[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 152 (Wednesday, September 24, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S9408]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  SPENCER, WEST VIRGINIA, CELEBRATION

 Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Madam President, today I honor the town of 
Spencer, WV, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary. Spencer is a 
town with a long, rich history that is proudly considered by some as 
West Virginia's largest small city. It is located centrally in West 
Virginia and is filled with lots of character and many wonderful 
people. And I am proud stand here today to brag about this town's fine 
citizens and share their story.
  Even from the earliest days, the people of Spencer have been tough, 
resourceful, and committed to making good lives for their families. The 
history of the great town of Spencer began in 1812 when the first 
settlers, Samuel Tanner and Jonathan Wolfe, sought shelter for their 
families in a large cave. The area was so beautiful that others decided 
to make it their home as well. As more settlers gathered, the town 
evolved. The town's name was changed from Tanner's Cross Road to 
Cassville and then to New California when a settler stopped by on his 
way to California.
  In 1858, the town was officially chartered by the Virginia General 
Assembly and renamed Spencer, reportedly in honor of Judge Spencer 
Roane. Today we celebrate that official charter and recognize all those 
who made Spencer what it is today, and those who will help fulfill its 
future promise.
  Spencer currently has a population of nearly 2,300. These residents 
have really made their home a warm, special place to live and visit. 
And they're proud of the events and activities that help define their 
beloved town and honor its history. Presently, Spencer hosts a variety 
of outdoor events that draw hundreds of people each year. The Black 
Walnut Festival is filled with exciting attractions--from baking 
contests and car shows, to grand parades and golf tournaments. The Tour 
de Lake brings mountain bike racers from all over the State to compete 
at the scenic Charles Fork Lake. These events, coupled only with the 
warmth of its people, make Spencer a place people want to visit time 
and again.
  Spencer is an extraordinary town that embodies the greatness and 
uniqueness of rural America. Its long history and diverse attractions 
and its terrific, one-of-a-kind people represent the very best of our 
Mountain State. I hope I have given my colleagues and the rest of our 
nation just a glimpse of our little town of Spencer--which is big and 
great in so many ways.

                          ____________________