The Maid-Rite Sandwich Shop is one of Greenville’s most well-known eating establishments. (Credit: Ken Drenten)

By Ken Drenten

Darke County is looking forward to a big event in April — on Monday, April 8, 2024, much of Ohio and especially Darke County will be in the path of the prime viewing area of a total solar eclipse. The last total eclipse visible in Ohio was in 1808, so this could be called a rare event.

Greenville, the county seat of Darke County, is the historic site of Fort Green Ville, built in 1793. The fort, and the treaty that was named for it, was essential in opening the Northwest Territory to westward expansion. The city of Greenville was established in August 1808.

If you plan to go to Darke County to view the eclipse, there are many things to do.

The Garst Museum in Greenville features extensive collections of famed sharpshooter Annie Oakley and author and broadcaster Lowell Thomas, both natives of Darke County. The museum also holds historical artifacts relating to Native Americans, Gen. Anthony Wayne and the Treaty of Greenville.

Nearby is historic Bear’s Mill, built in 1849 and a fine example of a stone-grinding, waterwheel-powered flour mill. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975, the working mill grinds corn meal, whole wheat flour, rye flour and more. The mill also contains a store and art gallery.

Bear’s Mill is a rustic gristmill built in 1849 that’s still in operation. (Credit: Ken Drenten)

There are regular concerts, plays and special events planned at the venues BMI Event Center, 791 E. Main St., Versailles, and St. Clair Memorial Hall, 215 W. Fourth St., Greenville, as well as the Darke County Fairgrounds, 800 Sweitzer St., Greenville.

A few more places to visit when you’re in Darke County:

Maid-Rite Sandwich Shop, 125 N. Broadway, a local institution since 1934. Maid-Rite’s loose-meat sandwich is legendary, as is their gum wall outside. For decades, customers have been sticking their chewing gum to the wall before they go inside to enjoy a sandwich.

Harry Birt’s Store, family owned since 1920 and specializing in selling a variety of chocolates and candy, fresh fruits and vegetables, local deli meats and cheeses, bedding plants and staple groceries. The store is located at 501 Main St. in New Weston.

Vint’s Family Restaurant, established in 1967, Vint’s is known for fried chicken, fried tenderloin, Dandy Boy burgers and many varieties of pie. 1226 Sweitzer St., Greenville.

Route 571 Diner, breakfast plus daily lunch and dinner specials in this family-run diner. Pizza served every day, dine-in or drive-thru window. 8975 SR 571, Arcanum.

FInd more information about visiting Darke County.

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Ken Drenten is creator and manager of Dusty-Tires.com, a travel blog for out-of-the-ordinary places in Ohio.

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