Chesterfield in Madison County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Sunflower Hotel

— Camp Chesterfield —

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 5, 2023

1. The Sunflower Hotel Marker

Inscription. The Sunflower Hotel was built in 1914 to help keep pace with the ever-increasing number of people who needed lodging. The old Lodging House (located where the current Administration Building is) could not accommodate all the guests and their needs. The Sunflower Hotel was considered to be a “modern” hotel, equipped with 70 rooms, at a cost of $6,887.70 (roughly equivalent to $160,000 today).

Between the years 1922-1924, the Sunflower expanded with the addition of 40 more rooms; more modern plumbing was installed; and a section of the former Lodging House was moved and added to the north side of the hotel.

Always fully booked during high season, the Sunflower Hotel was “a home away from home” for many generations of Spiritualists visiting Camp Chesterfield. Not in active use today, the non-profit group “Friends of Camp Chesterfield Foundation” is in the process of raising funds to begin restoration on the Sunflower with the hope of returning it to its original glory.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1914.

Location. 40° 6.931′ N, 85° 35.824′ W. Marker is in Chesterfield, Indiana, in Madison County. It is at the

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intersection of North Washington Street and Lincoln Drive, on the right when traveling south on North Washington Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 51 Lincoln Dr, Anderson IN 46017, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Indiana

and specifically in Greater Indianapolis.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Sunflower – A Symbol of Spiritualism (here, next to this marker); Camp Chesterfield (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 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Western Hotel (about 300 feet away); Dr. J.E. Hett Art Gallery (about 300 feet away); Trail of Religion (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chesterfield.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 5, 2023

2. The Sunflower Hotel Marker

Featured marker is to the left of the front steps.

The Sunflower Hotel Lobby, ca. 1940-60 image. Click for full size.

Albertype Company via Indiana Album, Joan Hostetler Collection, 1940/60

3. The Sunflower Hotel Lobby, ca. 1940-60

The Sunflower Hotel Lobby, 2023 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 5, 2023

4. The Sunflower Hotel Lobby, 2023

The Sunflower Hotel Stairway, 2023 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 5, 2023

5. The Sunflower Hotel Stairway, 2023

Credits. This page was last revised on August 24, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 24, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 383 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 24, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.