Historical Taylor home deemed 'total loss' after fire Hollywood veteran lived there
JASON CHLAPEK
Investigators are trying to determine the cause of a weekend fire that destroyed a residence once home to the late Hank Patterson of “Green Acres” and “Gunsmoke” fame, officials said.
The Sunday, Feb. 2, conflagration on the outskirts of Taylor is still under investigation, said Taylor Fire Department Chief Daniel Baum.
The home, located at 50 FM 973, burned to the ground despite a five-hour effort involving seven different agencies to quell the blaze. First responders deemed it a “total loss.”
No injuries occurred and only the current homeowner was present, Baum said.
Residents reported the home being there well over a century.
According to Baum, firefighters were dispatched to 50 FM 973 at 9:11 a.m. after the homeowner reported seeing a haze in the house.
The man was able to escape from the dwelling, which was engulfed in flames when Taylor Fire arrived on the scene.
Because the nearest fire hydrant was located half a mile from the residence, Baum said Taylor Fire used four tanker shuttle trucks to battle the flames.
In addition to Taylor Fire, units from Hutto, Pflugerville and Round Rock — including Williamson County emergency services districts 6 and 10 and Travis County ESD 11 — also responded to the scene.
According to Baum, about 40 firefighters battled the blaze, which was brought under control by 2:30 p.m.
Residents took to social media, including the Taylor Press Facebook page, to share reactions and memories of the home.
“Mrs. (Daisy) Patterson was my third-grade teacher at Northside (Elementary School). That was a beautiful home! I had the pleasure of being in that home when I was in the 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.”
Hank Patterson (1888-1975) and his family reportedly moved to the home in the 1910s. He was most notable for his role as Fred Ziffel in the CBS shows “Petticoat Junction” and “Green Acres.”
He also played the role of Hank Miller in “Gunsmoke” and made appearances on “My Three Sons” and “Twilight Zone.”
Staff writer Carter Bordwell contributed to this report.
