Fire claims historic Live Oak home

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November 20, 2009

Century-old structure was being renovated

By Jeff Waters, Democrat Reporter The Suwannee Democrat Fri Nov 20, 2009, 07:57 AM EST

Fire consumed an historic Live Oak home late Wednesday night. No one was injured.

The cause of the fire at the two story home, located at 309 NE Duval Street, opposite Grace Manor Restaurant, is under investigation by the State Fire Marshall's Office, according to Live Oak Fire Chief Chad Croft.

Croft said one of the occupants of the home alerted firefighters of the blaze at about 10:15 p.m. by running to the fire station, located about a block away on Duval.

Croft He said three adults and two children were occupying the home.

"When we got there the fire had already vented through the roof," said Croft.

He said the 4,500 square foot home, owned by Robert Hancock Jr., was in the process of being renovated. He said the electricity had been off at the main panel during the renovation. Kerosene lanterns were used for lighting and a fireplace in the master bedroom was used for heat.

"At this time we're not thinking it was arson," said Croft. "I feel like it's going to be tied to the fire in the fireplace in the master bedroom."

Croft said the home was constructed of lighter wood, or high-resin pine, which fueled the flames.

"Damage was considerable to the home. Luckily the home was insured," said Croft.

LOFD responded to the fire with Engines 2, 5 and 7 as well as the ladder truck. Twelve firefighters and four volunteers battled the blaze. Croft said about 95,200 gallons of water were used.

Local historian Eric Musgrove said the home could date back to the early 1900s, maybe further.

"There has been a house on the same spot since at least 1903 based on Sanborn insurance maps, and it appears that it may be the same one, just modified, especially the front porch area, over the years," said Musgrove.

Musgrove said a notable previous owner was Samuel "Jack" Jackson White Jr., born in Live Oak in 1909. White was the assistant postmaster at the Live Oak post office for some years. He also commanded the Live Oak National Guard unit when it was the First Battalion of the 124th Infantry in 1946, right after WWII. White died in 1992.

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