Thoughts of Penn Taylor homestead
I was a bit teary-eyed last night (Wednesday) as I drove-back into town from the Prairie. The Snow Moon that was peaking through the clouds was competing with a huge conflagration at the old Penn Taylor homestead on Highway 82.
The formidable house that had been the home to the Taylor clan for so many years was being burned to make way for the new county Sportsplex. The flames stretched from either end of the house high up into the sky and created quite a sight along the old road.
I stopped and watched for a few minutes as the house, under the watchful eye of firemen, quickly burned to the ground. Memories of Penn and Catherine Taylor flooded my memory. They were a charming and delightful couple who had great friends of both races. Penn loved his herd of Tennessee Walking horses which were all descended from a childhood steed of his. He had a furniture store on the place which had to give-way when the highway was four laned. He was sheriff of Lowndes County for a while and a director of 4-County Electric for years. Catherine was a fabulous hostess and a marvelous cook. She gave of her time for many school and civic projects that benefited our community.
The new Sportsplex will be a wonderful addition to Lowndes County and the Taylors would be thrilled to know that their home place was being put to good use.
Bob Raymond
Columbus
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 36 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.