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The Grand Old Opera House of Albemarle Elegance of Days Gone By
by Vicki Coggins 1990 - Vol 1 No 5 of "The Amazing AM WXLX 1010 Shopper"
While passing through the first block of West Main Street in downtown Albemarle, you would never know that hidden behind the gold aluminum facade of Starnes Jewelers is the grand old Opera House. Behind this facade, which was added in 1972, are five circular glass paneled windows and five arched pivot windows. These windows were built to draw attention to the once elegant and spacious auditorium that is now quietly concealed behind them.
This facility was built by F.E. Starnes, Doc Frank Parker, and J.C. Parker in 1907. The Opera House was the finest structure in the early days of the village of Albemarle and this entire region. It was certainly the "in" thing to do, in those days gone by, to attend a performance in the Opera House. It far surpassed anything Albemarle has had since then in elegance in formality.
Magnificent satin curtains covered the brightly illuminated stage. Prior to the coming of electricity, gas lamps were used for illumination. To add authenticity to the performances were large scrolls of hand painted scenery which provided the backdrop for the action. There were dressing rooms on either side of the spacious stage which measured 25' by 35'. A stove and lamp were provided in each dressing room. Ventilation was available only by the five pivot windows at the rear of the auditorium. The only means of escape, had a fire occurred, was a single metal fire escape in the back of one of the dressing rooms.
In the auditorium area were elegant velvet upholstered seats which added to the splendor of this facility. Including the balcony, the auditorium seated around 800 people. The attire to enhance the formality of an evening were suits for the gentlemen and evening dresses with the elbow length gloves for the ladies. Albemarle was privy to the latest dramatic plays straight form New York City and every performance was usually a sellout.
Prices for balcony seats were as low as 50 cents and went to $2.00 for reserved and box seats near the front. A large cast iron stove was positioned on each side of the auditorium to warm the audience. With very little means of ventilation available, and no air conditioning, the performance season did not begin until October and generally continued until the onset of warmer weather.
A well known play of that era was presented on the stage of the Opera House on Oct 6, 1908. It was "The Clansman" by Thomas Dixon and was attended by the author himself. This 40 member ensemble came to Albemarle from the famous stages of New York City. A troop of cavalry horses was to have been a part of the performance, however, due to the second story location of the auditorium, they were unable to use the horses as part of the show.
As is so often the case, many of the local residents were quite opposed to the addition of such a facility in Albemarle. Not fully understanding the intentions of the three gentlemen involved in the venture, they expressed grave concern that this would contribute to the moral decline of the townspeople. Fortunately for all concerned, the addition of the auspicious Opera House was well received.
The upstairs of the building housed the box office and several offices at that time. Mr. Starnes, who was also an optometrist, had his optical shop near the entrance. Also sharing the additional space was the law office of G.D.B. Reynolds. Being multifunctional, the auditorium was used during the off-season for lectures, meetings, conventions, and for local high school commencements.
The Opera House began to fade in popularity as the stock companies began to dissolve their services. Added to this was the coming of motion pictures to this area. Attempting to keep up with public demand, the grand old Opera House became a motion picture theater. It remained in this capacity for about two years and finally closed its doors. This brought to an end the elegant and glorious days of Albemarle in the early 1900's. Nevermore can we be what we were then; nor do we want to be. But that wonderful feeling of community spirit that prevailed then is still alive and well. How nice it is to pass strangers on the street and be offered a friendly smile and warm greeting. The residents of our city still personify "southern hospitality."
Albemarle belonged then to Stanly County. It still belongs to every resident of our county. It was the hub of the community then, as it should be now. Yes, we have our own separate towns and local governing bodies. We're growing up as a community. But let us not forget what Albemarle meant then, as well as now to Stanly County. It took all the residents of our beautiful county to make downtown Albemarle a prosperous, viable area. That has not changed.
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