Ferry Field

The Legacy of a Bold Protector and the Birthplace of Champions

Ferry Field, April 7, 2023, by Yuchong Zhang.

by Yuchong Zhang

Nestled north of Ray Fisher Stadium, Ferry Field stars as UMich's track haven, neighboring the Intramural Building (“Ferry Field”). It was named in honor of a man who made a significant impact on both the university and the city of Detroit. In 1902, Dexter Mason Ferry, a Detroit businessman and philanthropist, generously donated 20 acres of land for the construction of a new athletic facility (Shaw). Four years later, in 1906, the stadium was christened Ferry Field, ensuring that his name would forever be etched in the annals of the university's history (“Ferry Field”).

Ferry Field has a storied history that extends far beyond its namesake. From 1906 to 1926, it served as the home field for Michigan's football teams. Over the years, the stadium underwent many significant improvements between 1914-1928 (“The Michigan Stadium Story”).

In 1924, Ferry Field played host to a monumental event: the Midwest trials for the U.S. Olympic team (“The Michigan Stadium Story”). It was here that two Michigan athletes etched their names in Olympic history. William DeHart Hubbard took home the gold medal in the broad jump, while James Brooker secured bronze in the pole vault (“The Michigan Stadium Story”). The legacy of these incredible athletes and their feats of strength and skill continue to inspire future generations of Wolverines.

"Ferry Field, 1924 Wisconsin game, attendance 46,000. " Photo courtesy: bentley.umich.edu

Ferry, Dexter Mason. Photo courtesy: chandlermuseum.org

Ferry Field is a legendary place, and Ferry himself is an individual with a remarkable life story. Dexter Mason Ferry was not only a successful entrepreneur, but he was also a pioneer in his field. He founded D.M. Ferry & Co., a seed company that revolutionized the industry by being “among the first to sell seed in smaller packets with smaller plots of land in mind” (“Ferry, Dexter M.”).

In 1879, the incorporation of D.M. Ferry and Company took place, assimilating the Detroit Seed Company under its umbrella, with Ferry serving as its president (“Ferry, Dexter M.”). The enterprise flourished tremendously, yet it faced a significant setback in 1886 when a fire devastated the warehouse (“Ferry, Dexter M.”). Undeterred, Ferry procured seeds from alternative sources and incorporated two additional seed companies to fulfill customer demands (“Ferry, Dexter M.”). Within a mere four years, he constructed a new warehouse and generated a staggering 1.5 million dollars in annual business (“Ferry, Dexter M.”). By the dawn of the 20th century, D.M. Ferry and Company supplied seeds to an impressive 160,000 retail establishments. In 1930, a merger with C.C. Morse & Co. transpired, culminating in the enduring name, Ferry-Morse (“Ferry, Dexter M.”).

The name Ferry is an Eastern French variant of the name Frédéric and a Dutch diminutive of the name Ferdinand (L.). Rich in meaning, it signifies a "peaceful ruler" when derived from Frédéric, and "bold protector," "adventurous," "bold journey," or "bold voyager" when originating from Ferdinand (L.). The name Ferry perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the man who shaped Ferry Field – a bold protector of the sport spirits of University of Michigan, and a peaceful ruler in his own business.

As we reflect on the history of Ferry Field and the man behind its name, let us remember the essence of the name itself. Whether derived from Frédéric or Ferdinand, the name Ferry signifies strength, protection, and adventure – qualities that define the University of Michigan and its commitment to excellence, both on and off the field.

As you walk through the hallowed grounds of Ferry Field, take a moment to appreciate the legacy of Dexter M. Ferry and the champions who have graced this space. Ferry Field stands as a testament to the power of vision, innovation, and the indomitable spirit of those who dare to dream big.

Work cited

“Ferry, Dexter M.”, Detroit Historical Society, https://detroithistorical.org/learn/encyclopedia-of-detroit/ferry-dexter-m. Accessed 12 Apr. 2023.

“Ferry Field”, My Mgoblue, https://mgoblue.com/sports/2017/6/16/facilities-ferry-field.aspx. Accessed 12 Apr. 2023.

L., Salome. “Name Ferry”, CharliesNames, 13 Apr. 2022, https://charlies-names.com/en/ferry/. Accessed 12 Apr. 2023.

Ritaw. “Ferry, Dexter Mason”, Chandlerpedia, 9 Apr. 2013, http://archive.chandlermuseum.org/Browse_ChandlerpediA/People/People_A-Z/F/Ferry%2C_Dexter_Mason. Accessed 12 Apr. 2023.

Shaw, Zach. “Final Lap: After more than a century, Ferry Field’s run to end next year”, The Michigan Daily, 1 Apr. 2014, https://www.michigandaily.com/uncategorized/final-lap-after-more-than-a-century-ferry-fields-run-to-end-next-year/. Accessed 12 Apr. 2023.

“The Michigan Stadium Story”, Bentley Historical Library, https://bentley.umich.edu/athdept/stadium/stadtext/ferry.htm. Accessed 12 Apr. 2023.

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