Spencer House fundraiser set for this weekend

The century-old yellow and green Spencer House at the corner of Veterans Parkway and Eighth Street is no longer the eyesore it was a few years ago.

In recent years, the Spencer House Restoration Committee has repainted the exterior, added new air condition units, installed an alarm system, restored the banisters, replaced the roof, upgraded the landscaping and replaced pipes underneath the house that had been removed.

But the five-bedroom home, once the residence of Columbus' first superintendent of black schools, still needs major renovations, according to members of the committee. And the group is holding its fourth annual Green and Gold Luncheon to raise money for the project.

The event will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the Columbus Convention & Trade Center, 801

Front Ave. It is being organized by the restoration committee and The Owlettes, a group consisting of alumni from Spencer High School.

The keynote speaker will be retired Columbus Regional Health executive Bennie Newroth.

"We are proud of our school and the man that it was named after," said Catherine McBride, president of the Owlettes. "We want to continue his legacy, and it's important to preserve our history as black residents of Columbus."

Spencer was born and educated in Columbus and established the first accredited high school for black children in Columbus. He and his family purchased the 3,500-square-foot house in 1912. The building was originally on Fifth Avenue but was moved to 745 Veterans Parkway. It's listed as a museum on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

Eva Smith, co-chair of the restoration committee, said the house sat dilapidated at the corner for many years. In 2010, she had a vision to save the building and formed the restoration group. In addition to the annual luncheon, the group also has held car washes and other fundraisers.

Over the years, the committee has received donations from Historic Columbus, Synovous and other organizations, members said. They are hoping the community will continue to support their efforts.

Smith said the building still needs extensive ceiling work as well as other repairs. She said the funds from the luncheon will also help to maintain the home.

Marcus Enrico Williams, overseer of the property, has been doing most of the renovations. He pointed out the intricate woodwork and fireplaces in the Spencer home, which suggest that the educator lived a sophisticated life for a black man of that era. Williams said Spencer also dedicated his life to the education of black children, and that his legacy must be preserved for younger generations.

"Our kids need to know that even back in those days there was somebody fighting for their rights," he said. "It's a beacon in the community."

For tickets, call 706-687-9834 or 706-324-7071.

Alva James-Johnson, 706-571-8521. Reach her on Facebook at AlvaJamesJohnsonLedger.

This story was originally published September 14, 2015 at 8:27 PM with the headline "Spencer House fundraiser set for this weekend ."