Cindy Provencher July 7, 2009 18:37:57 (EDT)

Two names missing from Picture are Chick Forrence and Cathy Provencher.

Chad Gagnon July 7, 2009 08:11:26 (EDT)

I read back in the messages on here that someone suggested contacting Extreme Makeover Home Edition and that is really not a bad idea!!! They truly believe in community spirit and helpng families out. When you think about it to us locals this was a large part of our family and always will be. I find it sad that it would only be a passive recreation park when it could again be so much more. This would also provide local jobs and bring lots of business back to the town. I bet that if enough people took it seerious and placed a foot forward we could make it happen. Here is a application form link from Extreme Makeover http://a.abc.com/media/primetime/xtremehome/apply/EMHEApplicationS7.pdf
They work off suggestion and attention. Think of what this would do for Hudson and for ABC to be a part of it. Im sure they would want Mr Provencher as a consultant and I am sure that would thrill him to no end. Spread this around as far and wide as you can, dont be the one to say "imagine if it could happen", be the one to say "I knew we could do it"! Think about what it meant to have kids up and out of the house with you doing something enjoyable as a family and not stuck on the computer looking like vampires from the lack of day light.. Drawing attention to this would be the thing to do here as that will help round up donations and volunteer support. Just picture this dream becoming a reality and being a part of it and history and not just talking about it! I know personally I would do what ever I could to help see it through... It sounds to me that this is the popular opinion of so many, what are we waiting for? Everyone knows someone interested, when is the last time you were heard?? Quite interesting to ponder isn't it. mrtcjg@aol.com

Steve July 6, 2009 19:49:01 (EDT)

From Bret - Jun 27, 2009 - Part of the Benson's Reunion Group taken in front the former Gorilla House:

(click to see names and more pictures)

Don July 6, 2009 13:27:39 (EDT)

For those who haven't visited yet, check out The Telegraph's coverage of Benson's at www.nashuatelegraph.com/Bensons

Also, read my recent blog posting at
http://blogs.nashuatelegraph.com/onassignment/2009/07/03/bensons-then-and-now/

-Don

Chad Gagnon July 6, 2009 10:36:21 (EDT)

I was just looking at the pics that Brent placed on here and I am in one of them! WOW holy moly is all I can say, it is the picture of Bruce with the alligator, I am top right with red shirt on, I even remember that day and the show and even the shirt that I was wearing! UNBELIEVABLE! This was one of the best places I ever went to and spent so much time there as we lived minutes away and all of my dads company outings were there. I loved riding the elephants, riding the roller coasters and hanging out with the gorrilla! I miss staring at him through the glass and making faces at him and even got him to come to the window a time or two to check me out and make a face at me. Most days he sat with his back to everyone but I was lucky enough to have him check me out! I will never forget Bensons,I will never forget riding the train with Mr Provencher Driving it.... THis place will always be in my heart, just wish my kids could see it and enjoy it the way I did as a youth.

Kathy Giakoumakis July 5, 2009 16:49:30 (EDT)

I worked down at rides in the pink booth with kathy dionne
in the 70's. we had so much fun! I'm sorry to see Bensons closed. I will always remember it fondly!

jodie provencher July 5, 2009 16:05:49 (EDT)

its so nice to see people are still ''remembering'' bensons i miss the park so much and the tour i recently took left me sad but happy at the same time sad because its gone but happy because its eventually going to be restored. i have sooo many fond memories and the expereince of being a child and working in such a great place. the one thing i never got the chance to do was ride the elephant with my father. i wish i could have had that oppurtunity. thank you all so much for keeping the memories alive. jodie provencher

Doreen July 3, 2009 16:49:28 (EDT)

I was driving down Rt111 today and wondering where the entrance used to be. I decided to see if there was anything online to help me. Now I glad I did. I will catch the exhibit before it too is gone....thanks. I remember the elephants (of course) and the bird house, and somewhere I have a picture of myself hoding a very big snake. Too bad it's gone.

Dana Sion July 3, 2009 14:44:09 (EDT)

My spouse and I went to the Benson's exhibit and it was so wonderful to step back in time and remember the past and even seem memories from before my time(I am 30). I grew up in Hudson very near the park, so close in fact I could hear the animals at night on a summer night when my bedroom window was open, talk about priceless. My father worked for the town and has part of his work he had to go to the park on a regular basis but we all went as a family other times and it was a very sad day for my self and the family when the park closed. My best memories with my late father are from times at Benson's(New England Playworld). The exhibit is very well presented and it is clear a LOT of thought went into it making it feel like something at a major museum. The exhibit combines many historical visual items and hands on items such a photo and advertising books and wonderful videos that I never knew existed that made it like being at the park again. If you had been lucky you may have even got to meet the last owner of Benson's in person.
I would sugest anyone who has not been there to get there soon before the exhibit closes as this is not something you want to me even if you had not been to the park in the past it is never too late to learn about the past.
-Dana

Debra July 2, 2009 19:52:13 (EDT)

I am staying in Manchester when checking what to do for amusement Benssons wild animal park acually came up..I was in shock because i went there when I was a kid...I'm 42 now. Was hoping maybe it reopened..Just wanted to share Bensons still lived on even if it is closed..lol

Ann July 2, 2009 19:03:06 (EDT)

For Jim - I may not have the exact answer to your question regarding Gene Autry, but thanks to the Benson's Exhibit I was able to locate an article from the Nashua Telgraph - June 14, 1944 - right after D Day. Gene Autry came to Nashua & Hudson, NH while he was in the service and raised $30,000 selling War Bonds. He entertained the crowd with a number of songs on Main St. in Nashua. He visited Benson's Wild Animal Farm and was enthralled with the Harness Shop. The King of the Cowboys was "right at home" with all the gear for the horses, ponies, and donkeys. The article along with a picture of Mr. Autry holding a baby colt born on D Day at Benson's is on page 9 in the scrapebook. C'mon down to the Exhibit until July 12th - open daily 10AM to 4PM. Free admission.

Ellen July 1, 2009 22:17:23 (EDT)

You really should take the time to visit the Benson's memorabilia exhibit at the former Hill's Memorial Library in Hudson! It is truly amazing and the past few days, Mr. Provencher himself has been there sharing stories of the glory days! A great rainy day take-in!

Kathy July 1, 2009 19:34:57 (EDT)

and.............for the record.........the elephants were not rescued from Bensons but from the Hawthorn Circus where they were NOT loved and cared for like they were at what was the only home they knew.

Cindy July 1, 2009 18:41:43 (EDT)

As for small quarters, It takes time and loads of money to upgrade, work was in progress up until the day it closed and this is coming from another zoo keeper who loved her job

Cindy July 1, 2009 18:36:07 (EDT)

Ditto Bret; thats why at least three of the animals that left the care of Benson's who by the way they lived most of their lives have passed. Including that gorilla and most loved two Elephants.

Paula July 1, 2009 18:34:38 (EDT)

As I read an earlier post, I can't help but to respond. I too have many memories, as a child and as an adult. My fondest memories reflect on the part of the part that not everyone had the chance to enjoy.

I remember being invited to watch the elephants after hours while they enjoyed playing, running, bathing and chanting beyond the park at the sand pits...it was just like being in Africa! Then, when playtime and exploring was done, back to the safety of their home with the wonderful crew of zoo keepers and friends who loved them so much! Although an Elephant Sanctuary sounds and I'm sure is awesome, just like any situation, you don't need a big fancy house to be happy as long as you are well cared for and loved!

Steve July 1, 2009 18:07:27 (EDT)

Click to see pictures of Benson's contributed by Kathy and Bret.

Kathy July 1, 2009 17:38:11 (EDT)

Hey Bret, Do you have any video of Callie doing her "own" show? I know Cindy taped a show but has it been converted to disc? After hearing your stories about that elephant I wanna see the show. I haven't laughed that much in years!

Bonnie July 1, 2009 14:25:31 (EDT)

I also remember my parents taking me to Benson's. I loved many different parts of the zoo, but the one thing that really stuck in my memory is the little houses that you could look into the windows to see the story ryme. Would anyone know if the buildings are still there? I still dream of having them.