Chesterfield in Madison County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Camp Chesterfield
1891
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 5, 2023
1. Camp Chesterfield Marker
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of the Interior
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1891.
Location. 40° 6.922′ N, 85° 35.81′ W. Marker is in Chesterfield, Indiana, in Madison County. Marker is at the intersection of North Washington Street and North Street, on the right when traveling north on North Washington Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Anderson IN 46017, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Sunflower Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); The Sunflower A Symbol of Spiritualism (within shouting distance of this marker); Founders Rock (within shouting distance of this marker); The Old Wooden Dining Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); The Chapel in the Woods (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Western Hotel (about 400 feet away); Dr. J.E. Hett Art Gallery (about 400 feet away); Trail of Religion (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chesterfield.
Regarding Camp Chesterfield.
this page online
Camp Chesterfield's history is typical of other spiritualist camps. In this case, the spiritualists in the vicinity met in Westerfield Hall and at private residences for several years under Dr. John W. Westerfield's leadership. Although not a medium or lecturer, he was an active promoter for many years.
In 1883, after visiting Michigan which had three spiritualist camps, a decision was made by a small group of believers to pursue developing a camp in Indiana. Dr. John W. Westerfield took the lead on this endeavor. By 1886 a mass meeting was held in Westerfield Hall with 200 people and the election of officers. The group met regularly for the next three years and in 1888 was incorporated as the Indiana Association of Spiritualists. In 1890, a grove meeting was held on the Carroll and Emily Bronnenberg riverside property at Chesterfield. In 1891 Camp Chesterfield opened in the same spot for a six-week session which was then held annually. Workers were hired to clear and improve the ground with a large tent-auditorium to seat five hundred people. A dining hall and lodging house and two seance rooms were also built. In 1892, the 34 acres were purchased from the Bronnenbergs with the Westerfields and Bronnenbergs making large donations for the purchase.
By 1927, the six-week session at Camp Chesterfieldwas drawing an average of 20,000 people. There were about fifty cottages in the camp, two hotels, dining hall, auditorium and refreshment pavilion. While structures have changed, the layout of the camp remains much the same today.Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 5, 20232. Camp Chesterfield MarkerMarker is on the right rock pillar at the campground's entrance.
Also see . . . Chesterfield Spiritualist Camp District. National Register nomination for the district, which was listed in 2002. (National Park Service) (Submitted on August 23, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 5, 2023
3. Camp Chesterfield The Sunflower Hotel
It was built in 1914 by James Millspaugh to house growing numbers of camp visitors. A twin lodge, called the Lily Hotel, was built in 1922 but was destroyed by arson in 1997.
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 5, 2023
4. Camp Chesterfield Dr. J.E. Hett Art Gallery
Designed by Marion Collins of Anderson, it was built in the mid 1950s during the last major phase of construction at the camp. It was named after the Canadian physician who endowed it.
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 5, 2023
5. Camp Chesterfield The Western Hotel
This typical American roadside hotel was constructed in 1948 to house camp visitors.
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 5, 2023
6. Camp Chesterfield The Cathedral of the Woods
This Modern style building was believed to have been designed by architect Arthur Henning
of Anderson.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 24, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 23, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 83 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 23, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
