The home of Mark and Rebecca Simmons was carefully constructed in 2025 by Randy Voight of Terrell. It is located on historic Porter Farm, established in 1877 by John Brooks Porter. 

 

The Porter Farm was the site of the first agricultural demonstration in the U.S., established in 1903 by the USDA. The goal was to showcase scientific farming methods—like crop rotation, use of legumes, proper spacing, and fertilizers—to improve crop yields.

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The experiment proved highly successful, nearly doubling cotton yields, and led to the creation of the Agricultural Extension Service—a nationwide program supporting rural education and farming innovation.

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Porter Farm is recognized as both a National Historic Landmark and a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark. It is still in operation and remains in the Porter family.

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The home is situated among a pecan orchard planted by Walter C. Porter in 1905. Until 2023, this site was occupied by Rebecca’s grandparents’ home, built in 1952 by Bill and Lucile Porter. The original house on the homesite was respectfully demolished—but its legacy lives on. Many architectural elements and artifacts were salvaged and thoughtfully integrated into the new home, preserving its historical charm.

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You are touring a home rich in history and heritage. This home is more than a residence—it is a living tribute to the Porter family legacy and the enduring impact of Porter Farm on American agriculture.

 

Preserved Features from the Original Home

• Brick flowerbed borders: Once part of the original exterior walls.

• Front porch ironwork: Reused from the old house’s porch.

• Leaded glass windows: Formerly sidelights flanking the original front door, now grace the entrance to the dining room.

• Cast iron sink: Rescued from the old utility room, now in the butler’s pantry.

• Fireplace mantel: A centerpiece from the original home.

• Five original doors:

  • One exterior door near the garage.

  • One interior door between the school room and back hallway.

  • Two doors joined into a barn-style door between the school room and breakfast area.

  • A mirrored closet door in the front bedroom.

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• Historical Accents

  • Magazine covers in the breakfast area feature articles about Porter Farm.

  • A refinished clawfoot tub, dating back to 1919, now resides in the master bath.

  • Cane sofa and rockers in the living room were in the original farmhouse. There is a framed photo of Rebecca’s grandparents sitting on the furniture. 

  • The school desk in the breakfast room came from the Hog Wallow schoolhouse attended by Rebecca’s grandfather, Bill Porter. 

  • Many of the furniture pieces belonged to Rebecca’s grandparents and great grandparents and some from Mark’s grandparents. 

  • There are also quite a few historical pieces from the Simmons family. Mark's grandfather was a moulder in Talladega, AL. There are several iron and aluminum pieces that he crafted displayed throughout the home. His coal shovel is a painted accent on the hearth. 

  • The saw in the breakfast room belonged to Mark's great grandfather, who was a judge and owned a sawmill in Talladega County.