History

Square Pond is located on the border between Shapleigh and Acton, in southern Maine. The lake is spring fed and has few other natural inlets or outlets.

In the 1800’s, a small canal was dug connecting Square Pond to Goose Pond. A gate controls water flow from square Pond to Goose Pond. Flow is the responsibility of the town of Sanford. Goose Pond is connected via a small natural channel, to the much larger Mousam Lake.

Mousam Lake is the primary source of the Mousam river, which flows thru Springvale and Sanford, on its way to the sea. Years ago, textile mills in Springvale and Sanford relied on power generated by the water flowing down the Mousam river.

River volume was maintained in the dry summer months by opening a gate at Square Pond, releasing the lake water into Goose Pond and subsequently, into Mousam Lake and the Mousam River. Eventually the textile mills closed and the controlled release of the water stored at Square Pond was no longer needed. The lake level was stabilized and the character of Square Pond quickly changed.

The shoreline around the lake has become a popular vacation spot for local residents and also for summer vacationers from greater Boston. Close proximity to heavily populated Eastern Massachusetts, together with the lake’s semi secluded environment, have made it a popular place for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of urban living.

Today, most of the lakefront property is owned by summer residents from out of state. Over 400 camps and residences dot the shoreline. Many are now owned by second and third generation families. Each year, a few more “camps” are converted for year around residences.

The Square Pond Improvement Association (SPIA) was formed by Square Pond lake shore property owners in approximately 1958(?). It is dedicated to protecting the lake environment, especially water quality and area wildlife. The organization is also active in promoting group recreation and water safety.

SPIA By-Laws require the Annual Association meeting be held on the last Sunday in June. SPIA membership is open to all residents of the Square Pond lake front property. See SPIA Application (coming soon).

Meeting locations are always announced in the SPIA Newsletter (soon to be posted on our website) and are also posted at Boonies, the local country store on Rt. 11 in Shapleigh, and the Trading Post, a small variety store on Rt. 109, at the southern tip of Mousam Lake. The SPIA Website news and events page also reports the upcoming meeting location.

Expect to see more dynamic website pages and news items in the coming weeks!

Article from Bonnie Good (SPIA Newsletter Editor) - Viewable PDF