National Night Out and Movies In The Park

Tuesday October 5th, 2010.

Come out and join us for fun, food and movies in Academy Park for National Night Out.

September 9th, 2010 Special Guest Speaker

Megan Lord Historic Preservationist will be the special guest speaker for the Minden Historic Residential District meeting and pot luck dinner to be held:

Thursday September 9th, 2010 at 615 Main Street Christopher's.

Everyone is welcome to attend no admission fee for this event!

For More information contact Kelly Rich Minden HRD President at 318-548-3503.

www.mindenhrd.blogspot.com

Spend your summer as a History Pioneer

Be a History Pioneer at the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum. The Webster parish museum located at 116 Pearl Street is offering free summer admission to everyone, beginning with the end of the school year. Tuesday – Friday special 30 minute to 1 hour tours will be offered for young and old. Each child will receive a special museum activity book when they visit plus everyone will learn a little Webster parish history. Schelley Brown commented, “I hope that all parents and grandparents will take advantage of our free admission programs this summer. With the high cost of summer activities for children we wanted to be the place you can come to for an hour or so without having to spend a dime. We want to be able to fill a void for our visitors and children on summer vacation in our area. I have several types of tours for all ages plus I plan on having antique cars and tractors on display throughout the summer in front of the museum. We hope to have our theater room finished before summer is over which will be a great bonus for everyone. The museum is a fun place to visit and I know that everyone will enjoy the history activity book that they will receive at the end of their tour.” For group tours it is suggested to call ahead. For more information call the museum at 377-3002 or visit www.museuminminden.blogspot.com .

First Meeting 2010

First Meeting for 2010 March 1st, 2010 410 East and West Street at the home of Kelly Rich (President of the Minden HRD association). For more information contact Kelly at 548-3503.

Candlelight Christmas Tour Saturday December 5th, 2009

Don't miss a great day to get in the holiday spirit. See some of Minden's most beautiful homes plus taste some great Creole food in Academy Park. Tickets on sale now for $8.00 at the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum located at 116 Pearl Street or can be purchased day of tour for $10 at any of the homes. Call Kelly Rich for more information. Click on the pictures to enlarge and see all the information.

Kelly Rich New HRD president

Kelly Rich takes over as president for the Minden Historic Residential District at the October meeting. Kelly a Grand Cane native has been living in Minden for several years and in the process of home restoration. Her home will be one of the feature homes this year for the annual Christmas Tour. Kelly is already working with former president and now vice-president Schelley Brown for the upcoming Christmas Tour of Homes to be held December 5th, 2009. More information to follow soon. If you are a Facebook member join Minden HRD on facebook.

Minden Historic Residential District Meeting

Monday, October 19th at 6:30 P.M.

At the home of Kelly Rich

410 East and West Street

Come and join us as we talk about our plans for the Christmas Candlelight Tour on December 5th, 2009. We need lots of volunteers, so invite a friend! You don't have to live in the district to be a member!

National Night Out and Movies In The Park

NNO postponed to Nov 3rd, 2009 due to bad weather. Same time and place just new date. See you then.

Click on cards to enlarge them

Join us in Academy Park Tuesday October 6th, 2009 for a night of food, fun, friends and movies. The Historic Residential District Association has some new plans for the new year so come out and see what is in the works. Don't forget to bring your lawn chairs, favorite covered dish or finger foods. You don't have to live in the district to come to this event or any other Minden HRD event. For More Info Call Kelly Rich 377-3323 or email her at kellyarich1@yahoo.com

April 2009 Meeting

The Mayor Of Academy Park Wins Man Of The Year 2009

Green, Doerge named man, woman of the year
Written by Josh Beavers
Wednesday, 11 February 2009
A crowd of more than 500 was treated Thursday night to good food, good fun and a sense of good community spirit.
The setting was the Minden Civic Center and the scene was the annual Minden-South Webster Chamber of Commerce banquet.
Town & Country Health and Rehab and the Weston Place served as the title sponsor for the event. Corporate sponsors included R&V Works, Richland State Bank, Fibrebond, Jean Simpson Personnel Services, TG Garden and Gifts, Konica Minolta, First Choice Personnel, Entergy, Gibsland Bank & Trust, Easley Fine Art Gallery, Webster Printing, Allstate and David Raines Community Health Centers.
Accompanied by the musings and keen insights of event emcee Dr. Richard Campbell, attendees enjoyed a fine dinner provided by Jimmy Hall’s Party Express Catering.
And then there was the much-anticipated announcement of the Minden Man and Woman for 2009.
Once the cat had been let out of the bag and the secret was finally revealed, all in attendance rose to their feet to honor the man and woman who have played such positive roles in the lives of Webster Parish citizens.
This year’s honors went to Bill Green and State Representative Jean Doerge. The Young Women’s Service Club sponsors the Woman of the Year award, while the Minden Lions Club presents the Man of the Year Award.
The award for Chamber Member of the Year went to Jimmy Hall and Party Express Catering.Woman of the Year State Representative Jean Doerge retired from teaching after a 30-year career. She is a Democratic member of the Louisiana House of Representatives, who has represented Webster Parish since the death of her husband Everett in 1998.
“I wouldn’t be in this position if not for the person who stole my heart over 50 years ago – my husband Everett Doerge,” she said as she accepted the honor. “When he died, I felt I had to finish what he started.”
And she has been successful.
In 2001, Doerge worked to establish a special district to authorize the creation of a fire and emergency training service district, only the second created in Louisiana. She helped various residents in the Dubberly community in south Webster Parish obtain water service when their wells went dry. She also helped to secure a grant for the Cotton Valley water system.
In 2002, she helped the Springhill Medical Center obtain placement in the Rural Hospital Coalition, a move that enabled the facility to obtain additional funds. She pushed for the designation of a tourism center in Springhill, with appropriate directional signs to the new facility. She also worked for a jogging trail in Frank Anthony Park and for the funding to renovate the Spring Theater.
She pushed for funding to relocate the Northwest Technical College in Minden into a new home on Industrial Drive.
Doerge’s alma mater, Northwestern State University, inducted her into the College of Business Hall of Distinction.
Her name is engraved on a plaque located in the foyer of Russell Hall.
“I wouldn’t be here if not for the people of Webster Parish who have put their trust in me,” Doerge told the crowd.
“I have always tried to do what is best for you and I am so thankful and honored tonight.” Man of the Year Minden Mayor Bill Robertson calls Bill Green the “Mayor of Academy Park”. He is also affectionately referred to as the “Widow’s Wonder-man” as he gladly comes by and makes home repairs at many of the residences in the historic district.
Called a creator by Duane Cloud, a longtime friend and the gentleman who made last night’s presentation, Green “still gives and volunteers long past retirement age.”
“He is a true giver in every sense of the word,” Cloud said. “He is a creator in several trades. The Minden Historic Commission, our town and this nation has benefitted from his service.”
Event emcee Dr. Richard Campbell said of Green, “he can fix anything. And that is not an exaggeration.”
Green is a native of Tennessee and a veteran of the United States Air Force. He was stationed at Barksdale and moved to Minden after his discharge. He worked as a loan officer at a local banking institution upon his arrival to the community.
He and his wife Billy Jean reared three sons, and they are members of St. John’s Episcopal Church.
“He learned this is a great place to live and raise a family,” Cloud said.
Upon receiving the honor, Green thanked his wife and also kidded that he did not believe the selection committee knew whom they were voting for.
“I love Minden,” he told the crowd. “I am honored and it has been a great pleasure working with the people here. I’m glad to volunteer.”

Christmas Spirit Filled The Air

Minden Historic Residential Christmas 2008

Click on picture to see photo album The Minden Historic Residential District Tour of Homes was a Christmas filled day for many visitors to the Historic Fitzgerald house in the heart of Minden’s historic district. The annual tour was held on Saturday along with a contest for the residents of the district. Tour chairwoman and president of the Minden HRD Association, Schelley Brown stated, “We were very pleased with the attendance. We had guest this year from Ruston, Monroe, Dubach, Shreveport, Marshall and the Dallas area. This year we tried something different and I think it really turned out great!” Melissa Slaid, owner of the Fitzgerald house had her home decorated spectacularly for the season. Refreshments were provided by B Rose Catering and sponsored by Mrs. Jackie Lewis and the Minute Magazine. Santa was on hand with Kerry Easley of Main Street Photography capturing holiday memories for many as they climbed in the one horse open sleigh with Santa. The Minden Melodies were a delight for the day with a rousing round of Christmas favorites. This group was followed up by Tiffany Byram Harold Palmer; a grandfather and granddaughter duo on guitar. They finished off the day with all time holiday favorites including a little Elvis. To add to the day the Minden HRD association sponsored a lighting contest with cash prizes and trips to Jefferson at the McKay House B and B. The judging was done by Mona Hayden and friends from Louisiana Road Trips Magazine. The winners were the East and West home owned by Bill and Billie Jean Green taking first. The Greens added yard ornamentation of an antique car was a shoe in for first. Second place was taken by Jay and Shelly Christy’s Broadway home. Third place prize was awarded to Melanie and Scott McCullough for their East and West home. Ms. Brown stated “I was so pleased this year with the districts participation. We had homes that decorated that have never really decorated at all in the past. We also had folks that went the extra mile. I wish we could have given something to everyone. The entire city of Minden from the historic downtown area and all through the historic district is just beautiful this time of year and all the extra efforts really made us shine this year. I hope we can continue this next year and that it will continue to grow with more and more folks trying to outdo the other with the beautiful decorations of the beautiful homes in our area” For a look at Saturdays pictures go to www.mindenhrd.blogspot.com

December 2008 Minden Historic Residential District Christmas Event

Click on pictures to view larger size. More information and press release will follow.
Minden’s Historic Residential District has big plans for holidays!
The Minden Historic Residential District Association announces their holiday plans. “Saturday December 13th, 2008 will be our way of saying Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to Minden and the surrounding area.” announced association President Schelley Brown. “This year we are giving back to our community by not charging for our home tour. With the cost of everything escalating we felt that giving something back to our community was the fitting thing to do. We are also adding a home decorating and lighting contest for our home owners. Judging will be done the day of our home tour by three guest judges from other cities and winners announced at 6 p.m. at the close of the tour. We will be giving three wonderful prizes; 1st prize is $200 plus a one night stay at the McKay House B & B in Jefferson, Texas. 2nd prize is $100 and B & B stay, 3rd place prize is B & B stay! We hope that everyone in the district gets out and does some wonderful holiday lighting and decorating. We want the district to be a shinning example of holiday spirit for our visitors during this holiday season. We hope that this contest takes off so that in the future we will be included on the “Holiday Trail of Lights”. Minden’s historic homes are so beautiful and especially so during this time of year. Lighting trails draw huge numbers of visitors into an area and create big economic boost to everyone especially gas stations, restaurants and retail merchants. Everyone is looking for a way to entertain their family during this time of year.”
During the past two years the association has given back to the community with two historic markers that were placed in Academy Park. The association also has purchased more Christmas lights for the park, sponsored a large museum exhibit in the Dorcheat Historical Museum that tells their history and now Minden HRD has a wonderful new web site http://www.mindenhrd.com/ that tells about Minden’s historic homes, history and past citizens.
Melissa Slaid, owner of the Fitzgerald House has generously volunteered her home for the December 13th holiday event. This historic home located at 304 McDonald Street next door to Academy Park will be bustling with activity from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. Visitors will tour one of Minden's oldest homes and hear its history from a "Ghost of Christmas Past." Take a step back in time with carolers on the streets, the taste of warm cider and cookies plus the magic of seeing Minden's historic homes in all their holiday finery. Have your photo taken in a vintage one horse open sleigh by Jackie Lewis of Main Street Photography. Join us at 5 p.m. for a group sing-along of old fashioned holiday favorites! Don't miss the holiday gifts on the veranda, to make your holiday unique. For more information visit http://www.mindenhrd.com/ and http://www.mindenhrd.blogspot.com/ or call Schelley Brown 423-0192.

November Meeting

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October Meeting

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September Meeting

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Historic District In The Snow March 2008

A Rare Look At Homes In The Snow

The New Marker To Tell Our History

2008 Project for New Marker In Academy Park To Tell Our History

Minden, Louisiana Historic Residential District
In 1835 Charles Veeder, German-American born in New York State
built an inn on a hilltop a few miles from Bayou Dorcheat.
Legend has it, the inn was constructed on a salt lick that was
the best deer-hunting site in the region. By 1837, Veeder had
laid out a town in the shape of a parallelogram and divided
the area into lots. Named after the home of his ancestors in
Minden, Germany. The town prospered to become the largest town
in old Claiborne Parish. He hoped Natchitoches Parish would
divide and Minden would become the parish seat. Overton,
established in 1821, on Dorcheat Bayou became the parish seat
of Claiborne parish. Veeder left for California in 1849.
Minden was incorporated 1850, when Webster Parish was created
from Claiborne Parish. Minden became the parish seat in 1871.
November 5, 1992 the area around the original parallelogram
encompassing 71 buildings was placed on the National Register
of Historic Places. In 1993 the Minden Historic Residential
Association formed. On October 29th, 2007 area was officially
recognized by the city of Minden and Mayor Bill Robertson.
Protective ordnances were created and a Historic Commission
appointed in 2008 for future protection and preservation.
Ms. MONA MIRIAM ROBINSON MONK
August 23, 1924 - April 1, 2006
Beloved music & band director of the Lowe Junior High School
Band 1968-1980. Taught Expanding Horizons program for gifted
children in Webster Parish until retirement in 1989. Member
of the First Baptist Church, and an active witness for God.
She is remembered as a happy, loving person, a successful,
teacher and someone who cared about the history of Minden and
the history of her home known as the McDonald – Monk Home.
Ms. Monk purchased the home in 1966 and raised her family.
This Minden landmark was built by John W. McDonald in 1900 &
placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
Active in many civic organizations in 1992 she was one of
the original organizers of the Minden Historic Residential
District Association and served as its first president in 1993.
Mrs. Monk will be remembered for her love of God, family,
music, history of Minden & the historic residential district.
Donated by The Minden Historic Residential District 2008

Minden Mayor Bill Robertson

Ghost Of Home & Garden 2007

Historic Residential Association and Dorcheat Historical Museum Association’s Ghost of Home & Garden

“A Picture Perfect Success”

Antique cars, old time fiddle music courtesy of Mary Wright, vintage style dress, old-fashioned fun, historic homes, ----yes, it looked like a scene from a movie. If you visited the Minden Historic District Ghost of Home & Garden Tour on Saturday, May 19th, between the hours of 12:00 noon and 5:00 PM, you were transported to the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. If a picture says a thousand words, then Saturday’s first ever Spring Ghost Tour spoke volumes.
The Historic Residential District has managed to maintain its 19th century charm for over 100 years, and to the delight of 350+ visitors from a 100 mile radius they were able to experience a return to this era by being a part of its new annual Spring Ghost of Home and Garden Tour.
Schelley Brown executive director of the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Inc and 2007 President of The Historic Residential Association stated, “I knew we had a hit, when weeks before the tour people were calling me from Longview, Magnolia, Ruston, Monroe and Texarkana wanting more details. Some days I would receive as many as 75 calls. On Friday, May 18th I received almost 150 calls from all over the Ark-La-Tex. Good media coverage made this a tremendous success as well as the incredible homes that were shown and the wonderful folks that portrayed Minden’s past citizens. It gave me a chill at one point to see the people in costume walking across Academy Park. You just knew that this same scene had been done in reality on that very spot over 100 years ago. It gave you a real sense of our history.” Brown, also stated, “That with out all the help from the wonderful home owners, actor and actresses, door help, and the Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau this would not be possible! It takes a lot of nerve for someone to open up their home to an unknown amount of people and a lot of hard work goes into learning the parts by the actors and actresses that portray the ghost. I can think up the project and promote it but with out lots of help it would never happen. I hope they all know how much they are appreciated every time they come to bat for me.”
People were delighted and thrilled to here the fiddle music drift over the park. The sight of antique school desk had not been seen in that sight in over 100 years! The Academy Park Gazebo was transformed into a picture gallery for the day featuring the pictures that will be featured on the new Academy Park Louisiana Historic Marker. A 1937 Buick “Olivia” and 1930 Model A Roadster courtesy of Mr. Steve Fowler were parked at the Green-Davis home which was an added bonus for the visitors. The streets were lined with 100’s of visitors from far and wide waiting in line to take their turn inside one of the four homes. Many guests were stunned at the work done to these homes to make each and everyone of them a work of art, beauty and always a work in progress.
At the Inabnett home guest were treated to lemonade served by two young ladies from the early 1900’s (Aubrie Stahl & Allison Mourad). A donation only lemonade stand was a big hit with the crowds. Right next door at the Inabnett playhouse was also the site of an antebellum tea party held by three young ladies dressed in full antebellum ball-gowns. One of the young ladies Ms. Leslie Davis is a direct descendent of the Davis family featured in the tour and her cousins Emily and Anna Beth Robinson joined her for the days festivities. All this was done to the old-time fiddle music of Mrs. Mary Wright. Mary was quick to tell you she wasn’t that good but the crowd had a different opinion and loved her performances.
Brown is the creator of the Minden Cemetery Ghost Walk that has become a popular tourist attraction and is held annually in November in conjunction with Veterans Day. Bringing history to life seems to be a passion for Ms. Brown, as she stated, “I believe showing history in this manner makes it real for people. They seem to appreciate the importance of what they are seeing, whether it is a wonderful 150-year-old home or a grave marker at the cemetery or even an antique car. This new combined effort is the historic district’s way of showing support for the soon to open Dorcheat Museum.” Brown also stated, “The history of Minden’s homes and the people who lived there is so important. This is just a small way to preserve the past for future generations. It is very exciting to be able to have the privilege to bring this part of history alive for everyone. It is only natural that these different organizations work together to keep history alive for our future. These homes have become a part of the fabric of Minden and can never be replaced and are near and dear to everyone’s heart.” Brown laughed as she said, “It has been said if it is old, rusty, want crank, or buried I must have something to do with it.”
The following homes were featured in the 2007 tour.

416 Broadway Miller – Inabnett Home Built in Mid 1850’s: Featured the acting talents of Sandy Corley and Carol Willis: as Mrs. Joe Miller and Mrs. Roy Inabnett.
1111 Broadway Vance – Sugg Home Built Pre Civil War: Featured the acting talents of Joe and Joan Luck as Alberta Glass and Bell Pratt Vance.
315 East & West Street Creighton Home Built in 1925: Featured the acting talent of Mrs. Janice Mourad as Mrs. Tom Creighton.
311 East & West Street Davis – Green Home Built in 1901: Featured Mrs. Billie Jean Green as her homes former owner Mrs. Davis.
I addition, the history of Academy Park was told by none other than the “Mayor of Academy Park” Mr. Bill Green as an instructor of the academy with his student Sam Marvin. As you entered the park you were met by a man with a top hat, some know him as Dr. Richard Campbell.
This tour is just a sample of what the district will have in store for the Christmas Tour “Memories of Christmas Past” scheduled for the second Saturday in December of 2007. We expect these two historic tours to become something to look forward to every year.
The Minden Historic Residential District Association is responsible for preserving the history of the historic homes and their owners. They are currently working to form a Historic District Commission that will work with the Mayor and City Council when certain issues arise. This commission will be similar to other historic districts across America. These type commissions help preserve and protect certain historic areas especially the ones that are on the National Historic District Registry.
The association is also responsible for the new street signage that indicates when you have entered the historic district. These signs were installed earlier in the year. A current project to erect a state of Louisiana Historical Marker is now in the works for Academy Park. This marker has been ordered and will make its début soon. If you love history and you love to be a part of something unique, you are urged to become involved with these two groups.
The members of the historic district and the Dorcheat Historic Association will also begin gathering information and pictures for one of the exhibits that will be featured in the museum when it opens later in 2007. This project will be documenting when the homes were built, as well as researching the past owners. Pictures, precious artifacts and documents will be very important in putting this exhibit together and preserving this important part of Minden’s past. The two groups urge anyone with pictures or any items of interest related to the older homes in Minden to contact them. These joint efforts will continue to benefit both historic groups for many years to come.
The Historic Residential Association meets the third Tuesday of every month at a designated home in the district. The Dorcheat Historical Association meets the 2nd Monday of every month and The Historic Residential District meets the 3rd Tuesday. Come join the fun, and be a part of preserving our history. For more information you can contact Schelley Brown at 423-0192.