John Collins Is The 40th Speaker For "Night For The Museum"

Night At The Museum Kicked Off The Year With It’s 40^th Speaker

Large Crowd On Hand For John Collins The Museum 40th Speaker

The 40^th speaker for “Night at the Museum” at the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum had a packed house, in spite of the extreme weather forecast on Monday February 10^th, 2014.  Museum director Schelley Francis commented, “I was worried about the night’s crowd a little because of the weather forecast.  I felt sure folks would come out to hear John Collins under normal circumstances, I just wasn’t sure if the weather would cooperate for us.  We also were hit last week with another issue that I was dealing with.  The outside portions of three heating and air units were stolen and I could not heat the back section of the museum.  This turned out to not really be an issue once people started coming in, as most were dressed warmly anyway.”

Thad Andress excepts a $5,000 donation from businessman Mr. Jay Kumar

The evening started with a special presentation from a local businessman and hotel owner.  Mr. Jay Kumar presented a $5,000 check to Museum Board President Mr. Thad Andress to be used for a part of the renovation expense fund on the museum expansion project.  “Jay Kumar’s check was a welcomed gift!  We are excited with all of our donations big and small.  It takes a little bit of everything to keep the museum going.  We have had some large gifts given in the past and we are always thrilled when this happens.  We know not everyone can help this way so that is where the tips jar, the cookbook sales, DVD sales, and donation box come in.  Every little bit helps and every little bit is appreciated.  We don’t want anyone to feel like they can’t help or be a part in some way.” stated Schelley Francis. 

John Collins points out why he is wearing a bow tie for the evening.  Pointing to a picture of his grandfather A.J. Price

Mr. John Collins spent the rest of the evening telling his stories from his early childhood days in Minden.  Most everyone in Minden associates the Collins family with what is now A.J. Price, Incorporated.  The company operates the local downtown “OLD WESTERN AUTO STORE” among two other locations in Minden and Benton.  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.  John told several humorous stories of events that have taken place during his days spent at the store.  This talk will be available on DVD for $10 at the museum soon.

The next night for the museum will take place March 10^th, 2014 with a night of our German Heritage 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.

Great Crowd In Spite Of Weather Forecast!