Tag Archives: Maryland

Garst Museum in Greenville, Ohio – The National Annie Oakley Center

 Visiting the Winery at Versailles in Ohio, I was surprised to learn that Annie Oakley was from nearby Greenville.  The winery was once home to her aunt and Annie would visit over the summer.  I decided to take a mini-field trip to check out Greenville and learn more about the little girl they nicknamed “Little Sure Shot”.  Not only was there a statue of the famous sharpshooter, but an exhibit venue dedicated to her at The Garst Museum.

Born on August 13, 1860, Annie Moses was the fifth daughter of Jacob and Susan Moses and grew up a poor country girl.  When her father and stepfather died, she learned to shoot game to feed the family at a young age.  No one knows how she was named Annie Oakley but some say it was the surname of the man that helped her escape her difficult life while others claim she took the name from a suburb of Cincinnati.

By the time Annie was 10 years old, the Darke County Fair had become a major local event and it was probable that she had attended and could have even competed in the shooting competitions.

By the time Annie was 16, she had met and married Frank Butler, who was also a professional marksman.  Frank was 10 years older than Annie and was born in Ireland.  Annie met him on a visit to see her sister who had moved to nearby Cincinnati.  During their meeting,  Frank was immediately smitten with her while Annie fell for his poodle named George.

In 1885 Annie joined Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show, a theatrical production which demonstrated various reenactments that included Cowboy and Indian scenarios as well as sharpshooting.  Living her life out of a suitcase, Annie’s husband traveled with her and was also a performer in the show.

One attendee mentioned that she was a “small girl among the rough plainsmen.” standing at only five feet tall.   In 1890 she arrived in Paris to perform with the Wild West show and later headlined at the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago.  She was presented with many awards and pins that she wore while performing.  She was the first woman to become an international superstar.

Annie Oakley would eventually retire from the Wild West show and settle with her husband in Nutley, New Jersey and later in Cambridge, Maryland (known as the Annie Oakley House).  The couple did not have children, but were very fond of their adopted dog, Dave.

Annie Oakley “paved the way for women to ‘compete in a man’s world’ without compromising her integrity and femininity.”  It was her opinion that “every woman should know how to handle guns  as naturally as they know how to handle babies.”

In 1925, Annie’s health declined and was living in Greenville, Ohio with her sister, Emily.  At the age of 66, Annie died from complications with pneumonia on November 3, 1926. She is buried in Brock Cemetery near Greenville.

Annie’s story is one of success and tenacity.   Growing up with nothing, her hard work paid off resulting in her accomplishments and in becoming a role model for young girls to compete in sports.   Achieving awards and fame, she never forgot her humble beginnings.

Have you visited the Annie Oakley exhibit at the Garst Museum? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my visit to Greenville’s Garst Museum and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Garst Museum
205 North Broadway
Greenville, OH  45331
Telephone: 937 548 5250

  • Admission: $12 for adults, $11 for seniors, $9 for youth, $9 for Darke County Genealogy Society Members, Free for children aged 5 and below and for DCHS Members
  • Hours:  Tuesday – Saturday from 10AM to 4PM & Sunday from 1PM to 4PM, Closed Mondays, Major Holidays and the Month of January
  • Amenities:  Historical exhibits, educational exhibits, research center, historic figures, museum store and special events
  • Tips: Allow yourself plenty of time to visit each of the exhibits and wear comfortable shoes.

Where to Stay: 

The Inn at Versailles
21 West Main Street
Versailles, OH  45380
Telephone:  937 526 3020

Where to Eat: 

The Merchant House
406 South Broadway
Greenville, OH  45331
Telephone:  937 459 4405

Pig candy and the Monte Cristo sandwich….absolutely amazing!

Where to Drink: 

Kennedy Vineyard
3911 State Route 722
New Madison, OH  45346
Telephone:  937 273 8381

What to Read:

  • Annie Oakley, by Charles J. Shields
  • Annie Oakley:  A Captivating Guide to an American Sharpshooter Who Later Became a Wild West Folk Hero, by Captivating History
  • Life and Legacy of Annie Oakley, by Glenda Riley

Red Brick Tavern in London, Ohio

“If these walls could talk….”   I must have heard this saying at least ten times while I was enjoying a Prime Rib special at the Red Brick Tavern in London, Ohio.

Of course, I agree, but I had not really given it much thought.  The three-story tavern and roadside inn was built by the Minter family in the late 1830s and was a popular stop for Americans in search of opportunities out west.  William and Mary settled here with their nine children in the town they named Lafayette, halfway between Columbus and Springfield.

Most would travel the muddy road known as the National Road which originated from Cumberland, Maryland to include Stanley Watson from Connecticut.  Stanley wed Effa Minter, was given a parcel of land from her father on which the Red Brick Tavern was built in 1836 and was then leased to John McMullen.

Designed in the style of Old English Manor, the Red Brick Tavern originally offered twenty-four rooms for travelers, while the ground level housed the kitchen and dining room.  It was a “reversed L” structure where the front of the building faced the National Road and a narrow section extended along the side street. The third story was the private residence of the family and could be accessed by a stairway with four rooms were located under the gables of the front wing.

According to a placard outside,  the Red Brick Tavern entertained six United States Presidents to include John Quincy Adams, Martin Van Buren, William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, Zachary Taylor and Warren G. Harding.

Eventually the property would revert back to the Minter family in February of 1854 and would be passed on to the next generation where it would become a school and a rental property.  By 1923, the property would no longer remain in the Minter family and would  sold to become a tearoom and restaurant.

Today, the Red Brick Tavern thrives as a restaurant owned by Cris Cummins and Madonna Christy who purchased the property in 2007.

Known for their home cooked meals, local residents fill the dining room for their daily specials and desserts.  I was excited to learn that in addition to dinner rolls, the restaurant also served cinnamon rolls before the meal.

The Red Brick Tavern had come full circle and was once again a restaurant.  I was happy to visit on Friday night for their Prime Rib special that included a side dish, rolls and dessert.

This little historic gem has been a witness to  American history with the building of the National Road and for hosting several Presidents of the United States and now it was going to witness me eat their perfectly prepared, medium-rare steak, followed by a slice of their decadent peanut butter pie.

Have you visited the Red Brick Tavern in Lafayette?   I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Thank you for reading about my visit to Red Brick Tavern and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do: 

Red Brick Tavern
1700 Cumberland Street
London, Ohio  43140
Telephone;  614 200 5447

Go on Friday and/or Saturday night for their prime rib special and save room for dessert!

Springfield, Ohio: The City at the End of the Road

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Arriving at the The Clark County Heritage Center, I was excited to learn more about the history of Springfield, Ohio.  This city was once my home until high school when I left in search of adventure.  I decided to return home to start a business and was happy to become reacquainted with all of the familiar places that I once remembered.  They say you always come back to your roots.

After grabbing a cup of coffee at Un Mundo Cafe, I arrived at the Center to explore its museum of historical exhibits.  Built in the late 1800s, this Richardsonian Romanesque beauty was home to several public offices until it was abandoned for a number of years, reopening in April 2001.   From City Hall to the Police Department, the Center is now a museum as well as retail space for several local businesses.

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Easily accessible from the coffee shop, I entered the museum where I was surrounded by pamphlets and books on several shelves in the center lobby.  After signing in, I explained to the attendant that my reason for visiting was to write about the museum.  He  suggested a couple of books to help with my research and  I was eager to begin learning more about Springfield, once known as “The City at The End of the Road.”

Stepping into the exhibit, I began my tour standing in front of a map of state route 40.  From here, I would soon learn the importance of the National Road as well as its significance and impact on Springfield.

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The National Road was first proposed by George Washington to connect the east coast and west coast of the United States.  It took several years to complete, and with the help of Thomas Jefferson, they finally broke ground in 1808.  The project first began in the small town of Cumberland, Maryland, as the route continued to evolve over the years.

As the road progressed, it reached Columbus, Ohio in 1830 and continued  towards Springfield with the financial aid of local resident Pierson Spinning.  Mile markers made of stone were strategically placed to document the distance traveled from Cumberland where some of these markers still remain.

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Wagons were the primary source of transport for adventurous families leaving the east coast for a future out west.  The museum displays the wagon of David Crabill who was one of the early settlers to reach Clark County and make this area his home in 1808.

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Today, the National Road is paved with blacktop, but at its inception, small stones marked its path.  As the roadway reached Clark County, brick was laid throughout the streets of Springfield and later continued to Bellefontaine with the use of concrete.   Without further government financing, the National Road would end in Springfield in 1836, where it became know as the city at “the end of the road.” As the progression stalled, many families settled in Springfield doubling its census from 510 to 1080 residents.

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The National Road encouraged a booming business along its route with the start of several taverns as well as bed and breakfasts.  Over the years, the establishment of small towns in Clark County would help Springfield grow as a city of wealth and industry.

In 1844, Wittenberg College moved from Wooster to Springfield and the city became incorporated six years later.  The addition of six gas lights downtown and the production of farm equipment put Springfield in the spotlight for industry.

Springfield also played a role in abolition, offering assistance to runaway slaves throughout the underground railroad movement.  By 1832, Uncle Tom’s Cabin was published and an awareness of slavery was reaching the northerners.  It was Anne Aston Warden who assisted with organizing an underground railroad association in Springfield to provide aid and safe havens for the slaves as they made their way north towards Canada.

Harriett Beecher Stowe’s book was made into a play, which was performed in Springfield.  The same year, the Basey family purchased land, being the first African Americans to do so.  Shortly thereafter, in 1857, local resident Udney Hyde of Mechanicsburg protected a Kentucky slave, Addison White,  from being captured by US marshals.

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During the Civil War, Springfield factories rose up to support the war efforts by making uniforms, wagons and linseed oil.  Congressman Shellabarger voted to pass the United States’ first Civil Rights Act and local families in Clark County offered their assistance by taking in former slave children.  The production of farm equipment  continued as Springfield entered its Golden Age in the mid 1870s.

As Springfield continued to prosper, Ulysses S. Grant was President of the United States and the city would host the Ohio State Fair.   “Mother Stewart” would arrive in Springfield from Piketon to lead the temperance movement in a crusade to abolish alcohol.

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Photos depicting the industrial movement in Springfield are on display in the museum.  It was a time of prosperity for Springfield and the City Building (now the Heritage Center), designed by Charles Cregar, a local architect, was completed by 1890.

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In the late 1890’s Springfield would come to be known as “The Home City” as facilities to assist organizations such as the Masons, Odd Fellows, and Knights of Pythias were built around town.  In 1898, Snyder Park was created with land donated by the Snyder Brothers and remains today as a beautiful oasis close to the city’s center.

From here, I took a short break for lunch returning in 30 minutes to continue my visit to the Heritage Center which is covered in a second blog post titled, Politics, Theaters and Automobiles:  Springfield, Ohio’s Rich History.  

Are you a Springfield native or have family in the area?  Have had the opportunity to visit the Heritage Center?   I would love to hear about your connection to Springfield or about your visit to the Heritage Center if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.    Many thanks for reading this post about my hometown of Springfield and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

The Clark County Heritage Center
117 South Fountain Avenue
Springfield, Ohio 45502
Telephone:  937 324 0657

  • Admission Fee:  Free, and donations are welcome.
  • Hours:  Museum:  Tuesday through Friday from 9AM to 4PM; Saturday from 9AM to 3PM.  Closed on the following holidays:  New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Easter, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
  • Amenities:  Bookstore and gift shop, guided tours, video presentation
  • Length of Visit:  2 – 3 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Donations recommended are Family:  $10; Adults:  $5 and Children: $3.

Where to Stay:

Courtyard Marriott Springfield
100 S. Fountain Avenue
Springfield, OH  45502
Telephone:  937 322 3600

Where to Eat:

Heart of Country Gift Shoppe and Teaberries Cafe
1600 E. Leffel Lane
Springfield, OH  45505
Telephone:  937 325 3030

I could spend hours strolling the Heart of Country Shoppe, but when I visit, I can’t wait to have lunch at Teaberries.   I always start my lunch with a piece of yummy, moist orange bread.  Known for their wide varieties of chicken salad sandwiches, I always revert to the House Favorite, the Midwest Delight, served on a butter croissant.   If you have room, try their homemade carrot cake or peanut butter pie.

More favorite Springfield eateries:

  • Schuler’s Donuts:   Their chocolate cream-filled doughnut is their best seller…”home of homemade”. The bakery has several locations in Springfield.
  • Simon Kenton Inn:  This historical home is an inn, restaurant and entertainment venue.  With great food, I love the atmosphere of the Simon Kenton Inn.
  • Guerra’s Krazy Tacos:  One of my favorite places to eat in Springfield, Guerra’s is known for their unique gourmet tacos.
  • Salato Deli:  I love stopping by this deli for their charcuterie board
  • Le Torte Dolci Bakery;  Located next to the Salato Deli, this European French bakery also serves amazing gelato.
  • Mike & Rosie’s Deli:  This staple of Springfield is located near the Wittenberg campus and I am extremely fond of their Reuben sandwich.

Where to Drink: 

What to Read:

  • The Book of Springfield, Ohio, 1906, by Springfield Commercial Club
  • Springfield, Ohio:  A Summary of Two Centuries, by Tom Dunham
  • Ridgewood in the Country Club District, by Tamara K. Dallenbach
  • Still Standing:  A life of pain, adversity and perseverance, by James Cooper
  • Hometown Killer, by Carol Rothgeb

Photo Guide for Springfield, Ohio:  

  • Hartman Rock Garden
  • Westcott House, Frank Lloyd Wright House
  • Glen Helen Nature Preserve in nearby Yellow Springs
  • Heritage Center of Clark County
  • Tecumseh Land Trust in nearby Yellow Springs
  • Ohio Caverns in nearby Bellefontaine
  • Oakes Quarry Park in nearby Fairborn, Ohio