Historical Background
Co-Nita Manor, more formally known as the Coleman-Brunson House, is a property steeped in history. Located in Uniontown, Alabama, this Neo-Classical Revival house has been a notable structure since its construction in 1909 by Dr. Solon Lycurgus Coleman, Jr.
Early Family History
- Military and Medical Roots: The Coleman family history is deeply connected to the American Civil War. Dr. Solon Lycurgus Coleman, Sr., served as a private in the 4th Alabama Infantry and was wounded at the Battle of Fredericksburg in 1862. After the war, he served as a buying agent for a division hospital.
- Birth of Solon L. Coleman, Jr.: Solon L. Coleman, Jr., was born in May 1874 in Uniontown, shortly after the death of his father. Inspired by his father’s legacy, he pursued a career in medicine, graduating from Alabama Polytechnic Institute (now Auburn University) and Tulane University.
Co-Nita Manor Construction
- Acquisition and Construction: In 1906, Dr. Coleman purchased land in Uniontown to build a residence. The construction of Co-Nita Manor spanned from 1906 to 1909.
- Architectural Details: The house spans 3,381 square feet and features a grand architectural design, including a central double-leaf entrance flanked by fanlights and sidelights, Corinthian columns supporting the porticoes, and decorative external elements like corbelled chimneys and ornate quoins.
Dr. Coleman’s Personal Life and Career
- Career Milestones: Dr. Coleman served as the city’s health officer and played a crucial role during a smallpox outbreak in 1899. He was also notably married to Estelle Marx Coleman in 1901, who passed away in 1903.
- Later Life and Death: He remarried in 1927 to Martha Ida McGinniss Brown-Coleman. Dr. Coleman passed away in 1938 and was buried in Rosemont Cemetery.
The House in Modern Times
- Historical Significance: Co-Nita Manor is part of the Uniontown Historic District and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2000.
- Current Status: After changing hands and remaining unoccupied for several years, the house was partially renovated in 2010 but the restoration was never completed. It has been put on the market multiple times, most recently listed for $54,900.
Conclusion
Co-Nita Manor not only encapsulates the personal history of the Coleman family but also stands as a testament to early 20th-century architectural ambition. Despite its state of abandonment, it holds potential for restoration that respects its historical and architectural heritage.
