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Garst Museum
Historical Markers
Are Restored
After many months of restoration, the Garst Museum and Annie Oakley
historical markers have been repainted and installed at numerous
locations around Greenville and Darke County. According to Dick Brown,
local historian, the cast signs advertising the Garst Museum date back
to 1971. Mr. Brown believes they were an idea of Ralph Gelder. Mr.
Gelder was a Garst Museum board member and interested in military
history. He was the artist who intricately painted Anthony Wayne’s face
on the original “Visit Garst Museum” markers. They have been repainted
over the years and are currently red and gold. Today, these markers are
located at Greenville’s city limits.
The Annie Oakley historical marker was originally located along U.S.
Rt. 127 N at a roadside park near Beamsville. The park’s dedication was
jointly sponsored by the Anthony Wayne Parkway Board, the Darke County
Historical Society, the Ohio Department of Highways, the Greenville
Chamber of Commerce, and the Beamsville Christian Church. It was
dedicated to Annie Oakley on August 12, 1955. The bronze plaque was
donated by Gail Davis, TV star who portrayed Annie Oakley, and western
star, Gene Autry, head of Flying A Productions. The plaque was unveiled
by Mrs. Rush Blakely and Mrs. Maxwell Black, nieces of Annie
Oakley. Recently, after 63 years in service, the Annie Oakley
Park was closed and the sign returned to Garst Museum. It has been
beautifully restored thanks to the Annie Oakley Center Foundation and
placed in the front yard of the Garst Museum.
Several families, foundations, and organizations helped fund the
restoration of these historical markers. Garst Museum would like to
thank the Brown Family Foundation, the Annie Oakley Center Foundation,
Rodney Oda, Jeff and Susan Barker, and Eunice Steinbrecher for their
help in preserving these beautiful signs.
The Garst Museum is located at:
205 North Broadway, Greenville, OH 45331
937-548-5250
website: www.garstmuseum.org
email: information@garstmuseum.org
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