“The Opera House is in disrepair, but it is significant to downtown Albemarle,” said Gene Starnes, part owner of the building.

Built in 1907 - by F.E. Starnes, D.F. Parker and J.C. Parker - the building is now owned by Francis Eugene “Gene” Starnes and Katherine Pickler, both original descendants of the original builders.

 Located on West Main Street,  the historic building is currently occupied by Starnes Jewelers and the Satin and Lace bridal shop. Above the two shops is the former Albemarle Opera House.

Great-great grandsons of F.E. Starnes, John Parker and Christopher Epps, along with great-great grandsons of D.F. Parker, John Obeck Jr. and Reid Obeck, unveiled a plaque commemorating the addition of the Albemarle Opera House to the National Register of Historic Places.

“It has been a wonderful experience for our families to be a part of the Stanly County community for 100 years and to see the growth of Albemarle,” Starnes said.

Starnes would like to see the Opera House reopen someday and said the impact on Albemarle from a reopening could be great.

“We’d love to see it reopen and bring life back to it ... and to Albemarle,” he said.

Starnes, whose family has operated their jewelry business in Stanly County for 109 years, has occupied the Opera House for all 100 years of its existence. He said at times, music and singing can be heard in his shop.

“You can hear the music playing and our ghosts are very friendly and welcoming,” he said.

While local musician Brooke Garcia sang on stage in a historic costume, members of the North Carolina Paranormal Investigations (NCPI) were stationed at the Opera House, providing information about possible “spirits” in the building.