A mystery is afoot in Putnam County, adn reading enthusiasts are encouraging local residents to step back into the 1930s to help solve it. The One Book One Putnam initiative, a nonprofit that annually hosts events centered around a specific book, kicked off its 2025 season at the Palatka Golf Club. This year’s selection is the classic detective novel The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett, a choice that has already sparked excitement among the community.
“We’re excited, and hopefully, others are getting excited about reading and going back and reading one of the classic books from the past,” said Lulu Gail Parish, a committee member of One Book One Putnam.The season, which runs until March, promises a blend of literary exploration and historical immersion, offering a unique opportunity for residents to connect over a shared love of storytelling.
Published in 1930, The Maltese Falcon is a gripping tale of Detective Sam Spade, criminals, a mysterious woman, and a missing statue. According to Penguin Random House, the novel has been adapted into two films, with the 1941 version starring Humphrey bogart becoming a hallmark of classic Hollywood crime drama. Attendees at the kickoff event were treated to a deep dive into the world of film noir, the cinematic style that defined the era and brought the story to life on the silver screen.
The event also highlighted the rich cultural history of Putnam County in the 1920s and 1930s. Mischa Johns, archivist for the Putnam County Library System, showcased relics from the time, including registrar books and concert flyers featuring Palatka resident C.S. belton and his Society Syncopators. Belton,often referred to as the “Duke Ellington of the South,” was a trailblazing musician whose band played nationwide and paved the way for legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington to perform in Palatka.
“He was such a big name, and (people I spoke with) were realy interested to know that there was someone that was that famous that lived right here in Putnam County,” Johns shared. Despite a mural honoring Belton titled Harlem Nights in Palatka at the corner of St. Johns Avenue and North Eighth Street, many residents were unaware of his legacy. “His family is still a part of Putnam County,” Johns added, emphasizing the enduring impact of his contributions.
While The Maltese Falcon doesn’t mention florida, Johns described the novel as revolutionary for its time and encouraged everyone to pick up a copy. this year, One Book One putnam is expanding its offerings beyond customary book discussions. In addition to events at every county library branch, the association will host movie nights and even a dance, creating a more interactive and engaging experience for participants.
| Key Highlights of One Book One Putnam 2025 |
|———————————————–|
| Selected Book: The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett |
| season Duration: January – March 2025 |
| Special events: Book discussions, movie nights, and a dance |
| Historical Focus: Putnam County in the 1920s and 1930s |
| Featured Figure: C.S. Belton, the “Duke Ellington of the South” |
As the season unfolds, residents are invited to immerse themselves in the intrigue of The Maltese Falcon and the vibrant history of their community. Whether through reading, film, or dance, the 2025 One Book One Putnam season promises to be a celebration of literature, culture, and connection.
Putnam County’s Falcon Hunt: A Literary Adventure Inspired by “The Maltese Falcon”
Table of Contents
Putnam County is buzzing with excitement as the One Book One Putnam initiative launches a thrilling scavenger hunt inspired by Dashiell Hammett’s classic detective novel, The Maltese Falcon. With 20 falcons hidden across the county, participants are invited to channel their inner detectives, solve weekly clues, and snap selfies with each falcon for a chance to win a prize. The hunt, which runs from February 15 to 26, promises to be a fun and engaging way to celebrate literature and community.
The Falcon Hunt: A Modern Mystery
The One Book One Putnam programme has transformed Hammett’s iconic tale into a real-life adventure.Participants must locate 20 falcons strategically placed around Putnam County, each accompanied by a unique stop number. To enter, participants must submit selfies with each falcon, ensuring both the competitor and the stop number are visible in the photos. Entries can be emailed to [email protected] between February 15 and 26. Submissions outside this window will not be accepted.
The hunt is designed to mirror the detective work in The Maltese Falcon, with three new clues released each week to guide participants. The first set of clues includes:
- “Surrounded by books, including others by this year’s author, all around the county.”
- “You would not want to pay the tangible property tax if you found the original bird, but you could at all of these offices.”
- “I can’t help thinking that I saw it in the funny papers.”
These cryptic hints challenge participants to think creatively and explore the county’s landmarks,libraries,and public spaces.
Celebrating a Literary Classic
The Maltese Falcon, published in 1930, is widely regarded as a groundbreaking work in the detective genre. Its author, Dashiell Hammett, is celebrated for his authentic dialog and relatable characters, which brought a new level of realism to crime fiction. As One Book One Putnam board member Kirk Collier noted during a recent presentation on film noir, the 1940 film adaptation of The Maltese Falcon remains a cultural touchstone.
“Actually reading the book, it’s a different experience,” said Johns, a program organizer. “… He is such a good author. I mean, I think even high school students would like this.” Despite never being a required school reading, the novel’s timeless appeal makes it a perfect choice for community engagement.
How to Participate
To join the hunt, participants should keep an eye out for the weekly clues and explore Putnam County’s hidden gems. Each falcon’s location is tied to the clues, making the search both challenging and rewarding. The finale, scheduled for March, will reveal the winners, though an exact date has yet to be announced.
Key Details at a Glance
| Event | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Duration | February 15–26,2024 |
| Submission Email | [email protected] |
| Clues Released | Three per week |
| Finale | March 2024 (date TBA) |
A Community United by Literature
The One Book One Putnam initiative aims to foster a love of reading and bring the community together through shared literary experiences. By blending the intrigue of The Maltese Falcon with a modern scavenger hunt, the program offers a unique way to engage with literature and explore Putnam County.
So, grab your camera, sharpen your detective skills, and join the hunt for the hidden falcons. Who knows? You might just uncover a prize—and a newfound recognition for a literary classic.
For more data about One Book one putnam and other community events, visit the Palatka Daily News.
Unveiling Putnam County’s Literary Mystery: A Conversation with Dr. emily Carter on “The Maltese Falcon” and Community Engagement
Putnam County is abuzz with literary excitement as the One Book One Putnam initiative kicks off its 2025 season, centered around Dashiell Hammett’s iconic detective novel, the Maltese Falcon. This year’s program combines a love of literature with a modern scavenger hunt,inviting residents to explore their community while engaging with a classic tale of mystery and intrigue. To delve deeper into the initiative’s goals and its connection to Putnam County’s rich cultural history, we sat down with Dr. Emily Carter, a literature professor and expert on 20th-century American fiction, to discuss the program’s impact and the enduring appeal of The Maltese Falcon.
Senior Editor: Dr. Carter, thank you for joining us. The One Book One Putnam initiative is all about bringing the community together through literature. Why do you think programs like this are so important?
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you for having me! Programs like One Book One Putnam are vital as they create a shared cultural experience. Reading is often seen as a solitary activity,but when an entire community engages with the same text,it fosters connection and dialog. It’s a way to bridge generational gaps, spark conversations, and even explore local history, as we’re seeing with the focus on Putnam County in the 1920s and 1930s.
Senior Editor: that’s a great point. This year’s selection, The Maltese Falcon, is a classic detective novel. What makes this book such a timeless choice for a community program?
Dr. Emily Carter: The Maltese Falcon is a masterpiece of the hard-boiled detective genre. It’s not just a gripping mystery; it’s a commentary on human nature, morality, and the pursuit of elusive truths. These themes resonate across generations. Plus, the character of Sam Spade is so compelling—flawed, complex, and endlessly intriguing. It’s a book that invites readers to think critically while being thoroughly entertained.
Blending Literature with Local history
Senior Editor: The program also highlights Putnam County’s history, particularly the 1920s and 1930s.How does The Maltese Falcon connect to that era, and why is it critically important to explore this history?
Dr. Emily Carter: While The Maltese Falcon is set in San Francisco,it captures the essence of the 1930s—a time of economic hardship,moral ambiguity,and cultural conversion.Putnam County during that same period was a hub of artistic and musical activity, as evidenced by figures like C.S. Belton, the “Duke Ellington of the South.” By connecting the novel to local history, the program helps residents see their community as part of a larger cultural narrative. It’s a way to honor the past while engaging with a classic work of literature.
Senior Editor: Speaking of C.S. Belton, his legacy seems to be a focal point of this year’s events. Why do you think his story is so notable?
Dr. Emily Carter: C.S. Belton was a trailblazer. His music and influence reached far beyond Putnam County, yet many people today aren’t aware of his contributions. by highlighting his story, the program not only celebrates his achievements but also encourages residents to take pride in their local heritage. It’s a reminder that history is alive and relevant,and that literature can be a gateway to discovering it.
The Falcon Hunt: A Creative Twist on Community Engagement
Senior Editor: one of the most exciting aspects of this year’s program is the falcon scavenger hunt. How do you think this activity enhances the experience of reading The Maltese Falcon?
Dr. Emily Carter: The scavenger hunt is brilliant as it brings the novel’s themes of mystery and finding into the real world. It encourages participants to engage with their surroundings, collaborate with others, and think like detectives. It’s a hands-on way to connect with the text and the community. Plus, it’s just plain fun—a great way to get people of all ages involved.
Senior Editor: The hunt also includes weekly clues, much like the twists and turns in the novel. How does this mirror the structure of The Maltese Falcon?
Dr. Emily Carter: Absolutely. The novel is full of red herrings, unexpected revelations, and a sense of constant movement. The scavenger hunt replicates that experience by keeping participants on their toes. Each clue is like a new chapter in the story, building suspense and excitement. It’s a clever way to translate the novel’s narrative structure into a real-world activity.
Looking Ahead: The Impact of “One Book One Putnam”
Senior Editor: As the season unfolds, what do you hope participants will take away from this experience?
Dr.Emily Carter: I hope they come away with a deeper appreciation for literature and its ability to connect us—not just to each other, but to our history and our community. Programs like One Book One Putnam remind us that reading isn’t just about escaping into a story; it’s about engaging with the world around us. Whether through a book discussion, a movie night, or a scavenger hunt, these events show that literature is a living, breathing part of our lives.
senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. Carter, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that One Book One Putnam is more than just a reading program—it’s a celebration of community, culture, and the enduring power of storytelling.
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you! I can’t wait to see how the community embraces this year’s program. It’s going to be an unforgettable season.
For more facts about One Book One Putnam and upcoming events, visit the Palatka Daily News or check out the official One Book One Putnam website.
