Copies of Collins’ book and many other books were sold, and free lemonade was enjoyed, at the event. A portion of the proceeds from the sales of Collins’ books went to the nonprofit history museum, which is in the Bush House at 198 S. Wilson St.
“Mystery at Green Pond” chronicles the events that led to the shooting and killing of a Confederate Army veteran and his wife in Okaloosa County in 1917.
A jury later convicted brothers Will and Bob Blackwell and a third man, Will Boyd, for the murders. Bob Blackwell was hanged next to the County Courthouse in Crestview in 1920. It was the first hanging in the county.
Will Blackwell died in prison in 1919 before he could be hanged. Boyd was sentenced to life in prison in 1920 but was released in 1929 with a full pardon.
Copies of Collins’ book are not available for purchase at the Crestview History Museum but are available at the Baker Block Museum, 1307B Georgia Ave., Baker.
The book costs $39 plus tax. A portion of the proceeds from the sales of “Mystery at Green Pond” at the Baker Block Museum benefit this nonprofit museum.