The Platt R. Spencer Collection

Platt R. Spencer (1800-1864) was a resident of Geneva, Ohio.  A resident of Geneva for most of his life, he has been dubbed the "Father of American Penmanship."  As the originator of the Spencerian System of Penmanship, he gained world renown.  His system revolutionized the writing of the common man, and greatly refined and accelerated business script.

He began teaching his method in 1815 and continued until his death, in 1864.  In the latter half of his life, his style became more elaborate and his children carried this decorative bent even further.  The embellished form became known as flourishing.  It was widely admired then as it is today and drew many advocates to the system. 

Example of Spencerian flourishing.
(Click to Enlarge)

Mr. Spencer left a lasting impression on all he met, and on the world.  Because of the beauty of his work, and of those who were masters of the art, examples were often kept.  Some of these examples, along with many other objects relating to the Spencer family, have been donated to the Geneva Public Library over the years.  These items form our "Spencerian Collection," in his memory.

Platt taught not only writing but business practices and spawned the growth of the commercial colleges in the United States.  Millions of students over the years were instructed in the Spencerian System from elementary school through college levels.

The "Golden Age of Ornamental Penmanship," of which the Spencerian System was of primary importance, lasted from about 1850 to approximately 1925, with the height of popularity in the 1890s.  The unfortunate demise of the skill in the business world was precipitated by the advent of the typewriter, as well as the increased use of shorthand writing.  Other, newer, less ornate writing systems became popular in the schools (many of these new systems being formulated by former students of the Spencers.)  One of these, the Palmer Method, was the most widely used in this region. 

Learn more about the Contents of the
Platt R. Spencer Memorial Archives & Special Collections Area! 
Take a look at our virtual tour!