After decades of trials, tribulations, evictions, losses, and near bankruptcy, Lena Spencer saw her inspired vision of a creative gathering place for her community become a reality with Caffè Lena. Her boundless passion and perseverance served as the driving force behind her renowned establishment now known as the longest-running coffeehouse in the country, recognized as an American Treasure by the Library of Congress, and a place where folk music continues to thrive after six decades. Now streaming below:
Lena | A Life in Folk
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Experience the story of Lena Spencer, founder of the famed folk music venue: Caffè Lena.
Lena: A Life In Folk
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Lena: A Life in Folk Photo Gallery
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Lena sits down at the Caffe with a director of a local play.
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Lena with Don McLean and Frank Wakefield at the Caffe circa 1970s.
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A barefoot Lena Spencer in front of Caffe Lena in the 1980s. It is now the longest running coffee house in the country.
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Lena Nargi as a young adult, before she met Bill Spencer and moved to Saratoga Springs.
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Lena receives an honorary degree from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs.
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Newlyweds Bill Spencer and Lena Spencer at their wedding ceremony in Milford, Mass.
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Newlyweds Bill Spencer and Lena Spencer.
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Following the wedding ceremony of the Spencers in Milford, Mass.