Art Spaces will honor Paul Dresser, Terre Haute native and author of Indiana’s state song, with a sculpture near his home in Fairbanks Park. 

At the end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth century, Paul Dresser (1858-1906) was one of our nation’s most important songwriters. In fact, at his death the New York Daily News called him “the greatest of American popular song writers.” Sheet music for his most important song, “On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away,” was the second-highest selling of the era (surpassed only by Foster’s “Swanee River”); and it was officially named Indiana’s state song in 1913.

Dresser spent much of his early life in Terre Haute and often wrote fondly about his hometown. In 1963 the house in which he was born was saved from destruction when it was moved from its original neighborhood to Fairbanks Park along the Wabash River. In 1967 the Indiana General Assembly designated his home as State Shrine and Memorial, and the National Music Council listed it as “A Landmark of American Music.  It is also on the National Register of Historic Places and is under the care of the Vigo County Historical Society and the local Parks Department. 

Art Spaces anticipates that this sculpture honoring am important cultural treasure will become a destination site.

The Wabash, a collection of songs about the Wabash River sung by musicians with roots in the Wabash Valley, was produced to raise funds for “The Paul Dresser Project.” Learn about the CD and how to purchase it...

On March 14, 2013 we celebrated the 100th anniversary of "On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away," which became Indiana's State song on that day in 1913. This pre-dates event Indiana's flag, making it our first state emblem. The song sold more printed copies than any other music of the day - this is equivalent to being a chart topper today.

The resolution to honor Dresser was read by Representative Bob Heaton. It was passed unanimously and enthusiastically, and both he and Representative Clyde Kersey had many postive things to say, not only about Art Spaces, but about the arts and culture in Terre Haute and what a difference they are making. This was echoed aslo by Tim Skinner when he later presented the same resolution in the Senate Chambers. It was an honjor to be there and truly heartening to hear our area legislators speaking so highly of the arts and what they have done to change the face of our city's landscpae. We thank them for their efforts on behalf of Terre Haute.

Below are friends of Art Spaces at the Indiana State House with Representative Bob Heaton on March 14th.

Mark Bennett, Pat Martin, Sarah Mihich, Tom Tucker, Bev Cristee, Marylee Haga, Cindy Cox, Lynn VanEtten, Mary Kramer

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Please click here to find out how to donate toward the Paul Dresser sculpture.

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