MINDEN GEMS
Carol Whitfield captured the title of Miss Minden
in the March of Dimer Follies sponsored by the
Young Womens Service Club after winning the
title of Miss Minden High School. She also won
the Miss Congeniality title at the Miss Holiday in
Dixie Contest in 1953.
IN MEMORY OF CAROL WHITFIELD
Triple Title Holder
Miss Minden High School 1953
Miss Minden 1953
Miss Congeniality at the Miss Holiday in Dixie Contest in 1953
1936-1986
She sleeps in the Gardens of Faith, Section 2, Row 4
Garden of Faith, Section 2, Row
In 1975 the daughter of Carol Whitfield & Derald Kirkland
captures Darling Title
DEDICATED TO THE HONOR OF EARLENE MENDENHALL LYLE
DEDICATED TO THE HONOR OF
EARLENE MENDENHALL LYLE
Earlene Mendenhall Triple crown holder
Miss Civitian 1956
Miss Minden High School 1956
Miss Minden School 1956
Miss Illustrious Alumni
Author of The Minden Cemetery a Peaceful resting place in Webster Parish and co-author
with her sister, Barbara McLemore of Transcriptions from the Gardens of Memory Cemetery.
To make donations to the Minden Cemetery or order one of the books e-mail earlenelyle@aol.com
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McFarland Crowned Miss Minden
18-year-old looks forward to representing hometown
‘I was ecstatic when they called my name’
Hannah McFarland is looking forward to representing her hometown in a whole new way as the 18-year-old captured the crown of Miss Minden Saturday night.
“I competed last year, and it was so much fun, and even more fun this year,” McFarland said. “I was just nervous because I didn’t know what was going to happen,but I was ecstatic when they called my name. I am truly looking forward to representing Minden.”
McFarland felt her interview went well and won the swimsuit award. For the talent portion of competition, she performed a jazz dance to “I Believe,” from the motion picture “Honey.”
“The interview was very laid back,” McFarland said. “The judges were awesome. I felt like I was talking to a group of friends, and winning swimsuit was awesome.”
McFarland’s first official appearance as Miss Minden will be at the Young Women’s Service Club’s annual Easter egg hunt. She also plans to immediately begin speaking at local schoolson her platform, the importance of volunteerism.
As Miss Minden, McFarland earned a $2,200 scholarship, $1,250 wardrobe allowance and $150 cash. She will compete for the title of Miss Louisiana in Monroe in June.
McFarland is a 2006 graduate of Minden High School and is a freshman at Bossier Parish Community College, majoring in nursing. She plans to continue her education at Louisiana Tech,obtain a master’s degree and become a nurse anesthetist.
In high school, McFarland was named Math Student of the Year, attended the literary rally in Spanish and geometry and attended the FBLA rally. She was also named Line Dancer of the Year,a member of the Kick Company and to the All-American Dance Company. In softball, she held the highest batting average on the team and was named All-District and offensive player of the year.
In her spare time, McFarland enjoys hanging out with friends, taking long walks with her mom, going to church, watching movies and playing with her three dogs.
She is the daughter of Cliff and Kim McFarland.
Rounding out the winners of Saturday night, Molly Bryan was named first runner-up; Tamra Wallace was second runner-up and the talent winner; and Ashley Sanders was Miss Congeniality.
Miss Louisiana and former Miss Minden Jamie Wilson served as the mistress of ceremonies for the evening. As she received the Key to the City during her reign as Miss Minden, MayorBill Robertson presented her with a silver platter engraved with the city’s logo.
“It was incredible to come back and see a new girl inducted into this unique society of women. I attend this pageant every year, but it was even more incredible to be a part of the production,”Wilson said. “This pageant is more distinguished and gives an incredible scholarship. It was wonderful to be a part of bringing Hannah into this group of women.”
Newly crowned Miss Minden Hannah McFarland walks out to greet the crowd following her coronation Saturday night.
Winners at the Miss Minden Pageant held Saturday were Miss Congeniality Ashley Sanders, from left, second runner-up Tamra Wallace,
Miss Minden Hannah McFarland and first runner-up Molly Byran. Also picture, far right is Miss Louisiana Jamie Wilson.
“I competed last year, and it was so much fun, and even more fun this year,” McFarland said. “I was just nervous becauseI didn’t know what was going to happen, but I was ecstatic when they called my name. I am truly looking forward to representing
Minden.”McFarland felt her interview went well and won the swimsuit award. For the talent portion of competition, she performed a jazz
dance to “I Believe,” from the motion picture “Honey.”“The interview was very laid back,” McFarland said. “The judges were awesome.
I felt like I was talking to a group of friends, and winning swimsuit was awesome."
McFarland’s first official appearance as Miss Minden will be at the Young Women’s Service Club’s annual Easter egg hunt. She also
plans to immediately begin speaking at local schools on her platform, the importance of volunteerism.
As Miss Minden, McFarland earned a $2,200 scholarship, $1,250 wardrobe allowance and $150 cash. She will compete for the title of
Miss Louisiana in Monroe in June. McFarland is a 2006 graduate of Minden High School and is a freshman at Bossier Parish Community College,
majoring in nursing. She plans to continue her education at Louisiana Tech, obtain a master's degree and become a nurse anesthetist.
In high school, McFarland was named Math Student of the Year, attended the literary rally in Spanish and geometry and attended the
FBLA rally. She was also named Line Dancer of the Year, a member of the Kick Company and to the All-American Dance Company.
In softball, she held the highest batting average on the team and was named All-District and offensive player of the year.In her spare time,
McFarland enjoys hanging out with friends, taking long walks with her mom, going to church, watching movies and playing with her three dogs.
She is the daughter of Cliff and Kim McFarland. Rounding out the winners of Saturday night, Molly Bryan was named first runner-up; Tamra
Wallace was second runner-up and the talent winner; and Ashley Sanders was Miss Congeniality.Miss Louisiana and former Miss Minden Jamie
Wilson served as the mistress of ceremonies for the evening. As she received the Key to the City during her reign as Miss Minden, Mayor Bill
Robertson presented her with a silver platter engraved with the city’s logo.“It was incredible to come back and see a new girl inducted into this unique
society of women. I attend this pageant every year, but it was even more incredible to be a part of the production,” Wilson said. “This pageant is more
distinguished and gives an incredible scholarship. It waswonderful to be a part of bringing Hannah into this group of Newly crowned Miss Minden.
Hannah McFarland walks out to greet the crowd following her coronation Saturday night.Winners at the Miss Minden Pageant held Saturday were Miss Congeniality Ashley Sanders,from left, second runner-up Tamra Wallace, Miss Minden Hannah McFarland and first runner-up
Molly Byran. Also pictured, far right, is Miss Louisiana Jamie Wilson.
Hannah McFarland was crowned Miss Minden 2007 following Saturday night’s pageant.
Press-Herald photo/Kristi Richie
Submitted by LeVerne Langheld Kidd
Hannah Harris was Pre-Teen Miss Minden AND Most Photogenic.
Brittany Reno was first runner up.
Carline Tucker was Minden's Choice.
Alexis Robinette was second runner-up
Savannah Perot was third runner-up
Two Minden girls were in this Miss Lincoln Parish contest in 1957 while they were attending La. Tech. At the far left is#11, Sandra Pullig; #1 is Earlene Mendenhall.
Compliments of Earlene Mendenhall Lyle
Sandra Pullig Smith
Winner of the only Miss Minden Contest held at the Joy Theater
by Box Office and sponsored by City Merchants around 1954.
Pretty Erika Traynham, Grand daughter of Billy and LeVerne Kidd
Our Choice for 2006 Minden Gem
Corky Marvin is introducing Miss USA Sharon Brown in front of the entrance to city hal
Complimentsof John Quade Photography, Minden, La.
Submitted by Quade Photography
Stan Quade is in the white shirt holding the camera taking the picture of Sharon Rene Brown
Sharon Rene Brown, Miss USA 1961
Sharon Rene Brown Sharon never went to school in Minden. She had come
to Minden from Waterproof, LA in the early summer of my Junior year at MHS
She was Miss Waterproof and then Miss La Tech and then, Miss USA.
The last time I saw her was long ago in Minden. her hair was in pigtails.
My mother thought she was the prettiest thing she had ever seen. She
had two younger brothers who were twins, named Lary and Gary.
Linda Holt Moorehead
Sharon Brown was a Freshaman at La. Tech during 1960-61 during (1958-1961)
cheerloader, (ROTC Sponsor Lagniappe Beauty. A two page spread honored
her as Miss USA.
Miss Sharon Brown, Miss USA 1961Sharon Rene Brown, Miss Louisiana 1961
Sharon Rene Brown, Miss Louisiana Tech 1961
Sharon Rene Brown, Miss Waterproof, Louisiana 1961
Sharon Brown, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Roy Brown
Eurlyne Howell, Miss Louisiana 1958
Photo by Bob Grambling, submitted by Greg Grambling
Eurlyne Howell
Photo by Bob Grambling, Submitted by Greg Grambling
Photo by Bob Grambling - Submitted by Greg Grambling
1957 Ford identified by Larry Mays, photo by Bob Grambling, Submitted by Greg Grambling
Eurlyne Howell
Miss USA 1958
Marilyn Ann McKinight, Miss America went to Lincoln Parish in 1957
Picture submitted by Earlene Mendenhall Lyle
Mary Ellen Bailey named Ship Pin-Up Queen
Mary Ellen Bailey
This picture of Mary Ellen Bailey (with a different background) was seen
by the crew on the ship, USS Mahopac, and as a result the boys voted
Mary Ellen, "Miss Mahopac, "pin up queen of the ship. The seamen sent
the Minden High school junior a few vital statistics of their ship and, she in
turn sent them vital statistics of herself.
CREW ON USS MAHOPAC ELECTS LOCAL GIRL QUEEN
When Minden High School drum majorette drum majorette Mary Ellen
Bailey got her picture in the Review a few weeks back she had no idea a Navy
ship crew way up in Alaska would see it and choose her as the pin-up queen
of their ship.
But that's exactly what happened. The crew of the U.S.S. Mahopac got together
and voted Mary Ellen as "Miss Mohopac".
The sailors voted the Minden high junior their pin-up queen when they saw a
crewman's copy of the Review which ran the picture several weeks ago.
The picture was taken by Robert Grambling who somehow seems to have a
magic touch when it comes to dabbing into photography. Director of the Minden
High School band, he won two places earlier this year in a photo contest by the
Shreveport Times, and now another of his picture had capture an honor.
The crew send Mary Ellen daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Bailey of 705 Buchanan
Street of Minden, some vital statistics of their ship as follows: 142 feet from bow
to stern, 32 feet across the beam, weight is 300 tons and has a complement of
44 men."
According to the crew members, the Mohopac has been to Alaska for seven years
of duty, and each man aboard serves 18 months aboard the ship.
In all fairness Mary Ellen feels she had to send the crew a few vital statistics of
her own, so she mailed them the following data: height 5'f", weight 120 pounds,
waist 23 inches, hips 34 inches, bust 34 inches, hair - brown, and eyes brown.
Mary Ellen not only helps the band but she can play in it too. She plays the
saxophone and the piano. Her hobbies are dancing and twirling.
One of her favorite pastimes is collecting miniature shoes - glass wooden, metal,
etc., and she hopes that the seamen who have adopted her as their pin-up girl
will help her out with the collection."
In case the Mahopac does leave Alaska, the crew can shop around for some
shoes for Mary Ellen in the various ports they visit.Tuesday, October 6, 1953
Earlene Mendenhall Triple crown holder
Miss Civitian 1956
Miss Minden High School 1956
Miss Minden School 1956
Former Miss Mindens also include
1953-2005 HISTORY OF MISS MINDEN'S OF WEBSTER PARISH
1953 - It has been over fifty years since CAROL WHITFIELD first won the title of
MISS MINDEN for WEBSTER PARISH. When she represented Minden in
the MISS HOLIDAY IN DIXIE contest she was voted Miss Congeniality
making her a triple holder since she had already won the Miss Minden High
School Contest in 1953. When Carol married Derald Kirkland
1953 - second runner up, SANDRA GRAY HUNT became Miss Minden 1953. Had
she not finished out the term Keith Clement would have became Miss Minden.
1954 - Betty Jean Davis Lumpkin, Carla Faye Green came in second and
Cortez David Cupples came in third.
1955 - Trudy Ann Brooks Bishop , Carla Faye Green came in second and Annetta Baker Kirkland came in third
1956 - Mary Jo Skinner Kirkland first won the title and forfeited two days later .
1956 - Annetta Baker Kirkland would have been Miss Minden however she forfeited to marry Gerald Kirkland which gave
the title to Earlene Mendenhall.
1956 - EARLENE MENDENHALL LYLE. It was Earlene Lyle who crowned the 1957 Miss Minden.Earlene Mendenhall Lyle also performed other duties of Miss Minden 1956...
Today, you might find her writing cemetery books and working to
raise money for the old Minden City Cemetery although she doesn't have anyone
buried there. She and Bob live in Alabama . I I ear they they may be looking for in Minden to build on.
1957 - Marcelee Robinson Culpepper Jeanette Woodard came in second and then
Wanda Miller was next.
1958 - Betty Rhea Deloach
1959 - Mary Virginia Nethring Kennon
1960 - Sandra Crockett Brown
1961 - Becky McKenzie Leopold
1962 - Elizabeth Ann Hardy Burnett
1963- Emily Van Horn Wilbert
1964 - Carolyn Reed
1965 - Betty Lou Cunningham McClure
1966 - Cheryl Parker Whatley
1967 - Jeanette Zachry Phillips
1968 - Karen Norman Van Horn
1969 - Rita Tyler Carrier
1970 - Judith Carter D'Angelo
1971 - Ellen Sullivan Kelley
1972 - Cindy Ritchie Walker
1973 - Carla Powers Herron
1974 - Melinda Morgan McMahone
1975 - Melinda Morgan McMahone
1976 - Jessica Barkas Welch
1977 - Jerri Ray dePingre'
1978 - Janet Locke Clarke
1979 - Kelly Higginbotham Warren
1980 - Julie Curry Lamon
1981 - Stacey Austin Gloer
1982- Mary Beth Irving Love
1983 - Joanna Byars Marks
1984 - Terri Lynn McKinney
1985 - Sharon Irving Gorman
1986 - Majorie Blackwell McGowen
1987 - Michele Beckel Corley
1988 - Jeanne Dickson Patterson
1989 - Angie Holland Woodard
1990 - Allison Hanson Maxwell
1991 - Amanda Hamm dePingre
1992 - Heather Purtle
1993 - Cathy Jamison
1994 - Jennifer McGuire
1995 - Asleigh Albritton
1996 - Jodi McGuire
1998 - Amency Waters
1999 - Courtney Noles
2000 - Jennifer Culpepper
2001 - Megan White
2002 - Jessica Tucker
2003 - Jessica Wilson
2004 - Nicole Paisco
2005 - Kare de Pingre2006 - Nicole Daye
2007 - MM Hannah McFarland
2007 - First runner up Mollie Bryan
The Miss Minden Pageant is sponsored annually by the Young Women'sService Club and is a preliminary to the Miss America Pageant.
Hannah Harris was Pre-Teen Miss Minden AND Most Photogenic.
Brittany Reno was first runner up.
Carline Tucker was Minden's Choice.
Alexis Robinette was second runner-up
Savannah Perot was third runner-up
Pre-Teen Miss Minden 2007-Contest
Submitted by LeVerne Langheld Kidd
If you know of any corrections to the above please e-mail me at
If you have a picture of one of the above you would like to submit,
please e-mail me so I will be expecting it.
Press-Herald photo/Kristi Richie
Miss Minden 2004 Nicole Poisso crowns Kara dePingre’ as the 2005 Miss Minden during Saturday’s pageant, while second
runner-up Britni Russell looks on. DePingre’ is the 18-year-old daughter
of Benny and Jerri dePingre’. Below, dePingre displays her surprise of
being announced as the new Miss Minden.
Robbie Ann Kidd
People' Choice Award & Winner of the
Swim Suit Competition in 2005
Robbie Ann Kidd People's
Choice Award Winner
Swin Suit Competition in 2005
Farm Bureau Queen 2004
Second Runner up Miss MInden 2003
Miss Minden 2004
Nicolle Poisso takes Miss Minden crown
Robbie Ann Kidd, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Robert Kidd of Minden, La.
FARM BUREAU QUEEN 2004
Daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Robert Kidd of Minden, La.
Granddaughter of Mr. & Mrs. Billy Kidd of Minden, La.
Granddaughter of Mr. & Mrs. Roland Shilling of Blanchard, La.
FARM BUREAU QUEEN 2004
Robbie Ann Kidd
daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Robert Kidd
& Granddaughter of
Mr. & Mrs. Billy Kidd of Minden, Louisiana & M. &Mrs. Roland Shilling of Blanchard, Louisiana
Jennifer Culpepper is the granddaughter of 1957 winner Marcelee Robinson and the late Tommy Culpepper.
1973 Grig
She is the granddaughter of 1957 Miss Minden, Marcelee Robinson Culpepper
Miss Denise Green is MHS Darling for 1959
Leonard Miller, Master of Ceremonies
Left to Right: Marsha Hoefeld, Mary Virginia Nehring, Denise Green and Diane Green (Twins
IN LOVING MEMORY OF MARY VIRGINIA NEHRING KENNON died June 3, 2002.
Mary KennonMemorial services for Mrs. Mary Virginia Nehring Kennon, will be held at 2 p.m.
today, June 3, 2002, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden with Dr. Ronald Price
officiating. Mrs. Kennon, a resident of Doyline, passed away Thursday, May 30, while at Dubuis
Hospital in Shreveport. She loved living in the country enjoying her garden, flowers,
birds and animals as well as managing her apartments. Mrs. Kennon was well known
for her vivacious, energetic personality. Her absence has created a void, but her vitality
has left a ray of sunshine that will never fade.
She was preceded in death by her father, Allen R. Nehring and grandparents, Julius C. Nehring
of Wisconsin and Dr. and Mrs. S.C. Cade of Many. She is survived by her two sons, Rodney Kennon
and wife Jymme of Bossier City, John Kennon of Minden; daughter, Kelly Gillis and husband Don of
Haughton; grandchildren, Brad, Steven and Jennifer Kennon, Jodi and Tyler Gillis, and Natalie Butler;
parents, Vicky Cade Fischer and Clarence Fischer of Bossier City; brothers, Steve Nehring and wife,
Sally, and Donald Fischer of Shreveport, and Greg Fischer and wife Karen of Atlanta, Ga.
Memorials may be made to Bossier Kids, Inc., 2125 Airline Drive, Bossier City, La., 71111, a foster care
program supporting needy children.
MISS M.H.S. DARLING 1957-1958
Sandra Crockett, Miss Minden 1958
MARCELEE ROBINSON - MISS MINDEN 1957
JEANETTE WOODARD - FIRST RUNNER UP
WANDA MILLER - SECOND RUNNER UP
Submiteed by LeVerne Langheld Kidd
MISS MINDEN CONTEST 1957
Earlene Mendenhall, Miss Minden 1956Crowns the new Miss Minden 1957, Marcelee Robinson
First runner up is Jeanette Woodard - Second runner up - Wanda Miller
Miss Minden 1956, Earlene Mindenhall crowns the new Miss Minden 1957.
Jeanete Woodard, Marcelee Culpepper and Wanda Miller
Also in the contest was Lovely LeVerne Langheld below
This pretty Minden Gem is LeVerne Langheld
The Tide Talk elected Earlene
Mendenhall Most Beautiful Girl in 1956
Earlene Mendenhall
Mary Jo Skinner
Jeanette Woodard Betty Claire Rhea
Shirley Boyer Mildred Aarons
The pages from the Grig were submitted by LeVerne Langheld Kidd
SISTERS ARE CROWNED
Earlene Mendenhall , Miss Minden 1956
Barbara Mendenhall, Miss Minden Jr. High Shool, Miss Minden Jr. High School 1956
Radiant Charming Barbara Mindenhall crowned by
Jasper Goodwill, Mayor of Minden in 1956
Runners up were Marsha Hoefed, Martha Sers, and Ann Frazier
Jasper Goodwill crowns Earlene Miss MHS
Runners up were Mary Jo Skinner, Jeanette Woodard and Jeannine Mobley
TRUDY WAS VOTE MOST BEAUTIFUL GIRL IN THE TIDE TALK
FIRST runner up to Trudy Brooks was Carla Faye Green
SECOND runner up was Annetta Baker
MHS - 1955 CARLA FAYE GREEN
CARLA FAYE WAS VOTED SECOND MOST BEAUTIFUL GIRL IN THE TIDE TALK
MISS MINDEN 1955
Trudy was voted most beautiful girl in the Tide Talk
MISS MINDEN HIGH SCHOOL
AND FIRST RUNNER UP Miss Minden in 1955
COACH JOYCE EILEEN HILLARD'S WEDDING
This is the photo just after Joyce Hillard married Robert Patten. The marriage lasted less than a year. Pictured admiring
her wedding ring are clockwise from left: Ellen Baker, Camille Ivy (Jeanette Woodard's head shows behind Camille Ivy.), Mary
Jo Skinner, Ann Mays, Jeannine Mobley, Joyce Hillard Patten, Lyda Roberts, Ginger Rushing.
Barbara Mendenhall - Camelia Princess during the 60s
Betty Jean Davis, Miss Minden 1954
2nd runner up, Cortez David, Miss Minden Betty Jean Davis and first runner up, Carla Faye Green
First runner up, Milly Aaron's became Miss Minden High School
when Pat Wilson marries Hugh Cranford in 1954.
1954
1953
This is Carole Whitfield's picture when she
was crowned Miss Minden. She had also
won Miss Minden High School and won the title of Miss Congeniality at the
Miss Holiday in Dixie Contest making her a triple title holder.
First runner up was Sandra Gray. Sandra assumed the role
of Miss Minden after Carole forfeited the crown to get married.
Keitha Clement graduated in 1951. She was
was 2nd runner up Miss Minden in 1953
1952 Dorothy Jean Hunter was voted most beautiful girl in 1952
Submitted by Rowland Ivy - From the 1952 Grig
From the 1952 Grig - Most Beautiful. Submitted by Rowland Ivy
1951 Submitted by Rowland Ivy
Submitted by Rowland Ivy - From the 1951 Grig
Submitted by Rowland Ivy
Gloria Woodard 1950
1950 Marilyn Allgood, Betty Sue Britt, Patsy Carson, Betty Sue Britt
Submitted by Rowland Ivy -1949
From the 1949 Grig - Submitted by Rowland Ivy
1949 Grig - Submitted by Rowland Ivy
Submitted by Rowland Ivy from the 1948 Grig
The girls are: Bottom left -Bobbie Staples, left - Kirkikis,
Center - Betty Sue Alexander, right - Flois Gay, and
Bottom right - Ruth Brooks
1948
Submitted by Rowland Ivy -1947/8Grig
1947
Del Messer - Submitted by Quade Studio
Del was also homecoming queen in 1945
There were no Grigs published during the war years
Margaret French is the beauty beside Sue Willie Matthews
1940 Prettiest girl - Marybelle Butler
1939 Prettiest girl
1938 Prettiest Girl - Margery O'Kelley
1937 Pretties girl - Marie Lites
Geraldine Harkness, 1936 Prettiest Girl
Submitted by Ann Mays Harlan
Another surprise find while searching newspapersin the Minden library was this picture of Minden's recently
crowned Miss Minden of 1932, Nellie Graham Colbert.
Runners-up were Nancy Lee and Kay D. Drew.
Submitted by Earlene Mendenhall Lyle
Camille Daniels - Prettiest girl in 1925Submitted by Amy Wiley Jason
