The Spencer Slides

Sphinx and Pyramids Percival Lawson Spencer came to Canada from Portsmouth, England as an energetic eight year old on the 25th September 1853 with his mother and brother. They embarked on the ship "Prince Albert" bound for New York for the five week journey. The voyage proved to be almost continuously rough. In mid-ocean, an outbreak of the dreaded disease cholera took forty-seven lives.

Canada Steamer Once landed, the little family traveled by train through Rome and Albany to Rochester and eventually to Owen Sound after an overland journey by stage couch. As the years went by, Canon Spencer traveled the world and faithfully recorded his journeys on glass photo plates. Later, he gave lectures on such themes as "Ship and Shanty in the Early 50's", "Olden Days", and "Around the World in an Hour and a Half" illustrated by these same magic lantern slides.. His collection of over 2300 glass slides serve as an exceptional memorial to his abilities as an amateur photographer and his dedication to collecting the best photography of the day. We are honored to present these images for your interest and pleasure. Enjoy!