| The Town of Spencer has started celebrating its 150th anniversary.
The town was formed in 1858 and was named after Spencer Roane, a Virginia judge.
Spencer had several names before that time including Tanner's Cross Roads, New California and Cassville.
Spencer has had strong ties with Calhoun residents, with most of the Washington and Lee district gravitating to the town for shopping and business reasons, including the longtime Spencer Livestock Exchange.
There has been the traditional rivalry between Calhoun and Roane in football.
Then came WalMart to the town, which draws more Calhoun shoppers.
A ceremony marking the sesquicentennial kicking-off the start of the celebration was held yesterday. City leaders read the original minutes of the Virginia Assembly forming the town.
Rob Miller, project manager for the city, says Spencer deserves the recognition.
"Not a lot of cities survive 150 years and that's quite an honor to be able to survive and provide the city services for that length of time," he said.
"Businesses around town are all pitching in. They're going to have some concerts and sales throughout the summertime," Miller said.
The sesquicentennial will wrap up in October. "We'll have the celebration throughout the summer through the Black Walnut Festival," Miller said.
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