From Garst Museum
By Eileen Litchfield
Thanks to Paula Rutschilling and her sons Kurtis and Kyle, the monument marking Annie Oakley’s birthplace on Spencer Road, less than 2 miles northwest of Willowdell and about 5 miles east of North Star, resembles something out of a botanical garden. Groff Mowing and Lawn Care donated mulch to put the finishing touches on such pretty landscaping. If you are traveling up Route 127, you are sure to see the how lovely the site of Annie’s childhood home looks. We can appreciate the hard work of Jenny DeMange from Star Greenhouse and her son Jack for creating such an eye-catching spot for travelers to connect with Annie Oakley. Although both structures have been lost to time, you are sure to appreciate how remarkable it was for Annie to come from the rural wild west of Ohio to gain world-wide fame. A map showing both locations is available at Garst Museum.
Photos: Above, Annie Oakley’s childhood home; below, her birthplace. Courtesy Paula Rutschilling and sons
