PARIS – Harley Stevens is unhurt and in relatively good spirits after a fire that destroyed his barn and most of his home at 267 Alpine St. on Monday.
The 82-year-old owner of Stevens Stables on Elm Hill is staying in Paris with his son and daughter-in-law, Dean and Terry Stevens, until he is able to put a trailer or recreational vehicle on his property.
His farmhouse and barn were insured, and Stevens said he hopes to rebuild, either on the existing foundation or a new one.
“Though I hate to start over at my age,” he added, noting that he is 82, not 84, as reported Tuesday.
He had lived on the farm for more than 25 years, the last few alone after his wife of 57 years, Betty, died in 2003.
Sharing a picnic lunch with his children and grandchildren in front of the remains of his home, Stevens got teary-eyed only when he mentioned the kindness he has received from the community.
“I would like to thank all the people that helped me,” he said, especially the stranger who gave him $25 yesterday. “I don’t know who she is,” he said. “The only way I have to thank her is through the newspaper.”
Paris Deputy Fire Chief Willie Buffington said the fire, which was not considered suspicious, apparently started in the basement of the house, where Stevens had been soldering pipes.
Stevens returned from a hardware store Monday to find his two horses out of the barn. When he tried to lead them back in, they balked, and it was then that he saw flames consuming one wall of the barn, which was connected to the house.
He led the horses to a nearby pasture where his two cows were kept, and then tried to enter the burning house to retrieve his two hunting dogs. He was unsuccessful.
Stevens kept the horses for his riding pleasure and used them when serving as parade marshal for patriotic holidays or other events.
They were dear to him, according to Terry Stevens.
“He wouldn’t leave here (the night of the fire) until he knew his heifer was all right,” she said. “His horses and his animals are his life!”
The United Valley Chapter of the Red Cross has placed Stevens’ two tenants, who had lived in an apartment in an attached ell, in a hotel room for at least three days. Tonya Gleeson at the Red Cross said more assistance will be provided to the man and his son if needed. The Red Cross is accepting financial donations to help provide relief to these and other victims of disaster at P.O. Box 439, Auburn, ME 04212. Contributions should be marked “Local Disaster Relief Fund.”
Stevens’ son Kerry said the apartment, one of the only remaining parts of the farmhouse, sustained smoke damage and will need to be rebuilt before it can be lived in. He added that his father would like to be living on the property again before Thanksgiving. “He’s anxious to get going again.
“My dad’s a tough man, and he will survive,” he said.
Comments are no longer available on this story