Taylor 76574 Magazine - Fall 2017

_________Taylor _________

76574 FOOTBALL SEASON s 2017

AN IDEAL CAREER Harvey Patschke has been cutting hair — and dishing out wisdom — for more than 50 years.

TROLLEY CARS What does Abilene have to do with Taylor and mules?

BY THE NUMBERS Taylor ISD has a lot of stuff.

We know, we counted.

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Saturday, Sept. 16 10 am - 2 pm WilCo Expo Center 5350 BILL PICKETT DR., TAYLOR

V!

AT N I W

Free & Open to the Public Family Fun • Freebies Door Prizes • Demonstrations Music • Munchies • Massages Health • Home • Hospitality

TAYLOR-MADE FOR SHOPPING & SERVICE! Business Expo: Meet business owners and reps, learn about their goods and services, and register to win prizes.

TAYLOR-MADE FOR JOBS & CAREERS! Job Fair: Meet area employers who are accepting applications and looking to hire.

Come Discover What Taylor’s Made Of!

_________Taylor _________

76574 Facebook@Taylor76574 EDITOR & PUBLISHER Richard Stone BUSINESS MANAGER Carolyn Hill SALES Scott Rucker Ann Miller PRODUCTION EDITOR Gretchen Dyson ASS’T PRODUCTION EDITOR Matt Hellman DEPARTMENT EDITOR Jason Hennington ADVERTISING DESIGN Patti Slavych Shannon Davis Minerva Kutch Orlando Rojo-Buendia OUR THANKS TO DeeDee Yelverton Tim Crow Candice Martin of the Culinary Arts Department at Taylor High School The Taylor Conservation & Heritage Society

HAIRCUTS AND LIFE LESSONS Harvey Patschke has seen a lot of Taylor history parade past the windows of his downtown barbershop.

~ PAGE 24

D E PA R T M E N T S SUMMER CALENDAR ����������������� PAGE 7 From kite festivals to car shows to Spooktacular to local a local football schedule, here’s a handy fall planning guide.

10 QUESTIONS������������������� PAGE 10 Pat Ekiss is a careful man but we’d love to hear the story about how he became a night club singer.

BY THE NUMBERS ����������������� PAGE 12 There’s a lot of stuff at Taylor ISD. We know. We counted.

ON THE COVER Sometimes, the picture tells the story. This shaving brush has seen years of loving use in Harvey Patschke’s barber shop on Fourth Street.

— Photo by DeeDee Yelverton

Published by

PRESS TAYLOR

your community. your newspaper.

P.O. Box 1040 • Taylor, TX 76574 For advertising information, call

512-352-8538

TWICE TOLD TALES ����������������� PAGE 14 Abilene foisted their trolley cars off on Taylor. But, Taylor used mules to draw them all over town. Who lost THAT bet?

PHOTO ESSAY ������������������� PAGE 18 All those boxes in neighborhoods and in parking lots that look like bird houses but are full of books? Those are libraries. Little libraries. They are free.

CULINARY ADVENTURES ��������������� PAGE 21 Taylor High School’s Culinary Arts students show us their take on homemade meatballs and Eggs Benedict.

THE DABBLING DUCK ���������������� PAGE 34 The Dabbling Duck gives a history lesson about the Taylor Ducks.

And ducks in Taylor. Along the way, DD drops a little duck knowledge.

— Photo by Richard Stone

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FROM THE PUBLISHER FROM THE PUBLISHER — we ran afowl [sic]of that Dear Reader,

OCTOBER 14 OCTOBER 14 Bull Branch Park Bull Branch Park

FAIR &&5K FAIR 5K Chip Timed 5K

Chip Timed 5K Kids’ Race Kids’ Race Booths & Displays Booths & Displays Poultry Zoo Poultry Zoo Chicken Bingo Chicken Bingo Confetti ConfettiEgg EggBattle Battle 5K5K8 8am am Fair 9 am – Fair 9 am –11pm pm

www.goodlifetaylor.com www.goodlifetaylor.com Benefitting Taylor Parks Benefitting Taylor Parks&&Rec Rec

THANK YOU THANK YOUSPONSORS! SPONSORS!

OLD OLDTAYLOR TAYLORHIGH HIGH

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Taylor 76574

Thanks for making our first Dear Reader, edition a smashing success!

By Thanks for making our first all accounts (and we’ve pubedition a smashing success! By lished a few of(and those accounts all accounts we’ve pubbelow), folks really enjoy this lished a few of those accounts kind of publication. below), folks really enjoy this Well,ofexcept for Betty kind publication.

Zimmerhanzel.

SheBetty loved the Well, except for magazine but took good-naZimmerhanzel. She loved the tured exception to the Dabmagazine but took good-nabling column.

SheDabwas turedDuck exception to the dismayed tocolumn. learn theShe author bling Duck was isdismayed a Taylor native. to learn the author preserved is(We a Taylor native.the author’s (We preserved the author’s anonymity.) anonymity.)

I must say, despite Betty’s I must say, despite Betty’s concerns, I sorta like the comconcerns, I sorta like comparison the Dabbling the Duck parison the Dabbling drew between old andDuck new drew between old and new Taylor.

Taylor.

There is an Old Taylor and a There is an Old New Taylor and theTaylor gap isand real a New Taylor and the gap is

chasm when produced real — we ranwe afowl of that the Taylor Stomp’n’Holler chasm when we produced BBQ+Music Festival in June. the Taylor Stomp’n’Holler New Taylor wantedinone BBQ+Music Festival June. thing.

Old Taylor wanted New Taylor wanted one something else. wanted thing. Old Taylor Bridging else. that divide took something tremendous effort, tacttook and Bridging that divide grace. tremendous effort, tact and One final note: save for grace. theOne words on the finalprinted note: save for cover and printed the Taylor the words on Duck the schedule, issue isDuck not cover and this the Taylor aschedule, “football” issue. this issueIt’s is just not a “football” issue.The It’swags just in football season. football The wags in the backseason. room thought they the back room thought they were being cute. were being cute.

Enjoy!

Enjoy!

Richard Stone pretends he can channel Cavett Richard Stone Dick pretends he or Evan Smith can channel Dickwhen Cavetthe those livehe news orconducts Evan Smith when maker interviews called conducts those live news Pints,interviews Politics & Culture. maker called The interviews are the final Pints, Politics & Culture.

Tuesday of each The interviews aremonth the finalat the Texas Beer month Company.

Tuesday of each at the Texas Beer Company.

publisher@taylorpress.net publisher@taylorpress.net 512-352-8538 512-352-8538

LETTERS LETTERS

We received our first copy of the magWe received our first copy of theit.magazine this week and really enjoyed The azine this and it. The calendar ofweek events is really great. enjoyed The articles calendar events is great.

The articles were goodofreads.

I even enjoyed the ads, were good reads.

I even enjoyed the ads, as I’m not familiar with a lot of Taylor as as I’m not familiar with a lot of Taylor we are more county people who comeasto we are more county people who come to town only occasionally. Your concept is town only occasionally. Your concept is a good one, keep up the good work! a good one, keep up the good work!

Julie Tietje Julie Tietje Great Greatjob jobon onthe magazine. the magazine. It It seems seems totobe bevery verywell wellreceived. received.Can’t Can’t wait wait to to see see what the next issue will be. what the next issue will be.

Debbie Debbie Kovar Kovar I Ijust justwanted wantedto tolet letyou youknow know how how much muchour ourfamily familyenjoyed enjoyedthe the 76574 76574 magmagazine azinewe wereceived receivedtoday. today. You You did did aa wonwonderful derfuljob, job,start startto tofinish. finish.So So often often items like likethis thisare areoverly overlycrowded crowded with with ads and lacking lackinganything anythingworth worthreading reading and just wind windup upininthe therecycling recyclingbinbin- definitely definitely not notthe thecase casethis thistime! time!

Our Ourfamily familymoved movedto toTaylor Taylor two two years agoand andwe’re we’restill stillgetting gettingcaught caught up ago onall allthings thingslocal, local,from fromtown town history history to on events— —ititwas wasaadelight delightto to read read about events bothininyour yourpublication. publication. both Anyway,thank thankyou youso somuch much for your Anyway, greatwork workand andfor forhelping helpingto to keep keep us ingreat formedabout aboutour our(relatively) (relatively) new new home! home! formed Nora Roy Roy Nora

I’m impressed by the quality and the I’m impressed bythis themedia qualitytoand the graphics. We need reveal graphics. We need media to reveal and document thethis really exciting changand documentin the reallyWe exciting es happening Taylor. have changso many es happening in Taylor.

We have so many new arrivals; we need to get everyone new arrivals; caught up! we need to get everyone caught up!

Lisa Drummond Lisa Drummond It’s about Taylor community! Our city, It’s about Taylor community! Our city, our localgovernment, government,our ourschools, schools,our our our local businesses, our celebrations, our people, businesses, our celebrations, our people, and our our history. history.Well Welldone! done! and CarolRay Ray Carol Enjoyedthe themagazine magazinebut butwanted wanted Enjoyed to correct a statement made by the to correct a statement made by the Dabbling Duck Duckon onpage page33.

33.The Theauthor author Dabbling said that that present presentday dayTaylor Taylorisislooking looking said wherethe the“b” “b”bohemians bohemians(Austin (Austin like where expatriates)are aremingling minglingwith with“B” “B”BoBoexpatriates) hemians (descendants (descendantsofofearly earlyTaylor’s Taylor’s hemians Czech pioneers). pioneers).

Czech As aa second secondgeneration generationdescendant descendant As early Czech Czechsettlers settlersin inthis thisarea areaititisis of early not politically politicallycorrect correctto touse usethe theterm term “Bohemian” “Bohemian”to todescribe describeour ournationalnationality. In In the the old oldcountry countryititisisan anoffensive offensive word. word. You Youwould wouldbe bepromptly promptlycorrectcorrected.

As As II was wastold toldBohemians Bohemianswere weregypgypsies. Just sies. Just saying saying;-) ;-) Betty BettyZimmerhanzel Zimmerhanzel

If you would like to see your non-profit community event listed in this calendar, please send it to Taylor76574 Calendar, P.O. Box 1040, Taylor, TX 76574 or email to news@taylorpress.net.

Second Saturday

Taylor Duck Varsity Football Schedule

Just in case you want to pin this to your fridge …

Sept. 1 – 7:30 p.m. vs Robinson

Join us on the second Saturday of the month for events in our parks and all over town. Specials and bargains in our downtown shops and cool drinks at our “rest stops.”

Sept. 8 – 7:30 p.m. @ Rockdale Rivalry Game

Third Monday

Sept. 15 – 7:30 p.m. vs Yoakum

The Greater Taylor Chamber of Commerce hosts a luncheon at Sirloin Stockade the third Monday of each month. The topics vary but usually focus on Taylor issues. Open to members and non-members.

Sept. 22 – 7:30 p.m. @ Caldwell

Third Thursday

Sept. 29 – 7:30 p.m. vs La Grange Oct. 6 – 7:30 p.m. vs Bellville HOMECOMING

The Third Thursday of every month, our downtown shops stay open until 8 p.m. 120 Art Gallery opens a new exhibit and music fills Texas Beer Company, Taylor Station and other venues around the area.

G21 Car Show

G21 Car Show is on the fourth Sunday of every month beginning at about 9 a.m. It is held on 2nd Street between Main and Porter streets. Several different charities benefit from it throughout the year.

Oct. 13 — BYE Oct. 19 (THURSDAY!) 7:30 p.m. @ Eastside Memorial in Austin*

Pints, Politics and Culture

The Taylor Press hosts a live interview with a local news maker 7 p.m. on the last Tuesday of the month at the Texas Beer Company, corner of Main and Second, downtown. The interview is streamed live on the Press’ Facebook page (@TaylorPress76574) and then curated on its website (TaylorPress.net). This public affairs program is a great way to keep up with local issues.

Oct. 27 – 7:30 p.m. vs Boerne* Nov. 3 – 7:30 p.m. @ Fredericksburg* Nov. 10 – 7:30 p.m. vs Canyon Lake*

*District Game

Back to School First day of school at Taylor ISD.

KidFish at Bull Branch Park

Free! Sponsored by the City of Taylor and the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and fishing starts at 9 a.m.

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Labor Day Holiday

Area schools and government offices will be closed.

Taylor Kite Festival

Free! Held in mid-September at the Taylor Regional Park, features booths, arts, crafts and kits of all kinds.

Sponsored by the city of Taylor and the Taylor Press. Contact Mike Devito at (512) 365-7669 ext. 10 for more info.

9/11 Memorial

The First Baptist Church of Taylor and the Taylor Fire Department host a short parade through downtown, then a memorial service at Heritage Square to honor the emergency workers who died during the 9/11 attack on New York City and Washington DC.

Taylor Chamber Business & Job Expo Presented by the Taylor Chamber of commerce and the Taylor Economic Development Corp. at the Williamson County Exposition Center, this event includes booths, information and exhibits from an array of area businesses and organizations. A resume workshop and career and job fairs will be held to round out the experience.

Call 512-352-6364 or visit taylorchamber.org for more information. Free to the public.

SPJST Barbecue Cook Off

The Taylor SPJST Lodge #29’s Annual Barbecue Cook-off. Barbecue cooks from across Central Texas submit entries in a variety of categories, including pork ribs, brisket, chicken, jackpot beans, cook’s choice, dessert and even best rig. The event features a silent auction and two days of live music and dancing. To find out more, visit www.taylorchamber.org or call (512) 365-8485.

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Taylor 76574

Homecoming

The Taylor Ducks face Bellville at 7:30 pm at Memorial Field. Among other things, homecoming events include naming a King and Queen.

Good Life Taylor

Good Life Taylor, Texas, raises money for specially-selected community improvement projects. The fair focuses on outdoor family activities including park use, pets, home gardening and backyard poultry keeping. Enjoy a quiet, quaint, but quick run.

Designed with input from competitive runners, our course zips you through North Taylor with multiple changes in scenery on a flat route. Start and finish in Bull Branch Park, but you’ll also experience a bit of our countryside and Taylor living.

Contact Julie Rydell at 512-294-1972 or visit http://www. goodlifetaylor.com for more information.

Hutto Olde Tyme Days

Go back in time at Hutto’s Olde Tyme Days downtown along historic East Street.

Arts, crafts, games, a parade and musical performances have made this old-fashion festival a family favorite for nearly 30 years. For details, visit www.huttooldetymedays.com or contact the Hutto Area Chamber of Commerce, (512) 759-4400.

Main Street Car Show

When the F-1 tours Austin’s Circuit of the Americas in late October, Taylor celebrates! Taylor’s Historic Main Street hosts its own F-1 car show sponsored by the City of Taylor. In addition to cars, you will find an automotive art exhibit, prizes and a whole lot more!

Spooktacular

On Halloween, ghosts and goblins haunt the downtown square in a festival that features costume contests, games, a Ghost Walk and fun!

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10 Q U E S T I O N S

Chief Pat Ekiss manages and directs the administration and operations of the City of Taylor Fire Department.

A 34 year veteran of fire ser vice, Chief Ekiss has spent the last seven years with Taylor Fire Department after serving as Chief in Forest Hill, Texas for nine. Prior to that, he spent the majority of his career with the Arlington, Texas Fire Department.

PAT EKISS TAYLOR FIRE CHIEF

1. What is your super power?

Some will say it’s the gift of gab. An ability to talk through most any situation or problem. But personally, I would say it is a strong sense of compassion for others and life itself.

I absolutely love the members of our department and consider it an extreme honor to work beside each one of them every day. Our job gives us an opportunity to make someone’s worst day a little better and to make a difference in the community in which we work. I often tell our members that “if you ever lose the ability to cry or show compassion for others in need, it’s time to seek a new career.” I’ve seen a lot in my career and I can remember every life that was lost as if it were yesterday. As much as it pains me sometimes, I don’t ever want to forget and I want nothing more than to be recognized as someone who cares.

2. What’s the craziest thing you ever saw a firefighter do?

I have to chuckle a bit on this one. Seriously? The answer is “show up for duty.” What I mean is these folks do crazy stuff each and every day. I’ve seen firefighters do things no sane or normal individual would ever consider doing in order to save a life or property. Who else rushes IN when everyone else is running OUT? Who else high fives their partner after searching a room in zero visibility and temperatures in excess of 650 degrees or more to search for 10

Taylor 76574

a victim that may or may not have been there just to be able to give an “all clear” on a primary or secondary search?

Who else would don protective clothing in the middle of a Texas summer day that weighs more than 50 pounds doubling their body’s core temperature by more than 50 percent in order to hold your hand and comfort you while others remove what was left of your car from around you so they could then administer professional and expert care in the worst of conditions? Some would call it crazy. The folks I work with every day call it “a day’s work.”

3. Tell us something most people don’t know about you.

If people don’t know, then it means I didn’t want to tell them. But since I’ve agreed to this interview, I’ll share just a small bit of the darkness…

I used to play the guitar and sing a lot and I even did a VERY short stint as an entertainer at a Holiday Inn night club in the late 80’s. Bottom line, I wasn’t that good and those days are long gone.

4. What’s the dumbest thing you’ve ever done?

Postponing asking Diane to marry me! She is absolutely my best friend and God has blessed me beyond measure by placing her in my life.

5. Have you ever played a practical joke on anyone? How’d that go?

Oh goodness, yes. You can’t be a firefighter and not play practical jokes on a regular basis. The problem is, what goes around comes around. Every time I’ve played a practical joke on a co-worker or close friend, it has always come back to bite me tenfold.

6. When did you consider yourself an adult?

What is an adult? Someone who pays taxes, has a mortgage, goes to work every day and supports a family? If that’s it, then I clearly made it years ago. What I have NEVER considered myself is old.

Age is the number that corresponds with four digits on your driver’s license, nothing more. So, if being an adult means I can’t be silly, laugh at myself or my surroundings, swing on a swing set, make goofy faces in the mirror, or enjoy everything that life has to offer every single day, then keep the adult stuff. I’ll keep being a kid!

7. How many pairs of shoe and boots do you have?

We are in the process of moving so my

cache has been paired down considerably.

At last count I think I am down to 12 pair.

8. Many kids wanted to be a firefighter when they grew up. What did YOU want to be?

I actually wanted to become an architect and began my preliminary studies in high school before dedicating my first few years in college to the profession.

Then I switched to business, where I eventually opened my own business selling fire trucks and ambulances to cities all across the state. Once I learned more about the profession, I was hooked and could think of nothing better than being a firefighter. I still feel that way today. This is a GREAT profession and I have been blessed to be a part of it.

9. If you had three wishes from a nontricky genie, what would you wish for?

This is a no-brainer. Given the opportunity, my first wish would be to have as many wishes as I ever wanted.

That way you don’t have to spend time thinking of the top three wishes

and if you make a mistake, you have the ability to go back and correct it.

Wouldn’t it be nice if life were that way?

10. What is your claim to fame?

Well, I actually had dinner with Bill Cosby one night. That used to be a pretty big deal, but lately it seems to have lost its luster. So let’s just keep that between you and I, shall we?

11. (Bonus) Most memorable birthday . . .

My birthday is in December, one week from Christmas. Anyone who has a birthday close to Christmas, knows you are sometimes overshadowed by all the family gatherings and it isn’t uncommon to receive one gift for both Christmas and your birthday. Well when I was 12 years old or so, I shared my thoughts with my mother and made it clear that I felt as though I had been cheated all these years.

Well to my surprise, on July 10 a huge birthday party was held in my honor! All of my aunts were there as well as one or two neighborhood friends. There was cake, ice cream, and even a gift or two.

What I wouldn’t give just to go back and say THANK YOU.

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to everyone who made the 68th Annual Taylor Rodeo a success! We would not have been able to do it without our great community, sponsors and participants. We look forward to seeing y’all again next year!

www.taylorrodeo.com 11

229 TEACHERS 71

INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANTS

ACADEMIC DECATHLON

TEAM RECORD SINCE 2001

6

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS 13 – TIMES RANKED TOP 3

5

NATIONAL RANKINGS

521 MEDALS EARNED

$186,850.00

3,103 STUDENTS 12

Taylor 76574

SCHOLARSHIP MONEY THROUGH AcDec

40 CUSTODIANS 22 BUS DRIVERS 18 BUS MONITORS

413

DESKTOP COMPUTERS

1,576 LAPTOPS 396 CHROMEBOOKS

675 iPADS 35,000

33 CAFETERIA EMPLOYEES 3,800 CARTONS OF MILK DAILY

WE TRIED – BUT FAILED – TO FIND OUT HOW MUCH TOILET PAPER THE DISTRICT USES.

TEXTBOOKS

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TWICE TOLD TALES OF TAYLOR

… with thanks to the Taylor Conservation and Heritage Society and apologies to Nathaniel Hawthorne

HOW ABILENE UNLOADED THEIR TROLLEY CARS ON US

A

By Frances Sorrow Taylor Conservation and Heritage Society President

recent transplant to Taylor, complaining about the nocturnal train noises, expressed the opinion that they sounded like “a bunch of mules braying”. A ghostly caravan? Well, maybe. The story which follows suggests someone got the last laugh. Why not the mules?

No one is alive who rode on Taylor’s mule driven trolley cars, although many have heard of them. The trolley system operated from 1891 to 1900, and had three cars, pulled by teams of two Spanish mules. Dr. A. V. Doak, who founded the trolley system, kept 60 mules in the barn behind his house at 600 West Seventh. The mules were switched out in front of the house. Rides were 5 cents before 11 a.m. and a dime after that.

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Taylor 76574

The northward route started on Porter across from the I&GN Railway Depot. The line went west to Main, then north on Main to Seventh. It traveled west on Seventh down to Sloan and the Doak Pavilion. The return trip went south from Sloan to Third. It traveled on Third to Doak, then south to Second Street. From there it traveled east to Main.

We hope readers will check out the Doak Pavilion marker and travel our trolley routes.

But the full story of the acquisition of the trolley cars is rarely told. The Abilene Weekly Reflector of April 16, 1891, reporting the shipment of the trolley cars to Taylor, suggested they were reincarnated. They were newly painted in red and green. Abilene painted out whatever else may have been there first. But the paper seems to feel that Abilene

→

We aren’t your mamma’s newspaper (Well, she still takes the paper but we’re a whole lot more than that!)

Find out who’s playing where in Taylor and East Williamson County ... in print, online and on the Live!

From East WilCo Facebook page — updated every Wednesday!

Pints, Politics & Culture The days when a small-town newspaper company can get by with simple newsprint are long gone. Your local newspaper is working hard to keep up with the modern era.

From award-winning public-private partnerships designed to help communicate complex issues, to news maker interviews that are live-streamed on social media, the Taylor Press is working hard to be the media gateway to East WilCo.

PRESS TAYLOR

your community. your newspaper.

211 West Third Street 512-352-8535 @TaylorPress76584 In print Sunday and Wednesday On line 24/7/365@TaylorPress.net

Join us 7 p.m. the last Tuesday of each month for our live Taylor Press Publisher Richard news maker interStone (r) interviews Taylor views at the Texas native Kirk Bohls at a recent PP&C event.

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LIVE @taylorpress76574

_________Taylor _________ Our_________ almost Taylor nearly famous _________ quarterly lifestyle magazine delivered to every home in the zip code. on Facebook@Taylor76574 _________ Coming up:Taylor _________ Mid-November: Holidays in Taylor Mid-February: Holy cow, we’ve _________ got live music! _________

Taylor

15

TOO HOT FOR MAN OR BEAST

put one over on Taylor. The actual quote gives the flavor of that view.

“To the casual observer, they will appear as new cars.

But if anybody thinks those cars have not had experience, he will be most exceedingly mistaken. Launched as they were in the heyday of the boom period, they wound their devious and deserted way through the streets of Abilene and for a mile into the cornfields in the bottoms for three years. They hauled the festive sucker when he came to gaze at the lots for sale in the additions and carried him again when he rode out to look for the lot stakes among the weeds. . . They were an ever ready solace to the businessmen in bad weather and were never dangerous except to the mules that drove them, one of these occasionally given up as a sacrifice. Altogether they were a harmless rather expensive luxury and we hope Taylor, Texas, will have as much amusement from them as did Abilene.”

Perhaps what our newcomer heard was ghostly mules, hauling trolleys for ghost riders in the sky, and giving Taylor the horse laugh.

As the late Paul Harvey said, “now you know the rest of the story.”

Thomas Kittleman, M.D. • Patricia Dearman, M.D. Thomas Hendrix, M.D. • Kimberly Golde, M.D. Lena Dixit, M.D.

TAYLOR

603 Mallard Lane Taylor, Texas 76574 (512) 352-7664

ROUND ROCK

2120 Round Rock Avenue, Suite 100 Round Rock, Texas 78681 (512) 244-1991

www.eyeassociatestexas.com

In this unearthly heat of summer, it’s hard to even nod at the possibility of cooler weather, of pumpkins instead of watermelons, and of seasonal ghosts and goblins, let alone ghostly mules.

But in Taylor, our present often walks hand in hand with the past, both in our historic buildings, our heritage, and our traditions.

A “new tradition” seems to be the Taylor Ghost Walk, sponsored by T.C.H.S., and held in loose association with Halloween’s date. Last year the tours were sold out, and the reviews were enthusiastic. Long-time residents contributed their own ghost stories, too. There has been a debate about whether our ghostly residents preferred the real estate east of Main Street, or the buildings west of Main Street near the post office.

The west side seems to be particularly active, and to the east there are several “active” locations, including the Ricocco ghost and the purported ghostly residents of the long-shuttered Blazilmar Hotel. And there is the”hanging tree” in Heritage Square (There is no evidence for this, but it sure looks like one!). There are hair-raising stories of that location. Which is the preferred location for spooks?

It turns out that some present day occupants of “haunted” buildings have refused to have their buildings identified or the stories of their ghosts told…even when there has been present day authentication. They are concerned that the stories might scare away customers.

The Ghost Walk will be held this year on October 21 and 28.

Search for the Haunted Taylor Facebook page and monitor the Taylor Press for ticket information. And since they sold out last year, you need to keep an eye out and prepare to act fast.

So, in Taylor our present often walks hand in hand with the past. Just be aware whose hand it may be.

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Taylor 76574

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Little Free Library

Little Free Library [lit-l free lahy-brer-ee] noun 1. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that inspires a love of reading, builds community, and sparks creativity by fostering neighborhood book exchanges around the world.

2. There are more than 50,000 registered Little Free Libraries (LFL) worldwide, in all 50 states and 70 countries. Through Little Free Libraries, millions of books are exchanged each year, profoundly increasing access to books for readers of all ages and backgrounds.

3. The Little Free Library nonprofit is based in Hudson, Wisconsin, United States.

Little Free Library [lit-l free lahy-brer-ee] noun 1. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that inspires a love of reading, builds community, and sparks creativity by fostering neighborhood book exchanges around the world.

2. There are more than 50,000 registered Little Free Libraries worldwide, in all 50 states and 70 countries. Through Little Free Libraries, millions of books are exchanged each year, profoundly increasing access to books for readers of all ages and backgrounds.

3. The Little Free Library nonprofit is based in Hudson, Wisconsin, United States.

Steward Lindy Looney welcomes donations of books, especially children’s books in the summer months, at El Corral Lozano’s Restaurant in Taylor This library has a large turnover of books due to its location.

Olivia Winkelmann likes to browse the Little Free Library whenever she visits El Corral Lozano’s restaurant with her mother. Olivia is reading chapter books in school.

Summertime Little Free Library intern and avid reader, Sophia Pore, helps straighten the books and also helps put LFL stickers on them to help keep them in circulation. Sophia may pursue a career in library science.

Visitors to the Taylor Chamber of Commerce gain a greater insight

into Taylor residents’ interests by

visiting the Little Free Library in the Chamber’s parking lot.

19

Kunisch WELLNESS CENTER Proudly serving Taylor since 1987

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Taylor 76574

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From culinary teacher, Candice Martin . . .

T

he term back-to-school incites a feeling of excitement and perhaps a little apprehension for students who have, no doubt, had some time to relax during the summer. They will meet new teachers and see old friends again. The culinary students at Taylor High School would like to offer a few suggestions of some sweet treats that can be made and enjoyed by all. These recipes are sure to hit the spot and might just help with making new friends!

Photos by Jessica Lundgren, Paulo Flores, Ariana Longoria, Elizabeth Ramirez, Terry Wilson, Sara Fischer

Chocolate Milk Shakes

Ingredients

¾ C. milk ½ C. chocolate syrup 1 ½ C. vanilla ice cream whipped topping (optional) strawberries (optional)

Directions In blender, place milk and syrup. Cover and blend on high speed 5 seconds.

Add ice cream. Cover and blend on low speed about 30 seconds or until smooth. Pour into glasses. Serve immediately.

Garnish with whipped topping and strawberries if desired.

Backto-School Sweet Treats White and Dark Chocolate Chip Cookie Sandwiches Ingredients 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened 3/4 cup granulated sugar 3/4 cup packed brown sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 large eggs 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 cup white chocolate chips 1 quart of your favorite ice cream flavor Sprinkles (optional)

Directions: PREHEAT oven to 375° F. COMBINE flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased parchment lined baking sheets.

BAKE for 7 to 9 minutes or until

golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

MAKE SANDWICHES after cookies have cooled. Spoon ice cream between 2 cookies and press until sandwiches hold together.

Add sprinkles to ice cream sides if desired. * May be stored in refrigerator for up to 1 week or in freezer for up to 8 weeks.

This feature is contributed by student chefs in the Taylor High School Culinary Arts Program. Culinary Arts is a partnership with Texas State Technical College that provides students the opportunity to earn college credits and certifications that will prepare them for successful careers after high school. In addition to contributing to the food feature of this magazine, culinary students also showcase their talents in the licensed restaurant, Top Flight, located in Taylor High School.

21

Funnel Cakes

Yield:6 to 8 servings, depending upon size of cakes

Ingredients 2 cups milk 2 eggs, beaten 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking soda

1 tablespoon sugar 1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) melted butter Powdered sugar, for topping 1 quart oil

5 Vance th &

EVENTS

301 W. 5th St. | Taylor, Texas | (512) 468-2490 events@5thandvance.com | 5thandvance.com

22

Taylor 76574

Directions Combine milk, eggs, vanilla in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, baking soda, and sugar and gradually add to wet ingredients. Beat with a mixer until a smooth batter forms. Fold in melted butter. Pour batter into a funnel or squeeze bottle while using your index finger to stop the flow of the batter. Bring oil up to about 350 degrees in a deep stock pot. Bring the funnel over the hot oil and release your finger to start a stream of batter while moving the funnel in a circular motion to create spiral-like shapes. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown and slightly puffed, turning at the halfway mark.

Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

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UNTIL 9 P.M.

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GOOD LI FE FAM I LY FESTIVAL

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For full information about all upcoming events in Taylor, Texas, visit TaylorMadeTexas.com or call Main Street Taylor at 512.352.3463.

23

HAIRCUTS, SHAVES and LIFE LESSONS at 24

Taylor 76574

IDEAL BARBER SHOP

25

Story and photos by DeeDee Yelverton

H

arvey Patschke has been cutting hair for more than 50 years.

If you don’t recognize the name, you’ll surely recognize the iconic barber shop he owns on Fourth Street with its classic barber’s pole and charming exterior.

“I came to Taylor in 1959,” he said. “I worked for Monroe Hendrix on East Second Street. There were four barbers in town at that time.”

Harvey’s early career was interrupted when he was called to duty by the 649th Armored Division Reserves during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

“I stayed for 10 months then came back to Taylor in 1962 and opened my own shop between First and Second streets. There used to be a theater and an eating place there. It’s a parking lot now.”

Harvey has seen a few changes over the years – and a few things that have remained consistent.

“In the late 50s a haircut would run you about $1 or $1.25,” he said. Now a haircut is will cost you about $15 at his shop.

26

Taylor 76574

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“See this book here,” he asked.

“When I started as a barber, it was different than it is now. We had to learn anatomy – of the digestive system, the circulatory system, the skin. It came about because there was a time when a barber was also your dentist and doctor – so we had to learn all that. You had to take a test and apprentice under a master barber. Then you had to go back and take the test again. We were trained to do other stuff besides haircuts too, but there wasn’t much of a demand for it back then – things like facials, mud packs, waxing hair.”

Harvey and his partner Jack Mangham offer mostly haircuts and shaves now. “And life lessons,” one customer told me.

“Do you know what the barber pole represents?” Harvey asked.

“Most people think it’s a candy cane.

But it’s not a candy cane. On the barber’s pole, the red represents blood, the blue the arteries, the white bandages and the base is where the blood flowed – it represents what barbers were in the old days.”

Harvey has been at his current location since 1987.

“There have been a lot of changes over the years,” he says. “Since I started, there have been a number of shops come and go. There’s been a

quarry; JC Penney was here, Anthony’s, two picture shows, a Pruett hardware store, several nickel stores and two or three furniture stores. It used to be there was quite a business in downtown.”

Things haven’t come full circle yet but Taylor is seeing a renewal of life and business in the downtown area.

“I’m seeing a change in Taylor,” Harvey said. “It’s starting to get busy. People are getting crowded out of Hutto and Austin, and are moving here to get a bit of this little peaceful town. It’s a different atmosphere here. People like that. And, we’re seeing those independent businesses start moving back in.”

With all of the changes he’s noticed over the years,

Harvey sees some things that have remained consistent.

“I’ve always been happy in this town. I’ve met a lot of people; made friends. Look at the quality of life we have here. Sometimes you have to take a little rough streets to have a better life. We have beautiful parks, people are friendly. I’ve had people new to town tell me, ‘My goodness, people around here actually talk to you and are happy to see you,’” he chuckled. “There are a lot of good things here. And I’ve been one of the lucky people. I can drive to work in five minutes. God has been good to me. It’s been a good life. A lot of people just take life for granted.”

It’s a little surprising to realize what some of those things are that we take for granted these days.

29

“I was born in 1939,” Harvey said.

“We didn’t have electricity or running water at that time. I went to Thrall High School. We didn’t get electricity until 1948. It was a different life. Back then, you’d get a soda water for a nickel and you were doing good. It’s just the way you were raised. Nowadays, we’re all a little spoiled.”

Harvey said he’s been fortunate.

“I love Taylor. I’ve raised my family here,” he said. “I have a good business partner. Jack is kind to people.

He loves children. He does magic tricks for the children. He’s had several write-ups done on him.”

Family, friends and church are important to Harvey.

“I also love Taylor because we have so many wonderful churches here,” he said. “We belong to Trinity Lutheran Church, but there are a lot of other old, beautiful churches here. I would like to see more people gathering at those churches. I think we need to get together with God and our families and neighbors more.”

As Harvey and I were finishing up our talk, Jack walked over to a little boy waiting with his family. He talked with the boy for a few minutes, then showed him a piece of candy he held in his hand. He waved his hand past the boy’s ear, said a few words, and

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31

opened his hand to show that the candy had magically disappeared. The boy giggled with amazement. He was even more delighted when Jack produced a new piece of candy, and, with Mom’s permission, gave it to him.

These days, Harvey and Jack are taking things a little easier. “We’re open Tuesday through Friday,” Harvey said. “We usually open up at 7 a.m. and stay open until 4:30 or 5 p.m., but some days we might close early if we feel like it.”

I couldn’t leave without asking if he had ever cut the hair of anyone famous.

“Jack did. He cut LBJ’s hair – after he was president,” Harvey said.

“Yeah, that was when I was in Austin,” Jack explained.

“I was at a shop near where he lived after he was president, so it was just natural that he’d come to the shop near his home.”

And what about Harvey?

“Lee Roy Caffey. I cut his hair,” he said. “He was with the Green Bay Packers. We played football together when I was at Thrall and he was at Thorndale.”

Quite a few life experiences and stories have passed through these doors – and there are more than a few yet to be told.

If you haven’t been to the Ideal Barber Shop, I recommend stopping by. Harvey and Jack offer haircuts, shaves, and life lessons.

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Taylor 76574

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l

For humans such a diet might lead to obesity, hypertension, diabetes, etc. For ducks it can mean “Angel Wing,” which might sound cute until you realize that it’s a decidedly un-cute and incurable deformity that renders birds flightless.

That duck isn’t having a “bad feather day.” It’s experiencing a health crisis thanks to your Wonder Bread.

Ducks are omnivores. They’ll eat ev-

v

continued from page 34

erything — tiny fish, grass, frogs, algae, snails, seeds, and berries. There’s really no need for the public to feed the ducks.

It does more harm to the ducks (and the parks) than it does good.

But if you really must feed ducks, give them lettuce, cabbage, corn, kale, peas, grapes, and whole grains. Basically, take all the stuff you bought at HEB thinking you were finally going to start eating right and give it to the ducks now that it has all expired.

So that’s a little background on Tay-

lor (aka Quack City, USA) and its celebrated waterfowl. You might not have attended Taylor High, but by virtue of your making this community your home, you’re a de facto Duck.

And, as they say, “Once a Duck, Always a Duck.”

Just lay off the bread.

Disclaimer: Dabbling ducks is the group of ducks within the Anatinae subfamily to which mallards belong. The ducks that populate Taylor’s parks are, by and large, mallards.

Serving Taylor and the surrounding communities for 117 years.

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33

The Dabbling Duck

34

Taylor 76574

Where to begin? In 1923, a young football coach came down from Waxahachie to breathe new life into the high school football team. His name was C.R. Drake. Drake. Get it?

The following season, Coach Drake’s team played in a series of rainy, sloppy contests. Given those game conditions, sports writers took to referring to the Taylor team as “Drake’s Ducks,” and the name stuck. Taylor was forevermore “Home of the Ducks.”

And don’t get fooled by those Johnny-come-lately Oregon Ducks. The University of Oregon mascot was the Webfoots, a term that didn’t refer to ducks at all but rather residents of the wetter climes of that state. It was not until after World War II that Webfoots and Ducks started to be used interchangeably for that university’s mascot, with Ducks eventually winning

the day. Again… Johnny-come-latelies.

Back to Taylor and its ducks. You’ve probably noticed the overabundance of ducks in our city’s parks. They’re beloved fixtures of our community, enjoying their own duck (and duckling) crossing signs.

But most of those ducks don’t really belong here. Practically all of the ducks you see in Murphy Park and Bull Branch are feral domestic birds. Many were either dumped there by their owners or are hybrids of domestic/wild matings. These birds are not good for the park, and they deprive native waterfowl of valuable resources. They’re freeloaders. And they can be downright mean and aggressive.

Locals don’t do these ducks any favors. If they’re not running them over on Lake Drive or Davis Street, they’re pumping them full of a high calorie, low nutrient diet based on heavy consumption of white bread. Sounds kind of like the typical American’s diet. How’s that working out for y’all?

continued on page 33

i

v

Q: A:

What’s up with Taylor and all these ducks? -Perplexed on Prather

TAYLO R TE X A S

LO G O STAN DAR D S

E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T C O R P O R AT I O N

Take the next step!

Log on to Work in Texas.com and search for jobs in Taylor.

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There are more than 200 good jobs available right here in Taylor, right now!

Residential Postal Patron Taylor, Texas 76574

_________Taylor _________

ECRWSSEDDM US POSTAGE PAID EDDM RETAIL

76574

P.O. Box 1040 • Taylor, TX 76574 • 512-352-8538

Relentless in the pursuit of Educational Excellence

• Graduation rate consistently surpasses both regional and state averages.

• Legacy Early College High School, recognized as High Performing by Texas Education Agency

LO G O STA N DA R D S TAYLOR INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 3101 N. Main St., Taylor, TX 76574 www.taylorisd.org Phone: (512) 365-1391 Fax: (512) 365-3800 TAY LO R TE X A S

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISCTRICT VERSION 1 & 2

• Nationally ranked, Championship Academic Decathlon Team and Color Guard

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• Every Taylor High School and Legacy Early College High School student is issued a laptop computer.

• New athletic complex projected for 2017 completion.