A fire that drew suspicion destroyed an iconic landmark.
On July 10, the Taylor Fire Department and other area firefighters responded to the 500 block of Burkett Street for a fire that engulfed the historic home. An investigation is ongoing into the complete loss of the building, which was also a planned museum site.
“We are looking for answers,” said Jennifer Harris, Dickey Museum and Multipurpose Center board president. “What happened? If this was intentional, why would someone do this? We just want to know what happened. If anyone has any information, please come forward.”
According to the Taylor Fire Department, at 3:32 a.m., firefighters responded to a call regarding a structure fire. When they arrived around 3:40 a.m., firefighters found the historic former home of Dickey, an early Taylor physician and civil rights pioneer, fully engulfed in flames. Fire crews from Taylor, Round Rock, the Hutto Emergency Services District (ESD), firefighters from ESD 10 in Coupland and Thrall, and volunteers from the Avery-Pickett Volunteer Fire Department attempted to contain the fire, but the structure was burned to the ground.
“I would like to extend my gratitude to the firefighters at the Taylor Fire Department and our neighboring communities,” said Mayor Brandt Rydell, “for their work in extinguishing the flames and keeping the fire from spreading.”
The fire was extinguished around 4:45 a.m. Firefighters were also able to extinguish a small grass fire that started as a result of the incident.
Mike Fish, who lives across the street from the Dickey home, sprayed water throughout his property to keep it from going up in flames as well. Fish posted video on Facebook of the Dickey house fire and as smoke began to emanate from his fence.
“The roof of my shed was smoking quite a lot. It looked as though my home here was, especially the fence here, a lot of smoke, looks like it was about to burn,” said Fish, who called the incident a sad passing of Taylor history. “I hope their legacy does continue on in other ways. I was looking forward to that being a museum. Mr. Dickey looked to be a very good man. This is a sad day in Taylor.”
After the fire was extinguished, the State Fire Marshal and Taylor Police Department detectives were called to the scene to assist with the investigation of the incident. The Fire Marshal found no evidence that accelerants were used, but police do consider the incident to be suspicious. A probable arrest warrant for James Paul Gogolewski, 47, of Taylor, was issued July 12. He was arrested and charged with a second-degree felony.
“We will continue to support (the Taylor Police Department) throughout the investigation,” said Rydell prior to the arrest.
To submit tips on this case, call police at 512-352-5551.
