Meredith Nicholson
1866 - 1947
Hoosier author Meredith Nicholson gained prominence in the Golden Age of Indiana Literature (c. 1880-1920) for best-selling novels, starting with The Main Chance (1903). He wrote The House of a Thousand Candles (1905) in this house, which was built in 1903. He explored romantic and realist themes, setting several novels in Indiana, including A Hoosier Chronicle (1912).
Nicholson became politically active in Progressive Era issues, and by 1911 he and his wife Eugenie advocated for women’s suffrage and equality. In the 1920s, he denounced Ku Klux Klan influence in Indiana politics. In the 1930s, he served as U.S. Minister to Paraguay, Venezuela, and Nicaragua to further President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Good Neighbor Policy.
Erected 2020 by Indiana Historical Bureau, Indiana Humanities, and David E. Steele. (Marker Number 49.20204.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Civil Rights • Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #32 Franklin D. Roosevelt, and the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1903.
Location. 39° 47.257′ N, 86° 9.246′
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Indianapolis Propylaeum (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Home of The Children’s Museum (about 600 feet away); T.C. Steele Studio and Herron (about 600 feet away); World War II Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); Home of Benjamin Harrison (approx. ¼ mile away); Brig. General Benjamin Harrison (approx. ¼ mile away); The Old Northside (approx. ¼ mile away); The Home of Caroline Scott Harrison (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Indianapolis.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 24, 2021, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. This page has been viewed 125 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 24, 2021, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.