By Jessica Gorman

In downtown Minden, the Webster Parish Courthouse stands on what was once the site of City Park. This park was just one in a series of parks running through the heart of the city. These beautiful parks were developed and cared for by the Woman’s Department Club and, at one time, were considered to make up one of the best park systems in the state. Many visitors to Minden praised the beauty of Minden’s parks in their descriptions of the city.

The ladies of the Civic Club, a division of the Woman’s Department Club, focused on beautifying the city. Their efforts began in the early 1900s with City Park. The park was first enclosed with a fence “of wooden posts with a plank in between, painted green.” Club members laid sod, planted shrubs, and created gravel paths throughout the park. They had a bandstand constructed and then a fountain and benches. In 1930, lights were strung from the bandstand to the corners of the park. Over the years, other additions were made including tennis courts, a playground, and for a short period of time, a miniature golf course operated by R.R. Adams.

For many years, City Park was the site of much activity. May Day celebrations, carnivals, outdoor movies, and other events were held here. The bandstand hosted an annual summer concert series by the Minden Municipal Band. Many political rallies were held here. Huey P. Long visited Minden on multiple occassions. In 1930, he spoke at a program held in City Park to celebrate the opening of the Shreveport Road and gave a campaign speech to an estimated 500 people.

The park was heavily damaged by the devasting tornado that struck Minden in May 1933. The bandstand had to be rebuilt and trees were replanted. 

During World War II, Minden contributed to the war effort by removing several tons of chains and posts from the park to donate to the scrap metal drive. 

In the 1940s, it was considered as a possible site of a federal recreation center. City Park was also considered as a potential location for construction of the American Legion Hall. It was during this same time period that the parish began making plans for a new courthouse. In 1951, the City of Minden transferred City Park to the Webster Parish Police Jury for construction of the new courthouse. 

(Jessica Gorman is the Assistant Director and Archivist for the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum in Minden and is an avid genealogist.)