History of Fairbanks Park
(click on any image for larger view)
The Wabash River, which has been immortalized in song,
literature and folklore, serves as the backdrop for the 145 acre
Fairbanks Park located on the banks of the Wabash River near the
Terre Haute downtown area. A large portion of the land was
donated to the city of Terre Haute in 1916 by
Crawford and Edward Fairbanks in memory of their father, Henry
Fairbanks. He was an influential citizen in the affairs of Vigo
County and Terre Haute, and at the time of his death in 1878, served
as the Mayor of Terre Haute. Riverfronts served as the center of
communities in their early development and the Terre Haute
riverfront property donated by the Fairbanks represent a significant
and symbolic gift.
As you enter Fairbanks Park from the South on Dresser Drive you will
first see a small brick home which
was the home of another famous son of Terre Haute. Paul Dre sser was
a well known actor, entertainer and composer. Most famous of his
songs is now Indiana state song “On the Banks of the Wabash Far
Away”. It was but one of the 106 songs he composed before his death
at age 47. His home, which was designated a State Shrine by the
Indiana General Assembly and “A Landmark of American Music” by the
National Music Council, was moved to Fairbanks Park in 1963 and is
now owned and maintained by the Vigo County Historical Society.
As you approach the Wabash River on Dresser Drive you will encounter a large
abstract archway
with four legs covering a concrete flower garden base, in a sunken garden. The present structure was originally a
flowing fountain designed by a Indiana State University graphic
design student, Thomas Dubois. His design was selected from 42
entries in a countywide competition sponsored by the city of Terre
Haute and Anaconda Aluminum. The fountain was constructed in
1983. It now serves as a flower garden.
Continuing through Fairbanks Park and opposite the sunken garden is
public parking for access to the Wabash River boat ramp, floating
docks and a stationary pier. A meandering walkway may be enjoyed for
those seeking a
quiet respite from the busy world of today.![](../FairbanksPark-save%20me/Histor3.jpg)
As You continue traveling North and to your right you will see the
Blumberg Shelter. Behind it approximately 200 feet is a gazebo.
Both of these structures were donated to the park and are used by
merchandise vendors during the Annual Fairbanks Park Arts and Music
Festival.
Next you will pass the restroom facility, and across from that on
the opposite side of Dresser Drive is the newly renovated
amphitheater with concrete tiered seating with ample space behind
for standing room only concerts. Close at hand are the shelter house
and gazebo.
At the back of the amphitheater area is the Chauncey Rose Memorial
which was, in 1887, the front of Terre Haute’s first building
designed to be both a post office and federal office. The Memorial
was moved to Fairbanks Park in 1936.
![](../FairbanksPark-save%20me/images2/Fairbanks%20Memorial%20Two.jpg) ![](../FairbanksPark-save%20me/Histor11.jpg)
A picture of
the swimming pool that was located in Fairbanks Park south of the
Chauncy Rose Memorial which can be seen in the background. Click on
picture for a larger view. |
![](57256ee603e4e.fairbankspoolimage_small.jpg) |
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