TAYLOR –– Flames engulfed a structure neighbors said once held ties to a Hollywood actor Sunday morning on the outskirts of the city.
First responders from the Taylor Fire Department, Hutto Fire Rescue and more rushed to the site before 9 a.m. Feb. 2 as thick black smoke billowed from the property in the area of FM 973 and south of U.S. 79.
Details were still pending Sunday evening, nor was it known if any injuries occurred.
In aerial photos by Jack Fleetwood obtained by the Press, the house appears to be destroyed.
According to several area residents, the home has stood for more than 100 years and was originally owned by the Patterson family.
One former resident, identified as Hank Patterson, was a prolific actor known for his roles in television staples including “Gunsmoke,” “Petticoat Junction” and “Green Acres,” according to local history.
Residents took to social media, including the Taylor Press Facebook page, to share their reactions and memories about the site.
"Mrs. Patterson was my third-grade teacher at Northside. That was a beautiful home! I had the pleasure of being in that home when I was in third grade. Very sad," one woman posted.
Another commenter shared, "I lived a few miles away on the old 973, and I used to ride my motorcycle through the fields. I went there a few times to play with the kids who were there during the summer."
More details will be released soon on this developing story. Be sure to check out the Feb. 5, 2025, e-edition of the Taylor Press.
