FEBRUARY 10th, 2014
In conjunction with the Smithsonian “The Way We Worked”
traveling exhibit that has been in Minden over the past month, the museum’s
first 2014 “Night At The Museum Speaker” will talk about his deep rooted
Webster parish family history and his work experience at the oldest
continuously operating store in downtown Minden.
Mr. John Collins spent his early childhood days in Minden. He is a 1966
Minden High Graduate and a 1970 LA Tech grad.
John is married to the former Margaret Anderson of Delhi, Louisiana. John and Margaret have two adult sons; Andy and
Alex. Most everyone in Minden associates the Collins family with what is now A.J. Price,
Incorporated. John is owner and
president of this company. The company
operates the local downtown “OLD WESTERN AUTO STORE” among two
other locations in Minden and Benton. But the one we
will learn about is the OLD STORE. The
downtown location was opened by John’s grandfather, A.J. Price in 1936. After A.J.’s retirement, his daughter; Mrs.
Evelyn Price Collins was the owner/operator until her son; John became manager
in 1970. John has worked at the Western
Auto store for most of his life. He
could be seen at the downtown store working after school, on weekends,
holidays, and Saturdays since his teen years.
Minden’s Western Auto has the distinction of being the oldest
continually operating Western Auto in the U.S.
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.
