History of Spencer, Massachusetts, USA

The whole of this town was included in the original grant of Leicester. It was made a parish in the year 1744, by the name of the West Parish of Leicester, and was incorporated a town in 1753, by the name of Spencer. The church was organized here in 1744, and Rev. Joshua Eaton was ordained their pastor the same year. He continued with the people till his death, in 1772, and was succeeded, the next year, by Rev. Joseph Pope. The next ministel was Rev. Stephen Crosby, who was settled in 1819. Mr. Crosby was succeeded by Rev. Levi Packard, in 1826.

The above engraving shows the appearance of the central part of Spencer, as it is entered from the westward, upon the road to Brookfieid. The Congregational church is seen on the right, on the elevated ground in the distance. The Universalist church is the building with a tower, standing in the compact part of the village, which consists of about 40 dwelling-houses.

This town is elevated, and is said to be 950 feet above the tide waters...

Spencer, a post- village in Worcester co., Massachusetts, on the Western railroad, 62 miles W. S. W. from Boston, contains 2 or 8 churches. Population of the township, 2244.

Doctor Fontaine, of Spencer, Mass, was held in $2,000 bonds yesterday for manslaughter in causing the death of a child by using small pox virus for vaccination instead of vaccine matter.

Elias Howe, inventor of the modern sewing machine; born at Spencer, Massachusetts, in 1819; died in 1867; machinist; sewing machine patented in 1846. From that time to 1854 his priority was contested, and he suffered from poverty, when a decision of the courts in his favor brought him large royalties, and he realized several millions from his patent.

The Spencer Fair was established in 1888.

Spencer is an elevated and beautiful farming and manufacturing town in the southwesterly section of Worcester County, 18 miles from Worcester and 62 from Boston. The Boston and Albany Railroad runs through the southwestern part, haying a station at South Spencer and sending a branch to Spencer (centre). The latter is the post-office for the town. The other villages are North Spencer, Hillsville north of the centre, and Wire Village northeastward.

The town has Oakham and Paxton on the north, the latter and Leicester on the east, Charlton on the south, and Brookfield and North Brookfield on the west. The territory is in the form of a parallelogram, with its length north and south. Its assessed area is 20,490 acres; of which 6,564 are forests of oak, pine, chestnut, white and black birch and maple. The laurel (Kalmia latifolia) often adorns the pastures. The land is varied by many beautifully rounded hills and by winding valleys. Green, Flat and Moose hills are the most noted...

Spencer, a post-village in Spencer township, Worcester co, Mass., 1 1/ 2 miles N, of Spencer Station of the Boston & Albany Railroad, and about 12 miles W. of Worcester. Spencer Station is 17 miles W. by S. of Worcester. Spencer contains a high school, a national bank, a savings bank, 3 churches, a newspaper office, woollen-factories, a fine hotel, and 4 or 5 manufactories of boots. Pop. of township, 8747.

Spencer, a banking post-village in Spencer township (town), Worcester co., Mass., on the Boston and Albany R., and about 12 miles W. of Worcester. The town has manufactures of wire, satinets, woollens, boots and shoes, etc. Pop. of the town in 1900, 7627.

Spencer, Nov. 24 - Mrs. Justin D. Anderson, wife of the president of the Hartford Rubber Works Company of Hartford, Conn., was severely injured tonight by the overturning of a heavy touring car in which she was riding with Mr. Anderson and J. J. Shea, chief engineer of the rubber works. They were returning form Providence to Hartford, and when near Sibley's corner in the outskirts of this town, the machine skidded in the slippery road and was upset. Mr. Anderson, who was driving, had slowed down in approaching the turn and set his brakes when the car began to slide, but a wheel caught in the electric car track and the machine turned over.

Mrs. Anderson suffered a fracture of the left shoulder and contusions, and was badly shaken up. The men escaped without injury. After the fracture had been reduced by a Worcester physician who happened to be passing on an electric car, Mrs. Anderson was taken to her home in Hartford.

Spencer, Mass., Oct. 7. - Through smoke-filled corridors the thirty guests of the Massasoit house, the largest hotel in Spencer, made hurried exits in their night clothes in a fire that destroyed the hostelry early today. It is believed that everyone escaped. An exploded lamp is believed to have caused the fire and in the high wind the three-story wooden structure was quickly destroyed. The loss is $50,000.

Spencer Fair:
If you happen to be in Spencer on Labor Day Weekend, visit the Spencer Fair. A classic New England fair, the Spencer Fair has a rich history dating back to its inception in 1888. It was originally established as an agricultural and industrial fair to showcase the talents and achievements of local farmers and craftsmen. Today, it features Agricultural Exhibits, Entertainment, Food, Crafts and Exhibits and Carnival Rides.

Stroll around Howe State Park:
Howe State Park is another beautiful outdoor destination. It's located on Howe Pond and provides a picturesque setting for a leisurely walk, fishing, or a quiet afternoon of relaxation.

Hike the Seven Mile River Trail:
If you're up for a scenic hike, check out the Seven Mile River Trail. This trail meanders through picturesque woodlands and alongside the Seven Mile River, providing a peaceful and scenic outdoor experience.

Play a Round of Golf:
If you're a golfer, head to the Spencer Country Club, where you can ...