King Memorial Hospital, formerly known as Dunn Nursing Home, stands not far from Selma’s downtown district and holds a significant place in local history. Originally established in 1896 as King Sanitarium by Dr. Goldsby King, it later gained prominence when it housed the clinic of renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Marcus Meyer Skinner. Today, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing structure of the Old Town Historic District.
Before 1896, Selma lacked a permanent hospital, relying instead on temporary facilities established during sporadic yellow fever outbreaks. These makeshift hospitals often suffered from mismanagement, underfunding, and inadequate maintenance, being set up in existing structures ill-suited for medical care. Dr. Skinner, serving as the city physician, found the practice of making house calls inefficient. It’s likely that the challenges faced by Selma’s public hospitals, including inefficiency, financial constraints, and management issues, motivated Dr. King to establish King Sanitarium, the city’s inaugural private hospital.
The sanitarium began in an old southern home nestled among majestic oak trees, set back from the street. Extensive renovations transformed the building, adorning it with new wallpaper, carpeting, and furniture, lending an atmosphere of refinement that was both pleasing and inviting. Each of the eighteen patient rooms boasted a tidy iron bed, elegant rugs, a table with a lamp, and a call bell for assistance. Nurses, with prior experience from Bryce Hospital in Tuscaloosa, attended to the patients and resided in quarters connected to the building. Additionally, the hospital ensured the presence of a resident physician at all times, providing round-the-clock care.
The former King Memorial Hospital found new ownership in 1955 when a group of investors established Dunn Rest Home Inc. Charles E. Dunn, a practicing physical therapist, assumed the role of president and general manager of the corporation. Ed McBride, proprietor of the Tillman Drug Company, was appointed vice-president, while Ellen Burton Dunn, Charles’s wife, took on the position of secretary-treasurer. Reopened in March 1956 under its new management, the facility operated as the Dunn Rest Home until November 1983, when it was sold to Vari-Care Inc.
In 2004, Circle of Love Outreach, led by Pastor Gary Crum, acquired the old King Memorial Hospital with the intention of converting it into a homeless shelter. Renamed Circle of Love, the building underwent several renovations. However, it soon became apparent that significant additional work was needed, including repairs to old elevators and the installation of a new roof.
Despite efforts to repurpose the building, Circle of Love struggled to attract tenants. Following Hurricane Katrina, the shelter briefly accommodated around 40 families, but this arrangement was short-lived. Subsequently, the building was utilized to house approximately 15 students from Wallace Community College Selma. However, due to the lack of income generated by the property, it remained largely vacant.
In 2016, the IRS seized the building due to nonpayment of taxes. As of now, there are no active plans for the former hospital, leaving its future uncertain.
King Memorial Hospital represents a cornerstone of healthcare within our community, blending a legacy of excellence with contemporary amenities, caring personnel, and a dedication to pushing the boundaries of medical progress. Opting for King Memorial Hospital means aligning with a healthcare ally devoted to the health and welfare of its patients.