General Squier Memorial Park facts for kids
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Dryden Community Country Club–General Squier Historic Park Complex
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 Location in Michigan
Location in the United States
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| Location | 4725 South Mill Road Dryden Township, Michigan |
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| Area | 80 acres (33 ha) |
| Built | 1870–1920 |
| NRHP reference No. | 86001220 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | June 5, 1986 |
The General Squier Memorial Park is a cool place to visit in Dryden Township, Michigan. It's in southeastern Lapeer County, Michigan. This park is really old and has a lot of history! It was named a Michigan Historic Site in 1977. Later, in 1986, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. People also call it the General George Squier Club or General Squier County Park.
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A Park with a Past
Long ago, in 1840, two brothers named Maynard built a flour mill near this spot. A flour mill grinds grain into flour. This mill was very busy until it burned down in 1870. But don't worry, they rebuilt it in 1871!
General Squier's Dream
By the early 1900s, the mill was getting old. Then, in 1917, a man named Major General George Owen Squier bought the mill and about 200 acres of land around it. General Squier was from Dryden. He had a big dream! He wanted to turn the property into a summer home for himself and a free public park for everyone. He called it a "Country Club for Country People." This meant it was a nice place for regular folks to relax and have fun, just like a fancy club, but without any cost.
General Squier fixed up the old mill. In 1917, he built Forest Hall and a small cottage. In 1920, he added a tall, two-story wooden lookout tower and a tea house.
Opening the Park
General Squier opened his Dryden Community Country Club in 1918. There was no charge to get in. In 1920, he built his own cottage on the property. Even though he had homes in other cities, he came back to Dryden every summer. Over the years, he added more fun things for people to do at the park.
General Squier passed away in 1934. His sister, Mary Squier Park, gave the property to Lapeer County. The park was then renamed in his honor. Today, it's still a free place for recreation. It even has a waterpark right next to the old mill!
What You Can See at the Park
The park covers about 80 acres (33 hectares). The oldest building is the three-story timber mill, built in 1871. General Squier fixed up the mill so families could have reunions there. It was also used for meetings and social events.
Buildings to Explore
- The Cottage: This building was first built in 1917. It's a single-story house made of wood, with a low roof and a porch that wraps around it. It was first used by the park's caretaker. In 1931, it was moved to its current spot after General Squier's own cottage burned down.
- Forest Hall: Also built in 1917, Forest Hall is a one-story wooden building. It's very big, about 100 feet long and 60 feet wide. Inside, it has a kitchen, a bathroom, and a small stage. General Squier built this as the main place for meetings, dances, and parties.
- Other Structures: The park also has a pavilion from 1917. And don't forget the two-story wooden lookout tower and the tea house, both built in 1920.
