cathy August 12, 2009 15:58:59 (EDT)

Ditto Bret, Amazing!! I hope all the people involved realize how much it means to an awful lot of people, I wish I were close enough to help out.

Bret August 12, 2009 06:17:18 (EDT)

I just saw some impressive photos taken by Ann Kinneen of the Benson Park renovations. VERY impressive work being done. Especially great to see the ramshackle elephant barn being restored. HUGE KUDOS to the work crews, committee and all those involved. THANKS!

Pam Farrow August 11, 2009 11:33:20 (EDT)

I went there on field trips in the 1970's with the Salem, NH school district. It was my favorite place to go. It really is a shame how it's been vandalized. What ever happened to the big elephant that you could throw money into and the statues of the lions I used to put my nieces on each time we went to take a picture? My sister and I were at the library and got to see all the great pictures and gift shop items. Great memories, thank you. Hope the park will be cleaned up and I can take my own kids and grandson to it.

Cindy Provencher August 9, 2009 21:25:17 (EDT)

To those of you who visited with Arthur and I at the exhibit Thank You for all the wonderful stories and childhood memories, It was great talking with you. To all former BENSON'S employees, from past to present THANK YOU! Stay in touch.

Cheri Bonina August 9, 2009 21:04:39 (EDT)

I grew up in Pelham, NH. My family visisted the Farm several times each summer. It was a place in the 70's...My first grade field trip was to Benson's..I still have pictures from those days! I would love to see it re-open oneday...take my own kids there ( 2 year old triplets)!

Alan Stuart August 8, 2009 21:37:32 (EDT)

I worked there the Final Season in the Miniature Circus Collection Area(repairing and putting the collection on dispaly for public viewing). I also filled-in at the "LGB Barn" to keep an eye on the operating trains + sales. I really enjoyed the job. I do miss that job, but mostly the Park + fellow employees the most.

Lynne Willey August 8, 2009 21:29:05 (EDT)

My father was a night time security guard in the early to mid 80"s, his name is James Willey Sr. And the memories that I still have every time I see these photos. It kind of breaks my heart to see what was once such a lively beautiful place of enjoyment, now a deserted and vandalized property. I have very big hopes for this new project, to bring it back to life again. I would love to be able to bring my son, to see and enjoy what I did as a child. I now live in Gorham NH, which is about 4 hours away, but it would be worth it for me, good luck with everything to you all, and thank you Hudson for giving this park a second chance at life!!!

SRM from RI August 8, 2009 20:36:27 (EDT)

I remember going there as a kid, it was in the 70's was a good time, damn shame how the place has been vandelized, lots a history there, hope it comes back to life, would love to bring my kids there.... Good luck to all with your clean up efforts

Tom Cooper August 8, 2009 19:24:48 (EDT)

Not sure if anyone mentioned the Christmas Lights events each year. Wonderfully decorated with horse drawn hay rides.

Jenny August 8, 2009 17:14:13 (EDT)

Cindy,

Yes, I did for a short time in the summer of 1986. My last name at the time was Ellenwood.

Jenny August 8, 2009 17:13:11 (EDT)

Diane,

I am also related to the Provencher side, would love to connect with you. I have been doing family research on all sides of my tree, and would love to get more info.

my email is angelrisingmom@earthlink.net

Mark Lapinskas August 8, 2009 10:48:32 (EDT)

I worked at Benson's for a summer I believe in 1981 or 1982. I ran some of the amusement rides, the Ferris Wheel and the Roller Coaster. Looking at some of the pictures brings back memories.

Can someone tell me what happened to the Rollar Coaster and if there are any photographs of the coaster in Benson's when it was operational?

diane read August 8, 2009 08:28:12 (EDT)

my uncle is arther provencher and my brother and i grew up at benson my father spent many years working around the park
saw this web site on facebook and brought back many memories
nice to see it is still remember

Alison Lyne August 7, 2009 19:45:31 (EDT)

My mother's first job was at Benson's and we often talk about all the visits we made to the park when we were younger.

CINDY PROVENCHER August 6, 2009 21:31:57 (EDT)

Hey Jenny, what is your last name? Did you work at the park?

Jenny August 6, 2009 18:59:49 (EDT)

Hey everyone, I now live in Florida, and cant be there for exhibit this week, however, I would like to try and meet some of you, I am planning on coming up for my 20th school reunion in June 2010. Maybe we can get together then as well. Thanks for keeping benson's alive in memory.

ann August 5, 2009 19:40:28 (EDT)

The Benson's Memorabilia Exhibit will be on display at the Hills Library from 10AM to 5PM from Aug. 6th - 9th. Admission is free. This is the weekend for Hudson's Old Home Days.

Harry August 4, 2009 11:58:12 (EDT)

I am a member of the Benson Park Committee in Hudson. If you wish to be a volunteer for anything to do with Bensons please to go to http://ci.hudson.nh.us/ click on Boards and Committees and then on the Benson's Committee. A page will come up with a lot of information about what is happening with Bensons. There is also a form to be filled out for being a volunteer. You may also just volunteer for the clean up days without being a sub-committee member. The next clean up day is scheduled for August 15.

Subcommittees are open to anyone. You do not have to live in Hudson or even NH to join.

Also the Benson's exhibit will be on display this Thursday through Sunday at the Hills Memorial Library on the corner of Library and Central Streets in Hudson. Check with Cindy Provencher for times. She posts on this site regularly.

Finally if you would like to watch the Benson Park Committee meetings they can be seen at www.hudsonctv.com on Channel 22.

mer August 4, 2009 11:28:21 (EDT)

Would love to volunteer for the cleanup................sure wish this was still around (any info on reopen?). I grew up in Roxbury ma, and went to Franklin on Sundays with the family. Unfortunatley the Zoo's and animals in this country are not supported socially or politically, and are often located in areas that are not in the safest part of city...............