: Carleton who lives in Danbury, Ct. and works for Bunge Corp in White Plains, New York and Lance who lives in Las Vegas, and is a geologist for Dept of Energy. The Prothro’s have two grandchildren: granddaughter, Whitney, whom recently became employed by St. Jude, and currently lives in Pittsburg, Pa., and grandson, Hunt, who is a junior at Auburn University.
Carlton’s career includes his military service of 27 years of active and reserve duty. He retired in 1981, with the rank of colonel. He is most known for his teaching career from 1958-1995 as teacher, counselor, assistant principal, and Title 1 coordinator. It is this part of Prothro’s life that will be the focus of the evening. The many pranks that have been played, memorable excuses from class, and tales of caught skippers will be told by one of Minden’s most beloved educators. Always a smile on his face and a joke on his lips is what most people think of, when they think of this Minden icon. His humor is sometimes questionable, but always brings a laugh to anyone within hearing distance.
The museum has an exciting list of speakers lined up for its history filled 2009 schedule. The events will be held at Christopher’s located at 615 Main Street in Minden, on the 2nd Monday of the month. Doors open around 5:30 refreshments are served at 6:00 p.m. with speakers to begin at 6:30. No admission is charged for the events but donations to the museum are welcomed. If you would like to help with refreshments by bringing cake, cookies, or sandwiches please do so. It is recommended that you bring a lawn chair due to the large crowds. Seating goes quickly. For more information on the museum you can visit the web site at http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ or call Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192.

“The Tales of Two Treebys” Draws a Standing Room Only Crowd”

On Monday June 8th, 2009, Joan Andress Williamson was the sixth guest speaker for the 2009 season to pack Christopher’s on Main. Speaking to a standing room only crowd, Mrs. Williamson spoke from the memoirs written by her mother Treeby Miller Andress and her grandmother Treeby Chaffee Miller.
This night was truly a look back at Minden’s history; the stories written so many years ago brought back memories and unveiled a glimpse of the past for many. Joan’s grandmother was the daughter of Christopher Chaffe, one of Minden’s early pioneer families. Joan’s mother, also named Treeby, was equally interesting and filled with many stories from the 20s, 30s and 40s era of Minden. “These stories reflected a bygone era that most of us would never have known anything about. These two women were not professional writers but were very gifted writers and conveyed their life experiences with the written word in a manner that was spell-binding. The Andress family is very fortunate to have this connection to their past in this form.” commented museum director Schelley Brown.
Brown also stated, “This kind of response is what we hoped for when we started this in 2008. We want to teach history in a fun and exciting way and I think we are doing that. We are also capturing these history lessons on DVD. These are a valuable tool for learning, as well as fundraising. The events have included a wide range of subjects from the Civil War, WWII, the 1940’s and 50’s recreation at Hunter’s Playhouse, Black American history and each is available for $10 each or the entire 2008 series for $75.”
The museum has an exciting list of speakers lined up for its history filled 2009 schedule. The events will be held at Christopher’s, located at 615 Main Street, in Minden on the 2nd Monday of the month. Doors open around 5:30, refreshments are served at 6:00 p.m, and speakers begin their programs at 6:30. No admission is charged for the events, but donations to the museum are welcomed. It is recommended that you bring a lawn chair due to the large crowds. Seating goes quickly. For more information on the museum you can visit the web site at http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ or call Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192.

Miller Andress, Joan Andress Williamson, and Thad Andress

Jr. Service League 5k A Big Success For Dorcheat Museum

Jamie Barnett, Spring Spectacular race coordinator, far left, and Lela Lemoine, Jr. Service League president, far right, present Dorcheat Historical Association Museum Director Schelly Brown with a check in the amount of $2,800, proceeds from this year’s race.

The Junior Service League of Minden presented the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum a check in the amount of $2,800 Wednesday afternoon, proceeds from this year’s 9th Annual Webster Parish Spring Spectacular 1 mile fun run/walk and 5K run/walk.
This year’s race attracted approximately 115 runners and walkers who enjoyed a post party, complete with entertainment, refreshments and door prizes.
The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Inc. was established to promote a strong sense of community pride by preserving the past for future generations. Their goal is to make patrons aware of Webster Parish’s historical assets and significance by promoting, teaching, involving and displaying history in many unique ways for the Webster Parish community and for others outside of the area.
The museum, which opened in June 2008, is located in the heart of Minden’s historical downtown at 116 Pearl St. To learn more about the museum, visit http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/.
Race winners were: Overall Female Open - 1. India Tucker and 2. Cherie Bonner; Female 14 and Under - 1. Bailey Hassell and 2. Alayna Robles; Female 15 to 24 – 1. Kelsey Hunter, and 2. Ashley Tyman; Female 25 to 34 – 1. Melissa Easter and 2. Anna Sanders; Female 35 to 44 – 1. Starla Townsend and 2. Staci Jo Kendall; Female 45 to 54 - 1. Anita Meeks and 2. Carol Twyman; Female 55 and over – 1. Jenneth Merriman and 2. Carolyn Smith; Overall Male Open Winners – 1. Trey Allen and 2. Michael Fontana; Male 14 and under – 1. Tyler Robles and 2. Cade Clemons; Male 15 to 24 – 1. Zachary Landers and 2. S. Southerland; Male 25 to 34 - 1. Gary Wilson and 2. Mac McGuire; Male 35 to 44 – 1. Micheal Harper and 2. Baudilio Rodriguez; Male 45 to 54 – 1. Micheal Meeks and 2. Richard Twyman; Male 55 and over – 1. Tad Jurgens and 2. Ramon Bosworth.
The Junior Service League would like to thank the following race sponsors for their support in making this year’s Spring Spectacular a tremendous success: $200 Level Sponsorship – Pitman’s Metal Words, Best Western of Minden, Dr. Scott & Dr. Elizabeth Phillips, Up-and-Running, First United Methodist Church of Minden, Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Minden, Inc., Waller Petroleum, Inc., Gina Almond – Allstate Insurance, The Grove Golf Course, Wal-Mart Supercenter of Minden, Erin E. Soleto, MD, Blazer Construction, Wise Insurance Agency, LLC, TG Garden & Gifts, Age Less Medical Spa, Mark Wise – Big Dawgg Productions, briancarlisle.com; $150 After Race Party – Dr. Carlos & Dr. Kathryn Irizarry; and $100 Registration Tables – Minden Presbyterian Church and Thad and Oneta Andress;.
Additional sponsors include: $75 Water/Check points – Jeanne Martin State Farm and Minden Athletic; $50 Distance Markers – Nedra T. Kelly, Minden Family Medicine, Richland State Bank, Sentell Law Firm, Madden Supply, LLC, and State Rep. Jean M. Doerge.
Other financial support was provided by: Elm Street Dental Center, LLC and Performance Physical Therapy; Door Prizes – Concepts, Crawfish Hole, Dorcheat Historical Museum, Embroidery House, Fanette’s, Mary Kay – Emily Walker, Merle Norman, Music Mountain Water, and Oak Alley Boutique; Post Race Party – Copeland’s Restaurant, Copeland’s Cheesecake Bistro, Domino’s Pizza, Subway (Homer Rd.), Save-a-lot, Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Minden, Inc., Dixie Paper, Brookshire’s, Interstate RV Park, and The Good Life Health Food Store and Deli.
A special thank you goes to Minden Presbyterian Church for the use of their gym and to Jeanne Martin State Farm for the water at the water check point.
Founded in 1931, the Junior Service League focuses on serving the Minden area through projects such as the annual 5K run/walk, which raises money for worthwhile organizations around Webster Parish; the Treeby Miller Andress scholarship, presented each year to a deserving high school senior; and the Angel Tea, which provides area school children with uniforms and school supplies during the Christmas season.
In addition, the League supports the Girl Scouts of Minden by maintaining the “Girl Scout Hut,” where the scouts hold weekly meetings. The hut also serves as a meeting place for the League’s monthly meetings.

Night For The Museum With Dr. William Wilkins July 13th, 2009

“The Worst Day in the Life of an Eleven Year-Old Boy, Seventy-Six Years Later”
The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Inc announces the 7th “Night for the Museum” of 2009. The monthly events have been a huge success in 2009 with 10 speakers scheduled to speak this year. Each event has been recorded and made into a DVD. These DVDs are a part of the fundraising efforts of the always expanding and progressing new museum.
Monday July 13th, 2009, Dr. William Wilkins will be the seventh guest speaker for the 2009 season. Dr. Wilkins experiences in Minden will highlight the worst year of his young life. The year 1933 was especially devastating for many in the area with fire, tornado, drought, flooding and failed banks. Dr. Wilkins life was altered forever in the tornado with the loss of his mother as she struggled to protect him for the deadly wind. His family ties go back many generations and have many interesting connections to much of Minden’s history. Many early Minden residents remember Dr. Wilkins uncle longtime veterinarian, and his aunts’ one of whom was married to Minden’s oldest living Confederate soldier Mr. T.A. Glass.
Museum director Schelley Brown stated, “This museum is so important to our area. Historic venues drive tourism in a big way in the state of Louisiana and this is our way of not only preserving history but helping the city of Minden and Webster parish by creating history related events in our area. Last year with our June opening we wanted to get the word out about the museum and what better way to do that than to tell our parish history from people that have lived it or whose grandparents experienced it.” The events have included a wide range of subjects from the Civil War, WWII, the 1940’s and 50’s recreation at Hunter’s Playhouse, Black American history. Each event has been attended by 150-200 plus guests. Many of these people travel a great distance to attend the monthly events.
The museum has an exciting list of speakers lined up for its history filled 2009 schedule. The events will be held at Christopher’s located at 615 Main Street in Minden on the 2nd Monday of the month. Doors open around 5:30 refreshments are served at 6:00 p.m. with speakers to begin at 6:30. No admission is charged for the events but donations to the museum are welcomed. It is recommended that you bring a lawn chair due to the large crowds. Seating goes quickly. For more information on the museum you can visit the web site at http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ or call Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192.

"Minden and Webster Parish Matters"

May is National Preservation Month. The theme for 2009's National Preservation Month is “This Place Matters”. Preservation Month raises awareness about the power historic preservation has to protect and enhance our communities and the places that really matter to us. They do this by celebrating the diverse and unique heritage of our country's cities and towns www.preservationnation.org . The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum along with Minden Main Street coordinator Pattie Odom did their part in the city of Minden, Louisiana with their contributions to history with the “Night for the Museum” May event.
On Monday May 11th, 2009, Mr. Richard Noles was the fifth guest speaker for the 2009 season to pack Christopher’s on Main. Noles a 5th generation citizen of the Heflin area is well known for his work in education. But many learned Monday night about his family and the history of what was known as Noles Landing along with some Heflin facts.
Noles brought along some priceless family heirlooms that went hand in hand with his story. One such artifact was a horn dating back over 150 years. This horn was an important part of the operation of Noles Landing after the Civil War and used to signal from one side of the lake to the other for passengers wanting to cross over to the landing.
The Noles family settled in the Heflin area in 1854. The family still lives on this same land acquired by a land grant. Noles learned much of his family history from a great aunt and other family members as he was growing up. Noles love of history was evident as he highlighted subjects ranging from Bayou Dorcheat, the steamboats at Noles Landing and his ancestors of the Civil War.
Museum director Schelley Brown stated, “I am very pleased at how these events are being received by the public. We now have over 750 names in our data base for the museum. Many of these have attended our monthly events at one time or another. These people are now traveling from Ruston, Arcadia, Shreveport, Haynesville and East Texas on a monthly basis to hear our speakers with a monthly attendance of 150-200. This kind of response is what we hoped for when we started this in 2008. We want to teach history in a fun and exciting way and I think we are doing that. We are also capturing these history lessons on DVD which is a valuable tool for learning as well as fundraising. The events have included a wide range of subjects from the Civil War, WWII, the 1940’s and 50’s recreation at Hunter’s Playhouse, Black American history and each is available for $10 each or the entire 2008 series for $75.
The museum has an exciting list of speakers lined up for its history filled 2009 schedule. The events will be held at Christopher’s located at 615 Main Street in Minden on the 2nd Monday of the month. Doors open around 5:30 refreshments are served at 6:00 p.m. with speakers to begin at 6:30. No admission is charged for the events but donations to the museum are welcomed. It is recommended that you bring a lawn chair due to the large crowds. Seating goes quickly. For more information on the museum you can visit the web site at http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ or call Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192.

"A Night For The Museum" with Mrs. Joan Andress Williamson June 8th, 2009

Two Treebys’ Memories of Minden “Stories I Grew Up With” Presented by Joan Andress Williamson

Joan Andress Williamson of Sewannee, Tennessee will be the speaker for the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum’s June 8, 2009 “Night for the Museum” presentation. Her talk will be a presentation of the writings of the Two Treebys. Mrs. Williamson’s grandmother was Treeby Chaffe Miller (Mrs. R.H. Miller) and her mother, Treeby Miller Andress (Mrs. Harry Andress), both of whom have written very entertaining memoirs of their lives in Minden. Both were lifelong residents of Minden, Mrs. Miller, 1865-1953, Mrs. Andress, 1905-1976.

Mrs. Williamson is an honor graduate of Minden High School and Newcomb College of Tulane University. At Minden she was selected for Girls State, a trombonist in the Minden High Band, a Grig staff member, and a swim team participant. She was President of her class at Newcomb.

Marrying Samuel R. Williamson, Jr., of Springhill, she moved with him to the sites of his educational endeavors, the U.S. Military Academy, Harvard University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and finally the University of the South at Sewanee, Tennessee. Assisting Dr. Williamson in many ways, the most lasting recognition of her contributions was at Sewanee. There, the Board of Regents dedicated a huge stained glass window at the University Chapel in her honor. All the other windows are recognition of deceased persons. Joan was recognized for her work with the foreign students at Sewanee, but even more for her hospitality that she provided for the Board of Regents, the faculty, the students, and the townspeople.

In addition, Joan has been very active in the Episcopal Church and has served in leadership positions in numerous civic organizations. Joan and Sam have three highly educated children, Dr. George Williamson, a history professor at Alabama, Dr. Thad Williamson, a political science professor at Richmond, and Treeby Brown who has Masters from Duke. Treeby is a consultant in maternal and child health policy. Joan and Sam are blessed with four grandchildren and the couple now resides in Sewanee, Tennessee.

This will be the 6th in the series of speakers for the museum for 2009. These popular events are held at Christopher’s located at 615 Main Street in historic downtown Minden, Louisiana. Admission is free with donations accepted to benefit the year old museum. Doors open at 5:30 with “first come, first serve seating.” Refreshments begin at 6:00 p.m. with program beginning at 6:30 p.m. For more information about the museum contact museum director Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192 or visit the museum located at 116 Pearl Street. Museum hours and information http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/