Paul Dresser Birthplace facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Paul Dresser Birthplace
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Front of the building
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 Location in Vigo County, Indiana
Location in Indiana
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1st and Farrington Sts., Terre Haute, Indiana |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| NRHP reference No. | 73000024 |
| Added to NRHP | January 22, 1973 |
The Paul Dresser Birthplace is a special house in Terre Haute, Indiana. You can find it in Fairbanks Park, at the corner of First and Farrington Streets. This house is important because it's where Paul Dresser was born and grew up. Paul Dresser was a famous singer, actor, and songwriter from the late 1800s. He wrote over 100 popular songs! One of his most famous songs, "On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away", became the official state song of Indiana on March 14, 1913. This historic home is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Contents
Paul Dresser's Early Life
The house was built in 1850. Paul Dresser's parents, Johann Paul and Sarah Dreiser, owned it. Their son, Johann Paul Dreiser Jr., was born there on April 22, 1858. He later changed his name to Paul Dresser.
Paul's father built the porch for their brick house. The house originally had one bedroom, a small kitchen, and a living room. In 1863, Paul's family moved to Sullivan, Indiana. They returned to Terre Haute by 1871.
Paul Dresser's Career
Paul Dresser left home when he was sixteen. He became a very important composer in the 1890s. He traveled around the country as a vaudeville entertainer. Vaudeville was a popular type of show with different acts.
Later, Paul moved to New York City. There, he also worked in music publishing. He only came back to Terre Haute for short visits and performances.
Moving and Saving the House
The Paul Dresser Birthplace was not always in Fairbanks Park. It was first located at 318 South Second Street in Terre Haute. In the 1960s, the house was in danger of being torn down. This was part of a city plan to rebuild certain areas.
The Vigo County Historical Society stepped in to save it. They raised money to buy the building. This stopped it from being destroyed. Then, they moved the house to its current spot in Fairbanks Park.
What the House Looks Like Now
The house has changed a bit over the years. It now has two floors. On the first floor, you'll find a bedroom, a kitchen, and a living room. The second floor has two more bedrooms. You can reach these rooms by an outside staircase.
The Vigo County Historical Society now runs the house as a museum. You can visit it by making an appointment. Inside, you can see items that belonged to Paul Dresser. These include a Chickering piano he used to write songs. There's also a painting of him from when he was very famous. Unlike some museums that show rich families' homes, this museum shows how a working-class family lived.
Honoring Paul Dresser
In 1967, the Indiana General Assembly officially called the home a state shrine and memorial. This means it's a special place to remember Paul Dresser. That same year, the National Music Council named it a "Landmark of American Music."
The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. This list includes important historical places across the country. Fairbanks Park, where the house is located, also has other offices. These include a local Girl Scout office and a Terre Haute parks department office. In 1923, the main road in the park was named Paul Dresser Drive to honor the songwriter.
Gallery
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Front and side view of home
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Front view of home
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River side of home
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Rear of home
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The Wabash River by Dresser's home, looking downstream
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The Wabash River by Dresser's home, looking upstream
