In August of 2009 I made a hard decision to sell my beloved "Olivia" it was time for a new chapter in my life and someone that loved her as much as I did wanted to buy her. She changed my life and by selling her she will allow me to fullfill another dream maybe! In 2012 I became a member of Motor Maids, Inc. the oldest women's motorcycle group in the U.S. and Canada. This is the new chapter in my life, riding my 2004 Harley with a great group of new friends.
In September of 2014 I was hit at a red light in Magnolia, Arkansas.....I wasn't totaled out but my motorcycle was. Shortly afterward I found my next ride a 2013 HD Heritage named Buttercup.... cause I sure had to suck it up and just ride.
Olivia

1937 Buick Special
Me and "The Hell Bitch"

My 50th birthday gift to myself a 2004 Harley she is named after Captain Call's horse on Lonesome Dove.
I Want This Bike!

Me On A 1942 Harley
My Favorite TV Show
The Location Of My Visitors!
Search This Blog For Schelley's Favorite Subjects
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Friday, December 9, 2011
A Lesson In Life
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!!
Friday, October 21, 2011
Part of my “Bucket List” is Complete
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Wedding Announcement

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..
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.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
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

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

Friday, January 14, 2011
Sunday, October 17, 2010
KCS Run 2010
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KCS Run 2010 |
Monday, October 11, 2010
Boo Benefit 2010
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Boo Benefit 2010 |
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Bikes Blues and BBQ 2010
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Bikes Blues & BBQ 2010 |
Monday, September 20, 2010
Cannonball Run Video Clips
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Cannonball Run 2010


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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
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
“Museum Gala A Historic Event”
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“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.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Ghost Walk 2010 Nov. 13th, 2010



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 .
Thursday, July 29, 2010
"A Night At The Museum" September 13th, 2010


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.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Aubrie Singing Just Friends
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Spend your summer as a History Pioneer

Sunday, May 2, 2010
2010 Cruisin'
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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.”
Monday, April 26, 2010
April 25th, 2010 My first real ride!







Saturday, April 24, 2010
"The Chief" The Car That Started It All!

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.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Scottish Tartan Fest 2010
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Scottish Tartan Fest |
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/
Sunday, April 18, 2010
2010 Outlaw Nationals in Jefferson, Texas
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Outlaw Nationals 2010 |
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Cruisin Just Around The Corner


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 .
Monday, March 29, 2010
Minden Cruisin For A Cure Wheels Through Time 2010 TV Spot and Info
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
Thursday, March 4, 2010
On The Harley Web Site
Check it out at Feel The Freedom
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
2010 Woman of The Year!




When she said that I turned to Danny and said "Its ME!"
MANY OF US ARE FORTUNATE TO LIVE IN MINDEN, LOUISIANA ….. THE FRIENDLIEST CITY IN THE SOUTH … A PLACE WHE

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!!
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.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Dorcheat Historical Museum Making Great Progress In Just 19 Months


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

“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 ge

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

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 amoun


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 v
