If the timeworn walls of the Dressler Center could talk, they might spin an intriguing bicentennial yarn. This charming Early American house, located on the corner of Tayman and Harrison Avenues, was
instrumental in the shaping of Somerset County history.
In friendly conversation, these old walls might expose the spirited reputation the house enjoyed back in 1832 when Sheriff Joseph Imhoff built it on land originally owned by early settler, Captain Peter Ankney. They also might confirm or deny the rumor that it was a part of the Underground Railroad during the Civil War and would divulge which previous owner was bold enough to hide slaves in the cellar passageways.
The real story may never be told, and space doesn't allow for adventurous speculation. However, if we conversed with these art‐adorned walls today, they would reveal how an idea conceived at a kitchen table in 1975 eventually made this house a home for the first non‐profit, fully‐staffed rural arts organization in Pennsylvania.
The idea was the beginning of a dream destined to grow because a group of culturally‐minded people believed the community of Somerset wanted, needed and would support an art center to promote and encourage the arts. After several meetings ‐ and after obtaining legal counsel ‐ this group incorporated under the name of Laurel Arts, Inc. and was seeking a home.
Enter Dorothy Dressler, a widow who had previously expressed interest in offering her home as a center for the arts as a memorial tribute to her husband Philip d'huc Dressler.
Mr. Dressler was the son of Conrad Dressler, English sculptor and inventor of the tunnel kiln. The gift of the house was in accordance with Philip Dressler's wishes that their home be used as a permanent center for the arts, and was contingent on the ability of Laurel Arts to maintain the property.
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Rising to the occasion, the founders organized a community fund drive to raise $150,000: $40,000 to convert the existing building into a Pennsylvania‐compliant public facility; $30,000 for two years of general operations, and $80,000 for endowments for future operations.
The founders were right ‐ the community wanted, needed and would support a center for the arts ‐ and their goal was met.
Laurel Arts Inc. had found its home within the walls of The Dressler Center. The organization was established as an "umbrella" to link the arts and Somerset County by cataloging activities of other arts organizations, and by sponsoring exhibits, concerts, lectures, classes and workshops for adults and children.
Laurel Arts fosters and presents visual and performing arts at schools, youth and senior centers, theaters and our own galleries for enlightenment, education and rehabilitation.
The organization works with all 11 school districts to provide cultural programs, workshops, artists in residence, etc. It also works with the Children's Aid Home and other agencies that serve people with special needs, to use the arts to promote well‐being. Laurel Arts is home to 14 affiliates.
In August 2009, Laurel Arts opened its Education & Dance Center in the Georgian Place Suites. Our new facility houses our dance programs, STUDIO KIDS preschool, expanded performing and visual arts classes, and a retail shop selling dance and art supplies.
To join Laurel Arts, send an email to membership@laurelarts.org
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