The Center
516 East Main St.
Host: Arts of the Albemarle

The Lowry-Chesson building was erected in 1897 for Dr. Freshwater W. Lowry. It was first occupied on the lower level by Mitchell’s Bee Hive Department Store and the upper levels by the Academy of Music; referred to as the Opera House. The building fell into disrepair in the 1990’s and was “saved” through the efforts of ECHNA and Arts of the Albemarle. The restored Opera House comes alive with a genuine Vaudeville show. Join in the chorus and join the fun.

Virginia Dare Arcade
507 East Main St.
Host: Owens & Robertson

Built in 1927, the Virginia Dare Hotel and Arcade encompasses a 9-story brick hotel in the center of the block, a 2-story skylighted arcade, and a 2-story office wing. This Neo-Classical Revival style building features yellow brick veneer and stone and terra cotta decorative details. Ray S. Jones, Sr. haunts the Virginia Dare Hotel, where he served as manager. Find out what one guest left in lieu of payment.

McMullan Building
(City Cut Rate Bldg.)
117 North Water St.
Host: Albemarle & Associates

The McMullan Building is an exceptional example of the popularity of pressed metal storefronts throughout the state during the late nineteenth century. This example was manufactured by Meskers Brothers of St. Louis, MO. The unaltered storefront is framed by four cast iron pilasters that support the metal façade. Hear Dr. Oscar McMullan tell how he helped found Albemarle Hospital and died in the flu epidemic. He might have a surprise visitor!

The Wilson House
733 Riverside Ave.
Host: Jean Baker

This Craftsman style foursquare home was built in 1920 for J. Kenyon Wilson, an attorney and one of the original founders of the law firm Hornthal, Riley, Ellis and Maland. This house was the center home in the Weatherly Estate; a group of three houses each the home of one of the founders of the Weatherly Candy Company; well known throughout Elizabeth City for it’s Peach Buds.

Captain Israel Perry shares his thoughts on Wilbur Wright, whom he took to Kitty Hawk aboard his boat the Curlicue.

William G. Gaither House
(The Pond House)
Presentation in the pond area
NO CARS – BUSES ONLY

915 Rivershore Rd.
Host: Martha Johnson

Following plans drawn by a Mr. Patterson of Chicago, contractor William H. Bartlett and his brothers Charles and Dennis built this house in 1941 for William Gassoway Gaither and his wife, Helen (Robinson) Gaither. Surrounding the entire house is a superb dentiled cornice and decorated frieze. This frieze is most apparent at the impressive southwest entrance. Meet bottle manufacturer Lt. Samuel Waters. Find out how he created the landscaping and what lucrative produce he turned down.

The Episcopal Cemetery
505 East Ehringhaus St. (behind Museum of Albemarle
Hosts: Episcopal Cemetery Assoc.

Oldest active burying ground in the city with its oldest tombstone dating from 1825. Excellent examples of 19th century funerary iron fences and gates, and tombstones with a significant variety of religious, lodge and poetic symbols, verses and quotations. Friend to boaters, Fred Fearing, comes back to life. Hear him tell how the Rose Buddies got started and about the famous aviator he once met.

William H Zoeller House
303 West Church St.
Host: Chris Stockli

This 1 ½ story center-hall plan dwelling is believed to have been built in the antebellum period at 309 W Church St. and moved in the early 1900’s to this location. In 1913 it was purchased by William Henry Zoeller and subsequently remodeled into the existing Colonial Revival house. Zoeller operated Zoeller’s Studio, Elizabeth City’s premier photography studio. Photographer William Zoeller tells about his long career as a portraitist and his work for the Eastman-Kodak Company.

Warren Jennette House
805 West Main Street
Hosts: Warren & Carol Ellis

This 2 ½ story residence was erected in 1914 for Warren Hellen Jennette, a prosperous wholesale merchant. The house is distinguished by a robust concave mansard roof. Such roofs were prerequisite elements of the Second Empire style and while quite popular nationally during the post Civil War period, they were rarely seen in the Albemarle area. The ghost of Warren Jennette appears at the elegant home he built. He’ll tell about the local business he founded with his brother, Lawrence.