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period. Most began operating as spirit circles in private homes. While it is likely an extreme example, one historian claims that by the 1860s, 90% of the people in Angola, Indiana were practicing Spiritualists. By 1924, there were at least 50 Spiritualist churches within Indiana, with a total attendance estimated at 500,000. In 1886, Dr. J.W. Westerfield, and his wife Mary, both Quakers, were instrumental in organizing a meeting in Anderson, Indiana, which drew 200 ardent Indiana Spiritualists. The next year, they helped found the Indiana Association of Spiritualists. A constitution and bylaws were adopted, and a 13-man committee was charged with selecting a suitable location for a permanent camp. A 34-acre parcel with rolling hills and valleys, fresh spring water, and ample forest on the banks of the White River near the community of Chesterfield was recommended. By 1891, even though the land hadn%u2019t yet been purchased, the group had created a tent city. One especially large tent, with seating for 500, was used as an auditorium. The next year, the entire 34 acres was acquired for $3,225 from Carroll and Emily Bronnenberg, with sizable donations given by the Westerfields and Bronnenbergs. It was called Camp Chesterfield.In its earliest years, proper sanitation at the camp was a major issue, as was the control of loose horses, cows, pigs, and poultry. Sometimes unscrupulous attendees were caught performing s%u00e9ances, or crooked vendors hawked dubious products. However by 1895, the camp had implemented significant changes and new rules. As a consequence, unauthorized people were ejected from the grounds, and mediums were required to be tested before they could practice their art with the public. By this time, Camp Chesterfield had a dining hall, lodging house, two s%u00e9ance rooms, a few small cottages, an office building, a small store called the Bazaar, stables, a grocery, an ice-cream parlor, and a new wooden auditorium. Bands were hired for concerts and dances. The dances