Friday, April 26
10:00 Harness Horse Youth Foundation
Ellen Taylor, Executive Director of Harness Horse Youth Foundation HHYF is giving young horse lovers the opportunity to learn about driving and Standardbred horses. The Foundation has been making a difference in young people’s lives since 1976 and our programs include interactive learning experiences with race horses, equine scholarship administration, and creation and distribution of educational materials related to harness racing.
Ellen is joined by harenss horse driver and equipment. Ellen is joined by Bob “Hollywood Heyden. Bob is a member of the Communicator’s Corner in the Racing Hall of Fame and has received multiple Harvey Awards for his writing. Historian, Handicapper, and racing analyst Heyden works during the Grand Circuit Meet at The Red Mile in Lexington, Kentucky, and on occasion at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.
10:00-1:00 Heritage House and Museum
Explore this beautiful 1902 building with its museum. A portion of Robert and Thelma Glaspie's extensive collection of Dan Patch memorabilia is displayed.
Gift shop open. Stop by and pick up a map for the walking tour.
Ongoing Self-Guided Town Walking Tour
Starting from the Messner Store on the west side of the square, follow Oxford's Red Brick Road to the site of the Livery Stable where Dan Patch was foaled. The location is across from the Library.
11:00-12:30 Messner Barn Tour
Pam Messner invites you inside the beautifully restored barn to see Dan Patch's first home and have your picture taken in front of the Indiana State Historical Marker.
11:00-1:00 Lunch on the Square
Fanfood will offer some of your favorites
1:00- 3:00 PM HHYF at Prairie Crossing Elementary School
HHYF presentation to 4-6th graders learning about local history. Get acquainted with the horses and harness equipment and the joys of driving.
Saturday, April 27
10:00 - 4:00 Visit the Heritage House and Museum
Explore this beautiful 1902 building with its museum. A portion of Robert and Thelma Glaspie's extensive collection of Dan Patch memorabilia is displayed.
Gift shop open. Stop by and pick up a map for the walking tour.
10:30 -12:00 Horses and Carriage Rides
Dr. Darcy Lash of Borrowed Time Equine Center
Meet "Trotter," a Standardbred "Dan Patch look-alike" racehorse. carriage, and sulky. Take a photo op with the horses. Have a seat in a sulky, or take a Carriage ride. Donations for rides support Borrowed Time.
10:00 - James Whitcomb Riley , The Hoosier Poet
Marissa Purcell, Head Curator of the James Whitcomb Riley Boyhood Home and Museum Greenfield, IN will have a display of toys and introduce a new generation to the Hoosier Poet
11:00 - 2:00 Lunch on the Square
All Dog Aloud Coney and Catering makes his first visit to Oxford.
10:00 - 1:00 Self-Guided Town Walking Tour
Starting from the Messner Store on the west side of the square, follow Oxford's Red Brick Road to the site of the Livery Stable where Dan Patch was foaled. The location is across from the Library.
11:00- 12:30 Messner Barn Tour
Pam Messner invites you inside the beatifully restored barn, and see Dan Patch's first home. Have your picture taken in front of the Indiana State Historical Marker.
1:00-3:00 Dan Patch BIRTHDAY PARTY with Cupcakes and Guest Speakers
Heritage House Upstairs-Downstairs
208 S. Justus St.
Oxford IN 47971
Wear your Turn of the Century hats and costumes!
Don't miss this event
Introduction of Guests
MC: Bob “Hollywood Heyden, member of the Communicator’s Corner in the Racing Hall of Fame and has received multiple Harvey Awards for his writing. Historian, Handicapper, and racing analyst Heyden works during the Grand Circuit Meet at The Red Mile in Lexington, Kentucky, and on occasion at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.
Auction of autographed copy of “Crazy Good- The True Story of Dan Patch, the Most Famous Horse in America” by author Charles Leerhsen
Marissa Purcell, the Head Curator for the James Whitcomb Riley Boyhood Home and Museum, will treat guests to “Hoss” by the Hoosier Poet.
Upstairs: Gerald Waite, anthropologist, amateur historian, and retired licensed United States Trotting Association trainer and driver, will add his insight into the topic, “Savage made the myth, Oxford made the horse.”
2:30 - 4:00 Horses and Sulky Carriages
Darcy Lash of Borrowed Time Equine Center:Standardbred racehorse, carriage, and sulky. Photo op with horses. Carriage rides will be available with donations to Borrowed Time.
4:00 -5:30 Free Classic Film:
National Velvet or April Love showing Upstairs in the Heritage House
Sunday, April 28
1:00- 4:00 Visit the Heritage House and Museum
Explore this beautiful 1902 building, the former Presbyterian Church. Explore the museum where a portion of Robert and Thelma Glaspie's extensive collection of Dan Patch memorabilia is displayed.
1:00-2:00 Refreshments
Open for tea and Coffee. Stop by for maps of Oxford for self-guided tour of Oxford. Museum and gift shop open.
1:00 -2:00 Self-Guided Town Walking Tour
Starting from the Messner Store on the west side of the square, follow Oxford's Red Brick Road to the site of the Livery Stable where Dan Patch was foaled. The location is across from the Library.
1:00 – 2:00 Messner Barn Tours
Pam Messner invites you inside the beautifully restored barn and see Dan Patch's first home. Have your picture taken in front of the Indiana State Historical Marker. Michigan St and E. McConnell
2:00 – 4:00 Afternooon of Music
Have a seat in a magnificent setting as Kevin Cooney performs the Dan Patch March and Dan Patch Two-Step on the century-old piano. These songs reflect the genres of the era (1896-1916): marches and rags.
3:00 -4:00 Found in the Limberlost
Curt Burnette, Naturalist, Educator, and Tour Guide at the Limberlost State Historic Site in Geneva, will lecture on Gene Stratton Porter’s remarkable life and display some of the author’s books. He'll also report on the conservation efforts at the Limberlost.
Thanks for coming. We’ll see you next year in Oxford, Indiana
the birthplace of The Great Dan Patch.