Harry Bennett, the infamous head of security and union-busting Service Department at Ford Motor Company, established a highly fortified northern retreat near Clare County at Lost Lake during the 1930s.

• Deceptive Construction: Built overlooking Lost Lake, the main lodge was constructed entirely out of poured cement but meticulously textured and stained by artisans to look like a rustic log cabin.
• Defensive Moat: A deep defensive moat completely encircled the structure to prevent forced vehicle breaches, which was historically rumored to be lined with large metal spikes.
• Observation Turrets: The roofline of the lodge was engineered with functional gun sentry stations and observation turrets providing clear sightlines of the surrounding property.
• Escape Tunnels: A secret underground passage was constructed beneath the lodge to allow a fast, concealed exit to the lakefront in the event of an armed siege.

• Luxury and Isolation: Despite its defensive design, the interior featured high-end luxury, including custom furniture crafted by historical artisans from Ford's Greenfield Village.
• The Airstrip: The compound maintained a private wilderness airfield with a runway large enough to land substantial aircraft, keeping a plane prepared for immediate evacuation.
• High-Profile Guests: Due to Bennett’s powerful connections, the secluded estate hosted a variety of early 20th-century celebrities and public figures, including boxer Jack Dempsey and aviator Charles Lindbergh.

• The 1964 Purchase: Following Bennett's termination from Ford Motor Company and eventual relocation to California, the Boy Scouts of America purchased the expansive property in 1964.
• Lost Lake Scout Reservation: The heavily fortified compound was integrated into the Lost Lake Scout Reservation, transitioning the compound from a paranoid stronghold into a youth summer camp.
• Safety Modifications: To ensure the safety of visiting scouts, the camp administrators removed the defensive spikes from the moat and utilized the historic fortress lodge for camp staff quarters and administration.