John R. Macomber

John Russell Macomber (February 1, 1875 – May 11, 1955) was an American financier and sportsman.

Early life Macomber was born on February 1, 1875, in Framingham, Massachusetts, to John F. and Helen A. Hunt Macomber. In 1931, the business was consolidated with Chase Securities to become Chase, Harris, Forbes Corporation. In 1934, Chase, Harris, Forbes dissolved its banking affiliates and Macomber became chairman of the First Boston Corporation.

Macomber also served as a director or trustee of a number of companies, including First National Bank of Boston, Harris Trust and Savings Bank, Bankers Trust, the International Paper Company, Chase National Bank, United Shoe Machinery Corporation, and Puget Sound Power and Light. In 1934, the Madison Square Garden Corporation sold its interest to the Boston Arena Corporation and Macomber served on the Board of the new Boston Garden-Arena Corporation.

Public service During World War I, Macomber served as chairman of the New England Liberty Loan committee and of Metropolitan Boston trade in the United War Work campaign. From 1919 to 1920, Macomber served as President of the Boston Chamber of Commerce. On September 3, 1920, Massachusetts State Treasurer Fred J. Burrell resigned following an investigation by a special legislative committee and Governor Calvin Coolidge appointed Macomber, Albert P. Langtry, and Henry A. Wyman to administer the office until a successor could be confirmed. In 1922, Macomber was elected a life member of the board of trustees at Tufts College. In 1926, he was named chairman of Massachusetts General Hospital's finance campaign committee.

Horse racing Thoroughbred racing Macomber was a longtime supporter of Thoroughbred racing and breeding. One of his horses, Petee-Wrack, was a half-brother of Triple Crown winner Gallant Fox. Petee-Wrack ran in the 1928 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes and won the 1928 Travers Stakes, 1929 Twin City Handicap, and 1930 Suburban Handicap. At Macomber's suggestion, the new track was named Suffolk Downs. In 1929, his horse Coronel won The Country Club Grand National steeplechase race.

Raceland

Macomber was a lifelong resident of Framingham. He lived with his mother in the family home for 50 years. After her death, he developed Raceland, which served as his home as well as a venue for horse racing, dog shows, and automobile shows. Beginning in 1927, Macomber opened Raceland to the public free of charge for one day of the annual horse meet. In 1930, the stable and clubhouse were destroyed by fire, but he replaced the buildings in time for the next year's meet.

Death Macomber died at his home in Framingham on May 11, 1955, at the age of 80. His will provided for the continuance of Raceland to care for his horses and dogs for the rest of their lives.