A Brief History

The Civic Center offices were completed in the fall of 1988, and the Center’s Auditorium opened the following summer with comedian Jerry Clower playing to a packed house. It was such a hit that he returned each year until his passing, always finding an appreciative Stanly County audience.  Throughout the years, the Center has hosted other events presented by the Stanly County Concert Association, musicals and drama by the Uwharrie Players, a variety of regional and national dance competitions and local recitals, southern gospel and bluegrass concerts by local and regional promoters and church- related events. The Stanly County Arts Council presents a series of programs by regionally and nationally-known artists for Stanly County school students and the general public. The school system and Stanly Community College utilizes the facility for graduation and awards ceremonies. A wide variety of agricultural workshops, meetings, and events are held on a regular basis in conjunction with the agricultural offices and agencies located on site. The facility is available for rent for both private and public events.

Groundbreaking Ceremony – 1987

1st Row: Unknown; Clarence “Shorty” Barrier; Richard Johnson (Architect); Mattie Kelley; Charlie Pickler; Dwight Smith; Aaron Plyler; Wade McSwain, Sr.; Richard Conder; Chester Lowder; Tony Lowder; Coy Privette; David Morgan; Unknown; Spurgeon Brooks; Mack “Preacher” Morgan; Unknown
2nd Row: Frank Simpson; J. Brice Burleson; Bill Lee; Vernon Almond; C.F. Pete Hinkle; Keith Hill; George Winecoff; Bob Slaughter; Jim Garrison; Windell Talley
3rd Row: Bobby Harold Barbee, Sr.; Carl Culp; Mrs. Culp; Unknown; Unknown; Unknown

history newspaper clipping collage