Horseshoer

Written By Dino DiPietro

🔧Here’s the information available on Jim (James) La Bue, the horseshoer/blacksmith who served the Lake Ronkonkoma / Nesconset area:

📍 James La Bue Blacksmith (Horseshoeing)

🧑‍🔧 Family or Personal Links

  • The business listing notes Jeffrey La Bue as a contact/owner, suggesting a family connection—possibly second-generation, though the founder remains James. [dandb.com], [manta.com]

  • Public records indicate a James C. La Bue living in Ronkonkoma, NY (age ~73), reachable at the same phone number (631‑588‑2355). This strongly aligns with the horseshoeing business. [intelius.com], [spokeo.com]

📜 Historical Presence & Community Role

  • The business’s longstanding operation since 1942 positions James La Bue as a traditional horseshoer/blacksmith in the region, serving local farms, stables, and residents in and around Lake Ronkonkoma.

  • Situated in Nesconset, it lies just north of Lake Ronkonkoma, reflecting its service area across that community.

⚠️ No Direct Archival Mentions Found

  • I did not find mentions of James La Bue in local newspapers such as The Ronkonkoma Review or historical society publications. The Ronkonkoma Historical Society houses extensive archives—but none explicitly reference the blacksmith. [lakerhs.org], [lakerhs.org]

  • His presence is confirmed mainly through business directories and public records rather than press or historical narratives.

✅ Summary of Findings

  • James La Bue started a horseshoeing and blacksmithing business in Nesconset, established 1942, which continues to operate at 250 Smithtown Blvd.

  • The business remains family-run, with Jeffrey La Bue appearing as the current contact.

  • The same 631‑588‑2355 phone number links both the business and a James C. La Bue residence in Ronkonkoma, NY.

  • While a direct legacy in Ronkonkoma-specific archives isn't apparent, La Bue's service area clearly encompassed the greater Lake Ronkonkoma region for over 80 years

Dino DiPietro