Paul Dresser Birthplace facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Paul Dresser Birthplace
|
|
Front of the building
|
|
 Location in Vigo County, Indiana
Location in Indiana
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 1st and Farrington Sts., Terre Haute, Indiana |
|---|---|
| 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. It's located in Fairbanks Park, right where First and Farrington Streets meet. This house is famous because it's where Paul Dresser, a well-known singer, actor, and songwriter from the late 1800s, was born and grew up. Paul Dresser wrote over 100 popular songs! One of his most famous songs, "On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away", even became the official state song of Indiana in 1913. The house is so important that it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Contents
Who Was Paul Dresser?
Paul Dresser was born in this house on April 22, 1858. His parents were Johann Paul and Sarah Dreiser. Paul's birth name was Johann Paul Dreiser Jr., but he later changed it to Paul Dresser.
His 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 away to Sullivan, Indiana. They came back to Terre Haute by 1871.
Paul Dresser didn't stay in Terre Haute for long after that. He left home when he was sixteen. He became a very important composer in the 1890s. Paul traveled around the country as a vaudeville entertainer. Vaudeville was a popular type of show with different acts like music, comedy, and dancing. Later, he moved to New York City and also worked in music publishing. Paul only came back to Terre Haute for short visits and performances.
The Story of His Home
The Paul Dresser Birthplace was built in 1850. 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 because of a city plan to improve urban areas.
The Vigo County Historical Society stepped in to save it. They raised money to buy the building. This process is called eminent domain, where the government can buy private property for public use. They successfully saved the house from being destroyed.
After saving it, the society moved the house to its current spot. It now sits in the southeast corner of Fairbanks Park.
A Special Museum
Over the years, the house has been changed a bit. It now has two floors. The first floor has a bedroom, a kitchen, and a living room. The second floor has two bedrooms. You can get to the second floor using 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'll find things that belonged to Paul Dresser. One special item is a Chickering piano that he used to write songs. There's also a painting of Paul Dresser from when he was very famous.
Unlike many house museums that show how rich families lived, Dresser's birthplace shows what a working-class family's home looked like.
Recognizing Its Importance
The Indiana General Assembly (Indiana's state government) recognized the house's importance in 1967. They officially called it a state shrine and memorial. In the same year, the National Music Council named it "A Landmark of American Music." The house was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
Fairbanks Park in Terre Haute is also home to a local Girl Scout office. The Terre Haute parks department also has an office there. In 1923, a group called the Banks-of-the-Wabash Association named the park's main road Paul Dresser Drive. They did this to honor the famous songwriter.
Gallery
-
Front and side view of home
-
Front view of home
-
River side of home
-
Rear of home
-
The Wabash River by Dresser's home, looking downstream
-
The Wabash River by Dresser's home, looking upstream
