272 A HISTOET OF THE PERCHERON HORSE 



log cabin, one of Mr. Palmer's fancies from which 

 the farm took its name, still stands in Palmer Park.* 



Mr. Palmer's duties in the business and political 

 world made it impossible for him to give much per- 

 sonal attention to his Percherons, and most of the 

 details fell to his partner, E. W. Cottrell, and to 

 George T. Van Norman, manager of Log Cabin Farm, 



An examination of the original inventory of Log 

 Cabin Farm, furnished through the courtesy of 

 George N. Brady, executor of the estate, reveals the 

 fact that approximately 90 mares of all ages were 

 owned in the spring of 1892. Mr. Palmer had from 

 40 to 50 mares in the stud during the latter part of 

 the '80 's. The imported mares were shy breeders 

 during the first few years and he did not raise over 

 10 colts per year until 1889, when there were 12. In 

 1890 27 were raised, and the mares bred more regu- 

 larly from then on. 



Anchorite 1370 (863) was the first stallion used, 

 being Mr. Palmer's chief stud sire until he acquired 



*The following comment is from The Breeder's Gazette of 

 June 11, 1913: 



"Senator Palmer was famed as the owner of the Log Cabin 

 Farm on the outskirts of Detroit, a property which had been 

 owned by his ancestors and which he purchased and improved 

 with lavish hand. The log cabin home on the place cost more 

 than $20,000. It is surrounded by a large wooded tract, and near 

 it is an artificial lake. The interior decorations and furnishings 

 of the cabin are in keeping with its pioneer aspect, and include 

 relics and heirlooms of early days collected for many years. It 

 has been made to look as much as possible like the primitive 

 homes of the pioneers, although it includes all modern conveni- 

 ences. 



"Near this cabin the senator had a stock farm of 500 acres, 

 with a fine herd of Jerseys and a stud of Percherons. In this 

 rustic home the senator entertained many distinguished guests 

 with unique hospitality. There was no formality, and dinner was 

 announced with an old tin dinner horn. Senator Palmer was said 

 to have refused an offer of a million dollars for the property." 



