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Historic Elizabeth Eaton House in Melbourne destroyed in fire

MELBOURNE, Fla. — A historic house in Melbourne was destroyed in a fire Thursday afternoon.

The Elizabeth Eaton House, on the 1800 block of Riverview Drive on the Indian River Lagoon, was built in 1892 and was one of the area’s oldest homes.

It was home to a Melbourne pioneer and represents the steamboat and World War II eras.

Melbourne police urged residents to avoid the area and said there was lots of smoke when firefighters got to the scene.

Flames and heavy smoke were spewing from the roof of the home.

Most recently, the home housed several apartments.

More: History of Elizabeth Eaton house

“The sad thing is all of my family’s records for 250 years just got burned up. All those childhood things that you keep are gone,” said the homeowner, Diane Barile.

Barile said she was working on a Florida history book, and now all her notes and completed chapters are gone too.

“My past is gone and the future I had laid out is gone,” said Barile.

The future is uncertain for other residents of the historic home, who occupied seven apartments.

The Red Cross is helping the residents.

No injuries were reported.

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