This playground honors Dr. Edward Robinson Squibb (1819-1900), founder of Squibb Pharmaceuticals, later known as Bristol Meyers Squibb, Inc. Squibb was born in Delaware and made his life in Brooklyn, settling on Middagh Street in 1858. He built the first Squibb laboratories on a site behind the present playground; if you look closely you can still see the name Squibb written on the smokestacks.
Squibb was a naval surgeon in active service for ten years. After opening and establishing his first laboratory on Furman Street - a modest office marked with “Edward R. Squibb, M.D.” on the door - he became very influential in both the development of anesthetics and the passage of pure food and drug laws. Squibb discovered how to distill pure ether for safe use as an anaesthetic, and was renowned for his high standards and the quality of his products.
Know Before You Go
Squibb Park Bridge is currently closed and is expected to reopen in spring 2015.
Squibb Park Weather