Robertson “Robbie” Collins (1921 – 2003): The man who saved Jacksonville. Larry Smith will share the riveting story of Robbie Collins’ efforts to preserve Jacksonville’s history by founding the Jacksonville Booster’s Club and the preservation of the historic U.S. Hotel. It was through Robbie’s effort that Jacksonville was declared a National Historic Landmark City in 1966, leading to the preservation of over 100 commercial and residential buildings in town.

Session will be led by Larry Smith, Jacksonville’s unofficial town historian. Larry recently did a shorter version of this presentation for the Boosters Club, and has researched Robbie Collins’ life extensively.