Deep in the heart of the Ozarks, the small settlement of Spencer, Missouri, has a remarkable history of rise, fall, and resurrection. Once a bustling mill town and later a vibrant stop on the iconic Route 66, the story of Spencer, Missouri, is a testament to the enduring spirit of forgotten American communities and the power of historic preservation.
The First Incarnation – Johnson’s Mill (1860s-1907)
The origins of Spencer, Missouri, trace back to the 1860s along the historic Carthage-Springfield Road. This fledgling community began around a mill built by Oliver Johnson on the creek that would eventually bear his name: Johnson Creek. The area quickly became a crucial stop for travelers, offering services near the flour mill. Initially known as Johnson’s Mill, the settlement gained its enduring name when a Mr. Spencer from Illinois established a store, leading to the establishment of a post office in 1868, officially named Spencer.
By the 1880s, the village of Spencer had expanded, boasting another general store, a local schoolhouse, and both Methodist and Christian Churches, indicating a growing agricultural community. A grocery store and a blacksmith shop further cemented its status as a small but vital hub. However, this early prosperity was short-lived. The post office closed in 1907, and by 1912, the road leading to Spencer became largely impassable. As traffic dwindled, businesses closed their doors, and residents moved away, transforming Spencer into what many considered a ghost town.
The Rebirth on Route 66 (1920s-1961)
The story of Spencer took an unexpected turn in the mid-1920s with the advent of America’s Mother Road. In 1925, Sydney Casey, a visionary entrepreneur, learned of plans for the new highway. He shrewdly acquired the land of the old town of Spencer, which included a vacant feed and seed store from 1910 and two acres of property, for a total of $500. As Route 66 was being constructed through the area, Casey seized the opportunity, reopening the old feed and seed store to cater to the highway workers and the burgeoning stream of motorists.
Finding the existing structure inadequate, Casey embarked on a significant building project. In 1926, he constructed a new building adjacent to the old one, and by 1928, this had expanded into a row of establishments. This complex included a general store on the left, a versatile middle structure that housed a feed store, cafe, and barbershop at various times, and a service station and garage on the far right. Casey’s service station initially operated under the Tydol brand before becoming a distributor for the popular Phillips 66 brand around 1938. The Casey family personally managed the store and service station, while the middle building saw various operators over the years.
Under Casey’s stewardship, Spencer once again flourished, evolving into a vibrant community center and a beloved stop for travelers on Route 66. Dances were held on a platform across the highway, locals exchanged news on the bench outside the store, and an old stove in the garage provided a warm gathering spot for card games, fostering a strong sense of community.
The Second Decline and Era of Preservation (1961-Present)
Despite its resurgence, the “new” Spencer faced a fate similar to its predecessor. In 1961, the realignment of Route 66, which rerouted traffic onto the new Highway 96, bypassed Spencer, Missouri, and nearby Paris Springs Junction. This bypass proved devastating; the store and gas station quickly went out of business, foreshadowing the broader impact Interstate 44 would have on many Route 66 communities in southwest Missouri.
For years, the row of buildings sat vacant and silent, a poignant reminder of Spencer’s past glory. However, a new chapter began with a dedication to preservation. In 1985, Carl and Ruby Casey, Sydney’s son, purchased the property from his mother and brothers, taking residence in the family home behind the store. The family maintained the property, and in 2007, Francis and Mary Lynn Ryan of Salina, Kansas, acquired the buildings from Kent Casey, Sydney’s grandson. This transfer marked the end of three generations of Casey family ownership.
The Ryans embarked on significant restoration work, rebuilding canopies, adding period-appropriate gas pumps, signs, and other memorabilia, both inside and outside the structures. In 2010, they undertook a major roof reconstruction. Their friends, Quentin and Cathy Stockham, provided invaluable assistance in these projects, contributing to the site’s faithful restoration.
The commitment to preserving Spencer’s legacy continued in 2022 when Ed Klein, owner of Route 66 World and a long-time preservationist, purchased the buildings from the Ryans. Klein has ambitious plans to restore all the structures to their authentic 1930s and 1940s appearance, further enhancing the character of this historically rich location. Notably, the concrete roadbed in front of the building row represents one of the last remaining segments of the original Route 66 surface still in use.
Today, Spencer, Missouri, stands as a vibrant testament to the enduring appeal of Route 66 and the dedication of those committed to preserving its heritage. The path of Route 66 from Spencer continues northwest for approximately one mile before rejoining MO-96, leading westward another five miles to Heatonville.
Conclusion
The journey of Spencer, Missouri, from a humble mill town, through two periods of decline, to its current state as a preserved historic site on Route 66, is a powerful narrative of resilience. It highlights how infrastructure changes can profoundly impact small communities, yet also how dedication and passion can breathe new life into forgotten places. Thanks to the efforts of families like the Caseys and preservationists like the Ryans and Ed Klein, the spirit of Spencer continues to thrive, inviting travelers to step back in time and experience a tangible piece of American history along the Mother Road.
