Spencer in Clay County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
In Memory of Spencer's Santa Claus
E. Joy Roberts
— 1888-1948 —
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 29, 2021
1. Spencer's Santa Claus Marker
Who for thirty-five years played Santa Claus to the needy children of this community.
May his untiring efforts, his sacrifices and generosity ever be an inspiration to all to share their blessings with those less fortunate.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Charity & Public Work. A significant historical year for this entry is 1888.
Location. 43° 8.724′ N, 95° 8.681′ W. Marker is in Spencer, Iowa, in Clay County. Marker is on Grand Avenue (U.S. 18/71) just south of East 8th Street, on the right when traveling north. The marker is located in the park on the north side of the Spencer Police Department. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 728 Grand Avenue, Spencer IA 51301, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 1 other marker is within walking distance of this marker. Glen Pedersen Memorial Park (approx. 0.7 miles away).
Also see . . .
1. Tree of Joy: Jaycees spread joy to children, families at Christmas. Excerpt:
For nearly 100 years, the Spencer community has taken special care of its children at Christmastime. It started in the 1920s, with the effort of a single man. The story goes that E. Joy Roberts (known to most simply as Joy) would collect broken toys. This Spencer man would(Submitted on January 6, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)spend many an hour in his workshop to fix those toys then he would give them to children who might not otherwise have anything under the tree on Christmas morning. This Santa-like effort was taken over by the Spencer Jaycees not long after it was started, and they’ve been doing it ever since. They named the annual event the Tree of Joy, after the man who inspired their efforts.
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2. Earl Joy Roberts (Find A Grave). Excerpt:
(Riverside Cemetery Spencer, Clay County, Iowa) Mr. Roberts was well known in the community and state because of his work with the Clay County Fair as well as the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines. Because of his love for children, his interest in fellowman and his ability in woodcraft, Mr. Roberts began to play the role of Santa Claus to the children of Clay County and Spencer, a pleasing task which was more than a passing hobby, it was a year around work. He made constantly busy in repairing toys for the next holiday season.(Submitted on January 6, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 29, 2021
2. Spencer's Santa Claus Marker
Looking east from Grand Avenue. The Spencer Police Department is in the right background.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 6, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 5, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 39 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 6, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
