There was lots of excitement on Chatot Road last night.  The small house owned by Joe Labbe, just a few rods up Chatot Road burned.  Joe wasn't there and nobody was hurt, but according to neighbors, the house is half gone.  I spoke with our daughter-in-law, Theresa, this morning and she and Bob were the first to notice the fire and she immediately called 9-1-1 while Bob rushed up to see if Joe or anyone else was inside.  Other neighbors were there to help, but there was little anyone could do but watch as the firemen from Cabot, Danville and Walden worked to put out the blaze. 


We found out that Joe was perhaps in an auto accident in the Newport-Derby area last night.  No more information than that at this point, but this morning the fire investigator has been at the scene of the fire and interviewed neighbors.  Mark Smith was on hand last night, so there is probably a story about the fire in today's Caledonian Record.

Joe built the house with his son, as I recall, years ago as a hunting camp.  I don't know that they did much hunting, but Joe loved it here and used to come often from his home in Connecticut, and eventually moved here permanently - probably around 1989 or so.  Neighbors estimate that Joe is around 90 years old.  He has been a quiet and good neighbor over the years, solitary and reclusive, living alone in his little house, but also very cordial and talkative with friends and neighbors.  We hope Joe is going to be alright. 
The above photo of Joe was taken in 2008.