Discover Downtown Brunswick
Loading
Historic Home Tour
The first settlements in America were usually along the coast, especially in the Low Country where marshes, reptiles, wild animals and unfriendly Indians discouraged the establishment of homes inland. St. Simons and Jekyll Islands therefore had busy communities well before Brunswick became a reality.
In time, however, the advantages of the magnificent deep water harbor a few miles to the west were impossible to ignore by a people who hailed from seafaring nations, and the Royal Province of Georgia bought Carr's Fields, some one thousand acres of land along the Turtle River. This land had been occupied by Captain Mark Carr as early as 1738, although he had to fight off bands of Indian raiders to protect it. Carr had served with General James Oglethorpe when Ft. Frederica was built on St. Simons Island.
In 1771 a city was designed, complete with squares similar to the Savannah Plan. The city was named Brunswick to honor the royal duchy of Braunsweig-Lunenburg, ancestral home of the Hanoverian kings of England. Many streets and squares bear the name of this royal family and the military and political heroes serving it. Ironically, many of those royal leaders would be fighting against the colonists just a few years later, and Governor Wright would flee the country.
In the early 19th century the struggling city of Brunswick experienced a series of booms and busts, but by 1884 boasted a population of over 5,000, a substantial number compared to the rest of the state. Lumber, shipping and the naval stores industry spurred a new era of prosperity in the 1880s and 90s.
In spite of a tidal wave, a yellow fever epidemic and the Spanish-American War, it was during that period that most of the distinctive construction of Old Town was accomplished. Today the deep-water harbor is more active than ever, promising to become one of the leading ports on the eastern seaboard. While tourism is an important part of Glynn County's prosperity, the Brunswick area is home to many vigorous enterprises that bring stability to the economy.
Baumgartner-Hamilton House, ca. 1890
Built by John Baumgartner, this Queen Anne house was constructed entirely with
wooden pegs, no nails were used. One of the rooms contains wood from every one
of the (then) 42 states in the Union. The two downstairs mantels, made in Italy,
were bought from William Rockefeller of Jekyll Island. Too small for the Jekyll
building, they were refitted for use in this home.
McKinnon-Lord-Westbrooks-Schmidt House, ca. 1903
Built as the home of lumber magnate L. T. McKinnon, this impressive Queen Anne
design boasts a cypress exterior with interior wood work of white ash and
magnolia. The complex balance of the design incorporates a variety of strong
geometric shapes in its gables, dormers and veranda. Integral (recessed) porches
on the upper floors are typical of the style.
Aiken-Patelidas House, ca. 1908
Frank D. Aiken, a Brunswick banker who was also in the lumber and cross ties
business, built this home. It remained in his family until 1945 when it was
purchased by the Patelidas'. The house occupies two 90'x 180' Old Town lots.
Though at first glance this home might seem to have Spanish influences, it
actually draws more from the Prairie style, popular at the turn of the century.
Of special note is the chimney medallion, the window surrounds, and the frieze
over the front door.
Burford-Henry House, ca. 1887
This Queen Anne exhibits an interesting upstairs porch, probably used as a
sleeping porch, adjoined by a bedroom which allowed the bed to be pulled out on
hot summer nights. This home remained in the original family for three
generations and served as both home and medical office for Dr. Robert Burford. A
two story addition on the north end with a second entrance on the right provided
office space and patient entry. Note the shingle texture andthe unusual
configuration of the large and small windows on the facade.
Montgomery-Sims-Butler House, ca. 1897
This houseoriginally faced Halifax Square, but was remodeled to face Prince
Street. It probably would have been a plain Folk Victorian structure with a
front porch. In the changing of its orientation, the addition of the Palladian
window and large,classically styled porch, this home was probably remodeled in
the 1920's, when a resurgence of the Colonial Revival style occurred.
Rose Manor Guest House, ca. 1889-1896
This building exhibits Queen Anne style with Craftsman affinities, notably the
leading in the dormer windows and porch buttresses. The pyramidal roof is seen
often in Georgia's architecture, offering natural convection through the dormer
windows. Its present use as a tea room and guest home is exemplary adaptive use
of an historic structure.
Hart-Davis-Martin House, ca. 1895
This residence was built by Captain Lamb, a sea captain, for his bride. It is
believed that Capt. Lamb brought the first camellia to Glynn County. This
beautiful plant was unfortunately lost to a freeze in 1983. This folkVictorian
structure exhibits a gable-front and wing pattern, common in the South. It's
delicate gingerbread and gable cladding add to the angular, vertical feel. The
homes most interesting exterior detail is the bracketed step-out porch, reached
from the inside by a triple-hung walk-out window.
Murray-Copeland-Dawson House, ca. 1896
Built by Jno. Murray between 1896-1900, this symmetrical "T" house with applied
porch is a typical tidewater house. The "I" house is one of the most basic
American building forms, consisting of 4 "pens" (single building unit) with two
on top and two on bottom. In the South, fireplaces were built on the ends of the
buildings, to keep most ofthe heat outside, while in the North, fireplaces were
built in the center of the house. This home exhibits a nice two-story porch.
Tupper-Miller House, сa. 1895
Built byCaptain William M. Tupper, this Queen Anne exhibits unusual brackets
flanking the upper level of the deep two story bay. Of the seven fireplaces, six
use a common chimney draft. Unusually well preserved interior woodwork features
massive pine paneling and delicate spindle work. After the house was completed,
Captain Tupper decided the rooms were too small and built another house directly
across the street.
Ferguson-Smith-Craft House, ca. 1912
Believed to have been built by R.B. McCullough, this Craftsman Style home
features typically battered (sloping) piers on the porch. The porch maximized
shade in the summer, as do the lovely oaks trees in front. The popularity of
this style stemmed from the fact that pattern books and plans were readily
available. A former owner remembers being carried onto the front porch in her
father's arms to hear the ringing of church bells to signify the end of the
First World War.
McKinnon-Powell House, ca. 1910
McKinnon-Whaley House, ca. 1910
Built by L. T. McKinnon, these Queen Anne homes have an unusual gambrel
roofline. In the front elevation, both houses have retained original design
characteristics and remain true twins. Magnolia and poplar woods were widely
used in the construction.
Lissner House, ca. 1907
The adaptive use of this home shows governmental sensitivity to historic
preservation. Built by J. J. Lissner, the house exhibits strong Prairie
influences including a massive porch, use of natural materials as Ludowici roof
tiles (manufactured in nearby Ludowici, Ga.), and a floor-to-ceiling granite
fireplace in the living room. This home is one of the few in Brunswick to have a
partial basement, and the only residence to be equipped with an elevator.
The Marlin-Calhoun-McLeod House, ca. 1890
Named by its present owner the "Veranda House," because of its attractive
porches, this simple, gable front house was built by L. C. Marlin. The extensive
two story, wraparound porch features intricate jigsaw cut trim. The wide
verandas cut off the sun, shaded windows kept exterior walls cool and provided
expanded living space. Note the near twin house facing across the street.
Ritz Theatre, ca. 1898
Builtby J. G. Conzelman to house the Grand Opera House,retail establishments and
the general offices of the Brunswick & Birmingham Railroad, this building was
located at the heart of a thriving business and entertainment district and at a
major travel hub. Converted to a movie palace in the 1930s, it was renamed the
Ritz Theatre and for years served the area with both first-run movies and
live-stage performances. As the population shifted from the downtown area, the
theater was closed and the building faced possible demolition. With remarkable
foresight, the City of Brunswick intervened, purchasing the building and giving
it a "facelift" which, while not historically accurate, succeeded in preserving
the structure. In 1990 the City entered into an agreement with the Golden Isles
Arts and Humanities Association enabling the group to manage the operation of
the theater and supervise the restoration of the building. Much of the original
commercial Italianate facade has now been revealed andthe restoration continues
as an ongoing project. The Ritz has again become a cultural center and a focal
point of continuing downtown restoration.
Mahoney-McGarvey House, ca. 1891
This house was built from plans drawn by J. A. Wood, architect for the Plant
railroad system, who designed and built the Tampa Bay Hotel and Brunswick's
Oglethorpe Hotel. Though technically classified as an Exotic Revival structure,
due to its Moorish influence, it is known as the finest example of Carpenter
Gothic architecture in the State of Georgia. Carpenter Gothic is a term used to
describe the variety of turned and pierced woodwork, available through the
advance of, at that time, modern technology. The Mahoney family willed it to the
McGarvey sisters who were good friends and early leaders in the preservation
movement in Brunswick. They later had their business housed there, and at
Virginia McGarvey's death, left it in trust, with the requirement that the
building be preserved.
Debellis-Jones-Phipps House, ca. 1867
While the date is unverified, this is one of the earliest remaining homes in
Brunswick. An excellent example of Stick style, this home is well proportioned
and delicately balanced. Typical of the style, timbers appear in relief in both
horizontal and vertical orientation. The wraparound porch features spindle work
balusters and frieze.
"New City Hall," ca. 1901
This Georgian Revival structure, built in 1901, originally housed the Post
Office and Customs House. Remodeled in 1964, it became the "new" City Hall. The
roof of the porticо is what's known as a Guastovino tile ceiling system. If you
view the building near sunset, you will see glazed bricks set in a uniform
pattern sparkling against the unglazed bricks.
Whitmire-O'Neal House, ca. 1890
10
Old County Court House 701 G Street, ca. 1907
The plot of land on which the courthouse was built was formerly used by the city
to house livestock. Commonly known as Magnolia Square, the parcel was purchased
on October 21, 1905, from the city for the sum of one dollar. The Atlanta firm
of Miles & Bradt constructed the building using plans drawn by New York
architects Gifford and Bates. The cornerstone was laid on December 27, 1906, by
W. M. and M. H. Ballard, and construction was completed on December 18, 1907, at
a cost of $97,613.00. This Neoclassical Revival design was built at the juncture
of Victorian and Edwardian styles. In its conception we see philosophy reflected
in architecture: four identical entrances suggest that any door leads to
justice; the interior columns indicate thatjustice is not to be taken lightly
and the intricate iron stair rail shows that the course of justice is always a
delicate balance. Steel vaults and sturdy oak finishes allow citizens to feel
safe and secure in the knowledge that the government is working for their public
good, safety and welfare. The new courthouse, completed in 1991, faces the old
courthouse across a mall which connects and underscores the architectural and
societal links between past and present.
Leavy-Knight-Frey House, ca. 1903
Originally one of a set of triplets, with the two houses on either side, this
Queen Anne features decorative gable detail. Also note the original spindlework
porch of its neighbor on 703 Union Street, and the later, Classical porches
added to 705 and 707 Union Street.
duBignon-Cate House, ca. 1890
Built by the duBignon family, this house is a typical Folk Victorian structure,
with what was probably an original first story porch and an applied second story
porch. The "gingerbread" ornamentation on the porches became readily available
in the late nineteenth century when the invention ofthe jig and scrollsaws
simplified production. Delicately beautiful and relatively inexpensive, this
embellishment was widely used in both new construction and remodeling projects.
duBignon-Brown House, ca. 1896
Built by Johnny duBignon, this house, an expansive Queen Anne, is dominated by a
wraparound porch with a conical roof which reflects that of the turret. The
geometry of the roofline provides an interesting array of shapes, with cresting
on the second and third stories.
Dunwoody House-St. Francis Rectory
An excellent example of Tudor design, this building features a steep pitched
roof and a facade dominated by a steeply pitched cross gable with decorative
half-timbering.
Parham-Shuman House
Built by M. J. Welsh sometime after 1907, this interesting home exhibits an
unusual two story Craftsman design, with paired porch supports and dramatic
bracketing. The cresting on the roof is atypical of the Craftsman style.
Atkinson-Harrison-Tait House, ca. 1890
Built by Samuel Atkinson, this very simple Folk Victorian structure has a hint
of Stick styling, visible by the stick work in the eaves. Partially burned in
1929, the house was rebuilt. In the late 1970s the classical columns which had
been added to restyled the porch were removed, returning the facade to a closer
approximation of the original. Note the interesting herringbone detail under the
soffit. The original porch would probably been similar to that of its twin,
number 38, 902 Wright Square.
Nightingale-Moye House, ca. 1895
Built by L. T. McKinnon, this home represents a somewhat diluted example of the
Queen Anne style, this house would have been a simple, hip roofed example of the
National style, without the addition of the turreted bay. This home boasts an
extensive use of cypress wood throughout.
Brantley-Evans House, ca. 1895
Built for W. G. Brantley, then Solicitor General, who later become senator, this
house was built on two Old Town lots.
duBignon-McCullough-Neeld House, ca. 1869
This Second Empire home was built by Henry Riffault duBignon for his bride,
Alice Symons. Young duBignon died within a few years of building this home. The
second owner, John H. Mucullough, had photographs made in 1882 which show the
handsome oak tree that remains, separating the lanes of Union Street. This home,
one of the oldest residential buildings in Brunswick, exhibits the mansard roof,
dormer windows and decorative brackets at the cornice, typical of the Second
Empire style.
Thompson House, ca. 1890
This home was originally situated in the 600 block of Ellis Street and moved to
the present location in 1984. It is a Folk Victorian style known as a "shotgun"
house, aptly named since a shotgun aimed at the front door could shoot all the
way through the house. These homes contained multi-purpose rooms that either
flowed together, or off a side hall. The shotgun style, found mainly in the
South, can be traced back to the West Indies, and even further back to African
housing forms. This home originally had pressed tin ceilings, a treatment common
in commercial structures of the time, and retains its original glass in the
front window.
Church-Hunt House, ca. 1929
Original ownership of this home is listed to Georgia Veneer & Package Co., and
was the home of its president, A. L. Church. An almost textbook example of the
Italian Renaissance style, this house features roof brackets, tile covered roof,
arched windows and doors, and is symmetrical in form.
Downing-Engel-Tzucanow House, ca. 1886
Built by John Baumgartner for Major Columbus Downing, this brick Queen Anne
structure took two years to build. The porch, featuring Corinthian columns, was
a later addition. The original porch, a delicate Exotic Revival design, was
removed, but a section remains over the porte-cochere. As the years brought
dramatically changes in tastes and styles, homeowners frequently opted for the
relatively inexpensive remodeling technique of the porch replacement. Brunswick
Manor Bed & Breakfast now occupies this house and several surrounding
outbuildings.
Lott-Parker House, ca. 1900
Built by J. J. Lott, the house has remained in the family and is currently owned
by the grandson of the original owner. The third story, originally featuring a
widow's walk, burned in 1953 and was not replaced. The architectural style is
basically Queen Anne with some Colonial Revival features. Note the attractive
semicircular portico with its Corinthian columns and also the variety of
interesting exterior window treatments.
Nightingale-Hughes-Brown House, ca. 1896
Built for N.H. Nightingale, possibly as early as 1875, and retained in the
Nightingale family until 1951, this somewhat restrainedexample of the Stick
style, possesses a decorative truss at the apex of the gable, a typical
indicator of the style. Patterns of horizontal stickwork provide balance to the
otherwise vertical lines of the structure. Interesting interior features include
cast-iron mantels and a walnut stairwell. It is one of the few homes retaining
the original detached kitchen, now seen as an extension along the back of the
house.
Baker-Nightingale-Peeples House, ca. 1896
This fine brick Queen Anne is an almost textbook example of the Free Classic
subtype of the style. Note the roof line, the Palladian window in the dormer,
and the turret to the right. Also typical of the subtype are the grouped classic
columns on the porch (in this example they are Doric columns), the detail in the
porch gable, and the dentil molding on the porch and bay windows.
The Scarlett-Cheney-Henderson House, ca. 1890
Built as a wedding present to his bride, the house remained in the family until
1970. It was the birthplace of Frank M. Scarlett, the first Federal Judge in the
county, and for whom the local Federal Building is named. This simple Folk
Victorian house is in gable front and wing form, with the addition of a
decorative porch. The original cookhouse remains, having been connected to the
main building by a walled and roofed "dogtrot." Note the contrast with its twin,
number 34.
Wright-Green House, сa. 1890
Cook-Pace House, ca. 1860
This Second Empire style home was probably built prior to 1860 in South
Carolina. The owner, John R. Cook, a lumberman, floated it down the Altamaha
River soon after the Civil War and erected it in its present location.
Dexter-Born House, ca. 1896
This plain Stick style home, similar to number 21, flaunts a surprising two
story tower, possibly a later addition. The upper story of the tower most
probably served as a summer sleeping porch, and the downstairs leads into a
long, north facing side porch. This would have been a cool, semi-outdoor living
space during summer's heat.
Brunswick Old City Hall
Old City Hall, ca. 1888
Glynn Academy
On Mansfield Street, between Egmont and Albany Streets, lie the several
buildings which comprise the Glynn Academy High School campus. While these
streets are closed to vehicular traffic during the school year, the buildings
are of sufficient interest to warrant parking nearby and taking a closer look.
In 1777 the first State of Georgia Constitution specified that each county would
establish an academy offering free college preparatory education. Although
founded in 1788, the location of the first Glynn Academy building is unknown. In
1820 the second building was constructed at Reynolds and L Streets at a cost of
$10,000, and was used for over twenty years. In 1840 yet another Glynn Academy
was begun on the northern half of Hillsborough Square, with a wooden structure
erected in the 1890s, and used until 1915, at which time itwas moved up the road
to Sterling, Ga. In 1909 Glynn Academy moved into its new quarters on the south
side of Hillsborough Square, which is still in use today. In 1923 construction
was completed on the "new" Glynn Academy complex, including the Memorial
Auditorium, designed by architect Hendrik Wallen and patterned after the Louvain
Library in Belgium. This auditorium has superb acoustical qualities and is the
site of many community musical and theatrical presentations. The different
building on campus represent a history of architechural design, from the
Georgian style (Sidney Lanier) to the Classical Revival (Prep School) to the
Richardsonian Romanesque (Annex Building) designed by Alfred Eighberg, also
designer of Old City Hall.
Burroughs-Hazlehurst-Taylor House, ca. 1870s
Dr. Burroughs designed and built this home with 1886 records indicating
ownership by Misses M. R. and S. E. Hazlehurst. The house is an excellent
example of Second Empire. Considered avery functional style, the mansard roof
allowed for a roomy, full third story. This style was developed by a M. Mansard
in France, when the taxes you paid were determined by how many floors you had to
your building. President Grant favored the style, and many public buildings were
built during his reign.