The History of The Spencer Spanking Plan

Sadly, there is very little personal information available about Mrs. Dorothy Spencer, attributed author of the "Spencer Plan". The first reference to this plan comes from a 1929 quotation from Dorothy Spencer's diary. Word spread and others began exploring this unique two-sided equal contribution towards finding harmonious balance within a loving relationship. In 1935 Mrs. Spencer began working on a manuscript outlining guidelines for the method she developed through the receiving and giving of domestic discipline within her own relationship.

The first run of 50,000 copies of her book published in 1936 sold out in a remarkably short time. Allegedly there were 14 more documented printings of her book with the last printing thought to have been in 1958. However, there is no documentation of this publication in the Library of Congress or other reference sources. The earliest verified mention of The Spencer Plan in print seems to be a short reference in a book named "Chastisement" by John Barry (published by Brandon house, 1966). While this can be discouraging, there might be a logical reason for difficulty in obtaining information.

This work is usually referred to as a book when in fact it might have actually been a pamphlet. The complete text of original words written by Dorothy Spencer provides a rather small amount of content. Reference of The Spencer Plan published as a pamphlet rather a conventionally bound book can be found. Pamphlets are not always as well recorded as books. Conceivably, it might be very hard to verify or find a published original hard copy.

Searching newspaper archives will produce references to the concept Mrs. Spencer put forth. In the LA Times archives there was an article dated Jan. 26, 1938 about the "Wives of Spanking Husbands' Club". The Hartford Courant carried an advice column by Dorothy Dix (dated July 13, 1939) entitled "Wife-Spanking May Often Save Marriage, But There Are Times When a Wayward Husband Needs An Application of the Hairbrush". The concept of The Spencer Plan was more readily socially accepted up until the late 50's and early 60's. In fact, according to archives, there are records of court ordered spankings and denials of divorce when the only charge brought by the wife was that her husband had spanked her.

Guidelines outlined by Mrs. Spencer offered a method to regain balance, find harmony and strengthen the bond between partners. The Spencer Plan still provides many with a method to build stronger relationships in a way than nothing else has or could. This is a unique path that many are grateful Dorothy Spencer decided to share.