Spencer says her father knew the difference between creating his own style and copying a plan. He had a good imagination. She said her father would took some special requests, too. He did train stations. The tradition is not just in the details.
Tradition also dictates prudent use of old wood, tin and assorted materials that go into each house.
While many of Spencer's customers actually use her creations as bird houses, others treat them more gently. But most of the people that get these, they more or less keep them inside. Spencer will make small variations to suit particular customers. Some people like the hunting shack, and some like the river shack. So we just switch around.