History in the Making

The anti-gunners and anti-self defense people like to perpetuate the stereotype that all gun owners are Rambo-wannabes. We aren't. In fact, most gun owners I know are Annie Oakley wannabes. And who wouldn't? She is certainly one of the best shots in American History.

If you are "lucky" enough to live in the Detroit area, you can see Annie in person - well, actually, her historian twin, Charlotte Austin.

It was about six or seven years ago, she said, when she decided to compete in a fast-draw competition at the Double OO Riders Association's annual picnic in Davisburg.

Austin hadn't handled a gun before, and since she is left-handed, a holster had to be jury-rigged for her. She was shown how to shoot and fan the gun just before she climbed on a wagon, shot, jumped and screamed. She eventually won, beating out the men.

Shortly after that, Austin, who lives in Plymouth and is a member of the Plymouth Historical Society, met Jack Leeds of Novi, who videotapes meetings and events at the Plymouth Historical Museum.

The pair came up with the idea of dressing like 19th-Century sharpshooter Annie Oakley and Oakley's marksman husband, Frank Butler, offering historical presentations to community groups, schools and fairs. They call themselves the Visiting Historians.

The couple travels the state and often is joined by Austin's sister, Eileen Fagan of Novi, who portrays Cattle Kate, as well as Austin's friend Jane Pence of Kalkaska who portrays Calamity Jane.

Pretty cool. I wonder how many publik skuulz keep her away because of zero-tolerance policies?

In addition to Oakley and Butler, Austin and Leeds portray other people from the 1830s to the 1920s. They study the history of a particular town and wear historically accurate clothing. And if the occasion calls for it, Austin will bring her two Arabian horses.

"If I'm asked, I'll do it," she said.

Can she do a Mae West? For historical purposes only, of course.