THREE NEW BOOKS MAKE THE PERFECT GIFTS FOR HISTORY LOVERS

THREE NEW BOOKS MAKE THE PERFECT GIFTS FOR HISTORY LOVERS

            Dorcheat Museum releases three new books that remind us of the fascinating history of Minden and Webster Parish.  “If These Stones Could Talk” parts one and two available for $25 each.  “If These Trees Could Talk,” the history of a few of Minden’s trees available for $10 each.  Can be picked up at the museum located at 116 Pearl Street in Minden.  Or add $5 for shipping.  Get all three books and save $5 in shipping.



Don't miss getting these books.... Save $5 shipping when you order all 3. 

            Museum Director Schelley Francis commented, “These projects like so many others have been on my mind for years, especially since I began my job as director of the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum in 2007.  I became involved with the Minden Cemetery Association in 2003. In 2004 Earlene Mendenhall Lyle and Ann Mays Harlan surveyed and compiled a book “The Minden Cemetery”…. this book alone has served as a wealth of knowledge and valuable information for so many. 

             My friend and Webster Parish Historian, Mr. John Agan has made history real for so many of my projects.  It’s been said about John, “We didn’t have much history until John told us we did!”  That statement holds true and many of my projects could never have been done without John Agan’s help and his love of history. 

            The history of Minden’s trees is something I have needed to do for a while.  With the recent questions about the Arizona Ash tree, the time was now.  With some research and digging into our archives, I was able to piece together this small book.  I hope that people will enjoy learning some important history about some of our city landmarks. 

            This series of cemetery books began for John and myself in March 2015. The questions began, the day I went to the Old Minden Cemetery, many years ago searching for the people that had built the home I had purchased on East and West Street.  Finding the graves of the Bakers and Miss Susanella Schoenbrodt opened up the beginning of a desire to find out more about all the people that were buried in this hallowed ground. 

            In 2005 the very first Ghost Walk at the Minden Cemetery took place and continued every November until 2011.  Who knows one day I may pick it up again… but for now these books and the ones to follow are what is important.  Ghost Walk more than anything opened my eyes to all the amazing people that were buried here and the stories that needed to be told.  It also opened up my eyes to the need to donate time and money to the Minden Cemetery.  These books will preserve those stories and maybe one day be a guide to future generations when they need to tell the stories of Minden’s earliest citizens.  

            Little did I know in 2005… that one day preserving history would be part of my job description!  “It’s been said about me after all these years “That if it is old, buried, paint peeling off of it, or will not start that I must have something to do with it!”  I guess that is correct because it all goes together.  The people, the homes, the cemetery…are all connected and full of history.  That is one thing I learned very fast, history just keeps you going and going.  You keep digging deeper and deeper until you can link it all together.  That is what we hope these books do for those that read them….closes some links and finds some pieces of the many puzzles that are part of our lives. 

            Preserving history is a labor of love, in my heart I know that the time is now to get as much recorded.  Every day we lose a member of past generations along with valuable information.  I hope you enjoy these books as much as John and I have enjoyed collecting and piecing it all together in book form.  

            This sentiment is exactly the way I feel about the cemetery.  “I have never been lonely in a cemetery.  They are perfect places to observe the slow changing of the seasons, and to absorb human history …the tragedies and the anguishes, the violences and always the guilts and sorrows of vanished people.  In a pretematural quiet, one can almost hear the palatable, long-ago voices.” Southern Author Mr. Willie Morris.   I often sit in my car during lunch hour…I am among friends when I am there.   I think the people buried here welcome me and are glad that a few people care.” 

To donate money to the Minden Cemetery Association pleases send your check to Minden Cemetery Association 1000 Broadway, Minden, LA 71055.  To support the Dorcheat Museum please send your tax deductible donation to Dorcheat Museum P.O. Box 1094 Minden, LA 71058

LET US KEEP WHAT WE HAVE GOING! Give To Save Our History

Dorcheat Historical Association and Museum, Inc.

 Now’s the time to get your 501c3 charitable giving gifts in for 2016 tax returns

 

To the Wonderful Supporters of the Dorcheat Museum

Your Webster Parish Museum has now been open since 2008; look at how much work has been done and history been preserved in that time frame!  What once was a dream in the 1970s is a reality today.  People are coming from all over the country and some foreign countries to visit. Our local citizens are bringing groups in –they want their guests to see what we have here in Minden.  Teachers and local organizations are bringing children in for history tours.  Our “Nights for the Museum” have become regular events with large attendance numbers.  In 2007 we began our mission to tell people why we needed a museum.  Our “Nights for the Museum” speaker series was the perfect way to do that.  Today we have hosted sixty Monday evening events since 2007!  Many, people have done a great job putting it all together.  Our board works tirelessly behind the scenes. 

 

LET US KEEP WHAT WE HAVE GOING!

 

First:  There are many ways you can help, but it is important that we have adequate funds to continue our operations and grow in the direction we have envisioned. We have our Operating Fund that pays for salaries, maintenance, utilities, insurance, etc. at our present 116 Pearl Street facility. Our budget for 2017 is $60,000 a year.  A portion of our money comes from public bodies, and an occasional grant or two, but the majority of our money comes from individual donations, annual gala event and our various fundraiser projects.  With major budget cuts on the horizon for 2017 from some of our past sources, we need to increase our individual donations and our gala to make ends meet and to continue the work being done.  We hope that you see fit to support us in the coming year and beyond. 

 Second:  We have a Building Renovation Fund for our new building. It is our hope to continue working on the adjoining building we purchased in 2013 as funding allows.  So far we have about $215,000 invested in our new addition.  We need another $100,000 plus to pay for the remodeling that will be required to make it suitable for use.  One day, the new building will give us much more exhibit, storage, and office space. 

Third:  We hope that you might consider us as a beneficiary in your will. The museum plans to be here. Your gift can provide education and pleasure for generations to come.

Leave a lasting legacy for the future.  Having served on the Minden Cemetery Board we realize how important this part of our mission is for long-term success.   

With our thanks and appreciation,

 

Louise Baird Snook                         Schelley Brown Francis

President                                          Director

 P.O Box 1094   116 Pearl Street   Minden, LA 71058   (318) 377-3002

R.O. Machen Feb 13th, 2017 "Night At The Museum"

Doors Open At 5:30

“Night At The Museum”

“The Machen Family In Webster Parish”

Don't Miss It1

 

 The Machen family has been a part of Webster parish for nearly one hundred years with early roots in the Northern end of the parish. R. O. Machen, Jr. was born 5-7-1942 in Springhill, Louisiana. R.O. moved to Minden when he was in the 5^th grade. His father R.O. Machen Sr. became assistant superintendent of Webster schools that year which prompted the move. A 1960 graduate from Minden High School and later graduating from Louisiana Tech in 1964 with a BS degree in Accounting.  His banking career began immediately after graduation when he went to work for Louisiana Bank in 1964 and Peoples Bank in 1967. After 47 years in the Banking business he retired in 2010 from Gibsland Bank.

Married in 1979 to Barbara Fountain a Homer native. The couple has five children, 15 grandchildren and so far 3 great grandchildren - and looking ahead for many more.  Barbara works for the State of Louisiana in the Child Welfare Division and will retire in 2017.  Machen stated, “Retirement life has been a big change for me because I have become fond of being by myself in Evergreen the last 6 years.” We are sure thatR.O.’s love for his Evergreen community and his hobbies will keep him busy.

Doors Open At 5:30

Now is your chance to hear and see a great presentation. The 61st “Night at the Museum” will take place Monday February 13^th, 2017.

Don't miss your chance to hear about some of our local 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 CLOSED. The museum admission is free. Also open for special tours and rental by appointment. 

 

Encore Presentation October 10th, 2016 McEachern Family

“Night At The Museum”

Encore Presentation “The McEachern Family In Webster Parish”

Doors Open at 5:30

If you missed it in April, now is your chance to hear and see a great presentation.  The 60th “Night at the Museum” will take place Monday October 10^th, 2016.  Due to extremely heavy rains in April, this event will be an encore presentation featuring Timmie McEachern and Ethan Spillers.  

A nibble and a bite of history, fishing stories, and maybe a few tall tales is how to describe what you will be experiencing on this night.  This is your chance to hear a poet, songwriter, photographer, fisherman extraordinaire, and a heck of BBQ man.  McEachern will also be signing his new book “Rhymes without Reason” a collection of poems inspired by God, nature and the South!  McEachern and Spiller will take you back over 200 years of their family history.

“Not very long ago, I heard someone say; “Shake a tree in Minden and you're probably going to see a McEachern fall out of it!”  Many of the traditions of our Scottish ancestors still hold true today.  The roots of our goodly heritage still run deep and it is clearly evident that we are "clannish" and that can be seen by the large number of McEachern's, living in Minden and in the northern part of Webster Parish where our ancestors settled over 150 years ago..." Hard working, dependable and upright”, that’s how I'd describe my McEachern family, one that I’m proud to be a part of.” says, lifelong Minden resident, Timmie McEachern.

Don't miss your chance to hear about some of our local 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 CLOSED. The museum admission is free. Also open for special tours and rental by appointment.

 

Gala 2016

You Are Invited To Help Make History Happen

 

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    Monday, September 12th, 2016, the Dorcheat Historical Museum will be hosting its 8th fundraising event since the 2008 opening of the parish museum. Last year the fundraiser was a huge success, and raised over $30,000 and was attended by over 150 guests.

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    Becky Marvin, Janice Mourad, Cora Lou Robinson, Louise Snook, and Kay Elzen, Janet LaBruyere, Ann Harlan, Charlotte Martin, Dianne McGuire, Jo McCullough, Charlotte Jones and Mary Ann Hamilton are all board members and the female driving force behind the gala.  Not to be forgotten, for all their hard word to make everything run smoothly are fellow board members; Marcel Vandenoord, Richard Campbell, John Agan, Dr. Roy Phillips, Carleton Prothro, and Ben Baldwin.  These event organizers report that the 2016 fundraiser promises to be as exceptional as the past museum events, with the "History In The Making" theme set for this year.

    Guest will be thrilled with the variety of silent auction items and the great variety of wonderful 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 Brown Francis.

     Folk artist, Cora Lou Robinson, is in the process of painting yet another new original painting for this event. Robinson's paintings have been a highlight at the past auctions bringing in thousands of dollars each year for the museum. Everyone is looking forward to seeing her new 2016 piece. This year the painting will highlight what a wonderful place Minden is.  Other artists have also contacted museum board members about donating original works; and museum members are thrilled with the response to help.

    Museum board members commented, “We can’t have a successful event or a successful museum without the help from so many local businesses and individuals.”  If you would like to attend or donate a service or item for the 2016 Gala event contact Schelley Francis at the Dorcheat Museum  318-377-3002 or visit at 116 Pearl Street.  Cost to attend is $25 per person.  Please mail in response by September 1^st, 2016.

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    Museum director Schelley Francis had the following comments to share, “The museum has had hundreds of visitors this past year from all over the country and overseas as well. The Dorcheat Historical Museum 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 seeing our museum commercials on TV, large billboards and ads in area publications.  The museum has even been a place for other museum officials to gather advice and knowledge for their own museums.  Genealogy research has been a big part of what we have assisted with this year. 

 

     We have realized over the past few years that we needed to take a conservative stance on our spending to insure that the Dorcheat Museum will continue for many, many years into the future.    It took many years of hard work and perseverance to get to where we are today, we will never jeopardize that accomplishment.  Holding on to what we have built up since 2007 is the most important thing. We have had many people to be thankful for in this process.

      A museum is a living thing.  There will always be new and better ways to improve what we have now.  There will always be new items and history to unveil.  Every day more and more people are finding out about us.

      We still have many dreams for the future.  We are confident that our expansion project is something that will take place one day.  Money was raised to purchase the building in 2013.  A new roof and front were completed, as well as some items on the inside of this newest building.  We will treat this project as we did our original building project.  “We pay as we go” has always been our motto.  Plans for any renovations and upgrading of this building will take place as money is specifically raised for this long-term project. 

   When the Media/Theater room opened several 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."

    To sign up for updates visit the website at www.museuminminden.blogspot.com  you can also find us on our Facebook group and page.

  

"Red Turner Stories" presented by Claire Turner Fussell

“Night At The Museum”

“Red Turner Stories” presented by Claire Turner Fussell

Don't Miss It!

May 9^th, 2016, don’t miss this Dorcheat Historical Museum event for 2016!  It’s our last museum event before our summer break from speakers.  Doors Open at 5:30.

Red Turner has been called a “Salty Saint.” He was that and so much more. He explored Minden as a child, played football for the Crimson Tide, fought in WWII as a Marine, returned home and bought Turner Lumber Company, married and reared a family, and built some of the most beautiful homes in Minden. Red lived in the gentle, relaxed years of Minden. If you were privileged to have lived here during those years, you will enjoy “reliving” the memories.  If you weren’t, you will enjoy learning about Minden in the “olden days.” Join us at the Dorcheat Museum for the 59th “Night at the Museum” Monday May 9^th, 2016.  Hear Red’s stories of Minden from the 1920’s thru the 1970’s, as related by his daughter, Claire Turner Fussell. 

Don't miss your chance to hear about some of our local 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 CLOSED. The museum admission is free. Also open for special tours and rental by appointment.

 

 

“Night At The Museum” The McEachern Family In Webster Parish

“Night At The Museum”

The McEachern Family In Webster Parish

Doors Open at 5:30

Don’t miss this Dorcheat Historical Museum event for 2016!



April 11,th, 2016 Don't Miss It!

              The 58th “Night at the Museum” will take place Monday April 11^th, 2016.  This event will feature Timmie McEachern. A nibble and a bite of history, fishing stories, and maybe a few tall tales is how to describe what you will be experiencing on this night.  This is your chance to hear a poet, songwriter, photographer, fisherman extraordinaire, and a heck of BBQ man.  McEachern will also be signing his new book “Rhymes without Reason” a collection of poems inspired by God, nature and the South!



“Not very long ago, I heard someone say; " Shake a tree in Minden and you're probably going to see a McEachern fall out of it!”  Many of the traditions of our Scottish ancestors still hold true today.  The roots of our goodly heritage still run deep and it is clearly evident that we are "clannish" and that can be seen by the large number of McEachern's, living in Minden and in the northern part of Webster Parish where our ancestors settled over 150 years ago..." Hard working, dependable and upright”, that’s how I'd describe my McEachern family, one that I’m proud to be a part of.” says, lifelong Minden resident, Timmie McEachern.

Don't miss your chance to hear about some of our local 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 CLOSED. The museum admission is free. Also open for special tours and rental by appointment.

 

“Night At The Museum” The Roberts and Madden Families In Webster Parish

“Night At The Museum”

The Roberts and Madden Families In Webster Parish

Doors Open at 5:30

Don’t miss this 2nd

 Dorcheat Historical Museum event for 2016!

The 57th “Night at the Museum” will take place Monday March 14^th, 2016.  This event will feature several of our long time Webster Parish residents and family members.  The talk will be centered on the Roberts and the Madden families and the impact they had in the Webster parish area.

The Roberts and Madden families came to live in Minden in the late 1930s and mid-1940s.  The Minden Lumber Yard was purchased by Willard Roberts in 1938.  It later became Roberts-Brown, then Roberts Company.  J.G. Madden opened Madden Supply in the early 50s evolving into J.G. Madden, Contractor and later, Madden Contracting Company.

Today the last Roberts living in Minden is Lyda Roberts Madden.  Through the marriage of Lyda and James Madden there are today fifteen descendants living in Minden.  Eight of these are active members of the family corporation. 

Don't miss your chance to hear about some of our local 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 CLOSED. The museum admission is free. Also open for special tours and rental by appointment.

 

“Night At The Museum” The Rowland and Simolke Families In Webster Parish

“Night At The Museum”

The Rowland and Simolke Families In Webster Parish

Doors Open At 5:30

Don’t miss the first Dorcheat Historical Museum event for 2016!

The 56th “Night at the Museum” will take place Monday February 8^th, 2016.  This event will feature several of our long time Webster Parish residents and family members.  The talk will be centered on the Rowland & Simolke families and the impact they had in the Webster parish area.

Almost 100 years ago, in 1917, Bunion Franklin Rowland brought a Greek Revival-styled dogtrot house, cotton gin, and 220 acres of farm land in Heflin, Louisiana for $2,800 cash.  Rowland purchased the property from Ambros Walker.  After leaving the logging industry in Kelly, Louisiana, B.F. Rowland with his wife, Ola Hood Rowland from Dubach, and five children developed one of the largest self-sufficient farms in Webster Parish.

The farm would later include a second large cotton gin, a saw mill, general store, blacksmith shop, numerous barns and farm animals: hogs, chickens, cows and mules.  Besides cotton, their harvest included corn, wheat, oats, soybeans, millet and many vegetables.

John Chris Simolke and his wife Mary Bauer Simolke moved to Webster Parish in the 1920’s with seven of their children to work at the “Dixie Nursery” located at the “Sunnyside Plantation” now referred to as the Shadows Estate in Dubberly, Louisiana. 

Today, 3^rd and 4^th generation Rowlands and the George Simolke family members maintain the historical buildings, farming of the over 200 acres of hay pastures and cattle on their Heflin, Louisiana historical old farm.  

 Don't miss your chance to hear about some of our local 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 CLOSED. The museum admission is free. Also open for special tours and rental by appointment.