Big Night For The Museum

Cora Lou shows Mrs. Lester where she has captured Lester in this painting as a Sunday School Teacher

Charlotte Martin's wonderful Happy 200th Birthday Louisiana Cake was a big hit at the gala

Cora Lou Robinson Original Painting The Highlight Of The Night!

 

The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum’s annual fundraiser was a huge success bringing in over $40,000.  Over 150 patrons of the museum crowded into the silent auction room as the bidding frenzy began at 6:00 p.m. on Monday night. 

Museum director; Schelley Francis was very pleased with this years turnout stating that her goal was to reach $40,000 this year.  She also stated, “The money is still rolling in with a call today of a pledge of $10,000 to add to the total.  This should bring the total for the gala to around $50,000 more or less.  Which I am very pleased with!  We could not have done any of this without the support of so many that donated items and food for the auction.  We have been collecting items from local artist, businesses, cooks, patrons and so many more that I can’t begin to name them all.  Without them none of this would be possible and I hope they know how much the museum board of directors and I thank them!  Hopefully we can get the building next door earlier than expected but at least I know we have a good chunk of what we need in the bank.” 

 

The museum opened its doors in August of 2008 and has been going strong ever since!  The highlight of the evening of course was the original painting by folk artist Cora Lou Robinson.  This painting of the Minden Presbyterian Church in the 1940s went for a high bid of $8,000 to museum supporter and avid Cora Lou fan; Mrs. Margaret Evans. 

A Gift Of Her Memories

A Gift Of Her Memories

 

Folk Artist; Cora Lou Robinson is hard at work for the Dorcheat Historical Association fundraiser to be held Monday night at the Dorcheat Museum.  Mrs. Robinson’s paintings have been the highlight item at the last few museum silent auctions, creating a biding frenzy between a few Minden natives plus helping the museum by raising much needed funds. 

“This years painting is sure to be a huge hit among locals!  Cora Lou is always willing to help and the museum is something she is proud to be a part of.  It is her way of giving back where she can.”, stated museum director Schelley Francis.

Getting back to painting this year has been difficult for Mrs. Robinson, since the death of her husband and biggest fan; Ronnie Robinson.  Cora Lou commented that, “Ronnie always kept me motivated and on track with my paintings.  He was always near and would make helpful comments and suggestions about all my work.  It has been hard not to have him right there with me as I began painting this project for the museum.  I started this piece last year with him here by my side and this is the first time I have picked up the brushes since his death.”  Francis stated, “I encouraged Cora Lou as much as I could, by telling her that Ronnie would be really mad at her if she did not get back to painting.  Ronnie was a big help to me at the museum and I knew him well enough to tell Cora Lou what I thought he might say to her.  I would always tell her something in a joking way to keep her motivated, like Ronnie always did.  I think this piece of her art work is special for that reason, if for no other.”

The painting for this year is titled “Bible School- Presbyterian Church-1940s”

 “I grew up in the Presbyterian Church and one of my most pleasant memories is Bible School.  Most of it was held outside and I never remember anyone complaining about being hot.  We sang, did crafts, planted flowers, played, and studied the Bible.

Our pastor was John Davis and everyone called him Brother Davis.  His very talented wife taught music.  I will never forget the most wonderful Sunday school teacher I ever had.  She is Susie Lester and she is pictured at the refreshment table.  Those were very special times and I will cherish those memories forever.”… Cora Lou Robinson

The event is $25 per person and begins at 6:00 p.m. Monday, September 10^th,  at 116 Pearl Street.  For more information and to reserve your spot please contact Schelley Francis at 423-0192.

Red Hat Ladies At The Museum

Shreveport’s Southern Belles Red Hatters Club visits Minden.

 

On Tuesday, August 28th, the Webster Parish Convention and Visitor’s Bureau hosted fifteen ladies from the Southern Belles Red Hatters Club of Shreveport. They began the day shopping at Say Baby, Minden’s newest boutique offering classy, sassy ladies fashions including clothing, jewelry, bling, fleur de lis and décor items. Say Baby is located at 200 Sibley Road. Owner Lisha Sikes treated the ladies to a continental breakfast and door prizes. They especially loved the “bling” and spent over an hour shopping. Being on a schedule, they had to move on but several plan to return and bring others.

  

Next they enjoyed a special tour of the Dorcheat Museum with Schelley Brown Francis. They even got to see the “new ghosts” occupying the old cabin in the museum. They loved the museum and discussed coming back in December and having their Christmas party in the new event room in the back. They also saw the preparations being made for the fundraiser for the museum on September 10^th and wanted to attend to bid on the wonderful items being offered during the silent auction.

 

The ladies had great “home-cooked” meals at Moody’s Café at 600 MLK Drive in Minden after the museum tour. They loved the food and all cleaned their plates. They had seen Moody’s featured on KSLA Channel 12 “On the Road Show” and had to try it.

 

They concluded their day with a visit with Millie Rose at Second Hand Rose Antiques at 509 Main Street in downtown Minden, where the stars shop when they come to town! Millie entertained them with songs and stories of the movie stars who have visited her shop while filming in Webster Parish.

 

Lynn Dorsey