Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Get In The Christmas Spirit December 7th, 2013 In Minden, LA

Minden's Holiday Tour of Homes to be held on December 7th, 2013 from 11 am - 3 pm.

Tickets for the tour are $10 and may be purchased at each location or on the trolley.    Visitors my take their own cars to each location, or simply catch a free ride on the trolley which will be constantly be  making the route picking folks up.   The trolley ride will originate at the City Art Works, 701 Main Street.  There is plenty of parking at the Minden Civic Center.

Downtown merchants will be hosting holiday sales and Open Houses on Saturday at Wrap it Up Downtown!  

The Minden Community Chorus will be giving a glimpse of what can be expected at their annual Christmas Concerts (to be held on December 17^th at the First United Methodist Church) from 3 until 4 on Saturday the 7^th at City Art Works.   The Chorus will also have refreshments for visitors to enjoy! 

 Dorcheat Museum will be open Free Admission from 11-3

Santa will also be hanging around downtown on Saturday.

The Minden Evening Lions Club Annual Christmas Parade will top off the festivities of the day.   The parade begins at 5PM in Downtown Minden.

For more information call:

Pattie Odom, Downtown Development

318-464-0266

The Fair Is In Town

Remembering The Fair At The Museum

 

 

The new temporary exhibit at the museum highlights the Webster Parish Fair of the 1950s.  For those that grew up in the area during that time, the beginning of the Fall season is "Fair Time"!  A time filled with cotton candy, sideshow barkers, greased poles and greased pig competitions, parades and the Fair Queen contest.  Photos are from the Bob Grambling Collection and span all of the 1950s. 

"Part III Night At The Museum" with Frank Griffith

The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum will hold its final "Night at the Museum" for the 2013 series of speakers on the second Monday night in October 2013.  Mr. Frank Griffith will speak at the Dorcheat Historical Association and Museum on October 14th, 2013.

Many may remember Mr. Griffith as the very first "Night For The Museum" speaker back in 2008 and then again in April of 2013!  His encore appearance is sure to be just as captivating as his last museum event.  Griffith’s last talk focused on the stores along back street during his childhood and early boyhood years.  His next talk may focus on some of the old buildings and stores along front street as well as his father long time sheriff; B.F. Griffith.  Griffith’s deep roots in Minden add a personal flavor to this talks.  His stories are very detailed and filled with amusing antidotes.  Griffith has extensive knowledge of Minden's history.

Don't miss your chance to hear about some of Minden's early families. The museum events will be held in the Media/Learning room at the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, 116 Pearl Street, Minden, La.  Museum 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 Francis 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. The museum admission is free. Also open for special tours and rental by appointment.

Dorcheat Historical Association Museum’s Annual September Gala A Big Success

Becky Marvin, Kay Elzen, Janice Mourad, Cora Lou Robinson, Lou Snook

Dr Richard Baker and Mrs. Ann Harlan

Carleton Prothro preparing for the guest to arrive

September 9^th, 2013 was a big night for the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum.  The annual event now in its 5^th year was host to over 125 attendees and brought in around $30,000 for the Webster Parish history museum.  Gala organizers Kay Elzen, Becky Marvin, Janice Mourad, Lou Snook and Cora Lou Robinson as well as museum board members were very pleased with the turnout and response this year. 

Museum director; Schelley Francis commented, “Of course as always the highlight of the evening was Cora Lou Robinson’s original art work “St. Matthew C.M.E. Church.”  Bringing in a high bid of $10,000 this year, Cora Lou’s painting has always been the most coveted item at the annual museum fundraiser!  Her paintings have raised over $35,000 in the last four years for us.  Cora Lou’s works of art have helped the museum tremendously and we are so grateful for her generosity, talent and love for her community.  We are equally as thankful for the people that bid on all of our items and support us year after year.  So many people realize the importance of saving and preserving our history, we are grateful for every one of them.” 

The museum is in the process of expanding with the upcoming purchase of an adjacent building within the next month.  This purchase will not only give Dorcheat Historical Association Museum much needed storage and office space but it will also give the museum a small parking lot, more exhibit space and a larger meeting area in the future.  “Our goal this past year was to just be able to raise the money to purchase the building.  We have the funding for that in place now, soon we will have to turn around and begin the raising of money for a new roof and other necessary renovations to make it a useable space for us.  We have been able to set goals on all our projects and work toward them with much success.  I think in time we will be able to offer an equally impressive addition to what we already have.” stated Mrs. Francis. 

            If you have not had the opportunity to check out what the museum has to offer, we urge you to do so.  Museum is located at 116 Pearl Street a block of Main Street.  Museum hours are Tuesday-Friday 10-4 closed from 1-2 for lunch and also open by appointment for special occasions.  The museum also has a Facebook page and group that you can join to find out about the latest updates.  Visit the website at www.museuminminden.blogspot.com

Cora Lou Robinson Painting To Be Highlight Of Museum Gala

Cora Lou Robinson and Johnnye Kennon showing off the newest original art work to be donated to the Dorcheat Museum fundraiser

“Cora Lou Robinson’s painting has always been the most coveted item at the annual museum fundraiser.  This will be no exception with the completion of her latest masterpiece “St. Matthew C.M.E. Church”.  Last years painting brought $8,000 to the high bidder and this year we expect the bidding to be very competitive among those that love the well known and beloved folk artist works of art!  She always does so much research on all her work and puts so much of herself into each piece.  The work will be enhanced once again by the donated frame work from Kerry and Anne Easley of Easley Fine Art and Custom Framing.  They always do a great job in picking out just the right wood and background material to use on each of her works!” stated museum director Schelley Francis.

St. Matthew C.M.E. Church:

            I have always loved discovering and painting old country churches.  I will never forget going to Shreveport on Highway 80, before Interstate 20 was built, and looking at St. Matthew C.M.E. Church.  It has always been one of my favorite churches for as long as I can remember.  It was built in the 1800s on property donated by the L.C. Rawlston Family.  L.C. Rawlston was the grandfather of Johnnye Kennon’s husband John.

            The little boy holding the flag is Bill Cook, who is being taken to a dinner on the ground by his housekeeper.  He told me that she took him to many functions at the church, as he lived very close to it.  

            There are always such wonderful memories from old churches like this one, and I love telling their stories.

Cora Lou Robinson

Event will be held Monday night; September 9^th, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. at the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum located at 116 Pearl Street in Minden.  Cost to attend the 5^th annual event is $25 per person.  If you would like to attend or donate a service or item for the 2013 Gala event contact the Dorcheat Museum at 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 the museum information on Facebook.

September Gala 2013

You Are Invited To Help Make History Happen 2013

    Monday, September 9, 2013, the Dorcheat Historical Museum will be hosting its fifth fundraising event since the 2008 opening of the parish museum. Last year the fundraiser was a huge success, and raised over $35,000 and was attended by over 150 guests.

    Becky Marvin, Janice Mourad, Cora Lou Robinson, Louise Snook, and Kay Elzen, board members and gala event organizers report that the 2013 fundraiser promises to be no exception, with the "Remember Our Past" theme set for this year. Guest will be thrilled with the variety of silent auction items and the great variety of wonderful Louisiana cuisine. "We are so fortunate to have the support of so many people from far and wide.” We are pleased with our progress and we know we couldn't do any of it without so many generous friends and supporters of the museum." stated museum director; Schelley Francis.

    Folk artist, Cora Lou Robinson, is in the process of painting another new original painting for this event. Robinson's paintings have been a highlight at the past auctions bringing in over $7000 last year for the museum. Everyone is looking forward to seeing her new 2013 piece. Other artists have also contacted museum board members about donating original works; and museum members are thrilled with the response to help.

    The museum has had hundreds of visitors this past year from all over the country. It is a showplace for our area and has received quite a bit of notice from the Shreveport area on local TV stations, magazines and newspapers. People are now seeing museum commercials on TV, large billboards and ads in area publications.

   Our expansion project is in full swing.  We raised the money to purchase the building this year by the first of July!  Now our plans for our renovation and upgrading the building will take place.  Many Minden residents will remember when the two buildings were connected as Major Office Supply with a door between the two sections. With the purchase of the building we will once again have a doorway between the two museum areas.

   When the Media/Theater room opened two years ago, it gave the museum an extra advantage of being able to offer the 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 Schelley Francis.

    If you would like to attend or donate a service or item for the 2013 Gala event contact the Dorcheat Museum at 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.

  

LA RIDER TV FILMS AT MUSEUM

The LA RIDER TV Crew visited the museum in June to film an upcoming episode that will air soon on FOX Sports Network. LA RIDER is Louisiana’s premier television magazine show dedicated exclusively to touring, cruising, wrenching and just plain old motorcycle riding. Each episode of this weekly broadcast is jam-packed with stories on motorcycles and the people who ride them. If you like motorcycles, there is something for you in LA Rider.

From test rides, product reviews and how-to tips to day rides, extended vacations and touring destinations—you’ll see it on LA Rider. Plus, you’ll find the latest safety information and riding tips, as well as feature stories on interesting people who ride motorcycles.

Join Tammi Arender, Bob Courtney and the entire LA Rider gang each and every week as they explore the wonderful and exciting world of motorcycles.

Female Rider T.W. Robinson visited Dorcheat Museum along with Webster Parish Tourism Director Lynn Dorsey to show off a little of what Minden has to offer.  Museum Director Schelley Brown Francis just happens to be an avid Harley rider and also the AR/LA/MS District Director of the Motor Maids (The Oldest Women's Riding Organization In The U.S. since 1940).  This made for a perfect opportunity for two women riders to talk about riding, tourism in the area, history and the importance of women riding their motorcycles! http://vimeo.com/80458489 for the link to the show on Webster Parish. 

Dorcheat Museum Director Schelley Brown Francis
AR/LA/MS District Director Motor Maids, Inc.
(Since 1940 The Oldest Women's Riding Organization In The U.S.)




Schelley Francis and T.W. Robinson
Film For LA RIDER TV in front of the Dorcheat Museum

What’s Happening At The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum In Minden, Louisiana

A Little Glimpse Of Old Time Summer Fun

The museum is in high gear with the building expansion project.  Our goal of $135,000 is very close to being achieved.  As our deadline of September 31, 2013 approaches we have reached out again to our patrons.  Our fundraiser letters were mailed out in April and our 4^th museum cookbook has been flying off the shelves.  We only need $25,000 to purchase our adjacent building.  We are so looking forward to reaching our goal and having the option to expand and showcase more Webster Parish History. 

May 13, 2013 was our 41^st museum event since 2008!  “The Louisiana Army Ammunition Plant and Beyond” was presented to a packed house of over 100 people.  Many of the attendees had worked at LAAP at some point in their life.  Many memories of plant life were shared as well as the overall operations of the facility.  LAAP was one of the largest employers of area people since it was built in the 1940s for WWII and continued in full force thru the Vietnam Conflict.  Our “Night At The Museum” series of speakers has been a huge success and we have learned so much with these oral history presentations.  Our DVD series based on these events has been a nice added fundraiser for the museum. 

With summer time right around the corner the museum “History Pioneer” program is the perfect way to spend the day with a child.  Free Webster Parish history coloring books are given to each child along with a pack of color crayons at the end of the visit.  A promise of a gift is always a good way to get someone’s full attention!   

 
The museum is announcing new hours.  Our longtime volunteer, Mr. Floyd McBride will be moving to Lafayette, Louisiana and so our board decided that the museum would make a few changes.  New hours to be open are:  Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and closed from 1-2 for lunch.  Saturday hours will be by appointment only and for special events.  To make a reservation call museum director; Schelley Brown Francis at 318-377-3002.  Visit the museum today at 116 Pearl Street in Minden, Louisiana.   Check us on Facebook or visit our website at www.museuminminden.blogspot.com

Remembering The Shell Plant May 13th, 2013 "Night At The Museum"

Remembering the Shell Plant at the next “Night at the Museum”

 

Don't Miss An Evening Of Area History

The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum will hold its 4^th and last event before the summer break, Monday May 13^th, 2013.  Colonel Carl Thompson; Camp Minden Facility Manager and Deputy Installation Commander will present a panel of guest speakers for the evening.  These speakers will be telling the history of the Louisiana Ordnance Plant. 

Many on the panel were longtime employees from many eras of the plant. Steve Shows will serve as the Night at the Museum presenter, commentator and panel moderator: Steve Shows was the LAAAP General Manager for many years.  Al Smith: LAAAP US Government representative (security), Virginia (Jenny) Fox: RN and LAAAP Hospital representative, Bobby Thompson: LAAAP Personnel Services representative, Patsy Garcin: LAAAP Human Resources (Personnel) representative, Fred Berry: LAAAP Production representative, Patsy Roach: LAAAP US Government representative (logistics – property and procurement) and Doyle Williams: LAAAP US Government representative (environmental and safety) are scheduled to attend. 

“Construction of the Louisiana Ordnance Plant (later re-named the Louisiana Army Ammunition Plant or LAAAP) was initiated in May 1941 for the purpose of providing munitions to the US Armed Forces during WWII. Since May 1941 the LAAAP has produce munitions to support both the Korea War and Vietnam War and, in the process, employed thousands of workers from the Ark-LA-Tex. Today, the LAAAP (now known as Camp Minden) continues to serve the United States by providing commercial re-use of the existing facilities for commercial operations and for military training.”

Don't miss your chance to hear about some of Minden's early history. The museum events will be held in the Media/Learning room at the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, 116 Pearl Street, Minden, La. Museum 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 Francis 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. The museum admission is free. Also open for special tours and rental by appointment.

April 8th, 2013 Night At The Museum with Mr. Frank Griffith

"Night At The Museum" with Frank Griffith

The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum will hold its 3rd "Night at the Museum" for the 2013 series of speakers on the second Monday night in April 2013. Mr. Frank Griffith will speak at the Dorcheat Historical Association and Museum on April 8th, 2013.

Many may remember Mr. Griffith as the very first "Night For The Museum" speaker back in 2008! His repeat appearance is sure to be just as captivating. Griffith has deep roots in Minden. His stories are very detailed and filled with amusing antidotes. Griffith has extensive knowledge of Minden's history as well as the oil and gas industry in Louisiana.

Don't miss your chance to hear about some of Minden's early families. The museum events will be held in the Media/Learning room at the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, 116 Pearl Street, Minden, La. Museum 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 Francis 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. The museum admission is free. Also open for special tours and rental by appointment.

“Night At The Museum” with Joan Wiley Luck

“Night At The Museum” with Joan Wiley Luck

Joan Wiley Luck will be an event you do not want to miss!

The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum will hold its 2nd “Night at the Museum” for the 2013 series of speakers on the second Monday night in March 2013.  Mrs. Joan Wiley Luck will speak at the Dorcheat Historical Association and Museum on March 11th, 2013.

Joan Wiley Luck ... native of Minden, attended school here in Minden and also in Southern California where her mother lived at the time.  Joan is a mother of four children, Cyndy Clement Gay of Minden, Amanda Clement Barber of Chino Valley, AZ, Rebecca Clement White of Minden and Mark Clement of Fordoche, LA.  Joan has six grandchildren and five great grandchildren. 

She has worked most of her life in the Webster Parish Court System, where she spent 21 years in District Court and has spent 26 years in Minden City Court, where she served as Clerk and Court Administrator for Judge Harmon Drew, Jr. and now serves in that same capacity for Judge John C. Campbell. In her spare time she enjoys fishing with her husband, Joe, painting, cooking, bird watching and spending time with her family.

Her roots run deep in north Louisiana, with both maternal and fraternal ancestors having settled here many generations ago and, as she will tell you, she would not want to live anywhere else but Minden.  Joan and her husband Joe Luck are always eager to help preserve Minden’s rich history.  Both have played characters for several years at the Minden Cemetery Ghost Walk. 

Joan has a very vivid memory when it comes to her childhood experiences.  These memories were captured in 2012 in her book “My Small Abundances” now available at the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum.  Joan is also a regular contributor to the museum cookbooks, where she shares memories with each of her recipes.  As she states in the front of her book, “I hope my memories bring a smile to your face.  Smiling is good for the soul!”  

Don’t miss your chance to hear about some of Minden’s early families. The museum events will be held in the Media/Learning room at the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, 116 Pearl Street, Minden, La.  Museum 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 Francis 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. The museum admission is free. Also open for special tours and rental by appointment.

 

 

 

“Night At The Museum” with Philip McInnis Packs The House

The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum held its 38th “Night at the Museum” on February 11, 2013.  Mr. Philip McInnis spoke to a packed house at the Dorcheat Historical Association and Museum.  Schelley Brown Francis stated, “People started coming in early so I knew we were going to have a full house!  Philip has such a dry humor that he kept the crowd entertained.  He gave a very detailed account of his family history along with some great pictures to add interest for everyone in attendance.  He did a wonderful job and we are so glad he agreed to speak for the evening event.”

McInnis is a member of one of Minden’s early business families.  The McInnis Insurance business in Minden dates back to the 1920s and the McInnis Brothers Construction dates back to the 1940s.  McInnis spoke of his grandparents and what it was like for him growing up in Minden.  Like many others, he wouldn’t trade growing up in Minden for anything.  He is very grateful and appreciative of his life here in Webster Parish.    

If you have missed any of the museum events they are available on DVD for $10 each.  The next “Night at the Museum” will feature Joan Willey Luck.  Joan will speak on Monday, March 11^th, 2013.  Mark your calendar now; you don’t want to miss your chance to hear about one of Minden’s pioneer families.  The museum events are held in the Media/Learning room at the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, 116 Pearl Street, Minden, La.  Museum doors open at 5:30 p.m., with first-come, first-serve seating.  Programs begin at 6:00 p.m., admission is free with potluck desserts and snacks welcome. 

For more information contact Schelley Brown Francis 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. The museum admission is free. Also open for special tours and rental by appointment.

Help Our Museum Library Grow In 2013

The Dorcheat Historical Museum is looking for a few good books and documents for the resource library! Donations of Webster Parish school yearbooks, church directories, family histories, fraternal organization and church membership rosters, local business historical records, etc, are needed. Of particular interest: MHS yearbooks from 1922 – 1935, 1981-1997, 2006-present, Springhill Webster, Glenbrook, and any other Webster Parish School - any year.

Each item will entered into the museum data base, by volunteer cataloger, Eddie Hammontree, retired Director of the Webster Parish Library System. Searchable records, which are available to the public, include basic information about the item contents, donor, and associated persons.

Donated items will remain in the library and are not available for check-out, unless special permission is obtained from the Museum Executive Director, Schelley Francis or Board President, Thad Andress. Individuals are permitted to make limited photographs and, if requested, museum staff will make and, if needed, mail photocopies of specific passages or entries.

Admission to the Museum is free, although, as with many small non-profit organizations, donations are appreciated. Operating hours are 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Tuesday – Friday and 10:00 a.m. – Noon on Saturdays. On Weekdays, the Museum is closed from 1:00 –2:-00 for lunch. For more information, contact Schelley at 318-377-3002 or Eddie at 318-377-2051.

 

Help Us Expand The Library Section Of The Museum

First "Night At The Museum" For 2013 will be Philip McInnis

Don't Miss The First "Night At The Museum" for 2013

Doors Open At 5:30

“Night At The Museum” with Philip McInnis

The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum will hold its 1st “Night at the Museum” for the 2013 series of speakers on the second Monday night in February 2013.  Mr. Philip McInnis will speak at the Dorcheat Historical Association and Museum on February 11th, 2013.

McInnis is a member of one of Minden’s early business families.  The McInnis Insurance business in Minden dates back to the 1920s and the McInnis Brothers Construction dates back to the 1940s.

Mark Philip McInnis was born in Shreveport, Louisiana in 1949 to Claire Burks McInnis and Harry E. McInnis, Sr.  He graduated as an honor student at Minden High School in 1967.  He earned a B.S. in Accounting from Louisiana State University in 1971 and then earned a Masters in Business Administration from LSU in 1973.  He was an Accounting Award recipient in 1970. 

In addition to his college studies, McInnis received his basic training from the Louisiana Army National Guard in 1971, and continued to serve with the 1087^th Transportation Company based in Minden until his Honorable Discharge in 1977. 

After finishing graduate school at LSU, McInnis returned home to Minden to join his father, uncle, brother and cousin in two family businesses.  After 40 years, he is still actively engaged with both.  He serves as President of McInnis Insurance Agency, Inc., which was incorporated in 1924 by his grandfather, John L. McInnis.  He is responsible for overall management of the agency and is active in all aspects of it.  Under his management, the agency has acquired four other agencies in Minden, Homer and Haynesville over the last twenty years.  He also serves as Secretary-Treasurer of McInnis Brothers Construction, Inc., which was founded by his father and uncle in 1947.  He is involved there with accounting, computer systems, and human resources, and serves on the Board of Directors with his brother Harry McInnis, Jr. and cousin George McInnis.  McInnis Brothers is engaged in commercial and industrial construction in Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi and Texas, and is one of the larger general contractors in North Louisiana. 

Beyond his duties with McInnis Brothers and McInnis Insurance, McInnis has been involved in his community through civic, professional and church work.  A life-long member of First United Methodist Church in Minden, he has served in many capacities there, including Chairman of the Administrative Council, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and Chairman of the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee.  He has also chaired several Stewardship Campaigns. 

McInnis has served multiple terms on the Board of Directors of the Minden-South Webster Chamber of Commerce, and served as Chairman in 2003.  In his earlier years on the Minden Chamber of Commerce Board, he was instrumental in bringing both the Shreveport Symphony and New Orleans Symphony to Minden for performances.  He also served a three-year term on the board of Minden Medical Center, including a year as Chairman.   

He has served in many civic capacities, including as President of the Minden Downtown Lions Club.  He is also a recipient of the Lion of the Year Award.  He has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the United Way of Northwest Louisiana, and also the Board of the Shreveport Symphony, among others.  He also was one of the original Board of Directors of the Strand Theatre Corporation. 

McInnis has also been active in professional organizations, and currently is in his sixth year serving on the Board of Directors of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of Louisiana.  He has also served on the Board of the Associated General Contractors, Shreveport Chapter, and on the National Agent’s Advisory Council of Great American Insurance Company. 

McInnis is married to Kathy Windham McInnis, and has two children, Margaret Elizabeth McInnis and Mark Philip McInnis, Jr.  Over the course of his life he has enjoyed sports (especially LSU athletics), reading, golf, fishing, photography, movies and the performing arts, and especially when sharing these with his family.

Don’t miss your chance to hear about one of Minden’s early business families. The museum events will be held in the Media/Learning room at the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, 116 Pearl Street, Minden, La.  Museum 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 Francis 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. The museum admission is free. Also open for special tours and rental by appointment.