GREENVILLE, Ohio — The Garst Museum is where the legendary sharpshooter Annie Oakley’s memories come alive. In her exhibit is where visitors get to check out the guns Oakley used.
The Greenville native, who was born in 1860, taught herself how to shoot at a young age to help her family get out of poverty.
“Once she found out she had this innate talent for shooting, she did it to help her family out first and then after she met Frank, and then they became a team, she then did it for the enjoyment of others,” said Brenda Arnett, Garst Museum’s office manager.
Oakley met Frank Butler, a sharpshooter, at a competition when she was 15. They were competitors and she won. They later got married and adopted their dog, Dave, one of their prized possessions.
“She’s Darke County’s favorite daughter,” said Arnett. “She’s one of America’s favorite daughters — most famous daughters — and I think people need to see her as a model of how they can live.”
In 1885, Oakley and Butler joined Buffalo Bill and the Wild West Show — putting their skills on display for the world to see.
But in 1901, Oakley was badly injured in a train accident, forcing her to give up touring. She turned to teaching women how to shoot, and acting. Many of the TV shows and movies she was featured in may be seen inside this six-building complex.
“We have women that are my age that come in and say ‘Oh I’ve watched Annie Oakley all the time and I really needed to come,” said Arnett. “I love Annie Oakley. I’ve been a fan of hers forever. So it’s nice to have some place where you can go to and see her things.”
