By Don Coble don@claytodayonline.com
Green Cove Springs – On Thursday 20th October, the Old Jail’s tour line would often return to the Historic Triangle Courtyard. Everything went smoothly except for the occasional kid running against the current to escape the eerie atmosphere.
More than 400 people attended this year’s Tales from the Clink, said circuit court clerk Tara Greene, who promotes the event in her office. The number of visitors surged by more than 150 compared to the crowd two years ago when it was closed a year ago due to COVID-19.
“This is a huge success. We are very happy,” said Green.
In addition to a candlelight tour of the prison, visitors were able to watch a mock trial in the Old Courthouse and see reenactments of the city’s historic moments and famous prisoners by the Ridgeview High drama team. Sheriff Joseph, who shot a man in Orange Park and was about to break up an altercation between the two men, was executed for murdering Peeler. Visitors also had the opportunity to see other historical documents at the county store, including a room filled with Slim’s Whitman exhibits.
