CRESTVIEW, Fla., Aug. 4, 2025—Perseverance paid off for historian and author Ronald W. Collins while researching his book Mystery at Green Pond: The Murder of Bud and Nancy Davis by the Blackwell Brothers.

His is the first and only comprehensive book about the March 21, 1917, double murder that shook a newly established Okaloosa County.

Collins will visit the Crestview History Museum Saturday for “Books on the Porch,” a celebration of all things literary, where he will sign copies of his history of the robbery-gone-wrong, which led to Crestview’s first public hanging.

Books on the Porch will also offer used books for sale by the bag with proceeds to benefit the non-profit Crestview Historic Preservation Board.

Readers of all ages are invited to bring the book they’re currently engrossed in—or select one they’ll find around the museum—then settle down on the porch or in the parlor (if it’s too hot on the porch) and enjoy a glass of free cold lemonade as they delve into the delights of book reading.

During Collins’s remarks, visitors will learn that researching Mystery at Green Pond was sometimes arduous.

“I walked the railroad tracks from Milton to Crestview taking photos along the way,” he said. “I used maps, a compass and satellite imagery to traverse swamps and thick forest growth to capture some of the photos included in this book.”

Collins drew an overflow crowd to his inaugural book launch at the Baker Block Museum last month. His book will be available for sale during Saturday’s Books on the Porch event. Collin’s book is also available at the Baker Block Museum’s Mercantile Gift Shop.

Books on the Porch is the Crestview History Museum’s Second Saturday event for August and runs 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Collins will visit 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will offer remarks around 11:30. Admission is free. The History Museum is located at 198 South Wilson St.

by Brian Hughes, City of Crestview, cultural services specialist