 Photo courtesy of Carol Wakefield |
Susan ("Sioux") Spencer,
Proprietress Susan can't remember when history was not an important part of her life. Thrust into sewing at an early age by a mother frustrated by constant "borrowings" of garments from her closet -- which garments usually ended up as portions of costumes -- Susan took her first "1st prize" in historical costuming at age seven and never looked back. An eager participant in Edmonton's annual "Klondike Days" 1890s festival from the time she could toddle, it surprised no one when she ended up working at Fort Edmonton in the late 1970s. There she cut her teeth in the business of making history interesting to the public. Life events caused a long professional hiatus from the world of things historical, but her passion for the subject led her back, and in 1993 she founded Spencer's Mercantile. Usually found dashing off in at least seven different directions at once, she spends most of the summer months on the road throughout eastern North America. Over the winter, she can be found teaching classes and workshops, wreaking havoc in the store's back room, plotting the next year's travels, and volunteering her time on event committees, while trying desperately to get caught up on paperwork and occasionally even getting some sleep. |
 * Not actual photo of Alison * (but she's just as beautiful) |
Alison When you call the shop in Hamilton, it's usually Alison's cheery "Hello!" that greets you on the phone. She also responds to much of our email and many of our order requests - mostly because she's the only one who knows where everything is. While she does spend most of her time being "Ground Crew" for the folks on the road, she's been known to don period clothing and come out to events from time to time as well. She's also responsible for most of the photography on our website. A dedicated and passionate animal lover, Alison spends her spare time fostering kittens, rescuing stray critters of all sorts, and looking after Susan's cats when she's on the road. |
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Spencer Although he's currently run away to Toronto to pursue his University studies, Spencer is still very much a part of the Spencer's family. He's often seen accompanying Susan on the road, where he's developed quite a talent for pounding tent pegs and charming young ladies into purchasing more jewellery than they'd originally planned (though not necessarily at the same time). He also gets pressed into service back at the store for special events like our birthday party and the Historic Merchants' Christmas Gathering. He lives for the day when Susan finally completes sewing a short men's Regency jacket for him, so he can be Spencer from Spencer's in a spencer from Spencer's. |
 photo courtesy of Steve Zronik |
Cam Cam has been with Spencer's off and on since he was 14 years old, and he's been re-enacting since he was nine. Like Spencer, he gets pressed into service at crunch times and for special events. His experience and passion for history are wonderful additions to our shop. Cam has also started his own business (C. Marcoux, Haberdasher), hand dyeing and selling 100% silk grosgrain ribbon, which may sometimes be found in the Spencer's tent if he's not at an event on his own. A master of many eccentric and unusual skills, Cam's official job title is "Dogsbody and Scoundrel". |
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Corinne and Kirby Susan simply wouldn't make it through the summer without Corinne and Kirby's help. They are the amazing road crew who have helped put Spencer's on the map at many of the larger events over the last several years. Time and again, Corinne has proven herself the Queen of the Jewellery Case - her infallible sense of style and sage words of advice have produced happy and elegant customers across eastern North America. Kirby, meanwhile, is the Master of "The Rest of the Tent" - where he's been known to provide advice on and sell everything from fans and needle cases to swords and muskets. Susan's quite convinced that this pair is completely nuts, to come out voluntarily and help with everything from setup to packup - but she's ever so glad that they are! |
