Click on pictures below to enlarge.
Please call us for more information and to book your class trip today!
318-423-0192
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Bring Your Class To The Museum
The Dorcheat Museum encourages the teachers of Webster Parish to bring your class rooms to the museum.
Click on pictures below to enlarge.
Please call us for more information and to book your class trip today!
318-423-0192
Click on pictures below to enlarge.
Please call us for more information and to book your class trip today!
318-423-0192
Monday, September 1, 2008
1933 A Year Of Devastation For Minden
Click to enlarge
“A Night for Remembering So Much”
Many came together Monday night at the Dorcheat Historical Asso
ciation’s monthly “Night for the Museum” to remember not only the event theme but to remember Mrs. Juanita Agan. The unexpected death of scheduled speaker John Agan’s mother was a shock to many in the Minden area. Museum director, Schelley Brown began the evening by urging everyone to sign cards for the family that were placed on each table and by telling everyone about the frequent calls shared with Mrs. Agan and how they always left you with a smile.
As the program began Thad Andress described the Juanita he knew as a child. Andress explained how Mrs. Agan and her beloved J.C. were an Andress Motor Company romance that would last a lifetime. Richard Campbell would continue with his memories of growing up in Minden and how loved and cherished Mrs. Agan was to so many. He also spoke of how priceless she was to those that love history.
The theme for the October event was the disasters of that year and the toll it took on Minden and Webster Parish. Dr. Campbell then began the program with a reading of a 1933 newspaper to set the tone. Webster Nation was the first one from the crowd to get up and tell his story. He was a young boy just wanting to play a game of baseball that day after school. He was stopped from leaving the house by his father. This act possibly saved his life. He described the scene with such emotion that you could feel the fear that was felt that day. He described in detail the sights and sounds of that terrible day. He said as long as he lives that he will never forget that day of having to go down into a crowded storm cellar with family and neighbors. Mr. Nation was also a classmate of Mrs. Agan and he spoke of her with the affection of lifelong friends.
Betty Lowe was next in line and she told how she and her family saw the storm approaching from Cotton Valley. Neighbors gathered in their large home that would later be almost totally destroyed by the cyclone. She told how they lived with neighbors and in two tents supplied by the Red Cross until a home was rebuilt for her family.
Joan Willey Luck, Eugene Allen, Dr. Steve Kirkikis, Marcus Wren and Faye Gordon all took the stage to tell of the death and destruction that followed the worst tornado to ever hit the state of Louisiana so many years ago. They also shared memories of what Mrs. Agan had meant to them. A tour of the 1933 museum exhibit was taken at the program’s end.
The 2nd Monday in November “Night for the Museum” will be an evening with the Bossier Parish Historian Clifton D. Cardin. Mr. Cardin will be speaking about the connections between the two parishes. For more information on the Dorcheat Historical Association and Museum contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192 or visit the web site at http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ . A DVD of each event is available at the museum located at 116 Pearl Street.
“A Night for Remembering So Much”Many came together Monday night at the Dorcheat Historical Asso
ciation’s monthly “Night for the Museum” to remember not only the event theme but to remember Mrs. Juanita Agan. The unexpected death of scheduled speaker John Agan’s mother was a shock to many in the Minden area. Museum director, Schelley Brown began the evening by urging everyone to sign cards for the family that were placed on each table and by telling everyone about the frequent calls shared with Mrs. Agan and how they always left you with a smile.As the program began Thad Andress described the Juanita he knew as a child. Andress explained how Mrs. Agan and her beloved J.C. were an Andress Motor Company romance that would last a lifetime. Richard Campbell would continue with his memories of growing up in Minden and how loved and cherished Mrs. Agan was to so many. He also spoke of how priceless she was to those that love history.
The theme for the October event was the disasters of that year and the toll it took on Minden and Webster Parish. Dr. Campbell then began the program with a reading of a 1933 newspaper to set the tone. Webster Nation was the first one from the crowd to get up and tell his story. He was a young boy just wanting to play a game of baseball that day after school. He was stopped from leaving the house by his father. This act possibly saved his life. He described the scene with such emotion that you could feel the fear that was felt that day. He described in detail the sights and sounds of that terrible day. He said as long as he lives that he will never forget that day of having to go down into a crowded storm cellar with family and neighbors. Mr. Nation was also a classmate of Mrs. Agan and he spoke of her with the affection of lifelong friends.
Betty Lowe was next in line and she told how she and her family saw the storm approaching from Cotton Valley. Neighbors gathered in their large home that would later be almost totally destroyed by the cyclone. She told how they lived with neighbors and in two tents supplied by the Red Cross until a home was rebuilt for her family.
Joan Willey Luck, Eugene Allen, Dr. Steve Kirkikis, Marcus Wren and Faye Gordon all took the stage to tell of the death and destruction that followed the worst tornado to ever hit the state of Louisiana so many years ago. They also shared memories of what Mrs. Agan had meant to them. A tour of the 1933 museum exhibit was taken at the program’s end.
The 2nd Monday in November “Night for the Museum” will be an evening with the Bossier Parish Historian Clifton D. Cardin. Mr. Cardin will be speaking about the connections between the two parishes. For more information on the Dorcheat Historical Association and Museum contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192 or visit the web site at http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ . A DVD of each event is available at the museum located at 116 Pearl Street.
Large Turnout Expected Again For “A Night for the Museum” with Mr. John Agan
Monday, October 13th, 2008, “A Night for the Museum” will be a special night for history lovers. John Agan, lifelong resident, local author, newspaper columnist, history teacher and the official Webster Parish Historian will be the guest speaker at The Dorcheat Historical Association’s “A Night for the Museum”. John is a 1976 graduate of Minden High School and earned a B.A. in History, a M. Ed. in Social Studies Education and a M. A. in History from Louisiana Tech. He did work toward his Ph.D. at both the University of Mississippi and LSU. He is currently an Instructor of History at Bossier Parish Community College . He has written three books on local history and since 2000 has written a weekly column on local history for the Minden Press-Herald. He is a member of the First Baptist Church where he has served as a Deacon and Sunday School Teacher and currently serves on the Board of Trustees. John is also am a member of the Minden Cemetery Association Board, the Germantown Colony Museum Commission, the Advisory Board of Cultural Crossroads and the Board of the Dorcheat Historical Association. Mr. Agan was appointed by the Police Jury as the designated official historian of Webster Parish.
Don’t miss this exciting and entertaining evening of hearing our history. This informative night dealing with Webster parish history during the 1930s should be another huge success. The monthly gatherings of history fans have been held to a packed house almost since it began over six months ago. Museum coordinators are again expecting a large turnout, so you may want to bring your lawn chairs just in case of a shortage of seating! “John Agan and his mother Juanita Agan have such a keen memory for detail. Minden is so lucky to have them both and we should be so appreciative of their work and knowledge. I don’t know where I would be with some of my projects without them. “Ghost Walk”, that benefits the Minden Cemetery , would never have happened without John helping me every year with scripts and information. The Dorcheat Museum would be in the same shape, I am afraid, without John’s knowledge.” stated Brown.
Our Webster Parish historian will be speaking on the subject of the new museum exhibit “The Disasters of 1933”. That year was especially tragic for Minden and the entire parish, as well as many other parts of the country. The “Great Depression” was in full swing for many, with droughts and flooding not much help to farmers. Banks failed and people struggled. Hear how Minden citizens survived bank failures, tragedy of fire, floods, and tornado. Minden later would triumph over all these events to become what we know and love today.
For this event museum director, Schelley Brown is encouraging everyone that remembers the 1933 disasters to come and have your story recorded. “This is a rare opportunity to get our oral history of this year down for posterity. Phil Demaline will be on hand making this recording possible. We want those that remember stories that were told to them, as well as those that were actually there, to stand up and tell us what happened to them. All of this will be a huge help with our new exhibit. We have an actual news reel from 1933 that shows live footage of the tornado of 1933 damage and the aftermath of the storm, but it has no sound. These real accounts can greatly enhance this exhibit.” stated Ms. Brown.
Mr. Agan will be speaking at Christopher’s located at 615 Main Street in Minden , Louisiana . Refreshments will be provided by Charlotte Martin and sponsored by Ty Pendergrass of Argent Financial. Refreshments will be served at 6:00 P.M. An opening welcome will be given by Mr. Thad Andress, President of the Dorcheat Historical Association & Museum, Inc. Everyone is encouraged to arrive before 6:00 P.M. for seating. Program will begin at 6:30. A large gift basket with a value of over $200 will be given away to a lucky attendee at the end of the evening! Also a raffle drawing for a two- night stay (value $378) at the McKay House B & B in Jefferson, Texas will be held.
Admission is free of charge and everyone is welcome. For more information on “A Night for the Museum with Mr. John Agan” please contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192 or visit http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ . Reservations not required. First come, first served seating
Monday, October 13th, 2008, “A Night for the Museum” will be a special night for history lovers. John Agan, lifelong resident, local author, newspaper columnist, history teacher and the official Webster Parish Historian will be the guest speaker at The Dorcheat Historical Association’s “A Night for the Museum”. John is a 1976 graduate of Minden High School and earned a B.A. in History, a M. Ed. in Social Studies Education and a M. A. in History from Louisiana Tech. He did work toward his Ph.D. at both the University of Mississippi and LSU. He is currently an Instructor of History at Bossier Parish Community College . He has written three books on local history and since 2000 has written a weekly column on local history for the Minden Press-Herald. He is a member of the First Baptist Church where he has served as a Deacon and Sunday School Teacher and currently serves on the Board of Trustees. John is also am a member of the Minden Cemetery Association Board, the Germantown Colony Museum Commission, the Advisory Board of Cultural Crossroads and the Board of the Dorcheat Historical Association. Mr. Agan was appointed by the Police Jury as the designated official historian of Webster Parish.
Don’t miss this exciting and entertaining evening of hearing our history. This informative night dealing with Webster parish history during the 1930s should be another huge success. The monthly gatherings of history fans have been held to a packed house almost since it began over six months ago. Museum coordinators are again expecting a large turnout, so you may want to bring your lawn chairs just in case of a shortage of seating! “John Agan and his mother Juanita Agan have such a keen memory for detail. Minden is so lucky to have them both and we should be so appreciative of their work and knowledge. I don’t know where I would be with some of my projects without them. “Ghost Walk”, that benefits the Minden Cemetery , would never have happened without John helping me every year with scripts and information. The Dorcheat Museum would be in the same shape, I am afraid, without John’s knowledge.” stated Brown.
Our Webster Parish historian will be speaking on the subject of the new museum exhibit “The Disasters of 1933”. That year was especially tragic for Minden and the entire parish, as well as many other parts of the country. The “Great Depression” was in full swing for many, with droughts and flooding not much help to farmers. Banks failed and people struggled. Hear how Minden citizens survived bank failures, tragedy of fire, floods, and tornado. Minden later would triumph over all these events to become what we know and love today.
For this event museum director, Schelley Brown is encouraging everyone that remembers the 1933 disasters to come and have your story recorded. “This is a rare opportunity to get our oral history of this year down for posterity. Phil Demaline will be on hand making this recording possible. We want those that remember stories that were told to them, as well as those that were actually there, to stand up and tell us what happened to them. All of this will be a huge help with our new exhibit. We have an actual news reel from 1933 that shows live footage of the tornado of 1933 damage and the aftermath of the storm, but it has no sound. These real accounts can greatly enhance this exhibit.” stated Ms. Brown.
Mr. Agan will be speaking at Christopher’s located at 615 Main Street in Minden , Louisiana . Refreshments will be provided by Charlotte Martin and sponsored by Ty Pendergrass of Argent Financial. Refreshments will be served at 6:00 P.M. An opening welcome will be given by Mr. Thad Andress, President of the Dorcheat Historical Association & Museum, Inc. Everyone is encouraged to arrive before 6:00 P.M. for seating. Program will begin at 6:30. A large gift basket with a value of over $200 will be given away to a lucky attendee at the end of the evening! Also a raffle drawing for a two- night stay (value $378) at the McKay House B & B in Jefferson, Texas will be held.
Admission is free of charge and everyone is welcome. For more information on “A Night for the Museum with Mr. John Agan” please contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192 or visit http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ . Reservations not required. First come, first served seating
The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum Needs Your Help with The Disaster of 1933 Exhibit !
The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum is currently working on its new exhibit “The Disasters of 1933”. “This exhibit is a very important element in the museum timeline.” stated museum director Schelley Brown. This new exhibit is the work of local artist Larry Milford and includes not only a Tornado and Fire display but will also include sound effects and a live footage news reel that will be played on a small screen TV. “What we are working on now are the stories from the people that lived through this time in our history. We want to get these stories recorded at our next “Night for The Museum” which will take place on October 13, 2008 at Christopher’s on Main Street. We are encouraging everyone that remembers these 1933 events to please come out for this evening of history. We also are looking for pictures and artifacts from 1933. We hope that people will remember that they have old photos or items that were saved from the tornado or fire to come forward and help us make this new exhibit something we can all be proud of. Minden suffered a great many disasters that year with failing banks, fires, floods, and then the worst tornado on record to hit the state of Louisiana. To come back from all of that says a lot about the type people Webster Parish citizens were and still are.” said Ms. Brown. For more information about the museum you can contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192 or visit the museum blog at www.museuminminden.blogspot.com Remember this is your museum!
The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum is currently working on its new exhibit “The Disasters of 1933”. “This exhibit is a very important element in the museum timeline.” stated museum director Schelley Brown. This new exhibit is the work of local artist Larry Milford and includes not only a Tornado and Fire display but will also include sound effects and a live footage news reel that will be played on a small screen TV. “What we are working on now are the stories from the people that lived through this time in our history. We want to get these stories recorded at our next “Night for The Museum” which will take place on October 13, 2008 at Christopher’s on Main Street. We are encouraging everyone that remembers these 1933 events to please come out for this evening of history. We also are looking for pictures and artifacts from 1933. We hope that people will remember that they have old photos or items that were saved from the tornado or fire to come forward and help us make this new exhibit something we can all be proud of. Minden suffered a great many disasters that year with failing banks, fires, floods, and then the worst tornado on record to hit the state of Louisiana. To come back from all of that says a lot about the type people Webster Parish citizens were and still are.” said Ms. Brown. For more information about the museum you can contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192 or visit the museum blog at www.museuminminden.blogspot.com Remember this is your museum!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
African-American Research Project in Webster Parish
Dr. Roy Phillips
Mr. James Smith
Phillips and Smith to Begin Research for African-American Exhibit at Dorcheat Museum
Dr. Roy G. Phillips and James H. Smith are to begin research for African-American exhibits at the Dorcheat Museum. They will be contacting persons throughout the parish who have knowledge of this particular part of our history. Where practical and with the permissions of the persons involved, Phillips and Smith will make audio-video recordings of their interviews. This oral history will be valuable for future researchers as well as making interesting exhibits. All periods from 1800 to the present will be covered. Broad spectrums of topics of historical significance are covered including, slavery, reconstruction, occupations, churches, education, etc.
In addition they will attempt to find printed information, manuscripts, pictures and artifacts that are of historical importance.
Dr. Roy G. Phillips, PhD, is a retired campus president at Miami-Dade College, Homestead campus. After sixty years, he returned to his native home in rural Webster Parish outside of Minden. Encouraged by a conversation with renowned author Alex Haley, he researched his own family history back to their native land in Africa and published a book on his findings. Thad Andress said, "Having read the book, which includes Mr. Phillips personal history, I have complete confidence this research is in good hands."
His co-researcher is James H. Smith, a well-known longtime educator, principal in the Webster Parish Schools system, advisor, and volunteer in many youth programs in the parish. Mr. Smith is quite knowledgeable about the Minden area where he has been a life-long resident.
Historian John Agan will assist them in their work. Larry Milford will design exhibits based on their research.
The Museum has applied for a grant from Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities to support this project. The outline for the project was prepared by Pattie Odom and Charlotte Martin and presented to them. President Thad Andress said that this very important project will move forward even if the grant is not received.
Schelley Brown, Executive Director, encourages all persons that have artifacts, pictures, manuscripts, books, that you want to share with Dr. Phillips and Mr. Smith to contact her at 319-423-0192. Copies can be made of any pictures and the original returned.
Mr. James Smith
Phillips and Smith to Begin Research for African-American Exhibit at Dorcheat Museum
Dr. Roy G. Phillips and James H. Smith are to begin research for African-American exhibits at the Dorcheat Museum. They will be contacting persons throughout the parish who have knowledge of this particular part of our history. Where practical and with the permissions of the persons involved, Phillips and Smith will make audio-video recordings of their interviews. This oral history will be valuable for future researchers as well as making interesting exhibits. All periods from 1800 to the present will be covered. Broad spectrums of topics of historical significance are covered including, slavery, reconstruction, occupations, churches, education, etc.
In addition they will attempt to find printed information, manuscripts, pictures and artifacts that are of historical importance.
Dr. Roy G. Phillips, PhD, is a retired campus president at Miami-Dade College, Homestead campus. After sixty years, he returned to his native home in rural Webster Parish outside of Minden. Encouraged by a conversation with renowned author Alex Haley, he researched his own family history back to their native land in Africa and published a book on his findings. Thad Andress said, "Having read the book, which includes Mr. Phillips personal history, I have complete confidence this research is in good hands."
His co-researcher is James H. Smith, a well-known longtime educator, principal in the Webster Parish Schools system, advisor, and volunteer in many youth programs in the parish. Mr. Smith is quite knowledgeable about the Minden area where he has been a life-long resident.
Historian John Agan will assist them in their work. Larry Milford will design exhibits based on their research.
The Museum has applied for a grant from Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities to support this project. The outline for the project was prepared by Pattie Odom and Charlotte Martin and presented to them. President Thad Andress said that this very important project will move forward even if the grant is not received.
Schelley Brown, Executive Director, encourages all persons that have artifacts, pictures, manuscripts, books, that you want to share with Dr. Phillips and Mr. Smith to contact her at 319-423-0192. Copies can be made of any pictures and the original returned.
This program is funded under a grant form the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, the state affiate of the
National Endowment for the Humanities.
The opinions expressed in this program do not necessarily represent the views of either the Louisiana Endowment for
the Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities.
National Endowment for the Humanities.
The opinions expressed in this program do not necessarily represent the views of either the Louisiana Endowment for
the Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Friday, August 8, 2008
A Vist From The Secretary of State, Jay Dardenne
August 8th, 2008Click on Pictures To View Larger
A Vist From The Secretary of State, Jay Dardenne
A Vist From The Secretary of State, Jay Dardenne
The Dorcheat Historical Association and Museum was honored with some of Louisiana's state representatives. The Office of the Louisiana Secretary of State, State Representative Jean Doerge, and the Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau had a special press conference at the Germantown Colony & Museum on Germantown Road in Minden. This event was held with distinguished members of the We
bster Parish Police Jury, the Germantown Colony Commission and Parish Historian John Agan. The excitement was generated by the State of Louisiana taking over the Germantown Colony as a state site. This will help protect and preserve this valuable piece of local and state history. A reception followed the press conference at Christopher's in downtown Minden. After the well attended reception. Secretary of State; Jay Dardenne along with assistant; Cathy Berry as well as Louisiana State Representative; Jean Doerge, Webster Parish Tourism Director; Lynn Dorsey and members of the WPCVB and other distinguished guest toured the new museum t
o see the tremendous amount of progress that has been made in one year's time.
bster Parish Police Jury, the Germantown Colony Commission and Parish Historian John Agan. The excitement was generated by the State of Louisiana taking over the Germantown Colony as a state site. This will help protect and preserve this valuable piece of local and state history. A reception followed the press conference at Christopher's in downtown Minden. After the well attended reception. Secretary of State; Jay Dardenne along with assistant; Cathy Berry as well as Louisiana State Representative; Jean Doerge, Webster Parish Tourism Director; Lynn Dorsey and members of the WPCVB and other distinguished guest toured the new museum t
o see the tremendous amount of progress that has been made in one year's time.
State Representative Jean Doerge, Secretary of State Jay Dardenne and Secretary of State Assistant Cathy Berry in front of Overton scene in Dorcheat Historical Association Museum.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Memories Of Hunter's Night For The Museum
click on pictures to enlarge
“Night for the Museum Memories of Hunter’s Playhouse Era” with an All-Star Cast!
The September 9th, 2008 “Night for the Museum” was “A Sentimental Journey” to remember. Dorcheat Museum’s director; Schelley Brown stated, “We have never had a crowd this large before, folks having been calling me for weeks in anticipation about this night. People started to arrive at Christopher’s around 4:00 P.M. for the 6:00 P.M. historic venue event. These events just keep growing. In fact we have now officially outgrown Christopher’s. I am telling people to bring lawn chairs because of the limited number of chairs that we do have plus we did not set up tables and added more chairs just for this occasion. It is great that people have made this monthly event a must do! This era of time was so special to so many folks. Many of those that took part in Monday night’s event traveled back to their old hometown for the weekend and spent time with family and friends. It is wonderful to know that now we have people traveling a great distance to come to Minden once a month just to hear our speakers and take part in the museum activities.”
Monday night’s trip down memory lane included the legendary Harmon Drew on keyboard; The Minden Melodies singing group, a Playhouse skit on what it was like back then (with the boys seated on one side of the room and the girls sitting on the other in anticipation for that question of “will you dance with me”?). Master of Ceremonies; Lamar Pace kept the program moving with each introduction of the next speaker. A list of locals and those that experienced a wonderful time in Minden’s history made their way toward the stage, to tell stories and relive how important this time in their lives was. At one point a popular dance from the era “The Paul Jones” was brought back to life as a few couples were drawn from the crowd to form the two circles required.
Brown stated, “This was a moving and an emotional night for many as were evident by the smiles and tears seen in the crowd. This tribute to Larry and Gladys Hunter and what they did for Minden youth for over 30 years was a true testament that showed how important it was and how many lives were touched by their generosity. I don’t think they had anyway of knowing that over 50 years later crowds would gather in honor of what they did for children and young adults in our area. They made a lasting impression that will live on forever in the memories of so many. I am so glad that we will now have the new museum exhibit to showcase this as well as the DVD that captured so many memories for other to share. Their legacy will live on with this new exhibit.”
If you missed last night, a DVD is available for $10 at the museum. The next “Night for the Museum” is scheduled for October 13th, 2008. A night remembering the disasters of 1933 with historian John Agan will be a great history lesson for all of us.
Admission is free of charge and everyone is welcome. For more information on “A Night for the Museum” please contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192 or visit www.museuminminden.blogspot.com . Reservations not required first come first serve seating.
ROCK -N- ROLL IS HERE TO STAY
Don’t miss the next Dorcheat Historical Association and Museum Event on Monday, September 8th, 2008. Christopher’s, located at 615 Main Street in Minden, La. will be the place to have those poodle skirts on and your duck tails slicked back. That’s right, we are going back more than 50 years in time to when rock-n-roll was here to stay and chrome was blinding on your new ‘57 Chevy.
For those who grew up in the 1940s, 50s and early 60s in Minden when you said the words “I’m going to Hunter’s”, everyone knew what you meant. It meant you were going to go swimming, play ball or just hang out with friends at the Playhouse. It was a simple time, it was the best of times, it was the good ole’ days!
Artist Cora Lou Robinson described her teenage years as wonderful in part due to the generosity of the Hunter family. The Hunter family has owned the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Minden since 1901. Back in the 1940s the Hunters became the recreation hub for all of Minden and the surrounding area. Everyone swam in their pool, played in their playground, danced in their playhouse, and watched countless ballgames in their park. No other town has ever seen the likes of the Hunter family in Cora Lou’s eyes. The 1940s, 50s and early 60s were a special time in Minden, Louisiana because of the generosity of Gladys and Larry Hunter. Cora Lou’s love of the special times and memories of the 1950s and Hunter’s Playhouse is depicted in one of her first paintings of a dance at the Playhouse. This painting has recently been recreated in prints and Giclee’ canvas reproductions as a fundraiser for the all new museum located on Pearl Street in Minden.
This trip down memory lane will feature stories from several longtime citizens of the area, songs and dances from this special time in so many privileged people’s lives. This night will be recorded and everyone will be given the opportunity to tell their Hunter’s memory. Museum director; Schelley Brown stated, “Larry and Gladys Hunter devoted their lives to the children of this area and that love for them still shines in so many that it is only fitting that we have this special night of memories. We will not focus so much about what they did because everyone knows they were the reason for it all. This night is more of a tribute to their work by hearing how it changed lives. We will hear stories about what it was like to grow up and be able to enjoy what was offered to Minden’s youngsters.”
For more information on this special evening please contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192 or iluvoldcars@yahoo.com . Don’t forget to visit our museum blog at http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ . If you would like to be placed on our mailing list please give us a call. You don’t want to miss what is happening with the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum. Let’s make history in 2008!
The September 9th, 2008 “Night for the Museum” was “A Sentimental Journey” to remember. Dorcheat Museum’s director; Schelley Brown stated, “We have never had a crowd this large before, folks having been calling me for weeks in anticipation about this night. People started to arrive at Christopher’s around 4:00 P.M. for the 6:00 P.M. historic venue event. These events just keep growing. In fact we have now officially outgrown Christopher’s. I am telling people to bring lawn chairs because of the limited number of chairs that we do have plus we did not set up tables and added more chairs just for this occasion. It is great that people have made this monthly event a must do! This era of time was so special to so many folks. Many of those that took part in Monday night’s event traveled back to their old hometown for the weekend and spent time with family and friends. It is wonderful to know that now we have people traveling a great distance to come to Minden once a month just to hear our speakers and take part in the museum activities.”
Monday night’s trip down memory lane included the legendary Harmon Drew on keyboard; The Minden Melodies singing group, a Playhouse skit on what it was like back then (with the boys seated on one side of the room and the girls sitting on the other in anticipation for that question of “will you dance with me”?). Master of Ceremonies; Lamar Pace kept the program moving with each introduction of the next speaker. A list of locals and those that experienced a wonderful time in Minden’s history made their way toward the stage, to tell stories and relive how important this time in their lives was. At one point a popular dance from the era “The Paul Jones” was brought back to life as a few couples were drawn from the crowd to form the two circles required.
Brown stated, “This was a moving and an emotional night for many as were evident by the smiles and tears seen in the crowd. This tribute to Larry and Gladys Hunter and what they did for Minden youth for over 30 years was a true testament that showed how important it was and how many lives were touched by their generosity. I don’t think they had anyway of knowing that over 50 years later crowds would gather in honor of what they did for children and young adults in our area. They made a lasting impression that will live on forever in the memories of so many. I am so glad that we will now have the new museum exhibit to showcase this as well as the DVD that captured so many memories for other to share. Their legacy will live on with this new exhibit.”
If you missed last night, a DVD is available for $10 at the museum. The next “Night for the Museum” is scheduled for October 13th, 2008. A night remembering the disasters of 1933 with historian John Agan will be a great history lesson for all of us.
Admission is free of charge and everyone is welcome. For more information on “A Night for the Museum” please contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192 or visit www.museuminminden.blogspot.com . Reservations not required first come first serve seating.
ROCK -N- ROLL IS HERE TO STAY
Don’t miss the next Dorcheat Historical Association and Museum Event on Monday, September 8th, 2008. Christopher’s, located at 615 Main Street in Minden, La. will be the place to have those poodle skirts on and your duck tails slicked back. That’s right, we are going back more than 50 years in time to when rock-n-roll was here to stay and chrome was blinding on your new ‘57 Chevy.
For those who grew up in the 1940s, 50s and early 60s in Minden when you said the words “I’m going to Hunter’s”, everyone knew what you meant. It meant you were going to go swimming, play ball or just hang out with friends at the Playhouse. It was a simple time, it was the best of times, it was the good ole’ days!
Artist Cora Lou Robinson described her teenage years as wonderful in part due to the generosity of the Hunter family. The Hunter family has owned the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Minden since 1901. Back in the 1940s the Hunters became the recreation hub for all of Minden and the surrounding area. Everyone swam in their pool, played in their playground, danced in their playhouse, and watched countless ballgames in their park. No other town has ever seen the likes of the Hunter family in Cora Lou’s eyes. The 1940s, 50s and early 60s were a special time in Minden, Louisiana because of the generosity of Gladys and Larry Hunter. Cora Lou’s love of the special times and memories of the 1950s and Hunter’s Playhouse is depicted in one of her first paintings of a dance at the Playhouse. This painting has recently been recreated in prints and Giclee’ canvas reproductions as a fundraiser for the all new museum located on Pearl Street in Minden.
This trip down memory lane will feature stories from several longtime citizens of the area, songs and dances from this special time in so many privileged people’s lives. This night will be recorded and everyone will be given the opportunity to tell their Hunter’s memory. Museum director; Schelley Brown stated, “Larry and Gladys Hunter devoted their lives to the children of this area and that love for them still shines in so many that it is only fitting that we have this special night of memories. We will not focus so much about what they did because everyone knows they were the reason for it all. This night is more of a tribute to their work by hearing how it changed lives. We will hear stories about what it was like to grow up and be able to enjoy what was offered to Minden’s youngsters.”
For more information on this special evening please contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192 or iluvoldcars@yahoo.com . Don’t forget to visit our museum blog at http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ . If you would like to be placed on our mailing list please give us a call. You don’t want to miss what is happening with the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum. Let’s make history in 2008!
Monday, July 14, 2008
Sons of Darkness, Sons of Light
“Night for the Museum Sons of Darkness, Sons of Light” with Marilyn Miller
“Night for the Museum Sons of Darkness, Sons of Light” with Marilyn Miller
The August 11th, 2008 “Night for the Museum” was a night to remember. Dorcheat Museum’s director; Schelley Brown stated, “We have never had a crowd this large before. People started to arrive at Christopher’s around 5:00 P.M. for the 6:00 P.M. historic venue event. These events just keep growing. In fact we have really outgrown Christopher’s. I am telling people to bring lawn chairs because of the limited number of chairs that we do have. It is great that people have made this monthly event a must do! We now have peo
ple traveling a great distance to come to Minden once a month to hear our speakers. Last night we had guest that had traveled from Alabama and Puerto Rico just to hear our speaker.”
Marilyn Miller one of Minden’s longtime citizens was the guest speaker at The Dorcheat Historical Association’s “Night for the Museum”. The large crowd was totally silent as Ms. Miller described in detail what took place almost 100 years ago. Ms. Miller shared historical aspects of her book, as well as her views on the soc
ial and political implications of the 92-year-old murders.
The story begins Christmas Day, 1916, John Nelson Reeves, his wife, Maud, and three of their four children were axed to death as they lay peacefully sleeping in their rural Webster Parish home. The gruesome slayings of the Grove, LA family members, and the next four years of trials and appeals of the accused killers, is the subject of a true-crime novel penned by Minden resident Marilyn Miller and published in October of 2000 by Sweet Dreams Publishing Company of Many (LA).
Ms. Miller graduated from Minden High School in 1970 and from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, LA in 1973 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism.
She was executive editor of the Minden Press-Herald for 17 years. And just this month, after 18 years on the job, she retired from her position as dir
ector of Marketing & Public Relations for Minden’s Fibrebond Corporation.
From February of 1974 to September of 1990, she worked in different positions at the Alexandria Daily Town Talk in Alexandria, Louisiana and the Minden Press-Herald in Minden, Louisiana.
During her tenure with the Minden Press-Herald, Ms. Miller earned many awards for writing and photography. These
included the Louisiana Press Association’s honored “Freedom of Information” Award for uncovering government scandal that resulted in the first recall of a mayor in the State of Louisiana. Her long list of journalism awards also includes those from United Press International and the Associated Press for feature writing, investigative reporting, editorial writing, and photography.
Ms. Miller left the position of Executive Editor at the Minden Press-Herald in October of 1990 to become director of Public Relations for Fibrebond Corporation, the worldwide manufacturing company headquartered in Minden.
She became reintroduced to Minden readers and viewers in February
of 2006, when she was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis, a rare neurological syndrome caused by damage to the spinal cord. Although there is no known cure for TM, Marilyn beat the odds and became one of the 1 in 3 victims of the syndrome who manage to walk again.
In August 2008, she retired from the position of director of M
arketing and Public Relations for Fibrebond to focus more on her health.
After the riveting talk Ms. Miller had a book signing. The proceeds of her book were donated to the Dorcheat Museum. Betty Fowler was the winner of this month’s museum gift basket. The drawing was followed by a tour of the recently opened museum located on Pearl Street.
If you missed last night, a DVD is available for $10 today at the museum. The next Night for the Museum is scheduled for September 8th, 2008. “A night remembering the Hunter’s Playhouse era is already causing quite a buzz far and wide. Bring your own lawn chairs suggested for Hunter’s Playhous
e event”, stated Ms. Brown.
Admission is free of charge and everyone is welcome. For more information on “A Night for the Museum” please contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192 or visit http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ . Reservations not required first come first serve seating.
The August 11th, 2008 “Night for the Museum” will be a night to remember. Dorcheat Museum’s director; Schelley Brown, announces another special historic venue ev
ent. Monday, August 11th, 2008, Marilyn Miller one of Minden’s longtime citizens will be the guest speaker at The Dorcheat Historical Association’s “Night for the Museum”.
On Christmas Day, 1916, John Nelson Reeves, his wife, Maud, and three of their four children were axed to death as they lay peacefully sleeping in their rural Webster Parish home. The gruesome slayings of the Grove, LA family members, and the next four years of trials and appeals of the accused killers, is the subject of a true-crime novel penned by Minden resident Marilyn Miller and published in October of 2000 by Sweet Dreams Publishing Company of Many (LA).
Ms. Miller will share historical aspects of her book, as well as her views on the social and political implications of the 92-year-old murders, during “A Night at the Museum” on Monday, Aug. 11. The free event begins at 6:00 p.m. at Christopher’s on Main Street. The public is invited.
Marilyn is not a stranger to most Minden residents. She was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on January 28, 1952 to Webster Parish natives Major (USAF Retired) W.S. Miller (deceased), and Lea McCollum Miller, an elementary school secretary (retired). She and her fa
mily traveled extensively in the United States and Europe before retiring to Minden, Louisiana in 1962.
Ms. Miller graduated from Minden High School in 1970 and from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, LA in 1973 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism.
She was executive editor of the Minden Press-Herald for 17 years. And just this month, after 18 years on the job, she retired from her position as director of Marketing & Public Relations for Minden’s Fibrebond Corporation.
From February of 1974 to September of 1990, she worked in different positions at the Alexandria Daily Town Talk in Alexandria, Louisiana and the Minden Press-Herald in Minden, Louisiana.
During her tenure with the Minden Press-Herald, Ms. Miller earned many awards for writing and photography. These included the Louisiana Press Ass
ociation’s honored “Freedom of Information” Award for uncovering government scandal that resulted in the first recall of a mayor in the State of Louisiana. Her long list of journalism awards also includes those from United Press International and the Associated Press for feature writing, investigative reporting, editorial writing, and photography.
Ms. Miller left the position of Executive Editor at the Minden Press-Herald in October of 1990 to become director of Public Relations for Fibrebond Corporation, the worldwide manufacturing company headquartered in Minden.
She became reintroduced to Minden readers and viewers in February of 2006, when she was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis, a rare neurological syndrome caused by damage to the spinal cord. Although there is no known cure for TM, Marilyn beat the odds
and became one of the 1 in 3 victims of the syndrome who manage to walk again.
In August 2008, she retired from the position of director of Marketing and Public Relations for Fibrebond to focus more on her health.
You don’t want to miss the story of Sons of Darkness Sons of Light as told by someone that researched and investigated this 1916 tragedy.
Admission is free of charge and everyone is welcome. For more information on “A Night for the Museum” please contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192 or visit http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ . Reservations not required first come first serve seating.
The August 11th, 2008 “Night for the Museum” was a night to remember. Dorcheat Museum’s director; Schelley Brown stated, “We have never had a crowd this large before. People started to arrive at Christopher’s around 5:00 P.M. for the 6:00 P.M. historic venue event. These events just keep growing. In fact we have really outgrown Christopher’s. I am telling people to bring lawn chairs because of the limited number of chairs that we do have. It is great that people have made this monthly event a must do! We now have peo
ple traveling a great distance to come to Minden once a month to hear our speakers. Last night we had guest that had traveled from Alabama and Puerto Rico just to hear our speaker.”Marilyn Miller one of Minden’s longtime citizens was the guest speaker at The Dorcheat Historical Association’s “Night for the Museum”. The large crowd was totally silent as Ms. Miller described in detail what took place almost 100 years ago. Ms. Miller shared historical aspects of her book, as well as her views on the soc
ial and political implications of the 92-year-old murders.The story begins Christmas Day, 1916, John Nelson Reeves, his wife, Maud, and three of their four children were axed to death as they lay peacefully sleeping in their rural Webster Parish home. The gruesome slayings of the Grove, LA family members, and the next four years of trials and appeals of the accused killers, is the subject of a true-crime novel penned by Minden resident Marilyn Miller and published in October of 2000 by Sweet Dreams Publishing Company of Many (LA).
Ms. Miller graduated from Minden High School in 1970 and from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, LA in 1973 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism.
She was executive editor of the Minden Press-Herald for 17 years. And just this month, after 18 years on the job, she retired from her position as dir
ector of Marketing & Public Relations for Minden’s Fibrebond Corporation.From February of 1974 to September of 1990, she worked in different positions at the Alexandria Daily Town Talk in Alexandria, Louisiana and the Minden Press-Herald in Minden, Louisiana.
During her tenure with the Minden Press-Herald, Ms. Miller earned many awards for writing and photography. These
included the Louisiana Press Association’s honored “Freedom of Information” Award for uncovering government scandal that resulted in the first recall of a mayor in the State of Louisiana. Her long list of journalism awards also includes those from United Press International and the Associated Press for feature writing, investigative reporting, editorial writing, and photography.
Ms. Miller left the position of Executive Editor at the Minden Press-Herald in October of 1990 to become director of Public Relations for Fibrebond Corporation, the worldwide manufacturing company headquartered in Minden.She became reintroduced to Minden readers and viewers in February
of 2006, when she was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis, a rare neurological syndrome caused by damage to the spinal cord. Although there is no known cure for TM, Marilyn beat the odds and became one of the 1 in 3 victims of the syndrome who manage to walk again.In August 2008, she retired from the position of director of M
arketing and Public Relations for Fibrebond to focus more on her health.After the riveting talk Ms. Miller had a book signing. The proceeds of her book were donated to the Dorcheat Museum. Betty Fowler was the winner of this month’s museum gift basket. The drawing was followed by a tour of the recently opened museum located on Pearl Street.
If you missed last night, a DVD is available for $10 today at the museum. The next Night for the Museum is scheduled for September 8th, 2008. “A night remembering the Hunter’s Playhouse era is already causing quite a buzz far and wide. Bring your own lawn chairs suggested for Hunter’s Playhous
e event”, stated Ms. Brown.Admission is free of charge and everyone is welcome. For more information on “A Night for the Museum” please contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192 or visit http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ . Reservations not required first come first serve seating.
The August 11th, 2008 “Night for the Museum” will be a night to remember. Dorcheat Museum’s director; Schelley Brown, announces another special historic venue ev
ent. Monday, August 11th, 2008, Marilyn Miller one of Minden’s longtime citizens will be the guest speaker at The Dorcheat Historical Association’s “Night for the Museum”.On Christmas Day, 1916, John Nelson Reeves, his wife, Maud, and three of their four children were axed to death as they lay peacefully sleeping in their rural Webster Parish home. The gruesome slayings of the Grove, LA family members, and the next four years of trials and appeals of the accused killers, is the subject of a true-crime novel penned by Minden resident Marilyn Miller and published in October of 2000 by Sweet Dreams Publishing Company of Many (LA).
Ms. Miller will share historical aspects of her book, as well as her views on the social and political implications of the 92-year-old murders, during “A Night at the Museum” on Monday, Aug. 11. The free event begins at 6:00 p.m. at Christopher’s on Main Street. The public is invited.
Marilyn is not a stranger to most Minden residents. She was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on January 28, 1952 to Webster Parish natives Major (USAF Retired) W.S. Miller (deceased), and Lea McCollum Miller, an elementary school secretary (retired). She and her fa
mily traveled extensively in the United States and Europe before retiring to Minden, Louisiana in 1962.Ms. Miller graduated from Minden High School in 1970 and from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, LA in 1973 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism.
She was executive editor of the Minden Press-Herald for 17 years. And just this month, after 18 years on the job, she retired from her position as director of Marketing & Public Relations for Minden’s Fibrebond Corporation.
From February of 1974 to September of 1990, she worked in different positions at the Alexandria Daily Town Talk in Alexandria, Louisiana and the Minden Press-Herald in Minden, Louisiana.
During her tenure with the Minden Press-Herald, Ms. Miller earned many awards for writing and photography. These included the Louisiana Press Ass
ociation’s honored “Freedom of Information” Award for uncovering government scandal that resulted in the first recall of a mayor in the State of Louisiana. Her long list of journalism awards also includes those from United Press International and the Associated Press for feature writing, investigative reporting, editorial writing, and photography.Ms. Miller left the position of Executive Editor at the Minden Press-Herald in October of 1990 to become director of Public Relations for Fibrebond Corporation, the worldwide manufacturing company headquartered in Minden.
She became reintroduced to Minden readers and viewers in February of 2006, when she was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis, a rare neurological syndrome caused by damage to the spinal cord. Although there is no known cure for TM, Marilyn beat the odds
and became one of the 1 in 3 victims of the syndrome who manage to walk again.In August 2008, she retired from the position of director of Marketing and Public Relations for Fibrebond to focus more on her health.
You don’t want to miss the story of Sons of Darkness Sons of Light as told by someone that researched and investigated this 1916 tragedy.
Admission is free of charge and everyone is welcome. For more information on “A Night for the Museum” please contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192 or visit http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ . Reservations not required first come first serve seating.
Proud To Be An American
“Night for the Museum with a look at Minden’s International Branches” was the 5th in the now successful monthly events for the new Dorcheat Historical Association Museum. “Every month we just have a bigger turn out than the month before! These nights of history have turned into something the people of
Minden are supporting in a big way. I think everyone is really enjoying their selves, it gives everyone an opportunity to not only learn history or reminisce but it gives the people in Minden a place to come and socialize once a month with old friends that they may not see often. It really has become the place to be and that is exactly what I hoped for.”, stated museum director; Schelley Brown.These events are held at 6 P.M. every second Monday
night at Christopher’s located at 615 Main Street in Minden. Last night’s speakers, Dr. Steve Kirkikis, Jimmy Michael and George Mourad filled the evening with fascinating stories as told by members of the many immigrant families that had such a huge and important influence on Webster Parish. This informative night dealing with Webster parish’s families that made it to Minden via Ellis Island was well received by all those attending. You came away from the evening with a sense of pride for your country. You realized how much it means to those born in foreign lands to get here at all cost. Ellis Island is a symbol of America’s immigrant heritage. It is hard to imagine, that in the time between 1892 -1954, nearly twelve million men, women and children landed there in their search of freedom of speech and religion, and for economic opportunity. Imagine arriving on a huge ocean liner and seeing the Statue of Liberty and the New York sky line for the first time! To see Minden and the United States through their eyes is a different perspective of history for our parish. These families changed our parish and brought a cultural flair to our area that didn’t exist until they arrived.If you were unable to attend the meetings a DVD of all the past events are available at the museum for $10 each. August and September are already in the works. August will feature local author Marilyn Miller and September will be a blast in the past to the e1940’s and 50’s with a “Memories of Hunter’s” themed night. Don’t forget that the Dorcheat Museum is now open. Hours are as follows; closed on Monday, open Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-1 p.m. closed from 1- 2 for lunch and open again from 2 - 4 p.m. If you would like to volunteer
time at the new museum or donated items please contact Schelley Brown at 423-0192. Remember this is everyone’s museum so take part!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Juanita Agan
Juanita Agan succumbs
Written by Press-Herald Staff
Monday, 13 October 2008
She always had the words.
She always had the smile.
And Minden will always have the memories.
Mrs. Juanita Agan, a fine writer and even finer friend to anyone who had the pleasure of knowing her, passed away Sunday afternoon.
She was 85 years old.
Funeral services are tentatively scheduled for Wednesday at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church. Arrangements are being handled by Rose-Neath of Minden.
Agan wrote a weekly column, “Cameos”, which focused on “older times” or “Americana”.
To say she was a big part of the Minden Press-Herald is an understatement.
“Mrs. Agan was one of a kind,” Press-Herald Publisher Josh Beavers said. “We will never be able to replace Mrs. Agan.
We wouldn’t even be able to try. Minden has lost one of its best citizens."
“I cannot express to you how much she will be missed,” he continued.
With her tales of memories past, Mrs. Agan was a popular columnist for the Press-Herald.
“I have always written stories, mostly about our family’s experiences — things that my mother told me and then my own life experiences. I have written volumes of pages about my mother’s family and about her life. This was just for my children and grandchildren,” Mrs. Agan said during a previous interview with the Minden Press-Herald. “Some of my writing was just about my feelings — joy, sorrow, happiness, funny experiences and so on. Only in the last few years have I written about other people and events. I am not a story writer. I am just an old lady with lots of happy memories that I write about.”
Mrs. Agan was born June 28, 1923, in Shreveport to Louannie Longino Murphy, who would have been 40 on her next birthday, and James Allison Murphy, who was in his early 50s.
Mr. Murphy died of a heart attack when Mrs. Agan was just three years old.
“My mother devoted her time to me and told me the stories that her mother had told her of the Civil War and life after the war,” Mrs. Agan said. “My grandmother was 11 when the war was over, and her two brothers that had fought in the war never came home.”
In the early 1930s, Mrs. Agan and her mother moved a lot, going wherever a woman of nearly 50 could find work. In 1936, when Mrs. Agan was almost 13 and her mother was 52, they moved to Minden.
“Many of my mother’s friends were older than she was, and many knew much about the history of this area,” Mrs. Agan said. “We listened as they told us of their forbearers and about many funny incidents in the history of this area.”
Many of those friends were descendants of the original Germans who settled the Germantown area. Mrs. Agan was able to put those accounts into stories.
Mrs. Agan finished high school in 1939 at the age of 15. Due to the generosity of friends, she was able to borrow money from the Women’s Department Club to further her education.
“This was just a continuation of the love that Minden has shown me since I was the little girl of 13,” she said.Mrs. Agan’s interest in history was inherited by her children, Suzanne and John, and shared by her husband J.C.“My mother, who was very intelligent, instilled a love of history in my heart that was also passed on to my son and my daughter,” she said.
As soon as Suzanne was old enough to travel, the family began visiting historical sites in Louisiana, eventually traveling across the South, with trips planned to include historical stops.
When Suzanne was in fifth grade, her teacher, Ruby Salmon, announced that the class was about to begin a new subject — history, promising her students they would love it.
“Mrs. Salmon was a gifted teacher who instilled a love of history in these students, especially in my daughter Suzanne,” Mrs. Agan said. “Suzanne shares our love of history and especially this history of this area.”
Cameos of Minden was published in the Minden Press-Herald on Wednesdays.
YOU’RE INVITED TO A RECEPTION HONORING JUANITA AGAN
Written by Press-Herald Staff
Monday, 13 October 2008
She always had the words.
She always had the smile.
And Minden will always have the memories.
Mrs. Juanita Agan, a fine writer and even finer friend to anyone who had the pleasure of knowing her, passed away Sunday afternoon.
She was 85 years old.
Funeral services are tentatively scheduled for Wednesday at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church. Arrangements are being handled by Rose-Neath of Minden.
Agan wrote a weekly column, “Cameos”, which focused on “older times” or “Americana”.
To say she was a big part of the Minden Press-Herald is an understatement.
“Mrs. Agan was one of a kind,” Press-Herald Publisher Josh Beavers said. “We will never be able to replace Mrs. Agan.
We wouldn’t even be able to try. Minden has lost one of its best citizens."
“I cannot express to you how much she will be missed,” he continued.
With her tales of memories past, Mrs. Agan was a popular columnist for the Press-Herald.
“I have always written stories, mostly about our family’s experiences — things that my mother told me and then my own life experiences. I have written volumes of pages about my mother’s family and about her life. This was just for my children and grandchildren,” Mrs. Agan said during a previous interview with the Minden Press-Herald. “Some of my writing was just about my feelings — joy, sorrow, happiness, funny experiences and so on. Only in the last few years have I written about other people and events. I am not a story writer. I am just an old lady with lots of happy memories that I write about.”
Mrs. Agan was born June 28, 1923, in Shreveport to Louannie Longino Murphy, who would have been 40 on her next birthday, and James Allison Murphy, who was in his early 50s.
Mr. Murphy died of a heart attack when Mrs. Agan was just three years old.
“My mother devoted her time to me and told me the stories that her mother had told her of the Civil War and life after the war,” Mrs. Agan said. “My grandmother was 11 when the war was over, and her two brothers that had fought in the war never came home.”
In the early 1930s, Mrs. Agan and her mother moved a lot, going wherever a woman of nearly 50 could find work. In 1936, when Mrs. Agan was almost 13 and her mother was 52, they moved to Minden.
“Many of my mother’s friends were older than she was, and many knew much about the history of this area,” Mrs. Agan said. “We listened as they told us of their forbearers and about many funny incidents in the history of this area.”
Many of those friends were descendants of the original Germans who settled the Germantown area. Mrs. Agan was able to put those accounts into stories.
Mrs. Agan finished high school in 1939 at the age of 15. Due to the generosity of friends, she was able to borrow money from the Women’s Department Club to further her education.
“This was just a continuation of the love that Minden has shown me since I was the little girl of 13,” she said.Mrs. Agan’s interest in history was inherited by her children, Suzanne and John, and shared by her husband J.C.“My mother, who was very intelligent, instilled a love of history in my heart that was also passed on to my son and my daughter,” she said.
As soon as Suzanne was old enough to travel, the family began visiting historical sites in Louisiana, eventually traveling across the South, with trips planned to include historical stops.
When Suzanne was in fifth grade, her teacher, Ruby Salmon, announced that the class was about to begin a new subject — history, promising her students they would love it.
“Mrs. Salmon was a gifted teacher who instilled a love of history in these students, especially in my daughter Suzanne,” Mrs. Agan said. “Suzanne shares our love of history and especially this history of this area.”
Cameos of Minden was published in the Minden Press-Herald on Wednesdays.
YOU’RE INVITED TO A RECEPTION HONORING JUANITA AGAN“THE CAMEO LADY”
ON THE OCCASION OF HER 85th BIRTHDAY
SATURDAY, JUNE 28, 2008
FROM 2 p.m. UNTILL 4 p.m.
AT THE DORCHEAT HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION MUSEUM
NO GIFTS PLEASE
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