Taylor 76574 Magazine - Spring 2019 by Matt Hellman

_________ Taylor _________

76574 SPRING s 2019

MOVIE MAGIC

Taylor's not 'Little Hollywood' ... yet! DABBLING DUCK

BY THE NUMBERS

Since we're talking movies, good old DD remembers the first — and possibly greatest —movie filmed in Taylor.

We explore the anatomy of a chili supper. And a spaghetti supper. Man, that's a lot of hamburger!

An Ecumenical i lS Social i l Justice i Happy Hour! Topics are presented for discussions every week with a biblical point of reference led by different speakers.

Thursday Evenings, 6 to 7:00 P.M. Check our website and social media pages for locations.

Join us for Worship on Sundays Sunday School (all ages) 9:30 A.M. Worship 10:30 A.M. First United Methodist Church 907 West Lake Drive Taylor, TX 76574 512-352-2593 www.fumctaylor.org

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TA W YL O O R R K S

Trades Day Career Fair

Parents,

Encourage your students to talk to their school teacher or counselor about this great opportunity to learn about great jobs and careers!

Padres!

ยกAnime a sus estudiantes a hablar con su maestro o consejero escolar sobre esta gran oportunidad para aprender sobre trabajos y carreras excelentes!

9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday, March 6 WilCo Exposition Center 5350 Bill Pickett Trail, Taylor TX

Local businesses, Play a part in this interactive career fair, specifically designed to get area students interested in working in tech fields, the trades and manufacturing. It will identify students who are ready for part-time/internships now, in the summer as well as those starting a career post-graduation. You are asked to represent your company and your industry with upbeat, engaging displays and brief, impressive presentations to pique the interest of students (future workers) from more than four area high schools. This is your chance to explain how and why a career in your industry is something these young men and women should consider. Questions: Call the Greater Taylor Chamber of Commerce at 512-352-6364 or email president@taylorchamber.org

_________Taylor _________

76574 Facebook@Taylor76574 EDITOR & PUBLISHER Richard Stone BUSINESS MANAGER Carolyn Hill ADVERTISING SALES Jonathon Jones PRODUCTION EDITOR Matt Hellman DEPARTMENT EDITOR Jason Hennington ADVERTISING DESIGN Patti Slavych Minerva Kutch Orlando Rojo-Buendia OUR THANKS TO Catherine Parker, Tim Crow Candice Martin, Culinary Arts and Magdeline Zavala, commercial photography, at Taylor High School

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! The story of how an artist finds Taylor is often as colorful as the art itself. From cheap studio space to a nascent arts district, there's lots to talk about.

~ PAGE 24

D E PA R T M E N T S SPRING CALENDAR �� PAGE 6 From regular weekly and monthly events to exciting live music festivals, here’s a handy planning guide.

TWICE TOLD TALES �� PAGE 12 The last great Indian battle in the area was a running skirmish that ran from the Upper San Gabriel River to Bastrop and ended in the Battle of Brushy Creek south of Taylor the winter of 1839. ON THE COVER Seems not a day goes by that someone is filming something in Taylor. This is a shot from the filming of the movie "Rondo & Bob." — Photo by Richard Stone

Published by

PRESS TAYLOR

your community. your newspaper.

512-352-8538

13 QUESTIONS �� PAGE 16 James Talarico is the youngest serving member of the Texas House of Representatives. Just don't call him Jimbo.

BY THE NUMBERS �� PAGE 18 It takes a lot of hamburger to feed the multitudes for a chili supper. Or spaghetti supper. See just how much in By the Numbers.

CULINARY ADVENTURES �� PAGE 22 Taylor High School’s Culinary Arts and commercial photography students deliver their take on a cream cheese coffee cake.

THE DABBLING DUCK �� PAGE 34 Return to those thrilling days of yesteryear when Taylor was the Hot Spot. — Photos by Jason Hennington and Richard Stone

Monthly Events G21 CAR SHOW G21 Car Show is on the fourth Sunday of every month beginning at about 8 a.m. It will be held 3100 N. Main Street. Several different charities benefit from it throughout the year. SECOND SATURDAY 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.” THIRD MONDAY 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 members and non-members. THIRD THURSDAY 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. PINTS, POLITICS & CULTURE The Taylor Press hosts a live interview with a local newsmaker 7 p.m. each month at the Texas Beer Co., corner of Main and Second, downtown. Monthly dates vary so watch the Taylor Press for specifics. The interview is streamed live on the Press’ Facebook page (@GoTaylorTx) and then curated on its website (TaylorPress.net). This public affairs

Free tax help THROUGH APRIL 15 Taylor City Hall, 400 Porter Street, Taylor, TX 76574 United Way of Williamson County will have IRS-certified tax preparers on site to provide FREE tax help for households earning $54,000 or less annually. No appointment needed. Se Habla Español. For more information, go to WilcoFreeTaxPrep.org or call (512) 255 - 6799 or 2-1-1. Mondays: 4:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays: 4:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. THROUGH APRIL 12 Taylor Public Library, 801 Vance Street, Taylor, TX 76574 AARP will have IRS-certified tax preparers on site to provide FREE tax help for Senior Citizens and the general public. No appointment needed. Se Habla Español. Wednesdays: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. program is a great way to keep up with local characters and issues. Check the paper for exact dates and topics. TAYLOR AREA FARMER'S MARKET May through October — Local area farmers sell fresh produce at corner of 5th and Main Street 3-6 p.m. every Monday and Friday.

YOUR GOVERNMENT Taylor City Council The Taylor City Council meets the second and fourth Thursdays of the month, 6 p.m. at City Hall, 400 Porter St. Agendas are posted to the city’s website Tuesday prior. Meetings are streamed live from the city’s website. You may sign up for notifications about this and other Taylor boards and commissions on the homepage of the city’s website, ci.taylor.tx.us. Taylor School Board Taylor school trustees meet 7 p.m. the third Monday of the month, in the board room at the central administration office, 3101 N. Main Street. Agendas are posted to the school’s website the Friday prior to the meeting. WEEKLY CIVIC CLUB MEETINGS Taylor Lions Club Every Friday at Noon at Sirloin Stockade Taylor Rotary Club Every Thursday at noon at Sirloin Stockade Taylor Kiwanis Club Every Wednesday at noon at Sirloin Stockade WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON Interested in local and college sports? Check out “Around the Water Cooler,” a lively and opinionated show produced by the Taylor Press. New shows every Wednesday at about 2:15 p.m. Streamed live on Facebook @GoTaylorTx.

If you would like to see your non-profit community event or regular meeting listed in this calendar, please send it to Taylor76574 Calendar, P.O. Box 1040, Taylor, TX 76574 or email to news@taylorpress.net and put “Taylor 76574” in the subject line. Our next edition will be published mid-May. Deadline is April 15. 6

Taylor 76574

Spring Calendar March

April

1 — SPRING HEALTH FAIR 6-8 p.m. – Taylor ISD Events Center Come join us 6-8 p.m. at the Taylor ISD Events Center, 3101 N. Main, for face painting, balloon animals, door prizes, free healthy snacks, fresh popcorn, and other fun surprises.

4 — VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE Deadline to register to vote for the Taylor City Council and School Board elections. Seats for both bodies may be up for voter approval. Election Day is May 4. Watch the Taylor Press’ print and online editions for candidate information.

2 — KITE FESTIVAL 10 a.m. to noon – Memorial Field The City of Taylor will host the Sky's the Limit Kite Festival, March 2 from 10 a.m. to noon, at Memorial Field. 11-14 — TAYLOR ISD SPRING BREAK 11-14 — TAYLOR PUBLIC LIBRARY During Spring break, the Taylor Public Library will host movies, crafts all week and a truck petting zoo.

6 — TAYLOR HOME AND GARDEN EXPO Taylor Band Boosters host the annual Garden Expo. Indoor and outdoor booths are available. The Expo features a hamburger lunch, live music, plants, crafts, home decor and unique items. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 13 — VETERANS 5K BEER RUN Taylor’s American Legion Post hosts this unusual run through Murphy

Park. Drink some good beer for a good cause and help support the American Legion and Veterans Services in East WilCo! 20 — EASTER EGG HUNT! At Heritage Square, 10 a.m. Children

Fall 2019 7

will be divided into two age groups, ages 1 through and ages 4 through 6. One parent or adult must accompany each child. Contact the City of Taylor at 512-352-3463 for more information. 22 — EARLY VOTING BEGINS Early voting for the May 4 local election begins. Watch the Taylor Press’ print and online editions for candidate information.

Advertising Proof

27 — TAYLOR HIGH SCHOOL PROM 7-11 p.m. at the Williamson County Expo Center

2018 Thrall Tiger Yearbook

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Thank you for your generous support of The Tiger yearbook! We want you to be 100% satisfied with the message, images, and design of your ad, so please carefully proof the attached copy. If any changes or corrections are needed, please email Christina Strnad (cstrnad@thrallisd. 4 — BLACKLAND PRAIRIE DAYS org) no later than June 6. Live music, sprawling car show, food, arts

May

& crafts, children’s activities in downtown Taylor beginning at 10 a.m. Contact the City of Taylor at 512-352-3463 for more information.

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Taylor 76574

4 — LOCAL ELECTIONS Seats on the Taylor ISD School Board and the Taylor city Council and other area governments are up for voter consideration. Vote at city hall and the Taylor ISD administration building. Watch the Taylor Press print edition and website for candidate profiles and election information. 12 — GRANGER LAKEFEST Held Mother’s Day weekend in May the park across from Granger City Hall, 214 E. Davilla Street, Granger Lakefest includes a kolache sale, parade, arts and crafts, a barbecue cookoff, children’s activities, an auction, a car/truck/tractor/motorcycle show and horseshoe tournament. Enjoy a variety of food and drink, live music during the day and a dance in the evening. Call Granger City Hall at (512) 859-2755. 25 — FIESTA AMISTAD Deadline to register to vote for the Taylor City Council and School Board elections. Seats for both bodies may be up for voter approval. Election Day is May 4. Watch the Taylor Press’ print and online editions for candidate information.

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• Embroidery • Custom T-shirts • Awards & Trophies • Wrap ‘N Ship • Letter Jacket Patches • Sports Equipment 27 — SWIMMING! Taylor City Pools and splash pads open May 27! — Murphy Park Aquatic Center, Robinson Park and Heritage Square, open for the summer. 27 — MEMORIAL DAY Remembrance ceremony in the Liberty Gardens in Murphy Park to honor fallen military. 31 — TAYLOR ISD GRADUATION Taylor will graduate the class of 2019 7 p.m. at the Duck Pond (the high school football stadium).

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TAY LO R T E X A S

LO G O STA N DA R D S

TA G L I N E

Destination for Many Home for a Fortunate Few Over the last three years, your economic development team has worked to bring a diverse mix of light industrial operations to Taylor: Noren Thermal Solutions, Summit Custom Cabinets, Masterson Hard Chrome and the Valero fuel terminal. These four companies are creating more than 100 new jobs, $50 million in new investment and more than $1 million annually in new property tax revenue. But, if you think this is big, wait to see what the next three years bring!

THINK BIG | THINK TAYLOR Taylor Economic Development Corporation PO Box 975 / 112 West 2nd St., Suite 203 Taylor, Texas 76574 p. (512) 352-4321 f. (512) 352-3252 TAY LO R T E X A S

LO G O STA N DA R 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

Twice Told Tales of Taylor

The Battle of Brushy Creek THE LAST GREAT INDIAN BATTLE

By Richard Stone

illiamson County — especially the eastern part of the county — is rich in history. From Indian battles to heroes of the Texas Revolution, famous governors to rodeo cowboys, actors and artists, this part of the world has had its impact on the tapestry of Texas history. It’s fairly easy to visit places like the Dan Moody Museum or the famous Brick Streets of Granger. You can drive by some of Taylor’s historic homes or explore the downtown area but finding some of these key historic sites can be a challenge, largely because the only thing that marks the site is a faded steel plaque beside a back-country road. One such plaque marks the Battle of Brushy Creek, one

of the largest and last major skirmishes between Comanche and Anglo settlers in Williamson County. The battle featured a host of heroes from the Texas Revolution but the marker, which is just off the west side of Hwy 95 about a mile and a half south of Taylor, doesn’t tell the story very well. It was the winter of 1839, just three short years after Texas won its independence. Texas Rangers — composed of Texas Army veterans— and local militia were fighting both Comanche marauders and Mexican guerrillas all through this part of the country. In January 1839, Chief Cuelgas de Castro — a fairly well-known Lipan Indian (Apache) scout for the Rangers — discovered a large Comanche raiding party encamped on the San Gabriel River north of Waterloo (Austin).

Taylor 76574

He reported this to one of the settlements in the area and Col. John H. Moore, a veteran of the Gonzales “Come and Take It” skirmish, called out two companies of thirty men each. Joined by the Lipan, they rode to the campsite and found that the Comanche had moved upstream. Moore’s company tracked the Comanche up the San Gabriel but a fierce winter storm forced the Texans and accompanying Lipan fighters to shelter for three days. The snow obliterated the Comanche’s trail but Moore persisted. He tracked the Comanche west to the mouth of the San Saba River and discovered the raiders were there in greater numbers than de Castro had reported. At first, Moore wanted to retreat but his band had “come out to hunt a fight.” Moore attempted a surprise attack but was repulsed. In the skirmish that followed, Moore’s company was forced to retreat to the cover of a ravine. Castro advised the Texans to run off the Comanche horses but that advice was ignored. The Comanche sent out a Lipan squaw under a truce flag and, while the Texans were distracted, slipped around behind them and stole their horses. The Texans were stranded on foot, in the winter, about 100 miles from home. In disgust, Castro and his men deserted Moore's force. While Moore’s company trudged home, the Comanche raiding party — now estimated to be about 200 strong — swept east toward Bastrop and, on Feb. 18, attacked settlements at Wells, or Webber Prairie, killing Elizabeth Coleman, the wife of Col. James Coleman, another war veteran and her son, kidnapping their 5-yearold son, and robbing another house in the area. At about noon, a militia of about 25 men under the command of Capt. Jacob Burleson rode out to scout the area. A couple of hours later, they were joined by another company of 27 men under the command of Capt. James Rogers. About 10 the next morning, the combined force sighted the raiders near Post Oak Island (now the community of Type). The Texans were outnumbered but mounted, giving them, they felt, an edge in the conflict. They moved to cut the raiders off from a thicket but faltered, which threw the whole command into a state of confusion and forced the Texans to retreat. During the retreat, one of the young Texans failed to untie his horse. Capt. Burleson raced back to help and was shot in the back of the head. Later, his mutilated body was discovered and returned for burial. The entire demoralized — and, by some accounts, mortified — command fell back to Brushy Creek, unwilling and even ashamed to return to the settlement without a fight. Within hours of the debacle, Gen. Edward Burleson and Ranger Capt. Jesse Billingsley reached Brushy Creek with 32 men. Burleson, a renowned Indian fighter, fought at San Ja-

cinto and was Jacob’ brother. Burleson combined the forces and began an immediate pursuit of the Comanche. The force overtook the raiders shortly after noon. They found the Indians in a strong defensive position. Although his men were outnumbered, Burleson ordered an attack that became a running fight along Battleground Creek (now Cottonwood Creek). The Comanche retreated under the cover of darkness. They left a wounded black slave who said the Indians lost at least 30 dead and wounded. Besides Jacob Burleson, the Texans lost Edward

Fall 2019 13

Blakey, John Walters and Rev. James Gilleland. The Handbook of Texas and the Williamson County Historical Commission tell this story in greater detail, including the first-hand accounts from J. W. Wilbarger

of the raid on Webber Prairie and the battle along Battleground Creek. This article was first published in a supplement to the Taylor Press March, 2018.

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State Representative James Talarico (D-Round Rock) took office in December as the youngest serving member of the Texas House of Representatives. By all accounts, Talarico has hit the ground running, earning a seat on the coveted Public Education Committee. He also took a page from the fella he replaced and has been seen in Taylor about as often as we see city officials. Publisher Richard Stone decided it was time to learn more about him …

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Meet State Representative James Talarico 1. What is your super power?

7. What is something you will NEVER do again?

2. What did you think you would grow out of but haven’t?

8. When did you consider yourself an adult?

Unlimited stomach capacity for Round Rock Donuts.

My baby face.

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

I listen to a playlist comprised of both George Strait and Lil’ Wayne.

Agree to fill out a “simple” questionnaire from Richard Stone… love you Richard! Probably my first day of teaching when I realized I was responsible for the lives of other people.

9. James, Jim or Jimmy? Jimbo.

10. What is the hardest thing you’ve ever had to do?

4. What’s the dumbest thing you’ve ever Definitely my first year of teaching. done? In the 2006 McNeil High School production of “The 11. What’s the most useless talent you have? Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe,” I played Aslan the Lion and accidentally cursed in front of 500 elementary school students. To be fair, the line was tricky to say: “You and your sisters shall SIT on the throne.”

5. What is your guilty pleasure?

The Thin Mints in our capital office. If I can’t fit in my suits by the end of the session you know why.

I can, and do, eat Kraft Mac and Cheese without chewing.

12. If you had three wishes from a non-tricky genie, what would you wish for? Fix school finance. The ability to never have to sleep. Unlimited Louie Mueller Barbecue.

13. What’s the best and worst piece of advice 6. If you could know the absolute and total you’ve ever received? The best advice I have ever received was from former truth to one question, what question would Taylor Mayor, Jessie Ancira: “The only thing you have you ask? in the capital is your word.” The worst advice I have ever I would ask a two-part question: Is it possible to have a truly just, sustainable, and humane world? If so, how do we get there?

received was right before I moved to Cambridge for grad school someone told me “You can wear cowboy boots in the snow.” The boots were ruined by the way.

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Fall 2019 17

Not a month goes by that a local civic club, church or non-profit group hosts a fundraiser by serving up fresh-cooked food. The Kiwanis Club does pancakes. The Lutheran Church does bratwurst. Other groups do turkey, barbecue or pizza. Here are just two recent examples of what goes into production for events like this.

The Anatomy of a Chili Supper

65 400 6 9 4/90 10 15 1000 30 260 410

Number of years Taylor Lions have hostedthe chili supper: Number of pounds of ground chuck for chili:

Number of LP gas cookers: Number of cooks: Number of chili pots / total gallons:

Number of gallons of beans: (undetermined amount of resulting gas)

Number of gallons of tea: Number of packages of crackers:

Number of different types of cakes, pies & cookies:

Number of individual dessert servings:

Number of chili tickets sold:

Number of volunteer workers:

Number of volunteer hours: 18

185

Taylor 76574

Anatomy of a Spaghetti Supper 120

pounds of ground meat

containers of sliced mushrooms

bags of spaghetti (I think these were 3 pound bags)

192 12 12 9 2 2 2 3 4 4

jars of pasta sauce bottles of fajita vegetable seasoning bags of chopped onions bottles of grated parmesan cheese gallons of vegetable oil bottles of granulated garlic seasoning containers of ground black pepper

pounds of salt

bottles of onion powder seasoning

bottles of Italian seasoning

2 36 24 68 LOTS

containers of minced garlic

bags of chopped garden salad

bottles of Italian dressing

boxes of garlic bread sticks

of latex gloves for serving

Fall 2019 19

akes Who m oney m all the cling? y on rec

Are we ever gonna get our STREETS FIXED?

ne Anyo ? h iring

Why is my water bill so high?

Did we REALLY sp end $20 million on a football field ?

Is there live mus ic anywhere Frida y night?

You’ve got questions? We’ve got answers. Is Dr. Graef open today?

Well, maybe not that one. Reading your award-winning community newspaper will make you smart. When you read the paper, you have the opportunity to learn about Taylor schools and property taxes, street repair plans and about the latest police activity as well as local businesses, companies looking for employees and houses for rent. Your subscription gives you access to our website where we’ve archived

more than 100,000 articles, photographs and videos dating back to 2002 so you can explore the history behind issues like how our downtown master plan was developed, school bond elections and stories about delightful local characters. Along the way, your subscription helps our work to hold elected officials accountable and to support local non-profit civic and charitable groups. There’s nowhere else you can find the answers to some of Taylor’s most vexing questions and there’s no better time to become a new subscriber. ! WOW wspaper e n e h gt mart! Readinmake you s CAN

PRESS TAYLOR

your community. your newspaper.

Texas Assoc. of School Boards Media Honor Roll

2018: Thrall ISD 2017: Taylor ISD 2106: Granger ISD

In print Wednesday and Sunday Online 24/7/365 TaylorPress.net On Social @GoTaylorTx

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Fall 2019 21

Sour Cream Coffee Cake This vintage recipe is very easy to make and is a winner every time it is served. Serve it with hot tea and or coffee, hot chocolate or your favorite beverage. It is delicious morning, noon or night. It will be a family favorite for many years to come.

INGREDIENTS 1 cup butter 2 cups sugar 2 eggs 1 cup sour cream

1 teaspoon vanilla 1 teaspoon baking powder 2 cups flour Âź teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS I) Prepare the pan. Preheat the oven to 350. II) Cream butter, sugar and eggs. Add sour cream and vanilla. IV) Sift and add flour, salt and baking powder. V) Pour in one half batter, sprinkle one half topping, now drop by spoonfulls, the other half of the batter, spread it to cover the topping. VI) Sprinkle the rest of the topping. VII) Bake 60 to 80 minutes in a 350 oven in a greased and floured tube pan, or a springform pan.

Coffee completes this old but favorite (sour cream coffee cake) recipe. 22

Taylor 76574

ABOVE LEFT: Chef Almquist carefully places a fresh baked sour cream coffee cake onto a cake platter. “This is my favorite coffee cake, said Chef Almquist, I’ve been making it for years”. “I got the recipe from a dear friend Wanda while working in Austin.” ABOVE RIGHT TOP: Second year culinary students Elizabeth Vasquez and Jordan Kruse-Dobbs prepare their measuring utensils to start baking their own coffee cake. Jordon KruseDobbs and fellow classmate Jacob Buchanan recently won 1st place and $1,000 dollars scholarship each and will attend Texas State Technical College next year. ABOVE RIGHT BOTTOM: Cake toppings include 1 cup of chopped nuts, ½ cups of sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Simple ingredients are the key to a lasting recipe. RIGHT: A mini mountain of textures makes this sour cream coffee cake a mouth watering experience. Photos by Karen Maldonado

Fall 2019 23

Taylor 76574

TAYLOR MOVIE

MAGIC

What is this? Little Hollywood—nope. It’s just another day in the historic downtown Taylor. Can’t drive down Second Street without seeing production crews wheeling dollies packed with gear. And downtown Taylor is now home to a real film studio. With zombies walking down the sidewalks, what does it all mean. Fall 2019 25

In 1989, a diner was built in the parking lot of the Taylor Press for then upcoming action thriller The Hot Spot. On the left is the lot before the construction and on the right is a set photo during the production of the movie. The Building was torn down afterfilming and the lot returned to normal.

THE HOT SPOT A FILM FRIENDLY COMMUNITY The Texas Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office oversees the Texas Film Commission that certifies the Texas Film Friendly Communities, which Taylor is one. It provides training to ensure that best practices are met for filming across Texas, and especially in small and rural communities. To become a Film Friendly Community, a representative from Taylorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s city government attended a special workshop to learn about the movie industry. City representatives learn about topics

like location agreements, production insurance and neighbor notification documents. In Texas, over 100 communities are certified as Film Friendly in hopes to benefit from the economic development from movie production. In Taylor, the Main Street Manager is the point of contact for producers and filmmakers.

WHAT MOVIES MEAN TO TAYLOR The City of Taylor wants to work with filmmakers, making the process streamlined since movies

Taylor 76574

FOR MOVIES provide a financial asset outside of its resident base. The city collects fees to cover expenses, everything from the $25 filming permit to $500 a day to close down a park. According to Mayor Brandt Rydell, “the stimulus of the local economy is important. The on-location shoots spur purchases, from the hardware store to the restaurants. And that can be from the actual cast and crew along with the onlookers that come to town.” It’s not just revenue that’s important. “Filming in Taylor creates a buzz or vibrancy to the city that furthers the brand of Taylor as being unique and more vibrant to visitors.” Rydell continued.

THE CITY’S ROLE Former Main Street Manager, Deby Lannen, has been working with the Taylor movie scene since Don Johnson arrived on set during the production of The Hot Spot (1990). Back then it was hanging out watching the behind-the-scenes action. “And I even had a Don Johnson autographed headshot that sat on my desk for years,” Lannen says. A handful of years later, John Travolta would fly into the Taylor Municipal Airport for Michael, his comeback role in 1996. Fast forward a decade and Deby Lannen corralled film crews and even formally established

Fall 2019 27

Taylor as a Texas Film Friendly Community. In her role as Main Street Manager, Lannen stopped by the sets to see if everything was proceeding according to plans as she was the producer’s point of contact in Taylor. Lannen checked out filming locations after the production ended to see if everything was returned to original condition or better according to the City’s filming guidelines. And sometimes jumping in to help when producers forgot to arrange for clean up. “Like when the Transformers: Age of Extinction crew forgot to arrange a street sweeper to clean up after a truckload of cotton exploded at the intersection of Main and Second Street. Lannen said chuckling.

HOW A MOVIE CREW ROLLS INTO TOWN The City of Taylor doesn’t solicit movies to film in town. That is done on the state level through the Governor’s office and the Texas Film Commission that provides incentives to filmmakers. According to Lannen, she would get emails from

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location scouts looking for a specific type of location. As a longtime resident, she would know if that location was around. The City of Taylor has worked with small independent filmmakers with little or no budget in town for a few hours. To the other end, Transformers: Age of Extinction filmed in Taylor for weeks, bringing a parking lot full of trucks and Mark Wahlburg. With that production, onlookers flocked to the downtown streets. Most hoping for a star sighting or witnessing a chase scene. Though it’s not just movies rolling into town. Commercials film here too, including a recent Nordstrom’s ad all the way to the Superbowl ad shot at The Texas Café, or as the local’s call it, Vencil’s.

RENEGADE STUDIOS It’s not just on-location filming that’s happening in Taylor, it’s now home to a full-service production space, Renegade Studios. Setting up shop in Fall 2018, the new studio provides everything an indie filmmaker would need, from a box truck to a 60-foot cyc screen, or cyclorama.

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According to Kris Phipps, Renegade Studio’s Chief Operating Officer, “Taylor has everything you need for small town shoots. It’s a time bubble that hasn’t been popped.” Phipps has been impressed with the industry knowledge in Taylor, “the business owners have film knowledge.” Citing the knowledge of industry terms and to the logistics of shooting requirements in downtown. When asked about what makes downtown Taylor attractive to filmmakers, Phipps elaborated, “it’s the ambience, the atmosphere. In any direction downtown, stuff doesn’t have to be removed in post-production. And shoots take less time.” The Austin film industry is now so established, only big budget projects get studio space in town. The owners of Renegade Studios saw an opportunity for opening another production space. After an exhaustive search in Austin, the availability of space brought Renegade Studios to Taylor on their last day of looking. Not only did Renegade Studios find affordable space large enough for a film studio, they found a mid-century classic. The Raymond Loewry designed International Harvester building sealed the deal. Originally designed by a notable mid-century industrial designer, the building boasts original windows and the original wooden ceiling joists. Also important, rear doors large enough to move in filming equipment and sets in and out. With a 2019 schedule full of commercials and music videos, Renegade Studios also plans to teach workshops. Look for industry topics appealing to novices, like trying to break into the business to professional lectures.

MOVIES M A D E I N TAY LO R MAJOR MOTION PICTURES Heartbreak Hotel (1988) The Hot Spot (1989) The Rookie (2000) Where the Heart Is (2000) Texas Chainsaw Massacre(2) (2003) Friday Night Lights (2004) The Hitcher (2) (2006) Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014)

OTHER FILMS The War at Home (1995) The Big Green (1995) Michael (1996) Suburbia (1996) Purgatory County (1996) Home Fries (1996) Fools’ Gold (1997) Little Boy Blue (1997) Varsity Blues (1998) On the Borderline (1999) The Monster Hunter (1999) The Life of David Gale (2001) Lone Star State of Mind (2002) Epicurious (2003) Secondhand Lions (2003) Wendell Baker Story (2004) Drop Dead Sexy (2004) Infamous (2006) Gary the Tennis Coach (2009) Killer School Girls from Outer Space (2011) Joe (2013)

Taylor 76574

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR SMALL BUSINESSES Before it was Taylor’s own live music venue, The Black Sparrow’s building was featured in several movies. According to owner Shannon Bagent, “when I moved into town, the mayor gave me a stack of movies featuring my building.” The alley behind the Black Sparrow is an another popular filming spot in Taylor. With graffiti and interesting brick walls, Bagent routinely finds crews in the space. Just a few weeks ago, the Black Sparrow was rented out for production space for several projects. Bagent welcomes the additional income to help with her small business’s operational expenses. For Judy Blundell, the owner of the McCrory-Timmerman Building, the business end of working with the filmmakers is attractive. The McCrory-Timmerman Building is also a frequent production space. And the Curb Side Coffee House provides catering for on-site filming crews, especially in the early morning.

TOP FILMING LOCATIONS IN TAYLOR The downtown historic district is a favorite. The top billing in Taylor goes to the corner of Main and Second Street. With the overpass dumping right in the center of town along with historic buildings on all four corners, it’s a popular shooting spot. Location scouts love the downtown alleys, like Potter’s Alley where Tranformers: Age of Extinction blew through an actual wall. And the BBQ restaurants get solid reviews, as a favorite with commercials.

HOW TO GET INTO THE MOVIES According to Ninette Cook, a local aspiring actress and movie extra, being a movie extra requires three things. “Patience, since you will be waiting around a lot,

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Former Main Street Manager Deby Lannen shares a print ad featuring Taylor. Photo by Catherine Parker

a headshot and networking” said Cook. She also suggested following the local Facebook groups for open casting calls, like Casting Calls Austin. Then she advised hopefuls to learn as many skills as possible to improve their chances. “No experience is necessary to be a quiet body in the background,” said Cook. Another extra and long-time Taylor resident, Tim Cook, started back in the 90s and earned $1 for his first film, The Hot Spot. Establishing himself as a reliable extra, Cook went on to be in several other films, including Where the Heart Is starring Natalie Portman.

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Taylor 76574

run on NBC’s Miami Vice, continued headed up a cast that included from page 34 Virginia Madsen, Charles Martin Smith, and a young Jennifer Connelly (a Dabbling Duck favorite). In sweltering temperatures that Hopper would later recall as the “hottest, steamiest weather you could imagine,” filming of The Hot Spot got underway. Curiously, the production designer’s charge was to “make Taylor look like a small Texas town,” which one writer likened to trying to make Buckingham Palace look palatial. But Taylor was transformed. The Louie Mueller Barbecue parking lot became the lot of Harshaw Motors where Johnson’s character worked selling cars. Rudy Mikeska’s Barbecue (now El Corral Lozano) had its exterior made over to be the Yellow Rose gentlemen’s club—but interior scenes were shot at the Red Rose cabaret in Austin, ensuring that the only bare breasts inside the Taylor version of the Yellow Rose were of the chicken variety. A key scene in the movie involved both the red sandstone Taylor National Bank building and the 1883 First National Bank building catty-corner across Second and Main. The First National Bank building was the scene of a huge conflagration in the movie. Unfortunately, a gas

burner in one of the windows failed to ignite, and when one of the folks working in the movie’s art department went to light it, he became engulfed in flames. He went screaming from the building and suffered second-degree burns over about twenty percent of his body. The Hot Spot, indeed. As if there weren’t enough going on, during the filming Johnson’s then-wife Melanie Griffith went into labor, giving birth to a daughter, Dakota. Twenty-five years later, Dakota would take a star turn in an even steamier production than The Hot Spot, as Anastasia Steele in Fifty Shades of Grey. Upon its release, The Hot Spot performed poorly at the box office although it garnered generally favorable reviews. Roger Ebert gave it three of four stars, noting that “only movie lovers who have marinated their imaginations in the great B movies from RKO and Republic will recognize The Hot Spot as a superior work in an old tradition.” Taylor was chosen as the location for The Hot Spot due to its quaint, “frozen in time” quality. Watching the film in 2019, you’re likely to notice that, in many ways, there’s much of the look and feel of Taylor that hasn’t changed in 30 years. To the Dabbling Duck, that’s comforting.

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Fall 2019 33

The Dabbling Duck Capitalizing on Quaintness, Taylor was The Hot Spot

I know that Taylor been a popular place for movies to be filmed, but which, in your opinion, is the quintessential Taylor movie? Signed, Cinephile on Cedarlawn

Dear Cinephile on Cedarlawn, Let me take you back to 1989, the number, another summer, sound of the funky drummer. Spike Lee’s racially-charged classic film Do the Right Thing was released in theaters that July… but it had nothing to do with Taylor. However, two short months later, famed Hollywood actor and director Dennis Hopper would roll into town to commence shooting what would be, for the Dabbling Duck, the definitive Taylor movie.

Hopper had made his directorial debut twenty years earlier with Easy Rider, the countercultural touchstone that launched the New Hollywood era of filmmaking and the acting career of Jack Nicholson. Incidentally, Nicholson played ACLU lawyer George Hanson in that movie, a part that had been written specifically for Taylor native Rip Torn. But Torn was replaced after a fight with Hopper in which one of them pulled a knife on the other—although who tried to knife whom remained shrouded in a bit of mystery. Hopper came to Taylor in the summer of 1989 to direct The Hot Spot, an homage to film noir of the 1940s and 1950s. It was described as “a cynical tale of small-town life into which (leading man Don) Johnson’s character, a disenchanted, charismatic drifter, brings romance, blackmail, and murder.” Johnson, fresh off a five year

continued on page 33

Taylor 76574

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HERE’S WHAT YOU'VE DONE SO FAR 5,566 tons

Residential Trash Collected

559 tons

Residential Recyclables Collected

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Percent Recycled By Weight

ALL OF THAT HAS SAVED million 37,453 2,963 5,702 2.2gallons gallons cubic yards trees of industrial process water

of industrial oil

of landfill space

That’s enough to power 690 houses for one year! RECYCLING INCREASED 25% IN THE LAST QUARTER!

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From Pre-K to Graduation, Taylor ISD is Growing Leaders for Tomorrow

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• Career preparation with certifications in numerous areas including Welding, Culinary Arts, Automotive and Plumbing. • Every high school student is issued a laptop. • Sweepstakes bands • National Merit® Scholarships • Free and tuition-based Pre-K • After-school programs • Parent and community involvement