Francis Starnes is remembered as the second-generation and long-time owner of Starnes Jewelry Store in Albemarle. Even though Starnes was known to spend much of his time at the store, he did have several hobbies. Francis and his wife Ruth enjoyed traveling. They took their children on driving trips around the country and then later, after the kids were older and no longer at home, the two of them traveled internationally. Francis enjoyed sports car road rally events and was active for a number of years. He also enjoyed photography. His favorite subjects were his three children; each year, he would photograph them for the family Christmas card. Today’s first picture (above) shows the family’s 1942 Christmas card with Patricia and Gene. (The Starnes’ third child, Judy, had not yet been born.) The second photo (below) shows Francis at work with the book props, shown in the Christmas card, sitting on the desk beside him. {Lewis Bramlett – Stanly County Historical Society}