Annie Oakley

The SCV Senior Center Scholar Series presents “Annie Oakley,” a fascinating presentation with Professor Lissa Brassfield.

Learn how Annie Oakley used her astonishing marksmanship to escape a poor childhood and rise to become the first female superstar in what had been a male-dominated profession. She became a renowned international star, performing before royalty and heads of state.

Both lucky and extremely talented Annie Oakley used her astonishing marksmanship to escape a poor childhood in Ohio and rise to become the first female superstar in what had been a male-dominated profession. Annie Oakley was born Phoebe Ann Mosey on August 13, 1860.

Her amazing talent first came to light when the then 15-year-old won a shooting match with traveling-show marksman Frank E. Butler, whom she married. The couple joined Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show a few years later where she dazzled audiences with her shotgun abilities, splitting cards on their edges, snuffing candles, and shooting the corks off bottles.

While maintaining her modest wardrobe, she also knew how to please a crowd, blowing kisses and pouting theatrically whenever she intentionally missed a shot. In 1884, Oakley attracted the attention of legendary Native American warrior, Sitting Bull, who “adopted” her and named her “Watanya Cicilla,’ or “Little Sure Shot.” Oakley became a renowned international star, performing before royalty and heads of state.

This fascinating presentation will happen on Wednesday, March 29, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in Rooms A1 and A2 at the SCV Senior Center on 22900 Market Street in Newhall.

There is no charge for the event. Contact Robin Clough at rclough@scv-seniorcenter.org or at (661) 259-9444 for more information.