DAN PATCH THE HORSE
By Bob Reiss, From the Re-Echo, Fall 2003

In 1904, harness racing was a big sport and the most famous horse was Dan Patch. In 145 races, he lost only two. He was so fast that other owners would not race against him. At expositions he had to race against the clock. He was racing against the clock when he set the world record of a 1:55 minute mile.

Dan Patch was owned by M.W. Savage, who owned a home on the Minnesota River, approximately where the Masonic Home is today. He was also the owner of the International Stock Food Factory, which manufactured and sold animal feed. As advertising for this company, he highly promoted Dan Patch wherever he appeared.

M.W. Savage built a complex across the river for Dan Patch and his other horses. This complex included a one-mile track, a half-mile covered track, and a heated stable. In honor of the horse and his owner, the town changed its name from Hamilton to Savage. Dan Patch died in 1916 and his owner died the next day.

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This information comes from a variety of sources: newspapers, books, yearbooks, phone directories, interviews, etc. Given the varied sources, we cannot guarantee that all of this information is correct, and welcome any additions and corrections. Please contact us with your contributions and comments.