Downtown Chandler's Historic Haunted Cache
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M19A1 Ammo can. Muggle activity can be heavy. Approach from the north for the easiest access.
SAN MARCOS RESORT, CHANDLER
Chandler, Arizona was named for a Canadian veterinarian, Dr. A. J. Chandler, who settled in the area in 1891. The town of Chandler began in 1912, with the opening of the Hotel San Marcos in 1913. In 1920 the Town of Chandler incorporated, with Dr. Chandler as its first Mayor.
The San Marcos, the first golf resort in Arizona, has a history abounding in interesting stories and facts. Famous people from all over the world came to the luxury of the San Marcos Hotel, including: Joan Crawford, Clark Gable, Bing Crosby, Rex Allen, Fred Astaire, Errol Flynn, George Gobel, Cher, Jimmy Stewart, Gloria Swanson, Christian Dior, Fritz Werner, and President Hoover. Renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, a close friend of Dr. Chandler's, spent considerable time at the construction site. Dr. Chandler and he drew up plans for an even more modern San Marcos in the Desert, but the Depression caused financial hardships and the dream was never realized.
The grand opening was held on November 22, 1913. Five hundred people, including then vice president, Thomas Marshall, Arizona Governor W. P. Hunt and Congressman Carl Hayden were some of the distinguished guests. The resort has undergone numerous changes since then. Bungalows were built west of the original building. A surrounding park was added featuring sunken gardens, walks, a pool and playfield. The dining room, office wing, and an enlarged lobby were added in 1924. In the 30's a small dining room and writing room on the second floor were added. All additions were carefully designed to blend with the original architecture. In 1954, the baths were tiled and equipped with tubs and showers. The lobby, dining room and cocktail lounge were also remodeled and guest rooms extended. In 1986, the restoration of the original building and construction of 250 new guest rooms began. The property re-opened in 1987 as the San Marcos Resort.
Okay, so here's where the ghost story starts (if you believe in that sort of thing)... Dr. Chandler lived with his 3rd wife, Rosa, in the hotel and passed away on the property in 1950. He was very respected by the staff until the day he died and his portrait still hangs in the main stairway. It is believed that his ghost and the ghost of one of his mistresses who committed suicide in the hotel haunt the hotel. It is listed in the Shadowlands Haunted Registry. There are reports of receiving strange calls from extensions that don't exist. A female apparition has been sighted, and the moaning of a male also heard (Shadowlands Haunted Registry).
On September 22, 2000, all of downtown Chandler was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
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