A big “thank you” is in order

New London’s Catherine Pickler and Gene Starnes of Albemarle deserve a big “thank you” from all of us for their financial investment which made possible the restoration of the façade of their Albemarle Opera House building.

And for their efforts, the building co-owners have been chosen to receive the prestigious 1991 Gertrude S. Caraway Award of Merit. That award is given annually by the Historic Preservation foundation of North Carolina for outstanding efforts in the field of preservation.

Because Mrs. Pickler and Starnes support Downtown revitalization and historic preservation with their dollars as well as hearts, all of us benefit by being able to enjoy their main street building.

Depending upon the success of the newly-formed Opera House Corporation, it is possible we’ll also reap the benefits of what can be offered inside the opera house as well as appreciate its exterior.

The corporation recently received funding from the National Trust for Historic Preservation for a feasibility study designed to determine future renovations and use possibilities.

Let’s hope that a workable plan – and funding – can be found for the Opera House interior. But if it can’t, we still have a restored exterior for all to enjoy – compliments of Mrs. Pickler and Starnes.

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