General Squier Park
Major General George Owen Squier (1865-1934) was a noted soldier and scientist. Graduating from West Point in 1887, he subsequently led the United States Signal Corps. He was also Chief of the Army Air Service during World War I and military attache in London during the postwar period. Working in the capacity of science, he discovered the multiplex telegraph system, which made him world-renowned.
The general held membership in the National Academy of Sciences, London Physical Society, and the Royal Institute of Great Britain. Although he was denied royalties because of his army affiliations, Squier continued to contribute to the world of invention and discovery. He perfected much of his work at his country estate, which he opened as a free public park for the people of the community.
General Squier held a great love for his community and showed this by establishing a country club in 1918 for the people of the entire area. The club was originally known as the “Golden Rule Club” for the general’s only rule was that visitors should leave the grounds and equipment as they found them. In 1918 Squier purchased the old mill, built-in 1871, and converted it into a cottage. In 1919 a building known as Forest Hall was constructed and served as the main meeting, dance, and banquet area of the park.
Other structures include a variety of rustic shelters, teahouses, and a lookout tower. The general spent many hours of creative work in the tower as well as offering its use to the public. Lapeer County Parks, Recreation, and Conservation Commission now administers this quaint little country club.
site number: L534
era: Two Word Wars and the Depression (1915-1945)
year listed: 1977
year erected: 1978
