On The Road With Schelley Brown

Minden in a diffrent light!

2011-12-14T09:10:00.000-08:00

Cool picture of Minden from the Tourisum Facebook page

A Lesson In Life

2011-12-09T08:37:00.000-08:00

Our friends the Iverson's in Sturgis sent this email to me! I wish all teachers would do this.

He was in the first third grade class I taught at Saint
Mary's School in Morris, Minnesota. All 34 of my students were
dear to me, but Mark Eklund was one in a million. Very neat in
appearance, he had that happy-to-be-alive attitude that made even
his occasional mischievousness delightful.

Mark talked incessantly. I had to remind him again and again that
talking without permission was not acceptable. What impressed
me so much, though, was his sincere response every time I had
to correct him for misbehaving. "Thank you for correcting me,
Sister!" I didn't know what to make of it at first, but before long
I became accustomed to hearing it many times a day.

One morning my patience was growing thin when Mark talked
once too often, and then I made a novice teacher's mistake. I
looked at Mark and said, "If you say one more word, I am going
to tape your mouth shut!" It wasn't ten seconds later when Chuck
blurted out, "Mark is talking again." I hadn't asked any of the
students to help me watch Mark, but since I had stated the
punishment in front of the class, I had to act on it. I remember the
scene as if it had occurred this morning. I walked to my desk, very
deliberately opened my drawer and took out a roll of masking tape.
Without saying a word, I proceeded to Mark's desk, tore off two
pieces of tape and made a big X with them over his mouth. I then
returned to the front of the room. As I glanced at Mark to see how
he was doing, he winked at me. That did it! I started laughing. The
class cheered as I walked back to Mark's desk, removed the tape,
and shrugged my shoulders. His first words were, "Thank you for
correcting me, Sister."

At the end of the year, I was asked to teach junior-high math. The
years flew by, and before I knew it, Mark was in my classroom
again. He was more handsome than ever and just as polite. Since he
had to listen carefully to my instruction in the "new math," he did
not talk as much in ninth grade as he had in third. One Friday, things
just didn't feel right. We had worked hard on a new concept all
week, and I sensed that the students were frowning, frustrated with
themselves and edgy with one another. I had to stop this crankiness
before it got out of hand. So I asked them to list the names of the
other students in the room on two sheets of paper, leaving a space
between each name. Then I told them to think of the nicest thing they
could say about each of their classmates and write it down. It took
the remainder of the class period to finish the assignment, and as the
students left the room, each one handed me the papers. Charlie smiled.
Mark said, "Thank you for teaching me, Sister. Have a good weekend."
That Saturday, I wrote down the name of each student on a separate
sheet of paper, and I listed what everyone else had said about that individual.

On Monday, I gave each student his or her list. Before long, the entire
class was smiling. "Really?" I heard whispered. "I never knew that meant
anything to anyone!" "I didn't know others liked me so much." No one
ever mentioned those papers in class again. I never knew if they
discussed them after class or with their parents, but it didn't matter.
The exercise had accomplished its purpose. The students were happy
with themselves and one another again.

That group of students moved on. Several years later, after I returned
from vacation, my parents met me at the airport. As we were driving
home, Mother asked me the usual questions about the trip, the weather,
my experiences in general. There was a lull in the conversation. Mother
gave Dad a sideways glance and simply said, "Dad?" My father cleared
his throat as he usually did before saying something important.

"The Eklunds called last night," he began. "Really?" I said. "I haven't
heard from them in years. I wonder how Mark is." Dad responded
quietly. "Mark was killed in Vietnam," he said. "The funeral is tomorrow,
and his parents would like it if you could attend." To this day I can still
point to the exact spot on I-494 where Dad told me about Mark.

I had never seen a serviceman in a military coffin before. Mark looked
so handsome, so mature. All I could think at that moment was, "Mark,
I would give all the masking tape in the world if only you would talk to
me." The church was packed with Mark's friends. Chuck's sister sang
"The Battle Hymn of the Republic." Why did it have to rain on the day
of the funeral? It was difficult enough at the graveside. The pastor said
the usual prayers, and the bugler played taps. One by one those who
loved Mark took a last walk by the coffin and sprinkled it with holy
water. I was the last one to bless the coffin. As I stood there, one of the
soldiers who acted as pallbearer came up to me. "Were you Mark's math
teacher?" he asked. I nodded as I continued to stare at the coffin. "Mark
talked about you a lot," he said.

After the funeral, most of Mark's former classmates headed to Chuck's
farmhouse for lunch. Mark's mother and father were there, obviously
waiting for me. "We want to show you something," his father said, taking
a wallet out of his pocket. "They found this on Mark when he was killed.
We thought you might recognize it." Opening the billfold, he carefully
removed two worn pieces of notebook paper that had obviously been
taped, folded and refolded many times. I knew without looking that the
papers were the ones on which I had listed all the good things each of
Mark's classmates had said about him. "Thank you so much for doing
that," Mark's mother said. "As you can see, Mark treasured it." Mark's
classmates started to gather around us. Charlie smiled rather sheepishly
and said, "I still have my list. I keep it in the top drawer of my desk at
home." Chuck's wife said, "Chuck asked me to put his in our wedding
album." "I have mine too," Marilyn said. "It's in my diary." Then Vicki,
another classmate, reached into her pocketbook, took out her wallet
and showed her worn and frazzled list to the group. "I carry this with me
at all times," Vicki said without batting an eyelash. "I think we all saved
our lists." That's when I finally sat down and cried. I cried for Mark and
for all his friends who would never see him again.

The density of people in society is so thick that we forget that life will
end one day. And we don't know when that one day will be. So please,
tell the people you love and care for that they are special and important.
Tell them, before it is too late.
Be ALL you can be!!
Have an incredible day!!

Blessings!!

Part of my “Bucket List” is Complete

2011-10-21T10:30:00.000-07:00

A Honeymoon To Remember

Years ago I wrote a story for the “The Minute Magazine” about a dream vacation. This year I used the excuse of a Honeymoon to make many of those dreams happen! I think the only part of it that didn’t happen was visiting the Walton’s Museum in West Virginia. But the rest was perfect and the man I was with (my husband) made it even better! The fact that I did it on a Harley and not in a 37 Buick or a Model A was ok too!

When Danny and I got married in April everybody asked us if we were going on a cruise, or Vegas, or some of those other normal honeymoon trips. We would smile and say we are going to the “Andy Griffith Mayberry Days Festival” in Mount Airy, North Carolina in September! Yes we got a few looks but most folks were very envious of our plans. We had talked about doing this for a long time so a honeymoon was the perfect time to go!

We arrived in Maggie Valley first with another dream come true (our toy hauler)…our adventure was about to begin with this purchase from our good friends Debbie and Barry. It still had that new smell and we were thrilled to get it…I was more thrilled for sure. In fact it brought tears to my eyes. Our RV Park was beautiful and I am afraid we are spoiled now for other RV parks that may be in our future.

We headed to “Wheels Through Time” Motorcycle Museum next in Maggie Valley. Dale Walksler is the owner and collector of everything old motorcycle! I had met him during the Cannonball Run in 2010. To say this was a highlight of the trip is a BIG understatement! We had a blast and were in Harley Heaven. Dale is great and he rode me in a vintage 1920s Harley with a sidecar! (Another bucket list item checked off.) This is the most amazing collection we had ever seen and it all runs and Dale will crank it and take off on it. We spent a good part of our day just amazed at the amount of stuff inside this museum.

The next day of course we headed out to Mount Airy! I just can’t even describe the feelings we had when we arrived. On Thursday there weren’t many folks in town yet so we got to walk around and really look the town over good. It was nice being able to do that before the crowds rolled in! And boy did they roll in over the next few days. On Friday we got up early to head to the Snappy Lunch to eat breakfast. That was our first encounter with a look-alike from the show... Briscoe Darling was up early too. Then Mayberry Squad Cars started to appear on the streets. It was raining but not too hard and we made the best of it and bought a big umbrella. Everyone in town was so nice and all had stories to share.

We then headed down to Wally’s Service Station to take a squad car tour. This was perfect and our driver even sounded a lot like Barney Fife. We got to drive by Andy’s childhood home (they rent it out like a B&B now). We saw a large granite yard and other points of interest. But riding in an old squad car was a big part of the fun. Next to Wally’s is a recreation of the Jail and we made a few pictures inside.

We headed back to Snappy for our Pork Chop Samich. It was great and Floyd the Barber was inside and decided to give Danny a little trim. The rain stopped while we were eating lunch so we did some more site-seeing. We toured the Andy Griffith museum, lots of history inside the museum on the show and Andy in general. We watched a TAGS Rerun Watchers contest and these folks are good. We only got one question correct. (What was the color of the saddle on Opie’s imaginary horse Blackie? Silver) these folks were serious about their trivia.

We had tickets Friday night to see Doug Dillard (Darling) it was our first show for the weekend. We enjoyed seeing all the look alikes and the old cast members that took part in the show. One was Charlene (Maggie Peterson), she sang a few of the songs like Salty Dog and some others she sang on TAGS.

Saturday morning was the BIG day! Parade day was the happening day. The town was packed with folks…lots and lots of folks. The best thing about it was that we all had the love of TAGS in common and people would just come up to you and start talking about certain episodes. It was perfect! The parade was PERFECT too! We loved it. The old cast members and the impersonators made it so special. David Browning (Barney) makes this festival SPECIAL for everyone. I think he IS Barney… we were just thrilled to meet him.

We toured the local museum and they really have a NICE one! Learned a lot of moonshine history. We ate at a really nice place across the street, went in a few wineries and purchase a few souvenir bottles. We looked at the famous Siamese twin exhibit. We just sat and people watched this was a great place to just sit and relax and take it all in.

We had tickets for Colonel Tim’s Talent Time Show on Saturday night and boy were we in for some treats! This show lasted about 3 hours…so we got our money’s worth. It is the Grand Finale of the festival and everyone participates that has anything to do with the festival. It was a perfect ending to a great weekend and WE LOVED IT ALL! (check one off the list)

On to the Biltmore Next! What can you say expect we know why they call it the Biltmore…They Built More House than Anyone Would Need! It was so amazing. We spent all day touring the estate. (One more check off on the list)

Now for some riding on the Harley! First on the Blue Ridge Parkway! All I can say was AMAZING! This is the perfect place for a Harley! We LOVED it and the weather was PERFECT! The next day was through the Smoky Mountain National Park. Again it was gorgeous riding. Cades Cove was the only thing not motorcycle friendly. I even saw a baby bear hanging over my head. We saw lots and lots of turkey crossing the road. The leaves were turning and the weather was wonderful. We saw so much and had a wonderful few days of riding. I can’t imagine seeing these places any other way than on the back of a Harley. It wouldn’t be the same in a car. (2 checks on the list)

On our last day we traveled by truck to a part of the Smoky Mt. Park to see Elk! This was a big treat for Danny. We sat behind a 100 year old barn and listened to them bugle before we ever saw them. We got some great pictures and were able to get pretty close to them.

All I can say was this was the most relaxing and best trip that we have ever been on! We had the best of time and made lots of wonderful memories. And isn’t that what life is all about making beautiful memories with the ones you love!

Mr. & Mrs. Danny Francis

2011-05-11T10:30:00.000-07:00

Wedding Announcement

2011-04-27T12:38:00.000-07:00

Photography by Jeff Scott Photography Minden, La.

Mrs. Schelley Mignon Brown Francis & Mr. Charles Daniel (Danny) Francis joyfully announce their recent marriage on Saturday, the twenty-third of April, 2011. The double ring ceremony and reception were held at 2 o’clock the Saturday before Easter at Pine Hills Country Club in Minden. The bride is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Nolen Brown of Minden and the groom is the son of Mr. & Mrs. Charles Francis of Haughton.

The bride was escorted down the aisle by her mother, with the groom’s brother, Dean Francis, serving as best man. Miss Aubrie Stahl, niece of the bride, served as maid of honor, while Miss Shelby Francis, daughter of the groom served as bridesmaid.

The Victorian styled wedding and biker themed reception was a reflection of the couple’s hobbies of motorcycle riding and vintage cars. The bride wore an Edwardian style ivory lace dress with an ivory feather fascinator in her hair complimented with vintage style ivory Victorian boots, while the groom’s attire was a Victorian cutaway tux with pinstripe pants and grey ascot. In keeping with the tradition of something old, the bride wore a wedding gift of a family heirloom ( Schelley’s great grandmother’s gold locket that dated back to the 1800s), presented by her cousin, Mrs. Debra Heard Brown..

The wedding ceremony was performed by a longtime friend of the couple, Mr. Joe Hunter (Brother Hunter). A reading of 1 Corinthians by cousin of the bride, Kerri Couch, was followed by a song written and sung by niece and maid of honor, Aubrie Stahl with cousin, Kelli Couch, singing “The Lord’s Prayer”. A “Salt Ceremony” was performed with a personal reading written by the bride and read by Mrs. Kerri Couch with longtime friends, Barbara Lebel and William Vaughan, participating and serving as witnesses for the signing of the marriage license. The couple ended their ceremony and began the reception to the song “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” with wedding guest participation.

The reception centerpiece was a four tier blush pink wedding cake adorned with pink and white sugar dogwood blossoms with bands of sugared pearls around each tier and a brown monogramed F in the center. The groom’s cake was a reflection of Danny and Schelley’s love of their Harleys. This three tiered groom’s cake in Harley-Davidson colors resembled a motorcycle tire with flames, complete with the bride and groom’s names at the top in the shape of the Harley logo. For a touch of fun, Easter Peeps with fondant helmets were added around one layer with the words “chick magnet” over their heads. This look was completed with a couple on a motorcycle cake topper. The bride and groom’s motorcycles were also a part of the wedding and used as part of the wedding décor. A special wedding toast was given by Mr. Carleton Prothro and a special song was sung by Mr. Pat Harper during the reception. In keeping with the day, a long distance award was given to longtime friend of the couple, Donna Rindskopf, who had traveled from California for the wedding. The couple exited the reception under a shower of heart shaped rice and stepped into an antique convertible Ford, while family and friends wished them a life filled with love and happiness.

A family fish fry later in the evening, catered by Jimmy Hall and Party Express Catering, was a chance for nearly seventy family members to relax and end a perfect day. A honeymoon is planned for September to the “Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum” in Maggie Valley, North Carolina, Mayberry Days in Mt. Airy North, Carolina and the Biltmore Estate.

The bride is the director of the Dorcheat Historical Association Musuem in Minden. The groom is a Signal Supervisor for KCS Railroad. The couple will make their home in Sibley, La.

Untouchable by Taylor Swift

2011-03-09T14:12:00.000-08:00

More of Aubrie

Home Sweet Home

2011-03-09T14:11:00.001-08:00

So much talent. Love my Aubrie

origional song "my everything" by aubrie

2011-03-09T14:11:00.000-08:00

Aubrie will be singing this at the wedding

id need a savior

2011-03-09T14:10:00.000-08:00

Aubrie singing in church.

The Count Down Is On

2011-02-18T05:56:00.000-08:00

It will be here before we know it!

Why We Love Each Other

2011-01-28T15:11:00.000-08:00

Why We Love Each Other
Being from a small town you grow up always knowing people. We have crossed paths time after time for many years. We have been through good time and terrible times. When we first started seeing each other the song "God Blessed The Broken Road" by Rascal Flatts had just come out. That song seemed to be meant for us. After many years together and some heartaches we realized that we were much better together than apart. We are best friends, we love the same things. Nothing thrills us more than old cars and motorcycles. We enjoy the same kinds of food, music and vacation ideas. We like old T.V. shows and watch Andy Griffith over and over. About the only thing we don't see eye to eye on is the remote control for the T.V.

We both love the wind in our face while riding a Harley. I think this is something we will be doing until we turn 100! Danny loves to hunt and I love to cook it! When we are apart we miss each other, we enjoy each others company.

We became engaged on Christmas Eve of 2010 and on January 2, 2011 Danny suffered a mild heartattack (Danny said it is only mild if you didn't have it) we have some life changes ahead with diet, exercise and medication. We know that life isn't easy but we also know that life is too short to waste. So we try to make the most of what we have and live it to the fullest. We are grateful for our families and our many friends and our community for standing beside us. It is these people that have gotten us to the point we are today. We are so thankful for the love that we have recieved from all of you!

Wedding Ahead!

2011-01-14T13:28:00.000-08:00

When you find the person you want to spend forever with forever can't begin soon enough!

KCS Run 2010

2010-10-17T08:18:00.000-07:00

KCS Run 2010

Click on album to see all the pictures. October 16th members of the KCS took a 350 mile trip for the day. One flat later we all made it home safe and sound! A great day for riding to East Texas and all points in between.

Boo Benefit 2010

2010-10-11T12:11:00.000-07:00

Boo Benefit 2010

The 13th annual Boo Benefit was a huge success. The crowds were the biggest I have ever seen. Held in Jefferson, Texas every year to benefit "Camp I'm Still Me" burn camp for children! For more info visit http://www.boobenefit.org/ click on the album above to look at all the pictures.

Bikes Blues and BBQ 2010

2010-10-02T18:09:00.000-07:00

Bikes Blues & BBQ 2010

Bikes, Blues and BBQ 2010 was crowded this year! Lots of Bikes and LOTS OF CARS! Click on the album above to see pics.

Cannonball Run Video Clips

2010-09-20T10:48:00.000-07:00

This is the clips I took at Cannonball Run in Danville, Ark on Sept 18th, 2010

Cannonball Run 2010

2010-09-19T10:34:00.001-07:00

Cannonball Run 2010

Click on the album above to see all the pics I took!
On Saturday September 18th, 2010 I got to see a once in a lifetime motorcycle indurance race that crossed into Arkansas. This group of folks from all over the world came together in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina on a trip that will take them across the U.S. to the final destinatioin of California. I got to meet Chris Sommer Simmons the writer of "American Motorcycle Girls" and wife of Dobbie Brother Pat Simmons. Chris is one of only two women in the race and the only American. This was a real treat for me and I only wish others had been able to see it with me! To find out more visit the web site http://www.motorcyclecannonball.com/ and also visit http://www.wheelsthroughtime.com/dales-blog/the-2010-cannonball-run.html

“Museum Gala A Historic Event”

2010-09-15T08:54:00.000-07:00

“2010 Museum Gala A Historic Event”

“Museum Gala A Historic Event”

Monday, September 13, 2010 , the Dorcheat Historical Museum hosted its second fundraising event since the 2008 opening of the parish museum. “This fundraiser was a huge success, raising over $20,000.” Louise Snook, board member and gala event organizer reported. With over 125 guests in attendance, the museum was filled with anticipation of the night’s activities which included a silent auction and a first time viewing of the new state of the art Media/Learning Center & Theater. This room will also house the military exhibit covering WWI to present day conflicts.

“Master Chef” Jim Begbie provided a lavish assortment of foods which included a variety of cheeses, sushi and caviar. “I think people were really pleased with the variety of silent auction items and the wonderful variety of foods. We are so fortunate to have the support of so many people from far and wide. We have been pleased with our progress and we know we couldn’t do any of it without so many generous friends of the museum.” stated Schelley Brown.
Golf trips, B & B stays, appliance gift certificates, photography gift certificates and catering services were just a few of the many items to pick from. The silent auction was a big hit with the crowd bringing in over $11,500 for the evening on the auction alone. “The members of the museum board would like to thank all of the local merchants for their generosity in helping us put all of this together.” Brown said.

The item that had everyone’s attention was an original painting by folk artist, Cora Lou Robinson. Robinson’s painting of a birthday party at the old Minden Community House was a top fundraising item for the evening. Many local people were depicted in the painting which was from a memory of one of Robinson’s own birthdays. The high bidder, Mrs. Margaret Evans, is now the proud owner of not one, but two Cora Lou originals. Mrs. Evans was also the winner of the St. Jude original that was raffled off at the 2010 Minden St. Jude Auction.

Many first time guests were shocked at the quality and beauty of the now two year old museum. A member of the 8th Air force Museum was in attendance and was quite impressed with what has been done in Minden. “I think what Larry Milford and others have accomplished is quite amazing for a small town museum.” a guest said. With visits this summer from Louisiana tourism professionals, we know by their input that we are doing things the right way.

The museum is really a showplace for our area and has recently received quite a bit of notice from the Shreveport area on local TV stations, magazines and newspapers. This past summer over 300 people passed through the doors of the museum for private tours during the Summer Pioneer Program. With the new Media/Theater room opening, it gives the museum an extra advantage of being able to offer this 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.” commented Brown. For more information on the Dorcheat Museum call 318-377-3002 or visit at 116 Pearl Street. To sign up for updates visit the website at www.museuminminden.blogspot.com you can also find us on Facebook.

Ghost Walk 2010 Nov. 13th, 2010

2010-09-01T12:34:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Saturday November 13th, 2010
The Minden Cemetery Ghost Walk “Living History Lesson”
Website: http://www.mindencemetery.blogspot.com/
Price: $10 adults / $4 children under 12 (tickets at gate only)
Location: Old Minden Cemetery off Pine St. on Bayou Avenue in Minden, La.
Contact #: Schelley Brown (318) 423-0192 Cell
Time: Noon – last tour starts at 3 p.m.
Email: iluvoldcars@yahoo.com

The 7th Annual 2010 Minden Cemetery Ghost Walk

Don’t miss the 7th annual Living History Lesson “Ghost Walk”

This year promises to be the biggest and best to date. The tour will begin at Noon on Saturday November 13th, 2010 with the last tour starting at 3:00 p.m. and lasting a little over an hour. (Event Held Rain Or Shine) The annual tour in its seventh year is expected to double the number of visitors that attended in 2009 from a vast area. Schelley Brown, tour organizer, said, “Every year at noon, people began to line up in anticipation of being the first to see these living history tours. The past tours brought people to Minden from California, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Florida, Texas, Arkansas and Nebraska to see their ancestors portrayed. Brown estimated that the crowds have increased from year to year as well as the amount of money raised for the Cemetery Association, a non profit organization that was formed many years ago to help maintain the perpetual care of one of Minden’s oldest burial places.
This year the tour will have many new Ghosts and all new history lessons from many new actors and actresses in period costume portraying Minden’s past leading citizens. You will definitely get a lot of entertainment and a lot of histories in this year’s tour as you watch some of our new characters come to life.
Ghost Walk is as if you are stepping back in time as you listened to the stories being told. It’s an amazing sight to behold as your tour guide escorts you to each historical scene. Many of the tour sites include historical props to go along with the history being told. A few of the actors are actual decedents of the people they are portraying. In a little over an hour, you can see Confederate soldiers along with early business leaders, teachers, doctors and politicians. This is a rare opportunity to learn about our past community leaders, citizens and history of our town. Ghost Walk teaches you how Minden’s women and men endured through great hardships and strived to overcome great obstacles to make our town what it is today.
“We hope to have some extra treats for our visitors every year,” Brown stated. “With many new stops this year, it will be hard to pick your favorite.” Brown also emphasized that she could not do any of this without Webster parish historian, John Agan, plus all the talented people and guides who volunteer their time and efforts to make this annual tour a huge success. The members of the Minden Cemetery board also want to thank the Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau, The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum and the Minden Historic Residential Association for their support of this event. If you missed the tour last year, you don’t want to miss it this year. For more information on the Minden Cemetery located on Bayou Avenue and the annual tour, visit http://www.mindencemetery.blogspot.com/ or check us out on Facebook. You can contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192 or iluvoldcars@yahoo.com .

"A Night At The Museum" September 13th, 2010

2010-07-29T10:37:00.000-07:00

Join us for an evening of Food, Fun, Festivities and Fundraising....We will be unveiling the new state of the art Media/Learning Center and Theater....Catered by "Master Chef" Jim Begbie.....Silent Auction... Cost $25 Per Person payable to Dorcheat Historical Museum....

Must send money by September 1st, 2010 to P.O. Box 1094 Minden, La. 71058.
Don't miss this night of history. For more info call Schelley Brown at 318-377-3002.

If you have something that you think we could use for our silent auction and you would like to highlight your business please give me a call at 318-423-0192.

visit the museum site at http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/

Aubrie Singing Just Friends

2010-06-09T10:33:00.001-07:00

Aubrie singing a song she wrote "Just Friends" This is at the 2010 car show. She was guest singer with the Dorcheat Bottom Band. So much talent in such a young person.

Spend your summer as a History Pioneer

2010-05-19T10:16:00.000-07:00

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 .

2010 Cruisin'

2010-05-02T12:25:00.000-07:00

Cruisin For A Cure Wheels Through Time Show & Shine 2010

Click on album above to see 2010 pics.
Weatherman Reports Of Hail, Tornados and Rain Hampers 2010 Show

The “2010 Cruisin’ For A Cure Wheels Through Time Show and Shine” once again is hampered by weather. Schelley Brown show promoter stated, “We had great pre-registration of 79 vehicles. That is usually 1/3 or sometimes ¼ of the number that will actually show up for a show. I knew from the week long weather reports that we may have some problems. People started calling from Mississippi, northern Arkansas and south Louisiana on Tuesday and Wednesday about the weather and if we were going to postpone. You just can’t postpone this type of event because you have no way to contact folks after you do so much wide spread advertising. With the threat of hail and tornados you are going to lose a lot of folks. We ended up with 116 registered by the end of the day. People just can’t take the chance of coming out with these types of vehicles. They have too much money invested to risk any damage. Many still came to the show they just came in the everyday cars. We did still have one group of motorcyclist come from north Arkansas. They ended up trailering the bikes and unloading at the Holiday Inn to attend for the first time.”
The weather turned out fine with the exception of a little rain around 8 a.m. other than that the overcast day was fine for show goers. The silent auction was a big success and the R & V Works fish cooker raffle went over big this year. With the help of show volunteers over 1000 $1 tickets for the cooker were sold and over $3,000 was made with the silent auction. Total numbers are not in for the show with outstanding bills still to be paid but Brown reported that even with the weather issue they could still end up with around $7-8,000 to split.
David Barnhill was the lucky winner of the $500 vehicle prize money. David graciously turned around and presented $300 to Terry Gray the grandfather of Brock Haines Cassell a recent St. Jude patient. The Ark-La-Tex Antique and Classic Car Association was the $200 club winner for the most pre-registered cars with a total of 8 cars registered before the April deadline. Margaret Evan was the winner of the fish cooker. Margaret graciously donated the cooker to the Dorcheat Historical Association to use in an upcoming September event.
“I have so many people to thank this year. I could not have done this years show without all my corporate and individual sponsors and the Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau. Without our money sponsors we could not even start to do a show. Besides sponsors I also have to thank the Hunters and Coca-Cola of Minden for their continued support from the very beginning in 2004, Durwood Blake and Billy Reeves help with sound equipment, Ronnie Sale for his help with the stage and electrical, the members of the Dorcheat Bottom Band with guest Aubrie Stahl and Hunt Powell these folks rocked the fairgrounds, Mike Spillers aka “Elvis” the King of Rock n Roll in Minden, the city of Minden employees, Larry Tims of Fairway Carts, Jimmy Hall and his crew from Party Express Catering with their great food, Wayne Hatfield of Hatfield Ice in Homer, members of the Ark-La-Tex Antique and Classic Car Association, members of the Dorcheat Historical Association museum for all of their volunteer help at various task and stations during the day, my good friends Debbie & Barry Warner and Pam Holley for their help with registration since 2004, Joe Morgan for his expertise in fish cooker raffle ticket sales, Mitzi and Mike Madden for all that they do in so many ways, Danny Francis for his constant help and support, John and Melinda Parnell, Eddie and Katie Sangid, Shawn Lewis, Lynn Dorsey, Lou and Terry Snook for lots and lots of extra hard working hours before, during and after the show. All of these people and many more are what make this show work and run smoothly. Without them I would never attempt to do this.”

April 25th, 2010 My first real ride!

2010-04-26T06:22:00.000-07:00

On April 25th, 2010 me and my good friends Debbie and Barry Warner, Gay Lewis, Allen and Dianne Smith rode to Natchitoches, La. about 200 miles round trip. This was my first real ride on my Harley. It was great except the wind was like being in Kansas! Had a great time. Left Sibley around 11 and got back around 6. I had a nice day of riding and I went down a dirt road, made a U-turn, went down a gravel road, and lots or red lights and right turns! We rode by the old Plantation Homes on the historic Cane River Road. I made it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"The Chief" The Car That Started It All!

2010-04-24T08:01:00.000-07:00

I have loved old cars since I was a kid. My first car in 1975 was a 51 Pontiac Chieftain, bought from local car nut Wayne Chance. It didn’t always run, but that wasn’t the most important thing, because where I was going was only two blocks from home. The local hang-out back in the 70’s in Minden was the Dixie Cream (now Cotton’s Chicken) and the Dairy Queen. I could usually get the car to the Dixie Cream, even if I had to push it or coast out of the driveway. I would just sit in it, till I could get a ride, with someone else with a more dependable set of wheels. This worked out pretty good on the weekends, for awhile. I would just abandon it at the Dixie Cream parking lot for Friday & Saturday night, until Sunday when Mr. Joe Guthrie owner of the Dixie Cream would tell me to drag it home. This arrangement also worked out for others that didn’t have a car. The Chief was like the covered seating area at the bus station. You just sat in it till someone came along and picked you up to make the loop through town. You could even use the horn to stop someone if you didn’t run the battery down. A sure way to keep this from happening was to slide a match book cover under the voltage regulator. In the summer it would vapor-lock so you carried milk jugs of water and ran clothes pins up and down the fuel line. It works every time!
Today kids have it made. I don’t see many kids out pulling their car home anymore. Now that I’m older I’ve figured out why my Daddy bought me the ‘51 as my first car, other than the fact that I wanted it. Number one was that it was only $200.00, 2nd it was made out of solid iron you could beat it with a baseball bat and it wouldn’t dent, 3rd it would only go about 40 miles an hour, 4th you wouldn’t dare try to go out of town in it (or would you). I put 10,000 miles in one year on that old car just making loops from the Dixie Cream to the Dairy Queen. It was cheap transportation. I still have the keys to the old Chief and maybe even the log-chain that was standard equipment with it!
That old car started a life-long love of antiques and anything old and in need of repair. I sometimes seem to live in the past or at least have a strong passion to preserve it for others. I believe that if you don’t know where you come from you will never figure out where you are going. We learn from out mistakes and the past can sometimes teach us a better way and improve our lives.

Scottish Tartan Fest 2010

2010-04-21T06:13:00.000-07:00

Scottish Tartan Fest

Click on album to see all the fun. This was held on April 10th, 2010
This is the Scottish Tartan Fest 2010 in Minden, La. This is a great time at Dr. Cameron's Scotland Farms. I got to judge the Bonniest Knees Contest! Fun to feel men's knees while they have a kilt on! You don't want to miss it next year. Come out and spend the day with your family. Great food, and music and lots of fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://scotlandfarms.shaffersitedesign.com/

2010 Outlaw Nationals in Jefferson, Texas

2010-04-18T13:33:00.000-07:00

Outlaw Nationals 2010

Click on the album above to see what a great collection of classic chrome we saw at the 2010 Outlaw Nationals in Jefferson, Texas this weekend. Meet some great Texas folks at the McKay House B & B. Always a great time in Jefferson. Thanks Hugh and Darla for making it a great little get away for us!

Cruisin Just Around The Corner

2010-04-08T13:45:00.000-07:00

2010 Minden
Cruisin’ For A Cure Wheels Through Time Vehicle Show & Shine
Just Around The Corner

Saturday May 1st, 2010 will be the 7th year in Minden, Louisiana that antique and classic transportation enthusiasts have rolled into Minden. This show is no longer just a car show it is now a car, motorcycle, tractor and anything that rolls show & shine.
Held at the Minden, Louisiana Fair Grounds, you don't want to miss the 7th annual open class vehicle show and shine. If it has wheels you need to bring it out. This year’s show will include a silent auction, raffle items, $500 cash drawing for one lucky vehicle entry, good fun, good people and a great time. Live music will be provided by Minden’s own Elvis, Mr. Mike Spillers and the Dorcheat Bottom Band with a few special guests including Aubrie Stahl to keep toes tapping for most of the day. The chrome will be blinding and the music rocking. Bring your lawn chairs and spend the day!
Lots of goodie-bag items, plenty of Coca-Cola NASCAR products and maybe even a few surprises before the day is over. Most of all lots of GREAT CARS, Tractors, and Motorcycles (over 300 vehicles have registered in the past with 4000 spectators attending this event)! Food vendor this year will be Jimmy Hall and his Party Express Catering from Minden. Their great food will be a great addition to the show! Members of Boo Benefit Rally will be on hand with the 2010 Harley Davidson and trailer that will be raffled off in October 2010 in Jefferson, Texas. Richard Clark from Cruisin’ Style Magazine will be on hand to cover the show in an upcoming issue. Local photographer Jeff Scott Photography will be another new addition to the show. You will be able to have your vehicle photos turned into a work of art. This year the show has added available vendor and swap meet spots. Please call 318-423-0192 if you would like to be a vendor or have swap meet spot needs.
Show organizer and promoter Schelley Brown reports, pre-registration is going great. This year the extra incentive for pre-registering is two chances in the hopper for the $500 cash drawing that will be given to a lucky show participant and $200 to the club with the most members pre-registered, Brown exclaimed, “This year, with many folks in need of extra money, I thought this would be a good way to get folks to travel the distance to come to Minden. Coming to a show is an expensive endeavor with gas, hotel and food cost on the rise. We are praying for beautiful weather and big crowds! I hope everyone in the area will come out and show their support and see the beautiful cars, trucks, tractors, bikes and just enjoy the day. The advertising for this show is sponsored in part by the Webster Parish Convention & Visitors’ Bureau. This show is a big economic impact for our community. Many of these visitors come for the weekend not just for the day of the show. They eat locally, stay in a hotel, and buy gasoline. They do a lot of spending at our local businesses. I hope the people of Minden welcome them as they visit our area.”
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Inc. are two great causes that benefit from the 2010 event. Brown commented, “The show has given $73,000 to St. Jude since 2004! Next years plans are in the works to give ½ of the net proceeds to the Susan Komen foundation for breast cancer research in North Louisiana. Giving to any cancer research is something that I feel strongly about. Our local history is something that I am also passionate about. I am proud that the show has been able to give $13,000 to the Dorcheat Museum.
For more information please contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192 or iluvoldcars@yahoo.com .
For more information on the car show and registration information and forms visit the web sites. www.mindencruisinforacure.com and www.mindencruisinforacure.blogspot.com .

Minden Cruisin For A Cure Wheels Through Time 2010 TV Spot and Info

2010-03-29T08:54:00.000-07:00

Saturday May 1st, 2010 will be the 7th year in Minden that vehicle enthusiasts have come together to show they care. Held at the Fair Grounds, you don't want to miss this show & shine, games, silent auction, $500 cash drawing plus other great prizes, live music, good fun, good food, good people and a GREAT time! Lots of goodie-bag items, plenty of Coca-Cola products. Most of all lots of GREAT CARS, TRACTORS & MOTORCYCLES (over 300 vehicles have registered in the past with 4000 spectators attending this event)!
After much thought and advice from other enthusiasts I have made a change. Due to the growth of the show, and the cost and time involved there will be NO JUDGING OR TROPHIES THIS YEAR! I HOPE ALL OF YOU WILL JUST COME TO HAVE FUN AND SUPPORT THE SHOW! Remember it isn't about winning. We are all winners when it comes to this show. Info # 318-423-0192. PLEASE SAVE THE DATE! Web site updated soon!
This car show has given $73,000 for cancer research since 2004 and $13,000 to the Dorcheat Historical Museum. Two great causes that are important to our community benefit from your show support. See you in May! www.mindencruisinforacure.com

On The Harley Web Site

2010-03-04T06:19:00.001-08:00

Early in my life I became attracted to antique cars and the love of riding on a motorcycle. Of course not just any motorcycle would do. It...
Read the full story: Feel The Freedom

2010 Woman of The Year!

2010-02-24T08:37:00.000-08:00

I am still in shock I am Minden's 2010 Woman of the Year! This is the speach that Pattie Odom read to announce it. I didn't know it was me until she got to the I see Dead People part!
When she said that I turned to Danny and said "Its ME!"

I got flowers from Mama & Daddy, My Girls; Pam, Debbie, Gay and Lisa and then my friend Ann Harlan brought me the most beautiful roses! Good friends and family make life worth living!

MANY OF US ARE FORTUNATE TO LIVE IN MINDEN, LOUISIANA ….. THE FRIENDLIEST CITY IN THE SOUTH … A PLACE WHERE MEN AND WOMEN BELIEVE THAT VOLUNTEER SERVICE PLAYS AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN WHO AND WHAT WE ARE ….. WHERE THE CHARACTER OF THIS COMMUNITY IS SHAPED BY OUR CHURCHES, OUR FAMILIES AND A REVERANCE FOR OUR PAST … AND A PLACE WHERE WE CAN LOOK TO THE FUTURE KNOWING THAT THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY WILL BE PASSED ON …

THIS YEAR’S WOMAN OF THE YEAR COMES FROM A LOVING FAMILY WHERE
LITERATURE AND MUSIC WERE AN IMPORTANT PART OF HER LIFE …
SHE LOVES TO WRITE …. AND HAS PUBLISHED SEVERAL WORKS.
AS A CHILD SHE LOVED TO ‘DRESS UP’ AND PRETEND … AND STILL DOES.
SHE REMEMBERS PLAYING SAFELY IN THE STREETS OF MINDEN WITH COUSINS & FRIENDS …. THAT MAKES HER OLD???? OR MAYBE CRAZY ????

BECAUSE
I HAVE HEARD HER SAY, “I SEE DEAD PEOPLE.”

THIS YEAR’S WOMAN OF THE YEAR IS …. A VOLUNTEER
SHE HAS SPENT COUNTLESS HOURS PLANNING PROJECTS, ORGANIZING CRUSADES, AND PRODUCING SHOWS … WHICH MEANT TOTING BOXES, MAKING BLOGS, SENDING CARDS, BEGGING FOR OTHERS TO VOLUNTEER & SETTING UP TABLES, CHAIRS, AND TENTS …

WE ARE ALSO SURE THAT SHE HAS SPENT MANY SLEEPLESS NIGHTS …

THIS YEAR’S WOMAN OF THE YEAR LIVES A LITTLE ON THE WILD SIDE ….
SHE HAS CRUISED MAIN A FEW TIMES IN MINDEN … AND I’VE HEARD SHE IS KNOWN FOR ‘CRUISIN’ IN OTHER COMMUNITIES … SHE IS PASSIONATE ABOUT ALL HER ENDEAVORS ….
SHE LOVES HISTORY … IN FACT, SHE SAYS THAT,
IF IS IT OLD, RUSTED, OR BURIED ….
IF IT HAS PEELING PAINT OR WILL NOT CRANK …. SHE IS PASSIONATE ABOUT IT!

SHE IS ESPECIALLY PASSIONATE ABOUT AND LOVES OLD THINGS … BUT SHE’S NOT REALLY OLD ….

• SHE HAS BEEN ACTIVE AND SERVED AS PRESIDENT OF THE HISTORICAL RESIDENTIAL ASSOCIATION
• FOR MANY YEARS HAS CHAIRED AND/OR WORKED ON THE HISTORIC RESIDENTAL TOUR OF HOMES;
• FOUNDED AND STILL PRODUCES THE MINDEN CEMETERY GHOST WALK WHICH RAISES AWARENESS OF AND FUNDS FOR THE PRESERVATION OF THE MINDEN CEMETERY
• ORGANIZES THE MINDEN CRUISIN FOR A CURE CAR SHOW … RAISING OVER $74,000 FOR ST JUDE SINCE 2004
• HAS SERVED AS PRESIDENT OF THE ARK LA TEX ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC CAR ASSOCIATION AND SERVES AS JUNIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF THE MID AMERICA OLD TIME AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION & SHE RIDES A MOTOR CYCLE
• SHE IS FINALLY GETTING PAID TO DO SOMETHING THAT SHE LOVES … AND IS CURRENTLY THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE DORCHEAT HISTORICAL MUSEUM ….
I’M SURE YOU’VE GOT IT BY NOW …
NOW, GO AHEAD AND TELL YOUR MAMMA AND ‘EM THAT SCHELLY BROWN IS THE WOMAN OF THE YEAR!!

Minden Press Story:

Thompson, Brown are Man, Woman of the Year
Written by Bonnie Culverhouse
Wednesday, 24 February 2010
Keeping with the tradition of choosing outstanding citizens to carry the torch of Man and Woman of the Year, Col. Carl Thompson and Schelley Brown were awarded those honors during the Minden South-Webster Chamber of Commerce banquet Tuesday.

Man of the Year, an award that is named by the Minden Lions Club, was presented to Thompson by the Rev. Bill Ichter, who talked of Thompson’s achievements as an employee of the U.S. Department of Agriculture until his retirement in April 1994 to his service in the U.S. Air Force, Air Force Reserve and the Louisiana Army National Guard.

Thompson retired from the Guard as a Lieutenant Colonel and presently serves as Forestry Program Manager and Special Projects Officer at Camp Minden.

“Carl is a devoted husband, father and grandfather,” Ichter said. “ He is devoted to God and to his country.”

Thompson is married and has two daughters from a previous marriage, whom he and his wife, Diane reared until each girl left the nest. The girls are married and have gifted the Thompsons with three grandsons.

“He may be Man of the Year to you, but he is Father of All Time to me,” said daughter Kim Nugent. “He has lived in a way that has shown me what a good parent and, most of all, what a good Christian should be.”

Daughter Stacy Crawford agreed.

“While I am extremely proud of my father for his numerous accomplishments, what means most to me is that he has always been and still is, the most wonderful father God could have given me,” she said.

Thompson’s military commendations include three Army Commendation Medals from the Department of the Army and a Louisiana Commendation Medal from the Louisiana National Guard.

Thompson said he is honored and humbled by the award of Man of the Year.

“I am humbled to join the ranks of the others who have won in the past,” Thompson said. “They are community giants – bed rocks and cornerstones who have left legacies of service. They are my heroes.”

Thompson said he and his family chose Minden as home in 1999.

“We chose it because it is a Christian community and a patriotic community,” he said.

Woman of the Year

Minden Main Street Director Pattie Odom knows Schelley Brown quite well, and was given the honor of introducing Brown by Sara Chreene with the Young Women’s Service Club.

Odom described Brown as living “a little on the wild side,” describing her passion for the Dorcheat Museum where she works, as well as her love of all things “old.”

“She loves history,” Odom said of Brown. “If it is old, rusted or buried … if it has peeling paint or will not crank … she is passionate about it.”

Odom described Brown as a “volunteer.”

Brown has been active with the Historical Residential Association and the Historic Residential Tour of Homes. She founded and produces the Minden Cemetery Ghost Walk, which raises awareness and funds for the preservation of the Minden Cemetery.

Odom said Brown organizes the Minden “Cruisin’ for a Cure” car show, raising more than $74,000 for St. Jude since 2004.

“She is finally getting paid to do something she loves,” Odom said. “She is currently the executive director of the Dorcheat Historical Museum.”

Brown described the honor of Woman of the Year as unreal.

“There are a lot of people who helped me get here,” she said. “If I didn’t have all the support I get, it wouldn’t happen.”
Other Awards

The Minden South-Webster Chamber of Commerce handed out several awards in addition to Man and Woman of the Year.
Those awards included Chamber Business of the Year: Minden Medical Center, Small Business of the Year: Kerry Easely and Easely Fine Art Gallery and Custom Frame Shop and Community Partner of the Year: Chris Broussard and Cultural Crossroads.

Cardiologist Phillip Rozeman was named Businessperson of the Year and Nedra Kelly received the Lifetime Service award.

Dorcheat Historical Museum Making Great Progress In Just 19 Months

2010-02-12T08:35:00.000-08:00

The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum is the culmination of a dream that began in the fall of 1974, when, under the leadership of Mrs. Beth Drew White, the organization was formed to preserve the history of Webster Parish. Through the ensuing years the organization suffered many setbacks and trials, but the museum now represents a triumph over these difficulties. Today these dreams have turned into reality, with the purchase of a building from the DePingre family the museum is here to stay. This mortgage-free building now houses and preserves our history for our future.
The official museum of Webster parish opened its doors located at 116 Pearl Street in Minden, La. on June 10th, 2008. At that time, only a very small portion of the front room was complete. After a year of renovations and a year of raising awareness of our local parish history the Dorcheat Historical Museum Board of Directors decided that is was time to open the doors to show people what had been accomplished and what the plans were for the future.
Since 2007 local artist Larry Milford has made great progress in his overall vision of what each exhibit depicts and how it explains our local history. Museum director Schelley Brown has made additions to the museum with sound effects and video presentations on many of the exhibits. Brown stated, “This past summer I was able to go to the Smithsonian Museums, Mt. Vernon, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Gettysburg and many other historic sites, to see if what we were doing on a small scale measured up to these grand exhibits. I was pleased to see that some of what we have incorporated in our exhibits is in line with the large scale exhibits in these well known places. Museums are not quiet places to look at artifacts these days. They are filled with interactive, sights and sounds.”
“We have spent well over $300,000 in the past few years. From 2007-2010 the museum has received several substantial grants from Webster Parish Convention and Visitors’ Bureau, Webster Parish Police Jury, the City of Minden, Coca-Cola Bottlers Association Foundation, Cultural Crossroads, Louisiana Main Street Program, Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, and the Jr. Service League. All of these grants help greatly with research, exhibit construction and building repair cost. While those grants are extremely important private funding from individuals’ plays a very important part in the great progress we have achieved. These individual type donations are the ones that keep us operating on a day to day basis. We have had some very generous people that are committed to this project and a few generous volunteers and others that have donated their services and time.” commented Brown.
Brown stated, “The fundraising and membership drives never stop with a museum. Dorcheat Museum is constantly working to increase members, donations, and events to raise money. My goal is to have everyone in Webster Parish become at least a $20 a year member, buying one of our products, coming to one of our many events or visiting the museum. We still have work in the front to be completed, back theater room to finish and our military exhibit just to name a few. We estimate spending at least another $100,000 this year on exhibits to get where we want to be. A museum is never complete!”
More progress has been made by the recent hiring of Ms. Eddie Hammontree, retired director of Webster Parish Library. Ms. Hammontree is now cataloging the museum collection into the Past-Perfect IV museum software program. This program will be helpful to anyone doing research in the future. Eventually the museum hopes to have the museum collection online. The Bossier Parish museum uses this same software for their online collection.
The third season of speakers will begin in February. For two years the popular “Nights for the Museum” were free to the public. With the increase of postage and printing the museum board felt the need to charge a small fee of $5 per event for the 2010 season, while nearby areas charge much more. Brown stated, “Our first year and into our 2nd year Ty Pendergrass and Argent Financial funded the food for the events. Museum board member, Charlotte Martin was put in charge of refreshments. As the crowds grew by leaps and bounds, we felt it was time to make a change and everyone that attends the events agreed. The events now are potluck, giving the feeling of the close-knit community that we are. Everyone loves coming with something they have prepared special for the evening.”
Many are familiar with the popular cookbooks, Cora Lou Robinson prints, DVD speaker series and books that the museum offers as fundraisers. Another way that they also raise money is with the car show that Schelley Brown created in 2004. Brown stated, “I started the show in 2004 to give back to my community in the best way I knew how. I had always given money to St. Jude Minden Auction and so this was a way to for me to add extra to that. Many times after that first year because of the amount of work involved in putting on the show, I considered to cease doing it. By the third year it had gotten too big to stop. It takes almost a year to plan this show and involves a great deal of work. Anyone that is involved with me knows the amount of time that is spent in putting on the May show. I had been asked by several organizations in the past to put on shows and events for them including the Dorcheat Historical Association. I turned many of them down because of the time involved. When the Dorcheat Museum Board hired me they asked if I would continue doing the show. I really wanted to stop at this point but since I was hired to raise money for the museum I instead decided to change the name and type of this show and redirect where some of the net proceeds went. The show this year gives money to St. Jude in fact we have given $73,000 since 2004! St. Jude is a wonderful cause that I feel strongly about. In the future I have thought about giving half of the money to the Susan Komen foundation for Breast Cancer research. Giving to any cancer research is something that I feel strongly about. I think it is only fair that the Dorcheat Museum benefit for the amount of hours that are spent on this show by me. (The show has given $13,000 to the museum so far) After all they are paying my salary while I work on it. The name of the show now is “Cruisin’ for a Cure Wheels Through Time Show and Shine”. I left the words “For A Cure” in the title because I will always give half of the money to something dealing with some type of illness or disease. It is no longer just a car show it is now a car, motorcycle, tractor and anything that rolls show & shine. Show and shine means it is no longer a judged show.’ For more information go to www.mindencruisinforacure.com or www.mindencruisinforacure.blogspot.com
The museum board is currently made up of President; Thad Andress, Treasurer; Richard Campbell, Secretary; Ann Harlan, Charlotte Martin, Janet LaBruyere, Marcus Wren, Cristola Walton, Pat Stephens, Louise Snook, Webster Parish historian: John Agan, Cora Lou Robinson, Ben Hunter, Dr. Roy Phillips, James H. Smith, Carleton Prothro, Lonnie Simpson, Ronnie Broughton, and Richard Noles. “As of our January meeting we are currently looking for a few new recruits to join our board as working volunteers”, stated Brown. Anyone with an interest in history and preservation is asked to drop by the museum or call 318-377-3002. For more information on the museum visit 116 Pearl Street from Tuesday – Saturday or visit www.musueminminden.blogspot.com

Mail Fraud and Money Order Fraud

2010-02-12T07:31:00.000-08:00

Another helpful web site for anyone suspecting mail fraud and money order fraud.
Embezzlements and Financial Crimes http://www.uspsoig.gov/inv_embezz.htm
USPS OIG Investigations

Employee embezzlements may involve postal employees who steal money from cash drawers, sophisticated schemes involving the manipulation of postal money orders or money order funds, or the falsification of financial records. Financial investigations also cover activity such as theft, misconduct, falsification of records, and conversion and misuse of Postal Service property.

When post offices experience unusual or significant shortages, our investigators employ various investigative techniques to uncover embezzlements. Improper or lax procedures are reported to management for corrective action. However, when employees are found to be responsible for missing postal funds, they are reported to management for appropriate administrative action. Employee conduct that does not meet the criteria for criminal action can still be grounds for removal from the Postal Service. In cases that warrant criminal prosecution, offenders not only face the loss of their jobs, but also may face jail time and court-ordered restitution. Case examples include:

Convicted Former Postal Worker Ordered to Repay $410,000 to the Postal Service

A California federal court sentenced a former a Sales and Service Associate to 2 years in prison for embezzling $426,065.09 in postal money orders. The court also ordered the former employee to repay more than $410,000 of the money he stole from October 2003 to July 2005. The Sales and Service Associate admitted he engaged in a scheme to issue himself postal money orders by falsely noting that customers had purchased the money orders. He used the money for personal expenses and gambling. When The United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General (OIG) special agents arrested the former postal employee, they recovered more than $13,000 in cash and more than $15,000 in blank money orders issued to the former postal employee.

New Orleans Saints Win Super Bowl 44!!! Who Dat!!!

2010-02-09T06:35:00.000-08:00

A CAJUN WHO DIED AND WENT TO HELL!! The devil assigned him the usual punishment...put him in the mass pit where the heat was melting others. The devil came back sometime later surprised to find the Cajun just sitting around, not even misting, much less sweating. "How come u'r not so much as sweating heere where every1.....

The Cajun laughted & said "Man, I was raised in the bayous of Sout Looziana. Dis ain't nothin' but May in Lafayette to me."

The devil decided to really put the Cajun thur it. He put him in a sealed off cave in the pit with open blazes 7 4 extra furnaces blasting. When he came back, days later, the Cajun wasx sitting pretty, had bareley begun to bead up with sweat. The devil was outraged "How is this possible!? U should be melted to......... See More

The Cajun laughted even harder than be4. "Hey,man! I done tole u.I was raised in Sout Looziana. U tink dis is heat?! Dis ain't nothin' but August in Jennings

So the Devil thought', alright' a little reverse ought to do the trick' He put the Cajun into a corner of hell where no heat ever reached. It was freezing & to add to the Cajun's misery, he added massive icebergs & blasting frozen air. When he returned the Cajun was shivering, ice hung from every part of him but he....

Exasperated, the devil asked "How!? How is it possible?! Ur impervious to heat & here u sit in conditions u can't be used to.. cold & yet u'r happier than if u were in heaven WHY? The Cajun kept grinning & said Dis mus mean de Saints don won da Super Bowl!!!!!!!!!!!"

Date Set For 2010 Ghost Walk

2010-02-04T08:21:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Saturday November 13th, 2010
The Minden Cemetery Ghost Walk “Living History Lesson”
Website: www.mindencemetery.blogspot.com
Price: $10 adults / $4 children under 12
Location: Old Minden Cemetery off Pine St. on Bayou Avenue in Minden, La.
Contact #: Schelley Brown (318) 423-0192 Cell
Time: Noon – last tour starts at 3 p.m.
Email: iluvoldcars@yahoo.com

The 7th Annual 2010 Minden Cemetery Ghost Walk

Don’t miss the 7th annual Living History Lesson “Ghost Walk”

This year promises to be the biggest and best to date. The tour will begin at Noon on Saturday November 13th, 2010 with the last tour starting at 3:00 p.m. and lasting a little over an hour. (Event Held Rain Or Shine) The annual tour in its seventh year is expected to double the number of visitors that attended in 2009 from a vast area. Schelley Brown, tour organizer, said, “Last year at noon, people began to line up in anticipation of being the first to see these living history tours. The 2009 tour brought people to Minden from North Carolina, Oklahoma, Florida, Texas, Arkansas and Nebraska to see their ancestors portrayed. Last year the tour had one family bringing in over 30 family members from as far away as California.” Brown estimated that the crowds have increased from year to year as well as the amount of money raised for the Cemetery Association, a non profit organization that was formed many years ago to help maintain the perpetual care of one of Minden’s oldest burial places.
This year the tour will have many new Ghosts and all new history lessons from many new actors and actresses in period costume portraying Minden’s past leading citizens. You will definitely get a lot of entertainment and a lot of histories in this year’s tour as you watch some of our new character come to life.
Ghost Walk is as if you are stepping back in time as you listened to the stories being told. It’s an amazing sight to behold as your tour guide escorts you to each historical scene. Many of the tour sites this year will include historical props to go along with the history being told. A few of our actors are actual decedents of the people they are portraying. In a little over an hour, you can see Confederate soldiers along with early business leaders, teachers, doctors and politicians. This is a rare opportunity to learn about our past community leaders, citizens and history of our town. Ghost Walk teaches you how Minden’s women and men endured through great hardships and strived to overcome great obstacles to make our town what it is today.
“We hope to have some extra treats for our visitors this year,” Brown stated. “With many new stops this year, it will be hard to pick your favorite.” Brown also stated that she could not do any of this without all the talented people and guides who volunteer their time and efforts to make this annual tour a huge success. The members of the Minden Cemetery board also want to thank the Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau, The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum and the Minden Historic Residential Association for their support of this event. If you missed the tour last year, you don’t want to miss it this year. For more information on the Minden Cemetery located on Bayou Avenue and the annual tour, visit http://www.mindencemetery.blogspot.com or you can contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192 or iluvoldcars@yahoo.com

Pysco ex wives website

2010-01-31T08:58:00.000-08:00

This is an intresting web site I ran across the other night! They also offer some cool t-shirts! LOL! Psycho ex wife 100% more effective than birth control ! Good web site for anyone that might have this problem... Not that I do!
http://www.thepsychoexwife.com/

Minden Cruisin For A Cure Wheels Through Time Car Show In The Works

2010-01-20T12:44:00.000-08:00

2010 Minden St Jude Cruisin’ For A Cure Wheels Through Time Vehicle Show & Shine Plans In The Works
Saturday May 1st, 2010 will be the 7th year in Minden, Louisiana that antique and classic transportation enthusiasts have come together to show that they care. Held at the Minden, Louisiana Fair Grounds, you don't want to miss the 7th annual open class vehicle show and shine. If it has wheels you need to bring it out. This year’s show will include a silent auction, raffle items, $500 cash drawing, good fun, good people and a great time. Live music will be provided by Minden’s own Elvis, Mr. Mike Spillers and the Dorcheat Bottom Band with a few special guests to keep toes tapping for most of the day.
Lots of goodie-bag items, plenty of Coca-Cola products and maybe even a few surprises before the day is over. Most of all lots of GREAT CARS, Tractors, and Motorcycles (over 300 vehicles have registered in the past with 4000 spectators attending this event)! This year the show has added available vendor and swap meet spots.
In the past six years this show has given $73,000 for cancer research and $13,000 to the local museum. This show supports two great causes that are important to our area. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Inc. are two great causes that will benefit from the 2010 show.
Show organizer and promoter Schelley Brown reports, last year over 90 cars had pre-registered by April 1st. Brown commented that most folks don’t pre-register for these shows they wait and see what the weather is going to do. This show has had weather issues in the past but surprisingly has always been able to pull off a very successful show. In fact this show is one of the fastest growing vehicle shows in the Southern region. This year the extra incentive again is for pre-registering is two chances in the hopper for the $500 cash drawing that will be given to a lucky show participant and $200 to the club with the most members pre-registered, Brown exclaimed, “This year, with many folks in need of extra money, I thought this would be a good way to get folks to travel the distance to come to Minden. Coming to a show is an expensive endeavor with gas, hotel and food cost on the rise. We are praying for beautiful weather and big crowds! I hope everyone in the area will come out and show their support and see the beautiful cars, trucks, tractors, bikes and just enjoy the day.
For more information please contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192.
For more information on the car show and registration information and forms visit the web sites. www.mindencruisinforacure.com and www.mindencruisinforacure.blogspot.com .

Get Yourself Some Cheap Sunglasses

2010-01-07T06:25:00.000-08:00

Me and my friends exchanged gifts on New Years Eve. Where would I be without these great friends!

My First Ride On "The Hell Bitch"

2009-10-07T05:42:00.000-07:00

This was my first ride on "The Hell Bitch". This past Saturday morning, I rode for 3 hours in a parking lot. She didn't throw me so I guess I did ok! The things you do when you turn 50!

I Passed The Rider's Edge Class and My DMV TEST

2009-09-21T16:09:00.000-07:00

Well another big change in my life has happened. Last week I bought a 2004 Harley Heritage Softail Classic. The bike is named "The Hell Bitch" after Captain Call's horse on "Lonesome Dove". I haven't rode it yet but it is mine. This past weekend my Rider's Edge motorcycle class at Shreveport Harley was moved up a week so I got to take it the week before I turn 50! and not the week after. I passed and I thought I did pretty good for someone that had never even cranked a bike. Thanks again to my great teachers Theresa and Clint! Today I went to the DMV and took my written test and passed and only missed 3. The bad part about that was I knew the correct answer and talked myself into another one. Now I have to practice, practice, practice before I get out on the real road! I recommend to anyone needing some riding lessons to take this class that most of the Harley Shops offers. It really teaches you some good riding skills and can teach anyone I guess how to ride a motorcycle. It taught me!

Ride To Live, Feel The Freedom

2009-08-28T07:02:00.000-07:00

Sturgis 2009

Click on Album to see pics.
This picture is the one that was picked for the 2010 Harley Brochure
Ride To Live, Feel The Freedom
Early in my life I became attracted to antique cars and the love of riding on a motorcycle. Of course not just any motorcycle would do. It had to be a Harley. I was 15 years old the first time I jumped on the back of a Harley with a complete stranger! I can still see the looks on my shocked friend’s faces as I jumped on the back of that bike and roared off. I am sure they thought they would never see me again. It later became part of my dating criteria which was probably not such a good choice for picking men! If they didn’t have a Harley I usually passed them by unless they had a Corvette. Both of these modes of transportation can be equally exciting, especially when you are young and think you are bulletproof.
This past August I got to take the ultimate motorcycle vacation with a group of my best friends. We were Sturgis, South Dakota bound for the biggest gathering of motorcycle enthusiast in North America. This was the 69th year for the world famous rally. I know you are thinking wild, lewd behavior and bar room brawls. Not true, at least not where I was! Sure…if you get that many folks together, you are going to see a little bit of everyyyytttthing and sometimes a lot more skin that you would like to see! For the most part Sturgis is normal folks that love to ride, love the smell of leather and fresh air mixed together all from the seat of a great bike.
We saw and rode through some of the most beautiful parts of the U.S.A. that our country offers. I have never been in this part of the world before but look forward to going back. The weather was perfect for riding. Morning temperatures of 40s and highs in the mid 80s by afternoon made this trip a piece of heaven for Louisiana folks. A few afternoon storms were on hand but passed over quickly and made the nights great. Fortunately we missed the terrible hail storm that took place on the Friday we left. This storm did thousands of dollars worth of damage and the videos made it to “You Tube”. We also missed Steven Tyler of Aerosmith falling off the stage but our friends got to see that. Four from our crew stayed at the legendary Buffalo Chip campground; we never made it to the Chip during our trip. For those looking for a little more action the Chip is definitely the place to go. Anything goes at the Chip!
To get there from here it is a two day hard drive. I now know where corn comes from. Corn is all you see for 1000 miles. Yes we trailered the bikes; it is way too far for ME to ride. I wanted to get there ASAP and then ride.
Our first problem happened when we pulled up to where we were staying on Saturday afternoon. We got out of the truck and smelled anti-freeze. The water pump on the truck had gone out. Thanks to Joan and Ron, the great folks that owned the home where we stayed, three or four hours later we had that fixed so we could concentrate on the rest of the week and all the rides and fun that were in store for us.
Our week of fun started on Sunday with a trip to Mount Rushmore. If you have never seen this iconic part of America you have to make this trip. To see it from the back of a Harley probably makes it even more impressive. It was simply one of the most awesome sights I had ever seen. I didn’t know that the rest of the week would be equally as beautiful, plus viewing these amazing sights with hundreds of other bikers made it even better. I quickly learned that many of the people that go to Sturgis every year come from overseas. Many of these riders ship their bikes over for the rally; we met and saw folks from Germany, Scotland, England, and all parts in between! We estimated that in a 100 mile radius a million folks were in for the rally. What an economic impact for this area! The amount of money spent is probably averaged out around $1000 per person and that is probably on the low side.
The B & B we stayed at in Rapid City prepared some of the best breakfasts we had ever had. We ate so much for breakfast we didn’t need much else the rest of the day. Other than breakfast, one of our favorite meals for the week was the buffalo burgers that were at many of the restaurants. Our favorite place we dined was at Kevin Costner’s place in Deadwood. Costner’s movie props and costumes fill the walls and make this a great dining experience. Costner’s “Dances with Wolves” was filmed locally and you can tour the movie location. We hoped to see live buffalo when we rode in Custer State Park but we didn’t see any, except for one in a field when we passed through Oklahoma.
Our next day was supposed to be a ride with the whole group. But that was not to be. One of the bikes had a problem out on the road. This problem created what I refer to as a “roadside seminar”. Even with all the knowledge by our men-folk of what makes a Harley run, the breakdown caused part of our group to change their plans and get in gear to get this bike back on the road. After a day in the Rapid City Harley shop they were finally back in the saddle again but not until the following day. Yes they do break down and from the looks of the repair department they were slammed with some anxious folk’s bikes. You can always rent a bike if you can’t get yours fixed and quite a few were just buying a new one! They say H-D stands for hundred dollars! I thought that was what would happen within our group. We had one member with a hole burning in his pocket for a custom Chopper. Sturgis is filled with vendors and bike builders from across the country. You can spend lots of money very easily, if you have it to spend!
Our next week was filled with wonderful rides to Custer State park, Devil’s Tower in Wyoming, Needles Highway, Crazy Horse monument, Boot Hill Cemetery, the Badlands and all parts in between. These roads and highways seem to be made just for motorcycles. As we made our way through the beautiful canyons and mountains, the rumble of loud pipes was music to my ears as the miles and miles of riders stretched on in front, behind and coming toward us for as far as you could see. I have never seen so many motorcycles in one place in my life. It made you smile just to know that you were part of something that big. At the Rapid City Convention Center, the Harley-Davidson Expo was the place to see all the 2010 models, motors and clothing. I even learned I had made it in the 2010 brochure. I picked up the new brochure and turned the page and instantly saw my picture. It is a picture of me sitting on a good friend’s 1942 Harley, in the mosaic that makes up this years book. I was so excited to think that out of millions of pictures submitted that I was picked. Yes it is a very tiny photo but it is still a part of the overall picture. www.harley-davidson-mosaic.com and for key word search type in Minden. In fact I have found it in about 5 or 6 places so far!
As I have matured (I hate that word) somewhat (I turn 50 this year) I started thinking I need to learn to ride my own Harley. Women riders are on the rise and Harley-Davidson designs many of the bikes with women in mind. In August before I left for Sturgis, I sold my beloved 1937 Buick “Olivia”. She needed to be passed on to a family that would love her as much as I have loved her. She had served her purpose and had changed my life for the better. She is now helping me with a new part of my life. Selling her will allow me to possibly do something else that I have always wanted to do…so in August I signed up for the Rider’s Edge riding class at the Shreveport Harley store. They say life begins at 50; my class is one day after my 50th birthday. I have my eye on a Deluxe with wide whitewalls and two-tone paint that resembles the old 1940s bikes. For anyone wanting to get rich quick now would be the time to take out a life insurance policy on me! So for now I will try to keep the shinny side up and the rubber on the road!

Another Good Use For An Old Tractor

2009-06-15T13:16:00.000-07:00

Someone sent this to me in an email. It sounds like Chet Atkins meets Green Acres. Enjoy

Get Geared Up For Car Show Season!

2009-05-07T13:27:00.000-07:00

Schelley’s Ten Reason’s For Going To Petit Jean Mountain in Arkansas For Father’s Day Weekend

Top Ten Reasons I Go To Petit Jean Mountain In Arkansas
1.To be 1 of 100,000 that visit the MOTAA Father’s Day Weekend Car Show
2. To visit the Museum of Automobiles
3. I support Mid America Old Time Automobile Association
4. I have gasoline and oil in my veins
5. I love the mountain air with a little exhaust mixed in
6. One antique car is never enough
7. I love the sound of a vintage car horn early in the morning
8. I needed a part for my vehicle
9. It is a family tradition
10. I want to keep the Antique car hobby alive and well

These are all reasons that I love Petit Jean Mountain in Morrilton, Arkansas plus I have many more. One of my recent articles about car clubs needing a shot in the arm really got a lot of folks geared up including myself. I made it to a meeting and I am proud to announce that my local club the Ark-La-Tex Antique and Classic Car Association is alive and well! Some positive feedback was voiced to a well attended meeting that made some crucial decisions. I got several calls from other clubs and they all agreed with what I had written about. I hope that all the clubs will sit back and reflect on how important it is to continue our hobby of preserving automotive history.
My real job is doing this on a parish level. I am the director of the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Inc. in Minden, Louisiana. This is a parish museum that opened in June of 2008. It seems like I am always trying to keep history alive in some form or another. I also am involved in my historic residential district area and our local historic cemetery. In fact I put on an annual cemetery tour to teach about the citizens of the past with actors and actresses. All of these always include an antique car or two in the background.
It has been said about me that if it is old, rusty, paint peeling off, buried or will not crank that I have something to do with it. I guess that is true but I am glad to be known for that. I wish more people would care about preservation in all aspects as much as I do. Cars to me are the ultimate antique and the ultimate way to express your self.
My car changed my life on April 9th, 2002 and I am forever grateful to her! I would never have known any of the 100’s of wonderful people and lifelong friends that I have meet in the last 7 years. Had I not made that decision to drive to Eunice, Louisiana not once but 3 times in 3 days to look at “Olivia” (she is named after the mother on the Waltons), my life would be pretty uneventful. I’d just be plain old Schelley Brown.
Who could have known that one 1937 Buick Special could change my life and make an impact on so many other lives and events in and around me. It is because of her that I am involved with Mid America Old Time Automobile Association and Ark-La-Tex Antique & Classic Car Association. It is because of her that I am writing stories for three magazines. So every time I get behind her wheel a tear or two might roll down my cheek because she changed my world.
I believe in Devine intervention. I believe that God surely had a hand in me and this car getting together. It is because of her that I started the “Cruisin’ for a Cure Wheels through Time Car Show” http://www.mindencruisinforacure.com/ and http://www.mindencruisinforacure.blogspot.com/ . This show has raised over $70,000 in six years for St. Jude Research Hospital! Who would have believed one car could do so much for so many people.
She spurred on a lifelong love of all things antique. An older gentleman once called me and said, “I hear you like old cars and old men!” (I think he was preparing to ask me out) I quickly said, “I like old cars!” That was the end of that conversation! I learned then that a 1937 Buick was like a magnet for a certain age group of men. My friends said you need to sell that car and get a 63 Corvette! I don’t care I love my Buick. I would love to have many types of cars and in fact I have a 28 Model A Roadster that needs to be put back together and also a 58 Cadillac in the same shape. I also like vintage Harley’s and Indians. I just like vintage except for the man and mechanic in my life which is 4 years younger!
So when you are wondering why you need to get out and go to a car show or come to Petit Jean Mountain this year remember it is because the cars you own have changed your life and you saved them from becoming an abandoned or crushed pile of rusted metal. If that doesn’t make you appreciate what you have then you are not really a car person. You might think you saved an old car from the scrap yard but if truth be known that car may have saved you. You owe it to yourself and you owe it to the car that you love and that loves you back. If you don’t understand those last statements then you are not a real car person, you don’t have it in your blood, and seeing a restored car go through to be judged for its first time out doesn’t move you to tears. For more information on Mid America Old Time Automobile Association visit the web site at http://www.motaa.com/ join today and make a difference in the preservation of the antique car hobby.
For more information on what I am up to with all of my projects and stories you can visit my blog and from there link to all the rest. http://www.eventsinminden.blogspot.com/ "On The Road with Schelley Brown" Blog is all about me and my family, friends and the things that make up my life here in Minden, Louisiana and on the road!

My Letter To The Editor Of The Minden Press

2009-05-05T14:42:00.000-07:00

Cruisin’ For A Cure Wheels Through Time Car Show Sends A Big Thank You!

As the show’s creator and promoter I would like to thank the many, many people that came together to help me make the car show a success. Many of these people have been with me since 2004 and this is what now makes it run so smoothly. I am so thankful to have these friends that stand behind me and what I do. They are always there when I ask; it can be for the Minden Cemetery Ghost Walk or the Historic Residential District, the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum and anything else I come up with. They are always there!

Without Coca-Cola Bottling of Minden, Inc this show would not happen. They bend over backwards to help me in any way they can. I am greatly indebted and thankful to the Hunter family! I am very fortunate that Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau sponsors this event for much of the show’s advertising expense. This show pulls in thousands of out of town visitors and those visitors spend a lot of money while they are here. What they spend on gas, hotel, and food makes a big economic impact on this area and that is what tourism is all about. The City of Minden Departments is another big supporter in all that they do to accommodate me in all my many projects. We work for a week to get the fairgrounds ready and they are there for me with anything I need.

Plans were made last year to change the format of the show to benefit two organizations that are important to children. St. Jude and the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum are important causes to me. In the beginning I set this show up to benefit St. Jude Research Hospital because I wanted a way to give back and add to what Minden already does. (To date the show has given $65,000 to St. Jude with another $8,000 estimated to be sent this year.) After the first two years I realized that because Minden already gives so much at the Minden St. Jude auction that it was extremely hard to get sponsors and silent auction items to support the show (a sponsorship for this show is as little as $100 to get your name on the shirts). To put on a show of this magnitude you must have financial support. I have a few loyal Minden sponsors that I can always depend on for any of my many projects I am so grateful to have them. It is because of this that many of my sponsors also come from out of town. These out of town supporters are friends of mine that are a part of the car club community.

I work year round promoting and sending out info on this show. This constant work is why it continues to grow. This year the name of the show was changed to “Cruisin’ for a Cure Wheels through Time Car Show” the words St. Jude were left off and the museum logo and information was put on the flyers telling people that the money would be divided. By changing the format I can do the car show in the future for many causes that I feel need funding if I so choose; such as Breast Cancer awareness, St. Jude, Prostate Cancer, Louisiana Burn Camp for Children, and the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum. In fact the “Boo Bike” Harley that benefits the Louisiana Burn Camp made its 2nd appearance at this year’s show. They have had much success in raising money for the camp by selling the Harley Davidson raffle tickets here in Minden. This show not only benefits our town with an economic impact but can benefit many other causes as well. I look forward to next year, plans are already in motion for another big year in 2010.
Sincerely,
Schelley Brown iluvoldcars@yahoo.com

Car Show 2009 Net Proceeds Benefiting The Following (501) (c) (3) organizations St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital & The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Inc.

Schelley's 58

2009-05-04T12:27:00.000-07:00

Schelley's 58 Cadillac

Click on the album to see the pictures. You can see them in a slide show. This is my 1958 Cadillac in a sad shape. I have lots of money invested so far and will take $12,500 for it. If intrested give me a call at 318-423-0192. Seats have been done just didn't have a picture. Chrome also has been done.

Record Breaking Attendance For 6th Annual Benefit Car Show

2009-05-03T12:23:00.000-07:00

More pictures will be posted soon on the site listed at end of story!

“The final totals and bills are not yet in, but it looks like it should be around $18,000 profit for this years show! We always keep some in the account for the following year, since we work on this show year round we start paying bills for the May show in January. I hope to be able to send St. Jude and the Dorcheat Museum somewhere in the amount of $8,000 - $9,000 each! I am so pleased with this year’s turnout!” exclaimed Schelley Brown.
Saturday May 2nd, 2009 was a huge record breaker for the “Minden Cruisin’ for a Cure Wheels through Time Car Show”. An estimated crowd of over 5,000 made their way to Minden’s Fairgrounds breaking the old records of the past. Car entries were also up to the 250 range with car show participants coming from as far away as Louisiana Gulf Coast, Dallas-Fort Worth, Northern Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, and even Pennsylvania!
By 6:30 a.m. vehicles of all makes, models, and descriptions were coming in at a steady stream until 11:00 a.m., with lines winding their way down Goodwill Street to the entrance of the fairgrounds. First time car show volunteers were amazed at the numbers coming through the gates. Tourism Director Lynn Dorsey was on hand to greet the out of town guest at the entrance gate as well as Dorcheat Historical Association President Mr. Thad Andress. They helped track where many of the visitors were from that attended this years show.
Show director Schelley Brown stood at the gate for hours directing drivers on the proper class for their vehicle and then waving them on to the next volunteer that would help locate the proper parking spot based on class. This smooth operation is due now to the 6 years of experience with putting on one of the fastest growing shows in the South. Registration is also another smoothed out operation under the direction of Debbie Warner, Pam Holley, Gay Lewis, Mike Deeter, and Vicki Semmes. These long-time car show volunteers have helped over the years and have developed a very efficient system since the first show in 2004.
From T-Shirts to drink sells all ran like clockwork with many first time volunteers from the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum board on hand to help. The museum is one of the benefactors this year from the proceeds of the show, with half going to the museum and half going to St. Jude. “I think my new volunteers enjoyed the experience and they got to see how much work is involved in this kind of event. I can’t do this show with out a huge number of friends and volunteers; they are what make it run smooth for me. That way I can concentrate on getting the cars here and in the right classes. I owe them all a huge Thank You!” remarked Brown.
The silent auction this year was another huge success. Mitzi Madden, Katie and Eddie Sangid have been in charge of this part of the show for several years and have perfected the show’s silent auction. With hundreds of items lined up in the forestry building, this was one of the big highlights of the show for event goers. The silent auction is based on donated items from area merchants, Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Minden, friends and many of the car clubs in the area.
“I knew we were going to have a good show this year, if the weather would hold out for us. We had 108 pre-registered cars and most folks don’t pre-register for car show! They usually wait to see how the weather is going to act. The show has had bad weather in the past but has always managed to draw large crowds, which is something to be proud of. Vehicle numbers would have been higher had the Sunday forecast been good. We had many overnight guest that were traveling home on Sunday and didn‘t want to risk damage to their vehicles. One club from Texas came without their cars, due to the predicted storms for Sunday. This club paid to register their cars even though they didn’t bring them! It just goes to show that car people are people that support good causes and care about their communities.” stated show director; Schelley Brown.
The music venue was changed this year to a tent supplied by “Archie’s Tents” set up at the back of the fairgrounds with sound supplied by Durwood Blake. This setup seemed to be a big hit with show goers. Music was provided by Debbie Waters and the Bayou Majic Band with an added singer, Johnny Couch. Topping the day off was the popular performance by, Minden’s own “Elvis” Mr. Mike Spillers. “Elvis” was chauffeured to the stage in a 1959 Cadillac driven by Les Sadler of Sadler Production in Bossier City.
By 3:30 the show barn was packed with a crowd, in anticipation of the drawings for the vehicle registration prizes. The grand prize of $500 was won by Mr. David Barnhill of Keithville, past president of the Ark-La-Tex Antique and Classic Car Association and owner of a 1977 LTD Starskey and Hutch car. David promptly gave $200 back to the show! Partner in Hope booth; headed up by Cora Lou Robinson had some big prize drawings. 1st place $1000 diamond and sapphire ring donated by D.C. Pawn won by Kerry Bryce of Minden, 2nd place R & V Works fish cooker won by Ruth Ellen Hanna of Dubach, 3rd place Dr. Pepper bike donated by Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Minden was won by Lou Snook of Minden.
Many new folks come in this year, in fact one couple from Little Rock said they could now scratch the Minden Show off their “Bucket List” they said they had always heard a lot about the show and always wanted to come but had never be able to make it. They loved the show and promised to be back next year! That is what putting on a good show is all about. 2010 plans are already in the works. For more pictures and information keeping checking the site http://www.mindencruisinforacure.blogspot.com/

Car Show 2009 Net Proceeds Benefiting The Following (501) (c) (3) organizations St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital & The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Inc.

Rest In Peace Lucky Dog

2009-04-23T05:04:00.000-07:00

No More Dogs For Me! They are too hard to let go!

My dog Lucky a cocker spaniel mix had to be put to sleep. I found Lucky on the Homer Road about 14 or 15 years ago. He was in terrible shape with heart worms and ticks. I took him in and had him treated. Later on someone claimed him. I told them they owed me $300 for the treatment and they never came to get him. He was a good, and playful dog. He lived with Mama and Daddy after I moved on East and West. He was in terrible shape Monday and Tuesday. Yesterday Wed. April 22, 2009 Daddy took him to be put down. I know he is better off but I will miss his little sweet face. He is in heaven with my other Dog Hooch a Shar Pei. They were good friends and loved to play together. Hooch has been gone now over 13 years. Dogs always love you know matter what. They are part of your family and you always miss them. I loved both of these two.

BIG SHOW EXPECTED THIS YEAR!

2009-04-22T10:41:00.000-07:00

Car Show 2009 Net Proceeds Benefiting The Following (501) (c) (3) organizations St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital & The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Inc.

2009 Minden Cruisin’ For A Cure Wheels Through Time Car Show Expecting A Really BIG Show.

Saturday May 2nd, 2009 will be the 6th year in Minden, Louisiana that car enthusiasts have come together to show that they care. Held at the Minden, Louisiana Fair Grounds, you don't want to miss the 6th annual open class car show. This years show will include a silent auction, raffle items, $500 cash drawing, good fun, good people and a great time. Live music will be provided by Minden’s own Elvis, Mr. Mike Spillers and the Debbie Water’s Bayou Majic Band will also be performing and keeping toes tapping for most of the day,
Lots of goodie-bag items, t-shirts, plenty of Coca-Cola products and maybe even a few surprises before the day is over. Most of all lots of GREAT CARS (over 300 cars have registered in the past with 4000 spectators attending this event)! In the past five years this car show has given $65,000 for cancer research. This year two great causes that are important to our children will benefit from your car show support. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Inc. are two great causes that will benefit from the 2009 show.
Show organizer and promoter Schelley Brown reports, over 90 cars are pre-registered at this time. Brown commented that most folks don’t pre-register for car shows they wait and see what the weather is going to do. This show has had weather issues in the past but surprisingly has always been able to pull off a very successful show. In fact this show is one of the fastest growing shows in the Southern region. This year the extra incentive for pre-registering is two chances in the hopper for the $500 cash drawing that will be given to a lucky car show participant. Brown exclaimed, “This year, with many folks in need of extra money, I thought this would be a good way to get folks to travel the distance to come to Minden. Coming to a car show is an expensive endeavor with gas, hotel and food cost on the rise. So far we have several cars registered from the Gulf Coast of Mississippi, Northern Arkansas, South Louisiana and Texas. Cruisin’ Style Magazine and Southern Cruising News will be on hand again to cover this event for me. We have been featured several times in these publications as well as Antique Car Times. We are praying for beautiful weather and big crowds! I hope everyone in the area will come out and show their support and see the beautiful cars and just enjoy the day. We have a few rare cars that will be on hand for the show. One in particular is a 1936 Auburn Convertible this is something you don’t see everyday and is a rare automotive treat.”
For more information please contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192.
For more information on the car show and registration information and forms visit the web sites. http://www.mindencruisinforacure.com/ and http://www.mindencruisinforacure.blogspot.com/ .

A Little Louisiana History Lesson and other Tings I Lurnt Wile Livin In Dat Lusana

2009-03-29T10:35:00.000-07:00

A Little Louisiana History Lesson:
If Hurricane Katrina causing the levees to break in New Orleans is the only thing you know about Louisiana , here are a few more interesting facts about the Bayou State:
* Louisiana has the tallest state capitol building in the nation at 450 feet.
* The Louisiana SuperDome in New Orleans is the largest enclosed stadium in the world.

* The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway is the longest over-water bridge in the world at 23.87 miles.

* Louisiana's 6.5 million acres of wetlands are the greatest wetland area in America .

* The oldest city in the Louisiana Purchase Territory is Natchitoches , Louisiana founded in 1714. * The first bottler of Coca-Cola, Joseph Bie Denharn, lived in Monroe , Louisiana and was one of the founders of Delta Air Lines, initially called Delta Air Service.

* Delta Airlines got its start in Monroe , Louisiana when Parish Agent, C.E. Woolman, decided to try dusting the Boll Weevil that was destroying the cotton crops in the Mississippi River Delta from an airplane. It was the first crop dusting service in the world.

* Southern University in Baton Rouge , Louisiana is the largest predominantly black university in America .
* Baton Rouge was the site of the only American Revolution battle outside the original 13 colonies.

* The formal transfer of the Louisiana Purchase was made at the Cabildo building in New Orleans on December 20, 1803.

* The staircase at Chretien Point Plantation, in Sunset, Louisiana was copied for Tara in "Gone with the Wind."

* Louisiana is the No. 1 producer of crawfish, alligators and shallots in America .
* Louisiana produces 24 percent of the nation's salt, the most in America .* Much of the world's food, coffee and oil pass through the Port of New Orleans .
* Tabasco , a Louisiana product, holds the second oldest food trademark in the U.S. Patent Office.

* Steen's Syrup Mill in Abbeville , Louisiana is the world's largest syrup plant producing sugar cane syrup.* America 's oldest rice mill is in New Iberia , Louisiana at KONRIKO Co
* The International Joke Telling Contest is held annually in Opelousas , Louisiana.
* LSU (The Ole War Skule) in Baton Rouge has the distinction of contributing the most officers to WW II after the U.S. Military academies.

* The Louisiana Hayride radio show helped Hank Williams, Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash achieve stardom. It was broadcast from KWKH Radio in Shreveport , Louisiana from 1948 to 1960.

* The term Uncle Sam was coined on the wharfs of New Orleans before Louisiana was a U.S. Territory as goods labeled U.S. Were from "Uncle Sam."
* The game of craps was invented in New Orleans in 1813 as betting was a common activity on the wharves.
* When states had their own currency, the Louisiana Dix (French for ten) was a favored currency for trade. English speakers called them Dixies and coined the term Dixieland.

* New Orleans is the home of the oldest pharmacy in America at 514 Chartres Street in the French Quarter. These early medical mixtures became known as cocktails (guess they were good for what ails ya?), Coining yet another term.

* New Orleans is the birthplace of Jazz, the only true American art form. Jazz gave birth to the Blues and Rock and Roll music.

Viva La Louisiane!!!

TINGS I LURNT WILE LIVIN IN DAT LUSANA

1. Possums sleep in the middle of the road with their feet in the air. If you can get too them fast enouf, it's road kill.
2. There are 5,000 types of snakes and 4,998 live in LOUISIANA
3. There are 10,000 types of spiders. All 10,000 live in LOUISIANA plus a couple no one 's seen before.
4. If it grows, it sticks; if it crawls, it bites.
5. Onced and twiced are words.
6. It is not a shopping cart; it is a buggy.
7. Fire ants consider your flesh as a picnic
8. People actually grow and eat okra.
9. Fix & into is one word: FIXINTO
10. There is no such thing as 'lunch'. There is only dinner and then there is supper.
11. Ice tea is appropriate for all meals and you start drinking it when you're two. We do like a little tea with our sugar!
12. Backards and forwards means 'I know everything about you.'
13. Jeet? Is actually a phrase meaning 'Did you eat?'
14. You don't have to wear a watch because it doesn't matter what time it is. You work until you're done or it's too dark to see.
15. You don't PUSH buttons, you MASH them. (YEP)

YOU KNOW YOUR FROM LOUISIANA IF:

1. You measure distance in minutes.
2. You've ever had to switch from 'heat' to 'A/C' in the same day. (Just done this a few days ago.)
3. You use 'fix' as a verb. Example: 'I'm fixing to go to the store '
4. All the festivals across the state are named after a fruit, vegetable, grain, insect or animal.
5. You install security lights on your house and garage and leave both unlocked.
6. You know what a 'DAWG' is.
7. You carry jumper cables in your car...for your OWN car.
8. You only own five spices: Tony's (Chachere?), salt, pepper, Tabasco and ketchup. By the way, Tabasco & Tony's are both made in Lousiana.
9. The local papers cover national and international news on one page but require 6 pages for local gossip and sports.
10. You think that the first day of deer season is a national holiday.
11. You find 100 degrees Fahrenheit 'a little warm'.
12. You know all four seasons: Deer Season, Duck Season, Crawfish Season, Summer.
13. You know whether another LOUISIANIAN is from, north or south, as soon as they start talkin' (speaking).
14. Going to Wal-mart is a favorite past time known as 'goin Wal-martin' or 'off to Wally World'?
15. You describe the first cool snap (below 70 degrees) as good gumbo weather. YEP, that's right.
16. A carbonated soft drink isn't a soda, cola or pop...it's a Coke, regardless of brand or flavor.
Example: 'What kinda coke you want?'
17. Fried catfish is the other white meat.
18. We don't need no stinking driver's Ed ....if our mama says we can drive, we can drive.
19. You understand these jokes and forward them to your friends from LOUISIANA (and those who just wish they were).

Not EVERYONE can be a LOUISIANIAN, it's an art form and a gift from God

This is the story of my 1928 Model A "John Boy"

2009-03-27T20:59:00.000-07:00

Schelley Brown's 1928 Model A Roadster

Click on album to see before, during and now photos.

This is the story of a 1928 Model A Roadster and it’s slow progress of restoration. This car kind of fell in my lap as most deals that you don’t want to pass up do. It was right down the street from fellow car club members Ray and Linda Shaw (they also are Model A owners). Ray went with me to look at the car. It was owned by an older man and he had owned it since the 60’s. A tree had fallen on his garage and had broken the bows in the top. The car had not been cranked or driven in years but it was inside a building. Ray put a battery in it a little gas and it cranked right up.
Well needless to say I bought it. I had a 0% credit card from Discover and the hook was you had to only charge 2 times a month on it. So I transferred the balance for the car to that and had a 0% loan on it! Ray took it home I drove it around the yard for the first and only time! Then Ray and Linda started taking it apart. Ray did a great job on the motor and all the gears and underneath. We had the wheels powdered coated. We got the dirt-dobber nest out of it!
Then after a while Ray decided the paint and body work was more than he was able to do in his small shop. It needed to be media blasted it ended up in two places for that. One in Ruston for soda blasting which I was not to pleased with and 2nd was a trip to Mr. Dwight Rachel in Anacoco, Louisiana. Dwight is a car nut and has a recreation of an old gas station in his yard that was worth the trip down just to see that. We left it there and went back later to pick it up and take the ‘28 to its new home.
That is where my brother-in-law comes in. David Stahl owns Ark-La-Tex Collision in Minden. I wanted David to do a first class job on the car. I wanted a Senior Car to take to the car show at Petit Jean and to drive to Winnsboro, Texas to the Autumn Trails for Model A Fords that is held every October. Well David started out pretty good. He painted and ordered lots of new parts. But then his real work got in the way. Free family jobs are not the most profitable so the ’28 got put on the back burner and then moved into a corner of the body shop. The other day I went down to look at it and could barley find it. His shop was packed with customers cars and I don't know if he will ever be able to get back to it. So now I need to figure out what to do with this wonderful old piece of automotive history. My hope is... if I can’t get it back together.. that I will find someone that will want to trade a nice running Model A Sedan for a Roadster project and me add some money to that trade or just find someone to sell it to outright. Anyone that knows me knows how bad I hate to give up anything old….. but this car needs to be out on the road less travled with the wind blowing around its radiator cap wings and its aaaoogaaa horn blowing. You can contact me at 318-423-0192 or iluvoldcars@yahoo.com if you are interested in owning this great little car.

Louisiana HOG Rally Weekend 2009

2009-03-24T06:19:00.000-07:00

Click on album to see pictures.

Louisiana HOG Ralley 2009

This past weekend was a great weekend for riding. Relatives and new friends from Arkansas came down for the Louisiana HOG Rally in Shreveport, Louisiana. We met up with them on Saturday morning and headed to Gibsland, Louisiana to the Bonnie & Clyde Ambush Museum and then a big loop back to Shreveport Harley-Davidson and then on to the Bossier City store. Sunday we picked up again with old friends and did a total of about 500 miles for the weekend. Weather was great. Perfect for riding!

Cruisin For A Cure Wheels Through Time Car Show

2009-03-17T08:36:00.000-07:00

Car Show 2009 Net Proceeds Benefiting The Following (501) (c) (3) organizations St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital & The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Inc.

Minden, Louisiana Breaks A New St. Jude Record In 2009

2009-02-02T05:33:00.001-08:00

Minden did it again! Hard to believe that evey year it grows so much! Little city with a big heart! I am proud to be a part of such an amazing feat! For more information and to look at pictures go to www.mindenstjude.com

Minden Cruisin For A Cure Wheels Through Time Car Show In The Works

2009-01-28T10:21:00.000-08:00

Saturday May 2nd, 2009 will be the 6th year in Minden, Louisiana that car enthusiasts have come together to show that they care. Held at the Minden, Louisiana Fair Grounds, you don't want to miss the 6th annual open class car show. This years show will include a silent auction, raffle items, $500 cash drawing, good fun, good people and a great time. Live music will be provided by Minden’s own Elvis, Mr. Mike Spillers and the Debbie Water’s Bayou Majic Band will also be performing and keeping toes tapping for most of the day,
Lots of goodie-bag items, t-shirts, plenty of Coca-Cola products and maybe even a few surprises before the day is over. Most of all lots of GREAT CARS (over 300 cars have registered in the past with 4000 spectators attending this event)! In the past five years this car show has given $65,000 for cancer research. This year two great causes that are important to our children will benefit from your car show support. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Inc. are two great causes that will benefit from the 2009 show.
If you would like to be a sponsor for the 2009 car show please let Schelley Brown know as soon as possible. This year we plan on the show being bigger and better than ever! With your help the possibilities are endless. For more information please contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192.
For more information on the car show and registration information and forms visit the web sites. http://www.mindencruisinforacure.com/ and http://www.mindencruisinforacure.blogspot.com/ .

Car Show 2009 Net Proceeds Benefiting The Following (501) (c) (3) organizations St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital & The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Inc.

25 Random Things About Me

2009-01-26T09:10:00.000-08:00

This is something someone sent me on Facebook and it really made me think about myself.
1. I am very nostalgic
2. I love to write stories and have become addicted to blogging. That is why I love my personal blog www.eventsinminden.blogspot.com it gives me a place to put all my stories.
3. I am very sentimental and keep everything.
4. I love old movies one of my favorite is the Ghost and Mrs. Muir and Spencer’s Mountain. TV Land is about the only channel I watch.
5. If I am not working on a project I get nervous. I like to stay busy.
6. My New Years Resolution is that old rule your mother told you over and over. “If you can’t say something nice about someone, do not say anything at all.”
7. My Motto is a Dolly Parton quote “Smile it improves your face value!” taken from Steel Magnolias
8. I have a very short fuse when I am with certain kinds of personalities
9. I like things to go a certain way (I guess that is why I never form committees) I just do it myself.
10. I sometimes wish I could go back in time and just stay there. If I could turn the clock back I would like to go back to about 1974 and just stay in that year. I picked that year because I could drive! I would really like to go back earlier when I was a little kid.
11. I LOVE OLD CARS! My 37 Buick has changed my life. You have to read the story on my blog to understand that.
12. I am very spiritual but don’t go to church that much. It makes me cry too much. Riding on the back of a Harley with the wind blowing in my face makes me feel alive and close to God. I sometimes cry then too.
13. I cry easy when I am around older people and listen to their stories about growing up. You can see it in their eyes that they know that they have lived out most of the good parts of their life.
14. I am a volunteer person but most of it deals with old stuff. Minden Cemetery, Minden Historic District, The St. Jude Wheels Through Time Car Show, Mid America Old Time Automobile Association and the Museum of Automobiles, Ark-La-Tex Antique Automobile Association.
15. I love my job at the Dorcheat Museum it is my Dream Job
16. I want to open a B&B / Tea Room in Minden but need a bigger house to do it.
17. I love old time Bluegrass music. I also love old time rock n roll.
18. I love my niece and think she is a miracle child for my family. She is probably the reason my family survived my brother dying and my sister getting sick with cancer. She is the light in our lives. When she was a baby I would sit by her baby bed until she went to sleep and she would put her hand through the bars and hold on to my hand so I couldn’t leave. (I would play Dolly Parton and Grand Pa Jones tapes for her) she loved them when she was little.
19. If I every won or had a lot of money the first thing I would do is buy a travel trailer or motor home and start on one side of the U.S. and wind my way across seeing every little town and visiting every museum and back road I could find. My dream is to drive my old car across the Blue Ridge Mountains. I just want to see the United States. I have no desire to go overseas.
20. My relationships with men have always been complicated.
21. I have a few lifelong and almost lifelong friends that have always been their when I needed them.
22. Selling cars for almost 10 years made me wonder where all the normal people were.
23. I went to college to be a photographer but dropped out
24. I have a fear of cancer and feel like I should hurry up and live my life in case I get it. (Strong Family History of Cancer)
25. I want to make a difference in Minden and what it is and what it can be.

Friends Are Important Things In Life!

2009-01-21T05:18:00.000-08:00

Pam, Lisa, Schelley, Gay and Debbie (We didn't let the guys in this pic) Taken at Christmas time 2008 at Lisa's Pub Room.

Good Friends Are Important Things In Life!

THIS SAYS IT ALL: Time passes. Life happens. Distance separates. Children grow up. Jobs come and go. Love waxes and wanes. Men don't do what they're supposed to do. Hearts break. Parents die. Colleagues forget favors. Careers end. BUT........ Sisters are there, no matter how much time and how many miles are between you. A girl friend is never farther away than needing her can reach. When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the valley's end. Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk beside you...Or come in and carry you out. Girlfriends, daughters, granddaughters, daughters-in-law, sisters, sisters-in-law, Mothers, Grandmothers, aunties, nieces, cousins, and extended family, all bless our life! The world wouldn't be the same without women, and neither would I. When we began this adventure called womanhood, we had no idea of the incredible joys or sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we would need each other. Every day, we need each other still. Pass this on to all the women who help make your life meaningful. I just did. Short and very sweet: There are more than twenty angels in this world. Ten are peacefully sleeping on clouds. Nine are playing. And one is reading this blog at this moment.

My Dream Job “The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Inc.”

2009-01-09T09:22:00.001-08:00

Click on Pictures to enlarge!
For those of you that know me the following statement is the way I describe my self; “If it is old, rusty, paint peeling off, buried or will not crank, I have something to do with it!” In 2007, I was finally after nearly 50 years on this earth able to find my dream job. I believe it is not how much money you make but how much you enjoy what you do that is important in life. So in that respect I am finally where I need to be.
In January 2007, after several attempts by the Dorcheat Historical Association to get me involved helping them raise money, I went to work for them. As some of you know I had just about volunteered myself into the poor house and I just couldn’t do anything else and work selling cars too. So I went to the association President; Mr. Thad Andress and asked for a job. That same day a meeting of association board members was held and I was hired. I was so excited and thrilled to be able to finally do the things that I love, plan events and to help preserve history and raise awareness of our history in Webster Parish.
The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum wasn’t even open yet and I went to work the next day trying to figure out how to raise money, awareness and gain support from our community. Six months later after much hard work from many, many people we opened the doors, to what I think is one of the best local museums around. When a new visitor walks in the door, usually the first word out of their mouth is “WOW”!
With the direction of Museum Exhibit designer local artist Larry Milford has transformed our building at 116 Pearl Street into a “step back in time”. It reminds me of going into some of the exhibits at Disney World. We are first class and have Larry Milford to thank for a lot of it. It truly is a work of art from the front door to the back door. It is also a huge work in progress and will be for quite some time.
Our museum is a timeline of our parish. We start with our earliest inhabitants the Indians and move on to our pioneer families and early settlements. The importance of cotton to our area is highlighted with one of the last square bales from the area. We even have a log house inside the museum that is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. From there we have the Civil War and Reconstruction, Black History, Historic Homes, Famous People (too many to even list in this story) Education, Disasters, Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Churches, Fire and Police, Commerce and Theaters just to name a few of our wonderful exhibits that are in the works. Sound effects and live footage add to your overall museum visit.
Funding is always an issue with museums. We have been fortunate so far to have some generous local support and also big support from the Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau. Historic venues are one of the biggest tourism draw in most states and Louisiana is no exception. We now have a place for visitors to come. One day soon will have a theater room, equipped with surround sound and a large screen monitor to view educational and historic presentations. We are so excited about the plans for this room we can hardly wait to get started on it. We have had several financial benefactors designate there money for this new room.
Other fundraising projects include our two cookbooks. Our first cookbook “A Taste of Yesterday” not only has 400 recipes it includes historic pictures and history of Webster Parish. This first book sold over 500 copies in 10 days when it first hit the shelves in 2007. In 2008 our second book told of early education of Webster parish “A Taste Of Class” was just as big of a hit as our first book. In fact I think now people will expect a new book from us every year. These books have been given as gifts to a few people you may have heard of; President Bush, Allison Krauss, Secretary of State Jay Dardenne. I have mailed books all over the country! We still have a few available and you can go to our web site http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ to see the information about them and the rest of the exciting things going on at the museum.
This year the Minden Press Herald voted the museum the number 10 item in the top 10 things that happened in 2008. To me that was extremely exciting. One of the reasons we were voted in the top 10 is the monthly events that started in March of 2008 and ran until November of 2008. These second Monday of the month events are called “A Night for the Museum” and are held at Christopher’s located just around the corner from the museum at 615 Main Street in Minden, Louisiana, right in the heart of Minden’s Historic Downtown area. These events take place at 6:00 P.M. with refreshments and socializing first and at 6:30 our guest speaker begins. These historic events have featured two men that had grandfathers that fought in the Civil War, one gentleman that began his love of the railroad at 16, a local author of a book written about a 1916 murder, the Bossier Parish Historian, the Webster Parish Historian, a trip down memory lane back to the 1950s, a touching night filled with stories about the immigrant families that came to our area with nothing but a few dollars, WWII Veterans and much more.
January 12, 2009 our second season began with WWII Veteran Mr. John S. Willis. This 90 year old veteran flew over 30 amazing missions in WWII. February’s focus on our Black History and Dr. Roy G. Phillips’ amazing research of his family back to Africa and his work on our Black History exhibit will be an important night to remember. More speakers are lined up for the year so you don’t want to miss a single one. If you do miss one, we have a DVD available for $10 each of our speakers. You can read about our events also on our web site and in our new Newsletter “Legacies and Legends”. If you aren’t on our mailing list please give me a call at 318-423-0192 and I will add you to our data base.
If you have items that you think would be of interest to the museum please drop by or give me a call. The museum hours are Closed on Monday, Open Tuesday – Friday 10 A.M. – 1 P.M. closed from 1-2 for lunch and back from 2 P.M. – 4 P.M. Saturday Hours are 10 A.M. – Noon. We are also open for special meetings and group tours by appointment. Cost is $4.00 Adults $2.00 Children with special group rates available.
Something is always happening at the museum. Remember this is not my museum it is your museum so help us make history happen in 2009. For more information visit http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/

I HAVE TO LOSE AT LEAST 40LBS. BY MAY

2009-01-05T14:17:00.000-08:00

It was the month after Christmas and all through the house nothing would fit me, not even a blouse. The cookies I'd nibbled, the eggnog I'd taste, at the holiday parties had gone to my waist. When I got on the scales there arose such a number! When I walked to the store (less a walk than a lumber). I'd remember the marvelous meals I'd prepared; The gravies and sauces and beef nicely rared, the wine and the rum balls, the bread and the cheese and the way I'd never said, "No Thank you, please." As I dressed myself in my husband's old shirt and prepared once again to do battle with dirt. I said to myself, as I only can "you can't spend a winter disguised as a man!" So---away with the last of the sour cream dip, get rid of the fruit cake, every cracker and chip every last bit of food that I like must be banished till all the additional ounces have vanished. I won't have a cookie----not even a lick. I'll want only to chew on a long celery stick. I won't have hot biscuits, or corn bread or pie, I'll munch on a carrot and quietly cry. I'm hungry, I'm lonesome and life is a bore, but isn't that what January is for? Unable to giggle, no longer a riot. Happy New Year to all and to all a good diet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Well it is official. I am determined to lose at least 40lbs. this year. I would like to loose it by May but if I don't I must not give up. It took TEN years to get to this point and so whatever it takes. I am watching OPRAH now and she is talking about her weight problem. I spent $200 on healthy food the other day. It seems to cost more to eat better! Please say a prayer for me if you are reading this. I have to get healthy. I am not doing ATKINS or Weight Watchers or South Beach! I looked into all of it and have done most of it at one time or another. I have to put me at the top of my priority list instead of everyone else.

Mike The Tiger In The Snow

2008-12-20T13:35:00.000-08:00

This is a great picture of "Mike the Tiger" the LSU mascot in last weeks snow! I love this picture. A good friend from down south sent this to me today.

Christmas In Minden

2008-12-17T12:19:00.001-08:00

This is Mama and Ellen at the Christmas Open House. Ellen brought her Sunday School Class over from Dubach to enjoy the day at the historic Fitzgerald House. My friend Kerry Easley and Jackie Lewis from Main Street Photography took the pictures. You can click on each picture to see it bigger.

Christmas Spirit Filled The Air

2008-12-14T09:27:00.000-08:00

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 & 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 & 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 & 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 http://www.mindenhrd.blogspot.com/

Burton Cummings

2008-12-05T18:43:00.000-08:00

This was one of my favorite movies that you never see anymore and I have always loved Burton Cummings. Just had to add this to my blog.

Car Clubs Need New Lifeblood and A Shot In The Arm

2008-12-04T06:15:00.000-08:00

This story is a little different than most I write. It is not quite as upbeat. I myself am at fault as much as anyone in what I am about to write about. Most of us join a club when we first get our antique cars. We join and we are all excited about showing everyone our “BABY”. We go to show after show, every cruise night, parade, picnic, and club meeting we can find. Then we join more clubs some local, some national. Then we start helping do shows. Then if you are like me you get the crazy idea to do your own show!
Then maybe your club nominates you to serve as president. You are so excited you do a good job (you think), you plan stuff for the club to do, you write stories, you do a web site. You go and go and go until one day you are just tired of going. Your car will not crank, it has nicks and pings and dirt on it. You don’t feel like you can really show it anymore in some of the past shows that it has placed high in. You are about to get in the rut that thousands of car enthusiast have found their selves in since car shows and clubs began.
You stop going to as many meetings and before you know it you missed a whole year of meetings. Your life is so hectic with work, kids, family, church, schools, and other organizations something has to give and since the old antique car doesn’t crank and look that great anymore the local car club that you are a member of and once took a very active part in is now suffering because you can’t help as much as you used to.
I myself am a member of the Ark-La-Tex Antique and Classic Car Association out of Shreveport. I am the past president of same club. I am also the Jr. Vice President of MOTAA. Over the last two years my attendance has become lax with my local club. I have also not been able to attend several MOTAA meetings like I should. The problem is life has gotten in the way of doing the things that I love and care about. I know many of you are in the same boat. You can only do so many things effectively!
My new job at the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Inc. is very time consuming. I am now putting on monthly events for the museum as well as all my other duties of day to day operation of the facility. I don’t know what the answer is to dividing your time so that your club does not suffer. I want the old car hobby to thrive as I know all of you do. MOTAA has some of the same problems in a different way. The lack of renewals for membership greatly effects what the organization can do. This very magazine you are reading is paid for buy YOUR dues! It is important to renew memberships in your clubs even if you don’t go to club meetings and functions. The dues are what will keep the wheels turning in these operations even when you physical help can’t be around. So if you are like me and don’t make as many meetings as you should at least renew your memberships to all of your clubs that you were once a part of.
Another thing that is a big problem with so many antique car clubs is the age of the members. I am 50 and for a long time I was the baby of our club! I may still be. We have got to get younger folks involved in the old car hobby. I have loved old cars since I was a kid. I can stick my head in an old car and close my eyes and relive so many good memories. I am sure most of you can do that same thing. The next paragraph may give you an idea on something to do with the younger generation in your area to get them hooked on antique cars.
I know that many of you subscribe to numerous car magazines. When I was a kid Mr. Wayne Chance would bring me all of his Hemming’s Motor News Magazines. I would sit for hours and hours looking at cars and bending pages back and wishing. I would circle them and look at them just hoping that one day I would be able to own my own. If you have old magazines find some kids to give them too. You never know what might spark a kid’s interest. Take them to car shows. Especially the grandchildren, wives and other relatives that may one day inherit your car. Think about it, if they don’t have an appreciation and learn to drive that antique car of yours and mine, it will be the first thing sold after we are gone! I hope that last statement got some of your attention. It is something that I think about, every time I hear of an older club member passing on to the big car show in the sky. His or her spouse and kids may have never gone to shows, parades, and cruise night with them. They never learned to drive that Model T or A and they probably don’t know just the right technique to get old Betsy to crank.
This year at the Father’s Day show I brought my only niece Aubrie with me. It was her first time on the mountain. She even got to help with the show. She rode for the first time in a Model T. She got to meet Henry Ford III and maybe she gained a little appreciation for the hobby. She is also the one that will inherit “Olivia” the 37 Buick one day.
My local club the AACCA is at a crossroads right now, as I am sure many of your clubs are. Do we keep plodding along or do we just give up the ghost? I hope AACCA keeps plodding along, as one of oldest car clubs in the Ark-La-Tex. It would be a shame to let it die after so many years, just because of lack of support. I hate to hear of any club struggling but I know most of them do. So for all of you club members of struggling clubs, make a little effort more often to go to meetings and especially if someone has made the effort to plan something, get out and take part. It may be the last chance you have to get with your club before it is a thing of the past. So until next time keep it between the ditches and renew all of your club memberships!

Schelley Brown
Jr. Vice President of MOTAA

Don't miss the 2008 Minden Historic Residential District Christmas

2008-11-25T05:36:00.000-08:00

Click to enlarge picture

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.

Blogs, Blogs, and More Blogs

2008-11-20T05:36:00.000-08:00

BLOGS, BLOGS and More BLOGS!
This story has been in July 2008 issue of Louisiana Road Trips Magazine and in the Winter 2008 issue of The Minute Magazine
Well it is official I am now a Blogger! No not a jogger a Blogger! I do wish it burned more calories; but like everything else that I do it requires sitting at the computer. My friend Jackie Lewis introduced me to this concept and at first I thought this will be something handy. Little did I know that it would turn into one Blog after another.
My first thought was since I am involved in putting on so many events in Minden that one for that would be good. I also wanted a place to share my past stories that I have written and post pictures to go with it. Some of you may not know what a Blog is. It is sort of like a web site but you can do it yourself and you can do it very quickly. You can have one up and going in about 5 minutes! There are lots of places to do one; I myself use the Google Blog spot. If you like scrap-booking; which I do you will love to Blog. It is just like an online scrapbook that you can share with your family and friends and the rest of the world if you so desire. They give you the steps to do it and you go from there. You can upload pictures and even video clips and music. It is really something and it is all FREE! That is the best part about it, the FREE part.
If you would like to start your own family Blog get busy you will find it very addictive. I don’t post things everyday but some people do as a therapeutic outlet. It is a lot of fun and also can be very useful. If you have a small business or any business they are great to update what is happening.
I now have 7 BLOGS! My fist one is the one you want to go to because from this one you can get to all the others one from the links that I have added. My main personal site is http://www.eventsinminden.blogspot.com/ . From here you can read 40-50 stories that I have written plus you can see video clips and pictures. From this site you will see my other passions.
I knew we needed something for the Dorcheat Historical Association & Museum as a way of getting the word out about our progress and what was happening at the museum. It was also a way to advertise the cookbooks and our up coming events that we have been trying to do monthly. You can visit this one directly at http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/ or just click on the link from my events in Minden Blog spot. We need all of you to become more involved in this museum. Remember it is a parish museum and if you are part of the parish that means it is your museum too!
The Minden Cemetery Blog is a favorite of mine, with a lot of the past Ghost Walk pictures and stories to go with it along with the Trench marker dedication and TV spots. Just click on the link from the main Blog above or you can go to http://www.mindencemetery.blogspot.com/ .
My next one of course was my Minden Cruisin’ For A Cure For St. Jude Car Show Blog. I also have a web site for that but with that it was on the current year. With the Blog it is past pictures and TV clips, plus the stories just go to http://www.mindencruisinforacure.blogspot.com/ or once again you can get to it from the first and main one.
The next one was the Minden Historic Residential District Association Blog. I am also proud to say that we now have an official web site that is under construction by Shaffer Design here in Minden is going to be wonderful when it is completed. I overwhelmed them at first with a disc of 70 plus folders of information and it is taking them some time to get it all ironed out but they are working on it. For the web site go to http://www.mindenhrd.com/ but remember it is under construction. For the Blog site and more information in general plus video and pictures go to http://www.mindenhrd.blogspot.com/ .
Then we come to my passion of the old car hobby. I did one for my car club the Ark-La-Tex Antique & Classic Car Association out of Shreveport. This club is one of the oldest clubs in the State and needed some recognition. You can visit this club Blog at http://www.aacca.blogspot.com/ . This one I am still adding information and will soon have stories of the members and their cars.
Now we come to a very important Blog that I did recently for my Daddy, Nolen Brown. Many of you don’t know it but my Daddy is a great song writer and has been most of his life. He has written thousands of songs and had many recorded by such greats as Roy Orbison, Bobby Bare, Mickey Gilley and others. Daddy also has a young girl name Carissa Amberly working with his song “Some Heroes Don’t Come Back”. This song has taken off and is played on the Bill Mack show on XM Radio. It has become an anthem of such for truck drivers, firemen, and our military. You can now listen to some of his songs and watch the video, on the Blog that I did for my Daddy at http://www.nolenbrown.blogspot.com/ and his web site http://www.nolenbrown.com/
I even did one for my wonderful friend and folk artist Cora Lou Robinson. Everyone loves Cora Lou’s work so now you can see it at the new blog site http://www.coralourobinson.blogspot.com/
Well as you can see I have become addicted to BLOGGING! Trust me you will too once you start. So until next time keep it between the ditches!

A Beautiful Day Of History

2008-11-08T18:29:00.000-08:00

This is me and Jim McDaniel (Jim played J.Y. Webb)

The 5th annual Minden Cemetery Ghost Walk was a big success. “By 11:30 the line began to form for the first tour. This year as in years past we had plenty of out of town guest come to learn a little Webster parish history. We even had one person from Alaska take the tour and several from the Dallas area. We couldn’t have asked for better weather. In fact I think this was the best weather we have ever had since we started this 5 years ago.” stated Schelley Brown tour organizer.
The weather was perfect for a day of history as visitors strolled on their hour long tour. This year the tour included over 10 stops with famous authors, early lumber barons, the unknown soldiers that were injured in the Battle of Mansfield, business leaders and their wives from before the Civil War.
To see a civil war encampment that included a wagon, cannon, horses and mules along with a tent made the day seem like the hands of time had rolled backward over 150 years. All the stories were very informative and done with research by family members and historians to make this day as factual as possible. Many of the actors and actresses were actual decedents of the people they portrayed which made the day a special treat. Some of the stops had actual artifacts from the people that were portrayed that included actual pictures of where they lived and family portraits. Background sounds of bagpipes beckoned you from across the grounds as a lone piper played his lonesome songs.
The Minden Cemetery Association reported that around 200 people participated in this year’s tour. The annual tour took in over $1,600 that will help with upkeep of the property. The Minden Cemetery operates on donated funding for the upkeep of one of oldest Cemeteries in Webster Parish. “We are always in the need of funding. People don’t have any idea how expensive it is to keep up a cemetery as large as this one”, stated Ms. Brown an association board member. A DVD of the day will be available for $10. If you would like to learn more about the cemetery or donate to it’s funding and how you can help please contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192 or visit the web site at http://www.mindencemetery.blogspot.com/ pictures are posted on this site.

A Ride With The Railroad Folks

2008-10-19T14:14:00.000-07:00

A Railroad Folks Motorcycle Ride

Click on the Picture to see the picture album.
On Saturday October 18th, 2008 about 25 motorcycles and 40 + riders met up in Blanchard, Louisiana for an all day ride in East Texas. Most were employees of the KCS Railroad. This was a great ride and almost 300 miles round-trip for us. We went to some great places that I had never seen before. Our good friends Ronnie and Vickie went along for the ride with us and I think they loved it as much as we did. Our first big stop was T.C. Lindsey & Company store in Jonesville, Texas. What a great place. This store has been in operation since 1847. It is located on Farm Road 134 in Jonesville, Texas. It has everything and some greet hoop cheese! Check it out it is like stepping back in time. And everyone knows that is what I love best! Next after the general store we went to something that I liked even better. The Scottsville Cemetery is wonderful. It is really something to see if you love cemeteries as much as I do. The monuments were fascinating and the chapel was just a wonderful. I don’t know if everyone else liked it as much as I did but it was really something to see! I did a little research on the cemetery and found this site. It tells alot about the family and the monuments. http://www.texasescapes.com/EastTexasTowns/Scottsville-Texas-and-Scottsville-Cemetery.htm Next stop the 71st Annual East Texas Yamboree in Gilmer, Texas held since 1935! The crowd really comes out for this. Thousands of folks were lining the streets of this small east Texas town. We ate at a sandwich shop then made our way around the square. I spotted a local museum so off we headed to check it out. The Historic Upshur County Museum is a nice local museum and Danny learned that he and Don Henley of The Eagles has the same birthday! Must be why he is the biggest Eagles fan in the world! We bought a cookbook (a really nice one at that). Meet back at the bikes and at 4 p.m. off we went to our next stop and dinner. Avinger, Texas and the 5-D Cattle Company is the best! Don’t miss this trip and great dinning experience. It is the back roads of America where you find all the good stuff. Well after dinner some went on back to Jefferson, Texas but we went back to Minden. We made it in about 9:30. What a day it was. So until next time keep it between the ditches!

Boo Benefit 2008

2008-10-19T11:42:00.000-07:00

Boo Benefit 2008

Click on the picture to see the picture album.

For the last few years we have gone to the Boo Benefit Annual Bike Rally for the Louisiana Burn Camp for Children (Camp I’m Still Me). This year over $200,000 was raised to help burn survivors! That is $50,000 more than last year. What a great event to support!
"The Boo Benefit Ride for Burn Survivors," commonly known as The Boo Run, draws people from all over interested in helping the Percy Johnson Foundation and Louisiana Burn Camp for Children.
Last year they registered 7,000 people with an overall attendance of 15,000, according to Boo’s wife Patsy Chaler, event organizer. This year they expected 18,000 in attendance. It was more like 30,000 folks in Jefferson, Texas. The streets were packed as you can see by the pictures. At last year's event, more than $170,000 was raised with all proceeds donated to the Percy Johnson Burn Foundation.
The benefit event began in October 1998 in response to the efforts of Charles "Boo" Chaler, a burn survivor. Boo Chaler was burned over 95 percent of his body in a welding accident earlier that year. Several friends knew of Boo's love for motorcycle riding and began the benefit in his honor while he was still hospitalized at Louisiana State University Burn Center in Shreveport.
Chaler and his wife Patsy donated the funds raised to the Percy Johnson Foundation and began a benefit to aid severely injured children and their families. In April 2002, the Chaler-Rods House was purchased by a grant from the Foundation to house out-of-town families of burn patients who cannot afford hotels for extended stays.
The Red River Street Rod Association and all my Street Rod friends are very much involved with the Louisiana Burn Camp and with The Boo Run. In fact they have been bringing the Boo Bike to my St. Jude Car show for the last few years and selling lots of tickets. So far I have not won the new Harley maybe next year.
The three-day event includes live music, a poker run, bike show, bike games, style show, and silent auctions and all the other bike activities that you expect and a few you don’t. So make your plans for next year. Book your rooms early. I always stay at the McKay House B & B.
For more information on The Boo Benefit Ride for Burn Survivors, call Boo or Patsy Chaler at 903-935-6005 or 903-930-4931, or visit the Web site at http://www.boobenefit.org/

Look Who Is Running For President Now!

2008-10-09T06:36:00.001-07:00

http://www.tsgnet.com/pres.php?id=370743&altf=Tdifmmfz&altl=Cspxo

I thought I would give it a try. Hope you support me! This is so funny just click and watch! We will be having a big party when I get to my new house!

Sunday Harley Ride

2008-09-29T06:48:00.000-07:00

Just another short ride on Sunday afternoon with friends. I love the picture of the cotton fields. We ride to eat, eat to ride! Click on pictures to enlarge them.

Shirley & Marcy

2008-09-25T06:57:00.000-07:00

A mom was concerned about her kindergarten son walking to school. He didn't want his mother to walk with him. She wanted to give him the feeling that he had some independence but yet know that he was safe. So she had an idea of how to handle it. She asked a neighbor if she would please follow him to school in the mornings, staying at a distance, so he probably wouldn't notice her. She said that since she was up early with her toddler anyway, it would be a good way for them to get some exercise as well, so she agreed. The next school day, the neighbor and her little girl set out following behind Timmy as he walked to school with another neighbor girl he knew. She did this for the whole week. As the two walked and chatted, kicking stones and twigs, Timmy's little friend noticed the same lady was following them as she seemed to do every day all week. Finally she said to Timmy, 'Have you noticed that lady following us to school all week? Do you know her?' Timmy nonchalantly replied, 'Yeah, I know who she is.' 'That's just Shirley Goodnest,' Timmy replied, 'and her daughter Marcy.' 'Shirley Goodnest? Who is she and why is she following us? 'Well,' Timmy explained, 'every night my Mom makes me say the 23rd Psalm with my prayers, 'cuz she worries about me so much. And in the Psalm, it says, 'Shirley Goodnest and Marcy shall follow me all the days of my life', so I guess I'll just have to get used to it!' The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face to shine upon you, And be gracious unto you; The Lord lift His countenance upon you, And give you peace. May Shirley Goodnest and Marcy be with you today and always. I know you smiled! I sure did.

Find Your Spot

2008-08-03T10:31:00.000-07:00

On my recent trip to Arkansas I met a woman that moved from Vegas to Eureka Springs because of a web site. The site is http://www.findyourspot.com/ . Well I told a few folks about it and I even took the quiz to see where I was suppose to be living. This site really works pretty good for a relocation site. Just answer a few question and boom you have the perfect place to relocate. Most of you that know me know that I have always wanted to go to the Blue Ridge Mountain area and also to Mayberry Days in Mount Airy, North Carolina. Well Mount Airy was the first place that popped up that was perfect for me. Other included places around Branson and several places in Tenn, Arkansas, Alabama. I always knew I was in the wrong place it didn't mention Louisiana!

The State Of Arkansas, Louisiana's Good Neighbor!

2008-07-27T11:14:00.000-07:00

The State Of Arkansas, Louisiana’s Good Neighbor!

Click On Each Picture To View In A Larger Size!
Sometimes even though Louisiana is a great state you want to look for something totally different for your summer vacation. I usually look just a little north at the “Natural State” of Arkansas. This year, with the price of gas being almost $5.00 a gallon in some places, I was struggling to find that perfect place to go where you get the most “BANG” for your buck. Eureka I found it!
If you love historic homes and historic places in general this “City That Water Built” is the perfect destination for you. The town was placed on the National Register of Historic places in 1970. If you visit you will know why instantly. It is a fast step back into another era of time.
My first decision to make was finding the perfect place to stay. I found it in the “Pearl Tatman House”. This is not your typical bed & breakfast by any means. This “Painted Lady” has been featured in several books about Victorian homes across the United States. Since historic home preservation is so important to me, I always like to know the history of where I am staying. It gives you a since of belonging, if you know who has walked the floors before you.
Dr. Pearl Tatman, the first woman doctor in Arkansas, built her house in the late 1880s. ‘Doc Pearl’ lived in the charming three bedroom Victorian until her death in the 1940s. It has been said that she died in bed leaving on her feather pillow a crown of feathers ... a sign that she is now an angel watching over all who visit the house.
Here is more historical information from the "Ladies Exhibit" Board Text: No person in the history of Eureka Springs is so revered in remembrance as the woman usually called 'Doc Pearl'. Pearl Hale came to the health resort in the 1890's, a young, unmarried woman who had already received her medical training. She began the practice of medicine as physician and surgeon, setting up an office in the Duncan block on Spring Street, and soon became almost indispensable to the people of Eureka Springs who sought her help.
In a time when young women did not enter into professions and most were trained simply to be wives, mothers and homemakers, Pearl Hale shone as a courageous individual. In time she added home and marriage to her busy life through being married to Dr. Albert Tatman. Their lovely home 'Cozy Corners' was one of the most gracious centers of social life and both took part in the literary and drama society. They adopted an orphan baby girl whom they named Daisy.
Pearl Hale Tatman devoted her life to the people of Eureka Springs and served them well for more than half a century, continuing the practice of medicine long after Albert's death, until advanced age brought her career to an end. (Doc Pearl passed away in 1944 and left her home in town, now named in her honor, to Daisy). The most repeated word used in praising Doctor Pearl was "saintly", and there is little doubt that it was truly appropriate.
With all this in mind, taking a step back in time was easy to do. The beauty of the home and convenient location is a perfect setting for a relaxing stay. The home is built on Spring Street which is the heart of the historic loop in this historic town. You are within walking distance of the magnificent Crescent Hotel, a block or so from the railroad depot and not much further to the eclectic downtown area. You also are on the Trolley and carriage route just right outside your front door. This home is unique for the fact that it is not your typical bed and breakfast. You get the entire house to yourself! This is the perfect and affordable setup for girl’s trips, family gatherings, and vacationing or traveling with friends and other couples.
The owners live off-site so you are privileged to the run of the home. This includes a well stocked kitchen, a washer and dryer placed in what is called the ‘Out House’, formal dining room, living room, three romantic bedrooms, all charmingly furnished with antiques and accessories that create a feeling of comfort and warmth. A wonderful two person Jacuzzi room built into the side of the mountain, three bedrooms with an upstairs bathroom with a claw foot tub, a beautiful fieldstone patio with a small koi pond with fountain surrounded by comfortable Adirondack lawn chairs is all yours to enjoy during your stay.
Don't feel like making your own breakfast? At the Pearl Tatman House, you can choice the "Personal Chef" package and have your breakfast prepared for you! This was something that we just had to try. One morning we wanted that pampered feeling so we ordered in. The breakfast was amazing and you don’t even have to get out of bed to let “Chef Denise” in. You can lie in bed and smell the fresh coffee brewing and go down at your leisure. Talk about taking advantage of relaxing.
And now for that extra incentive for calling this home while in Eureka Springs! There are two porches or verandas that overlook East Mountain. As you sit in the rocking chairs in the morning, the sunrise over the mountain takes your breath away as you witness the spectacular view of the Christ of the Ozarks Statue with the sun rising over his out stretched arms. This site alone is worth the trip! You can check all this out on line at http://www.pearltatman.com/n.com/, the homes owners are wonderful folks to work with.
Speaking to the Christ of the Ozarks, you don’t want to miss “The Great Passion Play” now in its 40th year of production. If you saw the play years ago you need to go back. So much has been added. They now have a Holy Land Tour during the day as well as several museums and a large restaurant. You can spend all day just seeing everything they now have to offer. http://www.greatpassionplay.com/
One of our favorite things was our dinner train ride with the Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway better known as the ES & NA. We arrived around 4:30 to check out all the vintage trains and train equipment. Then with anticipation we heard the sound of the train whistle and the conductor call “All… aboard…!” We boarded our vintage dinning car equipped with white linen table clothes and china. Then we were off for our trip. Now this train doesn’t go fast and it doesn’t go far but we loved it. We especially loved the best Prime Rib dinner that we had ever had in our lives. All this was topped off by flaming Baked Alaska for dessert in the shape of a train with flames coming out of the smoke stack! Don’t miss this experience if you are in this part of Arkansas. http://www.esnarailway.com/
We had lunch the next day at the historic Basin Park Hotel and then we sat a while in the heart of the town the “Basin Park”. This is a great place to sit and people watch and just relax and hear the different street performers and take in a little local art and culture.
We toured War Eagle Mill http://www.wareaglemill.com/ not far from Eureka one day and for a memorable evening, we visited the most famous- or infamous- haunted location in Eureka Springs the Crescent Hotel http://www.crescent-hotel.com/ . Constructed in 1886, the hotel has also been a girl's school and a cancer hospital run by an unscrupulous charlatan. Perhaps the most haunted building in Arkansas, the Crescent Hotel is said to be home to nurses pushing carts down the hall ways, young school girls on their way to class, Dr. Norman Baker on his way to conduct another autopsy, and the most famous ghost in the hotel, Michael the stone mason. This old Hotel is a must see and you will want to take the ghost tours at night. We missed the ghost tour but we didn’t miss the incredible meal in the Crystal Dining Room! This is also the place that you can book your carriage ride of the area. If you don’t take a carriage you can always take a nostalgic ride on one of the many trolley rides offered.
Now all of this was done from Saturday afternoon with check out Tuesday morning. We were only halfway finished with our vacation. We were now headed to the Music Capital of the Ozarks.
Established in the 1870s, the town of Mountain View, Arkansas is famous for the preservation of folkways and traditional music. It was only natural for the Arkansas Folk Festival to be founded here in the early 1960s, and the Ozark Folk Center State Park followed in 1973. The Center which has been coined as the nation’s only center that preserves Ozark heritage and presents it as living history. The Park's interests are in the areas of: The cultural and social history of the Ozarks region in pre-modern times. In the area of pioneer crafts this is generally interpreted as before 1921 and in the area of mountain music before 1941 http://www.ozarkfolkcenter.com/ .
Music plays a vital part of the aura of the area as, historically, Saturday nights would find locals at a “pickin’” in a neighbor’s house or yard. The custom continues today, musicians join locals and play music late into the night hours all around the small town square and the newly constructed three gazebo’s in the “pickin’ park”.
Music is not only vital, it is the soul of this town and there is a determination to keep the tradition alive through programs such as the Music Roots Program, where via the local school system, area musicians teach young people to play the old tunes on traditional string instruments. This was the part we enjoyed the most, seeing young children (so young that their feet didn’t touch the floor when they sat in a chair) not sitting behind a video game but sitting behind a banjo, mandolin, or dulcimer.
Our place of residence while in this part of the Ozark Mountains was the Wildflower B&B, which was built in 1918 and restored in the early 1980s as a B&B. The Wildflower was originally the Commercial Hotel and is still known by many of the locals as just that. Many area businesses started in what are now downstairs guestrooms that were at one time used as commercial rental for print shops, bakeries, beauty shops and lots more. The Wildflower owners J.R. and Pam are wonderful folks and the breakfast will definitely keep your belly full until lunch time! We loved sitting on the porch with a good cup of coffee in the morning and visiting with the different guest. Many are regulars of this B& B and after a day or two we understood why! http://www.wildflowerbb.com/ We will be back for sure too!
While staying at the B&B right on the square, visitors can enjoy hearing music drift through the streets as they sit on the porch and take in the night breeze of the evening. We were entertained on into the night by a piano player that just happened to stop by with his piano in the back of a truck. After unloading this to the porch earlier in the day we were pleased to just sit and enjoy the sites and sound later that night as the crowd gathered lawn chairs in tow.
The town, located deep in the Ozarks is surrounded by mountains and rivers, offering many outdoor activities that include caving at Blanchard Springs Caverns this is a must do when in the area. They even have Caroling in the Caves at Christmas time.
Well as always vacations are over too soon. Friday morning came around too fast and we were on our way back to Louisiana. Don’t forget if you ride a motorcycle or in car you want to take advantage of Arkansas being at you back door. It is one beautiful state rich in history and heritage and some great back roads. So until next time keep it between the ditches. Check out http://www.eventsinminden.blogspot.com/ for more about what I am up to in and around Minden, Louisiana.

Just A Sunday Cruise With Friends

2008-06-30T08:15:00.001-07:00

Click on pictures to enlarge for viewing!

June 29th, 2008 was just a nice Sunday to get out and ride. So friends Debbie and Barry Warner made a day of it with us. We rode to El Dorado, Arkansas via the back roads of Louisiana. I love the roads less traveled and we always try to find them. The sky looked like it would rain any minute when we started but it was nice and cool for almost JULY! We didn't get wet and the sun even came out from time to time. Made for a nice relaxing day. We stopped at the Travel Center and talked to the very helpful lady that works there. Picked up some great material on Arkansas. We plan to return to El Dorado soon to check out the historic town square shops.

Mena, Arkansas To Broken Bow, Oklahoma

2008-06-23T09:50:00.001-07:00

A 500 mile run in the mountains.
Click on the pictures to make them bigger!

The best way to relax is to get on the back of a Harley and just ride with good friends. We started out at 6 a.m. on Saturday morning June 21st headed to Mena, Arkansas. The weather was perfect and the roads were great! First big stop was a spectacular mountaintop setting. With breathtaking panoramic scenery we pulled over a few times for photos. Queen Wilhelmina State Park is this, and more. The park's crowning attraction is a renowned lodging tradition born with the original "Castle in the Sky" that graced this same lofty locale high above the Ouachita Mountains over 100 years ago. Today's Queen Wilhelmina Lodge features 38 guest rooms. This is all high atop Rich Mountain, Arkansas's second highest peak. Next we headed out over The Talimena Scenic Drive this is a Scenic Byway offering 54 miles of spectacular views and incredible scenery. It is also the crown jewel of an entire region full of fun things to do for families, sportsmen, adventure seekers or anyone that enjoys nature's incredible beauty. Our destination is Beaver's Bend and Broken Bow, Oklahoma. We made it around 4:00 and got checked in then headed over to Beaver's Bend we visited the Heritage Museum and art show then made a cruise around the dam to a great place call Abendigo's Restaurant. Ronnie and Danny ordered the full rack and it was a huge plate of RIBS! The next morning was still great weather and we charted our route back home. We made a small detour and boy are we glad we did. We planned on taking the Sunflower trail in Giliam and Dixie. We stopped at Carroways General Store and Restaurant in Ida, Louisiana. We have now found a new GREAT place to take a ride to. This is an old country store and the food is out of this world. Just my type place built in 1928 it is full of antique items and lots of history and atmosphere. They also have bands on the weekend. We were a little disappointed in the sunflowers they were not bloomed out yet but the road was also the kind I prefer the "Road Less Traveled" We made it back before 3:00 and are already looking forward to our next ride!

Mid-America Old Time Automobile Association is Celebrating Fifty Years of Antique Car Preservation

2008-06-16T18:40:00.000-07:00

Father’s Day weekend is special in many ways. For car enthusiasts all across the Southern region of the U.S. this weekend has a special meaning and a special place to gather. Petit Jean Mountain in Morrilton, Arkansas is the home of the Museum of Automobiles and the Museum of Automobiles is the headquarters of the Mid-America Old Time Automobile Association (MOTAA for short). 2008 was a big milestone for this organization made up of the purest of car buffs from across the South. MOTAA celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2008. I am honored to be the Jr. Vice President of MOTAA!
“It’s hard to believe!” is the sentiment of life long MOTAA members. Fifty years seems to have just flown by for many or should I say rolled by. The Museum of Automobiles is a landmark for the state of Arkansas. The car show is also an event not to be missed by at least 100,000 people over a 4 day period.
In recent years money has been tight with improvements need on the aging museum building. In 2007 the Winthrop Rockefeller Charitable Trust pledged a $100,000 Challenge Grant to the Museum. The museum was able to make this lofty goal! This year and for the next four years we have another chance to improve the financial stability of the museum and secure the headquarters for MOTAA. The Winthrop Rockefeller Charitable Trust has pledged another $100,000 Challenge Grant to The Museum of Automobiles on Petit Jean Mountain. The Museum will have until 12-31-08 to raise the $100,000 match.
Over the next few months, the Board of Directors will be making an appeal to friends of the museum. They are in the second year a five-year plan that with the help of the Rockefeller Trust and friends of the museum, would keep the Museum on a sound financial basis in the future. That is what I hope to do with this story also. If you are a lover of antique cars please help us with our goals. You can visit the web site at http://www.museumofautos.com/ and http://www.motaa.com/ for information on both of these important facets of automotive preservation.
Founded by the late Winthrop Rockefeller, The Museum of Automobiles was opened in 1964 with his collection of antique and classic cars. Following his death in 1973, the museum building and grounds were given to Arkansas State Parks. A 501(c) (3) non profit organization was formed to reopen the museum the following year.
Continuing the museum's operation is to continue the legacy of the late Winthrop Rockefeller. Several of Mr. Rockefeller's personal cars are on exhibit. The Museum of Automobiles plays an important role in the preservation, promotion and the activities of the antique vehicle hobby in Arkansas and surrounding states. The national headquarters of the Mid-America Old Time Automobile Association is located in the Museum. The museum co-hosts with MOTAA the annual Petit Jean Father’s Day weekend Antique Car Show and Swap Meet. The Museum also hosts a Fall Swap Meet and Military Vehicle Show. The Museum is a major tourist attraction and compliments the Petit Jean State Park and the nearby Winthrop Rockefeller Center. The Museum is open year round, closing only on Christmas Day. Hours are 10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily.
If you would like to contribute to this drive, please send your tax deductible donation to:
The Museum of Automobiles Challenge Grant
Petit Jean Mountain
8 Jones Lane
Morrilton, AR 72110
This year’s show was very special. I was honored to meet Mr. Henry Ford III along with Mr. Will Rockefeller. These younger generation philanthropist realize the importance of automotive history and what it has done to change the direction of the world. Henry Ford III made Petit Jean Mountain and the 50th anniversary show his first stop in a year long celebration of the 100th anniversary of the car that made automotive history the Model T Ford. This 5th generation Ford made everyone’s day by signing his name on the vintage Ford cars and special 100th anniversary posters as well as taking time for photo opts with everyone. This young man is the son of Edsel Ford II; he is very personable and would make his great-grandfather proud.
I was proud to be able to take my niece with me this year for the first time. She not only went to the show; she helped with the show. She has decided that she liked helping and already wants to go back next year! She saw things she had never seen before including a King Midget automobile and a rare 1937 Cord. She rode in a 1926 Model T with me, as I tried to learn to drive one of these wonderful machines.
Don’t leave your children at home when you go to a car show. You need to take the younger generation to get them involved with the hobby. This is the only way that the old car hobby will survive. We must spark a desire to want to preserve this part of Americana, if we don’t one day the old car hobby will die out. To let this happen would be a tragedy to the world.

Sometimes A Tree Is More Than Just A Tree

2008-05-25T08:20:00.001-07:00

On January 10th, 2009 the old tree had to come down. Read the story about the history of this massive old oak!

Most folks love trees. When you see a massive old oak tree you wonder what that tree has seen in it's life-time. For one such tree located in the Fuller-Murrell Cemetery, I have recently learned how it came to be so long ago, in December of 1884. This tree is now 124 years old and it is sad to say that it may be at the end of it's life because of disease, decay and it's potential of doing damage to the remaining headstones that it has shaded for over 100 years. I am now going to tell you the history of this tree and how because of one person this tree has become a part of history.

In 1880, my sister Maggie (Margaret Rebecca) married and moved to Pittsburg, Texas and in 1882, sister Mamie married and moved there too. We four younger children, Alice, Lena, Ettie and Rawlins, joined them in 1884. Brother John had married Ella Warren and was then living in Minden. I well remember the last time we, with the help of Walter and Carrie Spann, Jodie and Rush Farrier, Walter Crichton, the Fort's, and Dr. Harrell's boys, cleaned the cemetery before we left for Texas. It was December 1884. We dug up everything and had a good day cleaning up. I found a little oak tree about as big around as a match and about ten inches long with about four leaves at the top. I pulled it in and out of the iron fence to protect it, for I knew that it would be a tree by the time we were grown. Years later I again saved the oak tree. Someone wrote asking permission to cut it down, as "it had grown through the fence". I wrote back and quoted Joyce Kilmer's immoral line "Only God can make a tree." So the tree still stands through the fence.

The Murrells, my grandparents, came to Claiborne Parish in 1818 and lived near Homer, Louisiana, where they are buried on the old farm. Quite a few slaves were buried there too but now the graves can hardly be separated. A"Hardshell" Baptist Church was built nearby, which later burned down and the congregation of the church moved to Athens, Louisiana. I have so many, many pleasant memories of my early childhood days in Minden. How we had to pull through the deep sand to the old college, which then was a frame building and now has been replaced with a brick one. The happy days we had with the Spanns, Farriers, Gleasons, Flemmings and others, who all lived near our home. But times change and people must move on.

Written by Alice Murrell Colquit (listed on the 1880 Webster Parish census, page 300 as being 14 years old)

The Fuller-Murrell Cemetery is located in the 800 Block of Gladney Street in Minden, Louisiana. The Murrell, Fuller and Harper families used this cemetery from ca 1842 until 1902.

Doing Their Part For Memorial Day

2008-05-22T13:20:00.000-07:00

Pam Holley, Sally Holley, Ted Polk, Ronnie Sale and Dorcheat Historical Association Museum director, Schelley Brown took time out Thursday morning to do their part for Memorial Day. The combined efforts of the group to clean up made headway with one of Minden’s oldest cemeteries located near Victory Park. The Fuller-Murrell Cemetery was in need of major clean up efforts and within just a few hours this mission was accomplished to improve the area. More work is expected in the next few weeks to preserve this part of Minden and its history. To make it more available and presentable, to anyone wishing to pay respects to some of Minden’s earliest and most influential pioneer families is important to these history buffs.
Brown stated, “We want to preserve this history and if by simply cleaning and cutting some trees can insure that then that is what must be done. Research on the Fuller-Murrell families is very extensive and the importance of this cemetery must not be forgotten. In fact a possible smaller version of The Minden Cemetery Ghost Walk may eventually take place in this very spot. These people that are buried here with and without grave markers played important parts in Claiborne and Webster Parish history and have a right to be remembered and honored. Several veterans are buried in this hallowed ground without markers and so it is for these men and pioneers that we come to do our part in this small way of honoring them. We will work on getting a marker at a later date through the Veterans Administration in the same way the markers were placed at the Civil War “Trench” in the Old Minden Cemetery. This is a long process but I have already spoken to Barry Watson whom was instrumental in the work that was done at the Minden Cemetery.”
Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day because it was a time set aside to honor the nation's Civil War dead by decorating their graves. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former sailors and soldiers. On May 5, 1868, Logan declared in General Order No. 11 that:
The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.
During the first celebration of Decoration Day, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, after which 5,000 participants helped to decorate the graves of the more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried in the cemetery.
This 1868 celebration was inspired by local observances of the day in several towns throughout America that had taken place in the three years since the Civil War. In fact, several Northern and Southern cities claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day, including Columbus, Miss.; Macon, Ga.; Richmond, Va.; Boalsburg, Pa.; and Carbondale, Ill.
In 1966, the federal government, under the direction of President Lyndon Johnson, declared Waterloo, N.Y., the official birthplace of Memorial Day. They chose Waterloo—which had first celebrated the day on May 5, 1866—because the town had made Memorial Day an annual, community-wide event during which businesses closed and residents decorated the graves of soldiers with flowers and flags.
By the late 1800s, many communities across the country had begun to celebrate Memorial Day and, after World War I, observances also began to honor those who had died in all of America's wars. In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated the last Monday in May. (Veterans Day, a day set aside to honor all veterans, living and dead, is celebrated each year on November 11.)
Today, Memorial Day is celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery with a ceremony in which a small American flag is placed on each grave. Also, it is customary for the president or vice-president to give a speech honoring the contributions of the dead and lay a wreath at the Tomb of th eUnknown Soldier. About 5,000 people attend the ceremony annually.
Several Southern states continue to set aside a special day for honoring the Confederate dead, which is usually called Confederate Memorial Day. If you would like to help take care of an area of the Minden Cemetery or the Fuller-Murrell Cemetery you can contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192.

From Magnolia To The Moon

2008-05-18T06:47:00.000-07:00

Sometimes a Louisiana Road Trip ends up in Arkansas. Magnolia, Arkansas is home of the World Famous Steak Cookoff! This has been featured on the Food Network and Travel Networks. Thousands of folks lined the streets to see over 60's cooks from all over the country compete for the best steak in the world. This was the 20th year for the Magnolia Blossom Festival and from the looks of the crowd a big success. The weather was GREAT! Not too hot yet! A perfect day to ride the motorcycle. Ride to Eat...Eat to Ride is our motto.

Then back to Louisiana to a little roadside hole in the wall known as Moon's between Homer, Louisiana and Junction City, Arkansas in the small communtiy of Summerfield, Louisiana. For some of the best ribs and steaks around you want to head to Moon's!

Call ahead for steaks is the best way to do it. Ribs are always on hand and on your hands too!

We finished up the night at Wilson's on the lake with family and friends but NO pictures!

Live To Ride Ride To Live!

2008-05-12T06:59:00.000-07:00

Gay Lewis on her new H-D. Gay is another member of Minden High Class of 1977 (Born To Be WILD Class!) She was spending Mother's Day with her family so she didn't make the Mother's Day ride with us. We look forward to many rides together with all our old and new friends! Gay Lewis and Debbie & Barry Warner and Pam & Jerry Holley just took the Harley Riders Edge course and are ready to ride. Pam we are waiting on you and Jerry!

Sometimes the best way to relax is to jump on the Harley and just take off. Friends of Danny's and mine; Ronnie and Vickie Semmes with Debbie Warner on her brand new H-D on her 5th ride ever! Take a short Mother's Day Ride to Magnolia, Arkansas just to feel the wind in our hair and the sun on our faces. Magnolia is known for it's large murals on the sides of the buildings.

I especially like this picture of the two mule heads or is that four mule heads in that picture!

5th Annual Cruisin’ For A Cure For St. Jude Car Show Draws Large Crowd!

2008-05-05T06:43:00.000-07:00

The 5th annual car show that benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for the first time in its 5 year history had a NO RAIN day! Car show organizer and promoter Schelley Brown stated, “We had a huge turnout this year. The final numbers are not in yet, but I already know that I can send at least $10,000 again to St. Jude. This making our total in the last five years $65,000! We had over 200 cars ranging from a rare $200,000 Aston Martin to a 1919 Ford Speedster.”
Brown was very pleased with the crowd which was estimate to be around 3000 - 4000 at the fairgrounds site this year. Everything went fairly smooth considering the number of cars and folks coming in less than 3 hours between 7 A.M. and 10 A.M. on Saturday morning. Schelley commented, “I couldn’t have done this show with out all the support from my local sponsors and my car buddies from area clubs. I also couldn’t do this show without good friends that bend over backwards to help the week prior to the show. There is a lot of hard work that goes on the week before the show, day of the show and then the clean up crew after the show! I want to thank each and every one of these people. Without all of these folks this show could not and would not happen!”
Ms. Brown said, “If the weather had been good on Friday in a 300 mile radius we would have had at least 350-400 cars show up this year. With tornados all around us in the southern region on Friday, I started getting calls. Folks were waiting it out before they left to come to Minden. I had one man that waited until 3 A.M. Saturday morning to leave Houston, Texas to get here in time. He had planned on coming on Friday but was scared of running into hail and tornados. I also had numerous calls from Arkansas and Missouri about weather concerns and possible cancellations of plans on coming to the show.”
The added attraction of the Reunion Band and the birthday performance of Minden’s own “Elvis” aka Mike Spillers was a big crowd favorite. Mike’s arrival in a mile long black Cadillac was a real thrill for the crowd and for “Elvis”! Mike was then surprised with a birthday cake from his family. Local antique tractor enthusiast had a wonderful display of some early farm tractors for the crowd to admire which was a new attraction for the show. The food was great from Gumbo Daddy’s and the silent auction items were a big hit with the crowd. The only glitch in the day was the NASCAR simulator malfunction.
If you didn’t make it out to the fair grounds on Saturday you missed your opportunity to support St. Jude in a unique and fun way. You also missed some beautiful automobiles, antique tractors, some great silent auction items and wonderful entertainment. Dates are already set for next year so plan ahead. The show will be held again the first weekend in May of 2009. For more information on the show you can contact Schelley Brown at iluvoldcars@yahoo.com or 318-423-0192. You can also visit the blog site to see this years pictures and updates at http://www.mindencruisinforacure.blogspot.com/

Forrest Gump Goes To Heaven

2008-04-25T09:38:00.000-07:00

The day finally arrived Forrest Gump dies and goes to Heaven. He is at the Pearly Gates, met by St . Peter himself. However, the gates are closed, and Forrest approaches the gatekeeper. St. Peter said, 'Well, Forrest, it is certainly good to see you. We have heard a lot about you. I must tell you, though, that the place is filling up fast, and we have been administering an entrance examination for everyone. The test is short, but you have to pass it before you can get into Heaven. Forrest responds, 'It sure is good to be here, St . Peter, sir. But nobody ever told me about any entrance exam. I sure hope that the test ain't too hard. Life was a big enough test as it was. St . Peter continued, 'Yes, I know, Forrest, but the test is only three questions. First: What two days of the week begin with the letter T? Second: How many seconds are there in a year? Third: What is God's first name?' Forrest leaves to think the questions over. He returns the next day and sees St . Peter, who waves him up, and says, 'Now that you have had a chance to think the questions over, tell me your answers' Forrest replied, 'Well, the first one -- which two days in the week begins with the letter 'T'? Shucks, that one is easy. That would be Today and Tomorrow. ' The Saint's eyes opened wide and he exclaimed, 'Forrest, that is not what I was thinking, but you do have a point, and I guess I did not specify, so I will give you credit for that answer. How about the next one?' asked St . Peter. 'How many seconds in a year? Now that one is harder,' replied Forrest, but I thunk and thunk about that, and I guess the only answer can be twelve ' Astounded, St . Peter said, 'Twelve? Twelve? Forrest, how in Heaven's name could you come up with twelve seconds in a year?' Forrest replied, 'Shucks, there's got to be twelve: January 2nd, February 2nd, March 2nd . . . ' Hold it,' interrupts St . Peter. 'I see where you are going with this, and I see your point, though that was not quite what I had in mind . . . . but I will have to give you credit for that one, too. Let us go on with the third and final question . Can you tell me God's first name'? 'Sure,' Forrest replied, 'it's Andy. ' 'Andy?' exclaimed an exasperated and frustrated St Peter. 'Ok, I can understand how you came up with your answers to my first two questions, but just how in the world did you come up with the name Andy as the first name of God?' 'Shucks, that was the easiest one of all,' Forrest replied 'I learnt it from the song, 'ANDY WALKS WITH ME, ANDY TALKS WITH ME, ANDY TELLS ME I AM HIS OWN. ' St . Peter opened the Pearly Gates, and said: 'Run Forrest, run ' Give me a sense of humor, Lord. Give me the ability to understand a joke, To get some humor out of life, And to pass it on to other folks. Since this is one of the best movies ever made, I had to include this in my blog! It is just one of those cute emails that you get everyday.

Sometimes A Louisiana Road Trip Ends Up In Texas!

2008-04-22T08:55:00.000-07:00

I often travel Hwy 80 and all the other back roads of Louisiana, especially if I am driving an antique car or riding with my significant other on his Harley-Davidson. Because we live so close to the Louisiana-Texas line, we often find ourselves in Jefferson, Texas; for a quick get away. It’s only a little over an hour from home and it is very appealing for us to take off at the spur of the moment just to spend the night or just eat lunch and walk around shopping. The drive and or ride is always great!
Several years ago when I was planning Vintage Vacations for Shreveport car clubs, our first trip was to Jefferson. This is where we first meet the owners and operators of the Alley-McKay House Bed and Breakfast located at 306 East Delta Street in Jefferson, Texas. Hugh, Darla and son Atticus Harper Lee (Darla’s favorite book is “To Kill a Mockingbird”) are always happy to see us. Their hospitality is warm and so is their baking. Homemade cookies and pies usually fresh out of the oven are waiting for the next overnight guest to walk through the door every Friday. One of our favorite parts about the Mckay House, which you don’t want to miss, is the huge 9 a.m. breakfast! This is where you get to meet the other guest; it is always a treat to share stories at the breakfast table about your adventures the night before! Maybe a ghost story or two will surface or maybe a little karaoke excursion will be revealed from someone’s night at the local pub and restaurant “Auntie Skinners”.
I will first give you a little history of the home. The Alley-Mckay House was built in 1851 by Daniel Alley, one of Jefferson’s founders, as his own home. The original house was built in a Greek Revival style, with a wide central hallway an two rooms on either side. The kitchen was a separate building, connected by a breezeway which was later enclosed as a porch area and then expanded to be the main dinning room.
The original part of the main house features the original cypress wood floors, installed when the house was built. Each of the four original rooms has a fireplace; during Daniel Alley’s time, they were coal burning fireplaces, but hey have since been converted to gas. The light fixtures hanging in the central hallway once operated on gas; they have been converted to electricity, but still retain the necessary pieces for gas.
The house was purchased by Captain Hector McKay in 1868. This family, descendants, or relatives owned the house for the next century. The McKay house was fully restored during the late 1980’s and now bears national and state historical markers. During the early 1990’s a Victorian style addition was added. The addition was built with material salvaged from Victorian-era homes around Texas which were scheduled for demolition. The gables came from a home near Waco which was built around 1880 and the stairwell from a home in Bryan.
The house has seen such famous visitors as former First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson; Alex Haley, the author of Roots; and Martin Jurow, director of films such as “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” It is also reputed to house supernatural inhabitants as well. The ghosts of a man and a woman associated with the house in Waco have been seen on the staircase and in the upstairs rooms. Also, the spirit of a lady seems to be responsible for such things as moving tools across rooms and mischievously ringing doorbells.
Outside is one of favorite places to stay at the McKay house and that is the cottage. If you are traveling with another couple ask for the cottage. The cottage across the English style gardens is not the original carriage house. The building which stands today is slightly larger than the original, but is from the same time period, and one of the tow wood burning fireplaces stand where a fireplace once stood in the original building. I like the rustic room of the cottage, myself.
In April of 2002, the McKay House was purchased by the current owner, and inn- keeper, Mr. V. Hugh Lewis II. Hugh. Hugh is a pleasure to do business with and always so helpful in telling you what see and do once you get to Jefferson. And believe me, there is always something going on in Jefferson, Texas. Car shows, motorcycle shows, river boat or train rides, tours of historic homes, riding in horse drawn carriages, visiting the wonderful Jefferson General Store is a step back in time, battle reenactments, plays, parades, and fireworks are just a small sample of what you can do in Jefferson once you get there. For more information on the McKay house visit the web site at http://www.mckayhouse.com/ or call 903-665-7322 Cell 903-240-9049. For Reservations, please call Classic Inns Reservations at 800-468-2627 you can email Hugh and Darla at innkeeper@mckayhouse.com . So until next time keep it between the ditches and tell your mama-an-em hello for me!

Outlaw Nationals Jefferson, Texas 2008

2008-04-21T14:50:00.000-07:00

Hwy 80 bound!

Ann & Kerry Easley

Saturday Morning at the Mckay House
Going to Jefferson, Texas is always a treat. Kerry Easley Minden High Class of 1977 and wife Ann joined us for a short blast on the bikes to see lots of cool cars and visit with lots of my old car friends. Getting ready for my May 3rd St. Jude show so we handed out 300 flyers over the weekend stay. As always the McKay house was relaxing and fun. We are ready for the Boo Run in October! Hope we win the new motorcycle!

A Brat Rod!

The End

Are you Dixie or Yankee? Take The Test

2008-04-08T06:38:00.000-07:00

This is me. I think I look pretty Southern in my hoop skirt and feather in my hair. This was taken March 29th, 2008 at the unknown CSA soldier grave marker ceremony at the Old Minden Cemetery. I found this test on my friend Jackie's site. So in honor of Confederate History Month which is in April I have included it for all of you to take the test. I am proud to say I am 98% Southern! I really figured I was 100%! I'll have to work on my faults I guess. Take the test and see what you are.
http://www.angelfire.com/ak2/intelligencerreport/yankee_dixie_quiz.html

Chicken Soup For The Music Lovers Soul

2008-03-02T09:12:00.000-08:00

This is the story of a friend of mine.

A man I'm proud to call a friend.

His name is Nolen Brown.

Nolen is a modern day philosopher.

The oldest son of a Southern Sharecropper, he has worked hard to enjoy a comfortable retirement
for him and his wife, Omega.

My friend Nolen is a songwriter...a great songwriter.

Nolen and I belong to a local songwriters association and he is the best songwriter in our group. He has
helped many of us hone our skills, even helping to co-write some songs where he saw a 'diamond in the
rough'. In my opinion, he is too good to be at our level, but he always shows up, supporting the good and
the not so good alike. Nolen is an inspiration to us all.

I met Nolen a few years after the loss of his son. Although his son had passed away, you can tell that he is
never more than a thought away from Nolen's heart. Although Nolen isn't wealthy, you could call him
rich. He is well loved and has many friends. He has a gift that he shares with anyone who will listen.
His gift is his song.

Nolen has the ability to write lyrics that can touch your soul. He can write lyrics and create melodies that
can make you laugh out loud or make tears flow like rain. He has spent many years capturing his life's
experiences, putting them to paper and sharing them where they touch everyone around him in a positive
way. He has hundreds of songs, and from where I sit, most could be hits if the right person were to hear
them.

Nolen sings of life and generally writes in the first person. His phrasing is unique, every word necessary
and never too many words. He has written songs about love, loss and loss of love. He writes songs that make
you sit back and realize things don't necessarily need to be the way they are, perhaps they could be better.
I call these songs revolutionary songs. He calls them protest songs, probably because he wrote some of them
during the 60's when he was first honing his story telling skills as a Contract Writer for Acuff-Rose Pub.
(now Opryland Music) in Nashville, Tennessee. Those were times of great change and his songs capture that
social consciousness. Some of his songs can move you to inspiration and wonder, amazed at the experiences
that make up our lives and connects each and every one of us. I wish everyone could hear Nolen's songs. The
world would be a better place.

Nolen is a very humble man. He doesn't search out the spotlight, but he is always accommodating to play
one of his songs that will endear him to you. The first time I ever heard Nolen sing was about two years ago
and he immediately made me sit up and pay attention. I remember it vividly. Like a first kiss or a school
boy’s infatuation, you can close your eyes and the moment is etched upon your soul and time is captured
for eternity. The song he sang that night was, "Lord, Help Me Make It", which was a top 10 finalist-
Gospel Category- in the USA Songwriting Contest 2001 with over 30,000 entries. He told the small audience
there that night that it took three years for him to write the song, because it was inspired by the loss of
his only son, Jeff, who had taken his own life. I sat there in silence thinking of my two children and how
precious they are to me. I don't live in fear of losing them, but that night, and that song, touched me so
deeply that I said a silent prayer thanking God for the blessings I have.

LORD HELP ME MAKE IT

WAS THERE TO SAY MY LAST GOOD-BYE
I TURNED MY HEAD UP TO THE SKY,
AND CRIED, "NOW LORD, I CAN'T TAKE IT".
TO LET (HIM/HER) GO IS SO HARD TO DO,
EVEN THOUGH (HE'S/SHE'S) THERE WITH YOU,
SO LORD HELP ME MAKE IT.

CHORUS

GIVE TO ME A CHAIN OF STRENGTH,
STRETCH IT OUT AND ADD A LINK,
I KNOW IT'S GONNA TAKE IT.
HELP ME TO ENDURE THE PAIN,
TILL THAT GREAT DAY WE'LL MEET AGAIN.
YES LORD, HELP ME MAKE IT.
MY LORD, HELP ME MAKE IT.

SO MANY TIMES MY LIFE YOU'VE BLESSED
NOW I MAKE ONE MORE REQUEST OF YOU
OH LORD, YOU'VE NEVER LEFT ME.
THIS MOUNTAIN OF GRIEF I'LL HAVE TO CLIMB,
IF YOU'LL JUST HELP ME ONE MORE TIME.
MY LORD, WON'T YOU HELP ME?

REPEAT CHORUS (C) 1999 NOLEN BROWN

The songwriters group gets together for an open mike night about once a month at a local hotel. Nolen
is the bright spot of the evening. Although he has hundreds of songs, most of which are great, he never
tries to show up the other artists. He plays his song with little or no fanfare, always downplaying his
performances; yet, he still is the bright spot of the evening. Nolen always brings something fresh to the
group each month.

Occasionally, the group is asked to perform for benefits and fund-raisers. Everyone can count on Nolen
to be there. Earlier this year, a local group was looking for Saturday afternoon entertainment to add
ambiance to their event. It was during this early spring afternoon that Nolen and his song touched someone
and they touched him back. This is that story.

I thought I might not go to the event. But, after a great deal of back and forth discussion with myself,
I decided to check it out. Nolen was already there when I arrived. I didn't know what he was going to play,
but I knew the audience would be pleasantly surprised. I believe they let each performer do two songs that
afternoon. Nolen took the stage and his first song was a relatively new song entitled,"The Grass Beneath the
Swing", written by Nolen, Omega and Robert Eaton.

THE GRASS BENEATH THE SWING

SHE USED TO COME TO ME AND SAY,
"DADDY, TAKE ME TO THE YARD AND SWING ME.
MAKE ME GO REAL HIGH, WAY UP TO THE SKY,
"DADDY WON'T YOU SWING ME?"
AND WHERE HER FEET WOULD DRAG THE GROUND,
THE GRASS WAS TORN AWAY THERE FROM THE LAWN.
AND I WOULD SMILE AND TELL HER MOM,
"I GUESS WE'LL GROW SOME GRASS WHEN SHE GETS GROWN”

CHORUS

AND THAT ONE SPOT WAS ALWAYS BEAR.
GRASS COULD NEVER GROW RIGHT THERE.
HER LITTLE FEET KEPT IT SWEPT CLEAN.
THERE WAS NO GRASS BENEATH THE SWING.

VERSE 2

WE'LL, I'M THE ONE WHO BOUGHT THE CAR,
AND I'M THE ONE WHO TAUGHT HER HOW TO DRIVE.
AND HOW I LOVED TO HEAR HER SAY,
"DADDY, LET ME TAKE YOU FOR A DRIVE".
AND I'M THE ONE WHO TOOK THE CALL,
THAT CUT INTO MY HEART JUST LIKE A KNIFE.
SOMEONE DRANK TOO MUCH,
VEERED INTO HER PATH AND TOOK HER LIFE.

CHORUS

NOW THERE'S GRASS BENEATH THE SWING.
AND I KNOW THE HEAVEN'S SING.
NOW SHE'S EARNED HER ANGEL WINGS.
AND THERE'S GRASS BENEATH THE SWING.

BRIDGE

MY MIND REPLAYS HER CHILDHOOD DAYS,
AND I STILL SEE HER SMILE.
THOUGH GOD NOW HOLDS HER IN HIS ARMS,
HE SHARED WITH US A WHILE.

REPEAT 2ND CHORUS
(C) COPYRIGHT 2000/Nolen Brown/Omega Brown/Robert Eaton

It always amazes me how a good song, an emotional song can touch you so deeply in three minutes.
You can feel the authors pain or joy and the feeling becomes your own. You see, every author needs
a reader and every performer need an audience. Each, as important as the other.

One lady, Carolyn Wintjin, was in the audience. I'm not sure why Carolyn was there that day, or why
Nolen had picked out those particular songs that day. After all, like I said, he has hundreds that he
could have chosen to play and I'm sure they all would have been well received. But as it turned out
Carolyn and Nolen had a common life's experience. They both were survivors of children that were now in
God's hands.

It took a number of months, but Carolyn contacted Nolen. She had remembered him and his song that touched
her that day. Perhaps time, now her adversary, motivated her to reach out. Whatever the reason, she
contacted Nolen by e-mail, September 11, 2002. In her letter, she wrote:

Hi Nolen,

Congrats on being in the top 10.

I will not ask you how you lost your son, and there are no words to describe your feelings except in a song.
I lost four sons and a four-month-old daughter in a fire in Colorado in 1971. I now have a daughter
named Courtney, age 15, and she is a gift from God. I used to ask why, but I have learned you just have to
trust and believe in your faith. I have learned that I have cancer and have been given a year to live.
You know God is the only one who really knows, and he doesn't need any more bosses in Heaven and Hell
won't have me. I thank God every day for each and every day he allows me to spend with my family. Now,
I know why your songs went straight to my heart. Always remember friends are hard to come by and
acquaintances come and go. Hope to see you on the 26th of October. In my book, you are already #1.
My family enjoys your music, so keep it coming.

Later,
Carolyn

In an earlier e-mail Carolyn had requested a CD of THE GRASS BENEATH THE SWING if he had one and wanted
to get it from him on October 26, when the group would be performing there again. Nolen didn't
wait until the 26th of October. He mailed her a Demo CD with 20 of his songs on it (not of his sing-
ing, but by professional demo-singers and musicians in Nashville). I have heard the CD and if Carolyn
is like me, and I suspect she is, she has found a friend. And friends like Nolen are hard to come by.

By: Johnny Wessler

The above was submitted to CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE MUSIC LOVER'S SOUL which has yet to be published.