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 History
 M.W. Savage/Dan Patch
 World War II
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While
Hamilton continued to establish itself as a rail and river town, an entrepreneur by the
name of Marion Willis Savage was building an empire across the river. He was the
founder and owner of the International Stock Food Company in Minneapolis, which
manufactured and sold animal feed as well as veterinary supplies. Although M.W. Savage
was a prominent businessman in the area, its likely few in Hamilton were aware of the impact
this man would have on their quiet village south of the Minnesota River.
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| The
covered 1/2 mile track at M.W. Savage's stable. |
In
1902, M.W. Savage purchased Dan Patch from Manley E. Sturgis for $60,000. It was under Savage's
ownership that the racehorse excelled - setting records and charming crowds until his death in 1916.
Dan
Patch was housed with Savage's 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, was
destroyed by a fire in 1922. It was located on the banks of the Minnesota River, where
radio towers stand today. |
Dan
Patch's 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. Savage's 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:
Savage and the city's role in World War II.
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