Celebrating Women’s History Month: Blanche Spencer Robertson

Published 12:00 am Thursday, March 21, 2024

Throughout March, the Salisbury Post will be taking a look at women who have made some groundbreaking achievements during their lifetime in recognition of Women’s History Month.

Blanche Spencer Robertson was born in Martinsville, Virginia, graduating from Holton Arms School in Washington, D.C.

She married textile executive Julian Robertson after which the two moved to Salisbury in 1931. They had three children, Julian Robertson Jr., Blanche Robertson Bacon and Wyndham Robertson.

She became active in both the civic and social life of Salisbury becoming one of the founders of Historic Salisbury Foundation as well as the first Trustee Emerita in the organization’s history and joined the foundation’s initial board in 1972 serving until 1989.

In a previous article it was noted that she was also a primary force in establishing Waterworks Gallery and was a former chairman of about every major social event in Salisbury.

Robertson was a member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and longtime director of The Penick Home, Episcopalian retirement home in Southern Pines.

She was also a benefactor to the Catawba College, Rowan Museum, the hospital and library. 

Robertson died on Dec. 28, 1993.

If you have a photo to share or a story to tell illustrating Women’s History Month, please email editor Chandler Inions at chandler.inions@salisburypost.com.