In
1902, M.W. Savage purchased Dan Patch from Manley E. Sturgis for $60,000. It was under Savages
ownership that the racehorse excelled - setting records and charming crowds until his death in 1916.
Dan
Patch was housed with Savages other horses on the International Stock Food Farm that the
entrepreneur built in Hamilton. The complex included a one-mile track, a covered
half-mile track, and a heated stable with an onion shaped dome. Although Mr.
Savage lived in Minneapolis, he had a summer home on the north bank of the river
where the Masonic Home exists today. The location was perfect for Mr. Savage: he
had a great view of his stock farm, and was just a ferry ride away from visiting his
prized horses.
M.W.
Savage heavily promoted Dan Patch prior to each race. He advertised in the local
newspapers, and assigned his employees to distribute posters and flyers about the
horses pending appearance. The world grew to adore the horse, and in 1904, the folks
of Hamilton renamed their town for the man who brought them Dan Patch.
Love
for the famous pacer only grew when in 1906 Dan Patch broke the world record by completing
the mile in 1 minute and 55 seconds. This famous race occurred at the Minnesota State Fair. It
would be another 54 years before that record could be broken.
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| The stables
where Dan Patch and several other horses were housed in the early 1900s, which was
destroyed by a fire in 1917. It was located on the banks of the Minnesota River, where
the radio towers stand today.
Photo courtesy of the Dan Patch Historical Society. |
Dan
Patchs owner capitalized on his horses fame. Dan Patch was an advertising icon for the
International Stock Food Company, and today, items carrying his image are collectibles.
When Dan Patch journeyed to races and public appearances held throughout the country,
he traveled in a luxurious 65-foot railroad car built exclusively for him. And during the holidays,
Dan Patch would haul a cutter full of gifts that were delivered to the poor in Minneapolis. Dan
Patch truly was, and still is, a beloved American celebrity - much like Rin Tin Tin and Lassie.
Dan
Patch retired from racing in 1909, after injuring one of his legs. He continued, however, to make
public appearances.
Both
Dan Patch and M.W. Savage took ill on July 4, 1916. While Mr. Savage was recovering from surgery
July 11, he learned his favorite horse had died. Mr. Savage died less than a day later. His physicians
claimed Mr. Savages death was caused by the shock of losing Dan Patch.
Without
the lead of M.W. Savage, the International Stock Food Company and its farm began to decline.
In 1922, a fire destroyed the stables known to all as the Taj Mahal. Several years later,
an attempt was made to establish a dog racing track on the site, but state gambling laws quickly
ended that venture. Today, there is little indication of the expansive farm that once graced the
banks of the Minnesota River. An outline of the track is still viewable, however, from the air.
Next:
Charles Lindbergh makes an emergency landing in Savage.
History
M.W. Savage/Dan Patch
Charles Lindbergh Crash