Fire destroys historic Summerlin House in St. Lucie Village

ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla. - Fire destroyed a piece of Treasure Coast history over the weekend.

Late Saturday night, Herman Summerlin woke up to discover the only home he's ever known was engulfed in flames.  

The Summerlin House was built in 1911 along the banks of the Indian River in St. Lucie Village.  

Herman and his wife Karen barely escaped, but a number of historical and priceless possessions were destroyed.

"I had a Backus painting that Beanie gave me back in the 60s and we had it with the family ever since.  I had it hanging there on the wall it was a big one.  Lord knows what it was worth.  It's irreplaceable," said Summerlin.

Summerlin did receive some minor burns to his face.  His wife Karen is recovering at a burn center in Tampa.  

Investigators say the fire was accidental. The home was uninsured.  

Friends have set up a fund through Wells Fargo Bank.  If you'd like to make a donation, ask for the Summerlin Benefit Fund.