This Guy’s Got Some Serious Stones
Cadillac Joe’s Stone House, Woodbury
This is one of those pages that gets a lot of intentional traffic. By that I mean that no one winds up here by accident. Since you’re reading this, you probably know what I mean; you heard about Cadillac Joe or you passed his crumbling structure on Route 6 earlier today. Something like that. Back when I originally put this page together in 2008, there was nothing online about this place. Now there’s plenty, especially because the property was put up for sale in 2018. I’ve tried to update this page as best as I can and will again when someone finally knocks the place down.
Original 2008
Believe it or not, I’ve gotten not one, but two emails over the last year asking me (ME!?) about this structure. Google searches for “crazy stone house woodbury ct” hit this site and only this site because I listed it a couple years ago as something to see. Alas, I had completely forgotten where I read about it originally, but I did note where it was located.
And so, after an incredible lunch at the Carol Peck’s Good News Café in Woodbury, Hoang and I drove up Route 6 in search of the house… thing. With eyes peeled on both sides of the road heading north out of town, we began wondering if we’d missed it.
Um, that’s not gonna happen. A blind man wouldn’t miss this massive stone structure, looming over the road on top of a small hill. So what’s the deal and why am I writing about it? I’m still really not sure, but I did find where I originally read about it – Susan Campbell’s Connecticut Curiosities. And since there seems to be nothing else ever written about this place, I turn to her for an explanation, such as it is:
They call him Cadillac Joe because he’s usually seen driving a Cadillac. He shuns the spotlight and is known to reside in Bridgeport and commute to the strange structure on weekends – an ongoing project that he has worked on for years.
Most people call the structure the “Stone House” because it is built predominantly of stone. It is a weird, imposing edifice with intricately set chimneys in very ornate, artistic shapes. The variety of styles at play make this home on Route 6 between Woodbury and Minortown [which is a section of Woodbury – Steve] a site you can’t miss as you pass by. It looks to be part church, part ski lodge, and part Roman temple. But the details of the house and its history are a little bit of a mystery.
“The owner doesn’t seem to crave publicity,” says a Woodbury town official we’ll keep anonymous. “He has been doing all the work himself, to my knowledge. A lot of the stonework is magnificent too. The house itself is all steel-beam construction and there’s a roaring stream out back, so there may originally have been a mill or factory at the site.”
There is certainly a lot of industrial equipment there these days such as a brace of bulldozers parked as though they are sleeping dinosaurs.
It’s been 8 years since this was written in the first edition of that book and yes, this is still the case – as you can sort of see in my pictures. So to sum up, this is essentially the work of an eccentric guy with some construction skills, money and apparently a lot of time on his hands. If anyone knows anything more, please let me know.
December 2010 Update
After I posted this, the hits just kept on coming. People love the crazy Woodbury stone house. I had more or less forgotten about this place until a few weeks ago while driving around up in North Granby with Hoang – you know, a typical CTMQ Saturday going to large trees and buying local cheese – when Hoang said, “isn’t that crazy stone house thing around here?” Quickly realizing that not many people have the insane recall for exact geographic memory like I do, I politely said that no, the crazy stone house thing is many miles south and west on Route 6 in the Minortown section of Woodbury.
So imagine my excitement a few weeks later when we found ourselves on another typical CTMQ Saturday going to gingerbread villages, abbeys and labyrinths with a drive along Route 6 in Woodbury. “Hey, want to check out that crazy stone house thing you thought was in Granby?”
So yes, we did. And before we knew it, we were in the presence (in a way) of Cadillac Joe himself! The guy responsible for this monstrosity! I took a picture at speed and just got the Cadillac. So I turned around and Hoang snapped another picture at slower speed, but it still stinks, though we can see Joe’s hat in it. So I turned around again, fully intending to get a real picture of the man, the myth, the legend, and…
He and his lumbering Cadillac had VANISHED!
Mid-2011 Update
Regular reader Debbie supplied This link, in the comments below which sort of shows how elusive Cadillac Joe is. There is also a very worthwhile comment at the bottom of that page from someone who seems to know Mr. Joe personally. I love this stuff.
Anyway, before I knew it, Debbie alerted me to one of the more exciting Google StreetView sets of images I’ve ever seen. Enjoy… First we see the Cadillac I was able to get a couple pictures of:
Okay, that’s pretty exciting… even if it is a Lincoln Towncar and not a Cadillac. But then Debbie pointed out the other side of route 6 and could it be!? Possibly just maybe?! The elusive Cadillac Joe, perhaps hunting for more stone for his crazy house spies the Google car…
Scurries away as fast as he can…
To no avail! StreetView caught ya!
Actually, I don’t think that’s him, as he looked far more slight when I passed him in the car. At any rate, I love that a reader found this and brought it to my attention. I love my website sometimes.
2019 Update
First of all, you should be sure to read the comments below. Lots of people have provided lots more background and interesting information about the house and about Joe himself. Like, for instance, how his name is Joseph Volonino and he’s very most likely now no longer with us.
The house fell into (more) disrepair since this page began and became overgrown. More and more vandals and kids visited it, and Joe’s ability to work on it diminished with age. The property went to Probate Court in 2018 and went up for sale in 2019 for the bargain price of $99,000. Cash. As is. Period.
There’s just no way that anyone can make anything of Joe’s dream, unfortunately. Nothing is built to code, and nothing is safe. Via the comments below, I learned that this property used to be a big ol’ colonial house until Joe started doing his thing. Since it’s literally right on busy Route 6, I just can’t imagine anyone wanted to demolish this place to build another house. I’m sure, through comments of the future, we’ll learn of its fate together.
CTMQ’s Houses, Ruins, Communities & Urban Legends
Carrie Andrews says
April 18, 2010 at 7:39 amWe are in the car retrieval and hauling business and had a chance to see this site yesterday. It certainly has a macabre yet curious, presence especially in the dark cloudy misting rain we had yesterday. I would love to know more about this place but more so actually walk on the property and really see it.
Can wait to take my kids for a ride out there…both are preparing for college and are interested in architecture.
Ellen says
May 27, 2010 at 8:52 amI would love to know more about this house. I ride buy this all the time. I would love to stop and check it out, but theres really no place to park.
Noelle says
July 2, 2010 at 6:28 amMy favorite part of that place is the pathway down the stone steps to a little patio with all these columns and arches…then as you go around to the back stone wall you realize your view is of a straight drop into the woods! An amazing structure, that place…too bad it will probably never see itself finished.
Debbie says
December 13, 2010 at 3:20 pmYou might like this link.
Peter says
December 14, 2010 at 12:06 amIt’s a Lincoln, not a Cadillac.
Steve says
December 14, 2010 at 10:44 amIf true (and I have no reason not to think it is), that’s hilarious, Peter.
Even so, “Lincoln Joe” doesn’t have the same ring.
Mr M says
January 21, 2011 at 4:19 amMany years ago, I worked for a friend of Joe in a cabinet shop in Ansonia. Joe would mostly come around the shop during the winter and hang out (retired), but sometimes other days of the year.
It’s true. He lives in Bridgeport and works at the Woodbury house on weekends mostly. He’s tough as nails, but has a heart of gold and truly is a great guy.
He’s probably 5′ tall, high forehead (to balding), and barrel chested. He’s also of Italian extraction.
I haven’t seen him in ages though. One of these days, I’ll have to track him down and get him to sign my copy of Susan Campbell’s book. (My old boss passed away, so his Bridgeport contact info is unknown.) He’d get a kick out me asking for his autograph! Always wanted to see the “Great Wall of Woodbury” (as we used to call it) and the house in the flesh. Might need to wend my way up there one weekend when the weather gets nice again.
Bonnyc says
February 12, 2011 at 11:22 amI have been passing this great landmark for years and remember when it was much less finished looking. He has made remarkable progress considering he seems to be a one guy operation. Talk about perseverance! Anyway, I was driving by last weekend after my turn sitting at the gallery I belong to, (the Fine Line Art Gallery) in Woodbury, and I noticed that some very mean spirited individuals have broken the glass in some of the big windows. It is very sad to think that this unassuming,private guy who just wants to work on his dream has to contend with this vandalism. Unfortunately, the house is a bit isolated and too easy a target for this type of activity. Keep going Cadillac Joe, I’m root in’ for you!
Rose says
May 15, 2011 at 9:44 pmWe just drove by it for the first time yesterday…I LOVE IT!!!
I’m sure he has a valid reason for what he is doing…
let the guy be…we all have our dreams…
dawne catuccio says
June 15, 2012 at 5:36 pm5 ars ago my daughter danced at woodbury ballet they were doing the balet bram stokers dracula in the fall.i was their photographer and was looking for a place to take publicity shots with dancers and didnt want to use a common cemetary.i drove past this house every day and one morning saw the car there and went to ask permission to use house as backdrop for pics. i spent the whole morning talking to joe and he took me thru house and told me his plans i began to realize he is an ecenteric man who talent and vision.The back of the house has a beautiful running stream thru it.There are old cadallics in bottom floor vandalized by kids who go there at nite to drink.i have to admit there was a time were i thought omg nobody knows im here what if he is crazy hits me over head puts be in one of his old cars. thats from too much tv.he is a kind harmless man and told me he really didnt want that kind of publicity and would rather not let me use house.I felt privilaged that he spent time with me and respected his wishes. funny i drove by yesterday and the lady i was with asked about house so i was looking it up and came upon the site.
Staci says
June 17, 2012 at 1:12 pmThanks everyone for all your stories on Cadillac (Lincoln) Joe, I have always wondered why such a beautiful house, was never finished and was just standing vacant.. for everyone that has never seen this house, you really need to check it out! Again, thanks everyone for all the info!
Steve, I really want thank you & your family, for an AMAZING website/blog!! I just found it, and can’t tell you, how happy I am, you have so much useful information, and I can’t wait to share this site with my friends! It’s pretty sad that I grew up here all my life(that’s 37 years, to be exact), and you aren’t orginally from here, and have found more places, things to do, places to eat, landmarks, museums, and just fun and quirky things to do & see!! Thank you!!!
GT Yankee says
August 10, 2012 at 11:06 pmI too wondered about this building, i return to Connecticut every year or two, most of my family live in Watertown, i left there in 1962 & moved to San Diego.
I wanted a few pictures of the building & no one was around.
I stopped at the Charcoal Chef just up the road a piece & inquired about the property. The gentleman that i talked to came out from the kitchen, i don’t know what he thought about me, i am in my late 60’s & i look like Jerry Garcia, long hair, beard & all.
I was told that originally the building was mostly wood & Cadillac Joe had to decided to make it into stone.
There are piles of old brick just off to the side of the building now & i noted the broken windows, it burned me that someone would damage such an interesting place.
I was also told that Cadillac Joe is now in his 80’s & doesn’t work on it as much as he would like to. Apparently he has a son or another relative that may finish the job.
I personally would love to see it when it is completed, but i am happy for now that someone had a dream & set out to make it happen.
I believe if you type into your browser
Abandoned houses or buildings Woodbury Ct
there is a bit more information along with some good photos
GT Yankee says
August 10, 2012 at 11:11 pmHere is the site that i mentioned
http://abandonedplaces.livejournal.com/429389.html
chrissy says
December 22, 2012 at 7:24 pmI stopped by this house last winter to check it out. the inside is mostly filled with boards and tools, maybe a few random trinkets, but is unfinished. i think there was a stone fireplace, if i remember correctly. i do remember, however, seeing new footprints in the snow leading to the door in which we entered; inside someone had left a plate of cookies or some baked good (we didn’t open it) wrapped in tin foil with a note on top…don’t remember what it said, but it might have been a christmas offering.
Woodbury Resident says
December 29, 2012 at 9:59 amThis is private property and should not be entered without permission. I am looking at you chrissy.
jill says
July 20, 2013 at 11:51 pmI was there today…. I had my camera as I do every weekend when I go out to find interesting things to take photos of. The place is very over grown… It doesn’t look like it has been worked on in a long time. I took some beautiful photos in the silence… I didn’t touch anything or move anything… Just enjoyed its quiet beauty. Its in quite shambles actually. I would like some more info on the place as I am interested in whether not the property will be up for sale soon..
allie says
August 1, 2013 at 1:04 pmMy sister and I just saw this structure yesterday( 7-31-13 ). It really caught our eye. We asked a waitress about it but I guess she was too young to know about it. I took pics and we also noticed the stone pillars among much overgrowth across the street to what must be the gate entrance to maybe the home site of the original owners, tho we didnt see any homestead.
It definitely lookes like it hasn’t been touched in many years. But what a beautiful home it could be converted into. So glad we “came upon this gem”.
Jeanne says
August 5, 2013 at 8:01 amNice to know a little history. We just passed it on Sunday aug 4, 2013. It caught our eye as so much work seemed to be happening. If anyone on here knows how to get in touch with the owners of the eagle rusty sculpters up on Rt 6. I’d appreciate a phone no. Thanks.
Mary says
August 12, 2013 at 4:45 pmI moved to Woodbury in 1987 left in 2007 In 1987 the weirdo stone building was being worked on in 1987, It doesn’t look like hes made much progress, Thinking back, when we first saw him sitting across the street from his building (having a bottle of wine),he looked middle aged then, so don’t know if its the same fellow,he would be on in years Ive have always wondered how he gets building permits for construction in Woodbury
Scott says
September 25, 2013 at 6:58 pmHowdy folks, my property nearly abutts the river side of the stone house. I have been visiting the river front for close to a decade. As was stated by another, the home contains a plentitude of materials that were intended for use. However, the house is nothing but a stone shell, a mighty impressive edifice, that is destined to sit there for all times, unfinished, until the earth beneath the structure gives way to erosion and the building crumbles down the shear backdrop to the river below. Although some of the damage seems like vandalism, the elements have begun to take their toll. Parts of the once upright walls have begun to crumble. It would literally take millions, if not tens of millions to actually make the structure livable. This is not to say what has been done is not monumental, because the stonemanship is amazing. Doubtfully, no one would really want to endure this kind of project. This was probably started in the early sixties or possibly earlier, the numerous cadilacs present are from this era. What will be interesting is who will adopt this place and what might they do..? I suspect that no matter who winds up as the owner, the cost to continue is not remotely worth the investment. Even to take it down would be costly, and the land is not worth the investment. The ledges directly behind the house drop dramitically and I have observed significant erosion in the short time I have been exploring this gorge.. Whether its in 50 or 500 years, the stone house will meet its demise as the ground beneath the stone foundation will buckle and slide towards the Nonnewaug river below. May we marvel at its oddly dark and beautiful presence while it remains.
John says
November 11, 2013 at 4:11 pmJeanne, If you have a facebook account, go and look up “Eagles Watching Over You”. That should give you the info you need. They are fantastic pieces of art.
Mary says
November 11, 2014 at 9:01 pmJust Wow.
I have been trying to locate, online, information about a mysterious looking stone structure on Rt 6 through Woodbury that I drove past a few times back in the 2000’s (I’m from Bristol!). I thought it was leftover ruins from some 17th century church or possibly castle. Had no idea it was just in the starting phase of building. Really, **** me ;)
Don Bartram says
March 20, 2015 at 1:37 pmI’ve been driving by this place for 40 years with my job as a truck driver I’m in the area quite often. It still amazes me every time I go by it. This has been a wealth of information, thanks to all. Shame it will probably never be finished. As many times as I’ve been by it, I still look forward to seeing it when I come down 6.
Mike says
November 15, 2015 at 9:19 amJoe was in the demolition business.
Linnie says
April 11, 2016 at 7:05 pmSaw this yesterday, beautiful sunny day. Curses that I did not have a camera with me (old school cell phone, alas.) The ominously-tilted front is braced somewhat, I guess to prevent it from crumbling directly onto the highway (it’s VERY close and on a rather sharp corner as well.) I did see someone stop to take pictures, so it still draws visitors. The older part of Woodbury is most interesting.
Joes friend says
July 17, 2016 at 12:06 amJoe is 84 doing good met him today for the first time he tould me about the house what amazing guy he built the house him self crazy story if u ask me
John B. says
January 3, 2017 at 8:21 pmShot some pics today from the outside. It looks very much abandoned now as I photograph other abandoned places around New England. It just has the look of not being touched in a while now. Lots of broken windows and junk everywhere. Overgrowth everywhere. Sad looking now.
Fred Halliwell says
June 10, 2017 at 6:45 pmThis property is for sale I just went by this afternoon and it’s a for sale sign on it
JoanC says
August 7, 2017 at 10:23 pmMy husband and I admire this stone building as we drive through Woodbury on Rt. 6. It has had a For Sale sign on it for quite some time now…such an interesting structure. It looks like it could have been a lovely home or restaurant that spanned both sides of Rt. 6 back in the day.
Kim-Jean Webb Walsh says
December 24, 2017 at 4:21 pmI love that house, I passed it for years and then one time I went by to show the house to a friend and we met the guy that was building that awesome place. He friend went up and talked to gentleman and the next thing I know we were getting a tour of the house. Experience that you’ll never forget.
Mike says
January 12, 2018 at 10:29 amGuys in there doing clean up for bank.
I’ve been through the structure and believe it would be cost prohibitive to do anything with it but also believe it will be hard to demolish. I think the end of this forty plus year endeavor is near though.
J. Tors says
February 25, 2018 at 6:39 pmA quick search of the public records for 514 Main St. North in Woodbury (this stone house) revealed that Cadillac Joe is Joseph Volonino II from Bridgeport CT. I have his home address, but will omit it here. I think he’s now 86 yo. It would be great if someone can track him down and interview him about this property.
Dale Hennessey says
April 18, 2018 at 11:57 amI lived in that house from when I was born until late 1969. I still live just a couple of miles down the road.
It was a huge 2 story white colonial until the mid to late 1970’s. I lived downstairs.
It was built on the edge of a precipice, with only a very narrow stretch of land, and then a sheer drop.
I remember my mom telling me that it had been a stage coach stop, back in the day.
We also heard that that stretch of river was one of the Nonnewaug tribe’s summer encampments.
The Cadillacs actually belonged to our upstairs neighbor, Rodger Oates. He had a huge collection. He would often let us kids play inside, and we went on wonderful imaginary adventures.
We had our own campsite on the river behind what is now “PC Auto,” and used to sled and ski down that hill. I watched my brother help build the building that is now “Woodbury Emergency Services.”
Back then, there was a horse farm across the street, owned by a man named John Orso (sp?).
The wall across the street went up first, and my father suffered a heart attack helping to build it.
We moved shortly after.
Cadillac Joe bought it about 10 years after we moved, and began the stone construction.
He always worked by himself, and was always asking for “Clean Fill,” which the town made him take down, as it was interfering with the stream below.
There was a beautiful swimming/fishing hole at the bottom of some tiny falls that we called “the dugout,” and where all the kids hung out, but the last time I was there, the falls were barely a trickle, and the swimming was filled in. Very sad.
I loved that house. Lots of history there.
I have a pic of the house back then, surrounded by Cadillacs, and will send it tonight when I find it.
Dale Hennessey says
April 19, 2018 at 9:39 pmhttps://photos.app.goo.gl/hBYOqLdkvUoM2fQK2
Joe did not come with the Cadillacs. He purchased them with the house, earning him the nickname, “Cadillac Joe.”
Steve says
April 20, 2018 at 6:48 amDale –
Thank you so much for your contribution to this page. It never ceases to amaze me which of the thousands of pages I’ve written get the most comments and insight and personal perspectives.
Great stuff – thanks!
Southbury_resident says
May 12, 2018 at 8:32 pmThe story I was always told by old town residents was Joe had started building it a long time ago before anybody cared about permits. At some point the town told him it was too dangerous to ever live there but he carried on with the work in spite eventually giving up on the dream house.
Kevin A Coles, Temporary Administrator says
June 15, 2018 at 10:34 amThe Estate of
Joesph Arnold Volonino
“Cadillac Joe”
Kevin A. Coles
Temporary Administrator
1 Eliot Place Third Floor
Fairfield, Connecticut 06824
203-521-1671
Solicitation Of Bids For
Sale of 514 Main Street North,
Woodbury, Connecticut
Cadillac Joe’s Stone House
The purpose of this notice is to allow any person or entity to submit a proposal to purchase the property at 514 Main Street North, Woodbury, Connecticut. The parameters of this solicitation are as follows:
The appraised value is $307,000.
The premises will be sold AS IS.
No representations about the condition of the premises are made.
No representations about what use may be made of the premises are made.
Potential offers may inspect the premises AT THEIR OWN RISK
THE PREMISES ARE UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS
This solicitation is not an offer to sell.
All offers will be entertained
Any offer that is contingent upon any type of inspection for any purpose will be rejected.
Any offer that is contingent upon any type of financing will be rejected.
Any offer must be for cash paid by certified check, bank check or wire transfer.
Any and all offers must be submitted in writing to the Temporary Administrator at the address above.
Any and all offers must be submitted on or before June 26, 2018. All bids will be opened that day and all bidders will be notified of the result.
No oral offers will be entertained.
Brokers will be protected. No commission shall be paid until the transaction closes and title is transferred.
The Estate reserves the right to reject all offers.
The Estate reserves the right, in its sole and complete discretion, to reject all offers and seek another solicitation.
An offer accepted by the Estate will be reduced to a contract for the sale of the premises.
If the Estate accepts an offer and a contract is proposed, a negotiated deposit shall be required.
Any offer accepted by the Estate is subject to review and approval by the State of Connecticut Probate Court for the District of Bridgeport, PD48.
If approved by the court, the sale must take place no sooner than 30 days after the court approval and no later than 45 days after the court approval.
Scarrera says
May 31, 2019 at 12:36 amGreat story. Thanks
Gem615 says
June 20, 2019 at 1:43 pmIts now the end of June 2019, and the property is officially for sale (pending final approval by the Probate Court) for CASH ONLY at the asking price of $99,000, since it w9nt qualify for any financing. It is being listed as AS-IS & all inspections, flood plain maps, title, etc, due diligence are the potential owners responsibility. Again, it states that it is very dangerous to enter & no photos are available inside the house, as well as requiring a full renovation.
It is listed as a 4bdrm 2 ba 3,064 sq ft house on 1.74 acres…. It was originally built in 1870 Remodel bega8n in 1965.
It has since been revised to incorporate steel beam structure.
The current listing agent is –
Tom Cavaliere
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage – Orange Post Rd
I’m going to guess that Joe has since passed, since it’s now up to the Probate Court to approve any amount of cash offered…..
Karen says
July 13, 2019 at 6:35 amFor your readers this house is for sale. According to the date built it was originally in 1880.
Bob says
July 17, 2019 at 10:09 amHere is a link to the listing. https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/514-Main-St-N_Woodbury_CT_06798_M39135-75565?view=qv
Bob says
July 17, 2019 at 10:10 am“This property is in need of full restoration. Will not qualify for financing, cash offer preferred. Sold AS-IS. Buyer to complete their own due diligence regarding availability of utilities, flood zone status and any other matters detrimental to the buying decision. Sale subject to Probate Court approval. Structure is unsafe for interior viewing, please DO NOT Enter.”
Jim Warner says
July 23, 2019 at 6:26 pmDale Hennessey,
I apologize for not remembering you…but if you lived there during that time, we must have crossed paths at some point.
My Dad owned a body shop across from the Chef in the late 60’s, early 70’s. Zip Oates was a fixture and our entertainment(aka The Tire Fryer) as kids at dugway.
Jim Warner
jim at exlinesignal dot com
Jim Warner says
July 23, 2019 at 6:54 pmI lived across from the Chef as a kid for a few years in the late 60’s. We explored that area quite extensively and knew it well then.
Across from the road from this house, up in the woods above the rock cuts, there is what we called “the old mica mine”. In the mine we discovered hollow sounding places in the ground but could never dig our way to the openings. To prevent us from digging our way into a chasm and hurting ourselves, My Dad told us that’s where the Leatherman hid skeletons, and they’d come to life if the sun ever got to them. They could move fast and had two rows of razor sharp teeth, like a shark. It worked.
Jason Cochran says
August 8, 2019 at 5:07 pmI grew up in Woodbury in the 70s and early 80s. My school bus would go by it every day.I remember this house being white and made out of wood, and looking horrible.
” Cadillac Joe” did an amazing job turning it into a stone building. I’ve never stopped to look around( I was too scared that I’d get shot for tresspassing lol)but I will always remember it. I hope it does not get demolished.
James.steyer says
June 8, 2020 at 12:28 pmI do landscaping work for a friend in Woodbury on the weekends. The past two weekends I’ve driven by, I noticed that there is a crew of workers actively restoring this beautiful building!!! I have been waiting for this to happen for 20 years! I’m so excited!!! They have already removed all of the slate roof shingles and have put a new roof up! I can’t wait to see how it looks when they are finished!!!
D says
July 6, 2021 at 4:20 pmYep Mrs. Oates was my babysitter when I was 5 or 6 years old when the building was wooden. My mother would drive there to pick her up. There doesn’t look to be anything remaining or that house. I’m 60 now. A long time ago.
susan says
July 11, 2021 at 4:00 pmWith some investigating..I found..that Cadillac Joe most likely got his name from the fact that he owned a very coveted 1930 (only 100 made of this model) Cadillac Roadster V-16 first purchased in Providence R.I. and kept in beautiful condition. A man who claims to want it so badly that he spent 25yrs trying to locate Joseph Voloninio eventually found him..purchased the car and again restored it. It is written in the article that this vehicle is considered to be
the best example left of this model. Perhaps at one time he also had other Cadillacs. but this would have been the prize one.
My spouse and I drove past the stone house yesterday having not seen it in a couple of yrs and it does appear something is being done on it. My first memory of seeing this home under construction started in the mid-70’s..and the stories of it’s history and future seem to change depending on who informed us. May he R.I.P. Hope new owner has better luck.
Jim Todice says
July 11, 2021 at 8:53 pmJoseph Volonino II-AKA- Cadillac Joe,
He was a friend of my family for as long as I can remember! My Grandfather had a bakery in Shelton Connecticut. Joe would come by before work,and my Grandfather would make him a sandwich to take to work for free! He was poor as everyone else.
He worked in the demolition buisness,and eventually bought land alone the Bridgeport Ave. He always had a Cadillac,and told me and my 2 brothers,
“Work hard and get something for yourself! Get a Cadillac!”
Every Christmas he would eat with us at my Grandmother’s house. He never failed to give her a $100 bill for a present!
He didn’t like people being in his buisness, and kept to himself.
Every Saturday morning he would be at the bakery. He’ld dump the trash,and sit with the garage door open ,reading a day old paper. We would work and laugh at his dumb humor! Until it was time for him to go ,”Up the line!” My Dad would pack him up with food for the day. Then off he would go,stopping along the highway picking up loose rocks he saw. Putting them in the trunk of the Cadillac! For the ,”House!”
He told me he had to keep the outer shell of the house- because it was ,”Pre-hysterical!”
Meaning it was pre-historical.(Joe never went far in school,but that didnt stop him!)
He work ALONE on the house.until health issues forced him into a home. He passed away some time later!
He was eccntric,and harmless,and unfortunely,had nothing when he died!
The man in the pictures is NOT Joe! He never Lincoln!
Don Johnson says
October 26, 2022 at 4:55 pmPassed by there on Saturday and it was pretty cleaned up, had what looked like new windows installed, and a small crew was working on it! There was also what looked like a newer model Cadillac with some crazy graphic stripes on it parked right out front and a bunch of other vehicles. It looks like the property is making a comeback!