Kathy February 10, 2009 10:00:35 (EDT)

GREAT PIX. Thanks for sharing. And don't forget to bring all your memories & pix to the reunion.

Bruce Ashmore February 10, 2009 06:12:00 (EDT)

Good job Bret,Steve Thank you!!

steve (webmaster) February 9, 2009 16:39:15 (EDT)

Some photos from Bruce Ashmore, via Bret Bronson. Thanks, guys!

Photo #1 - Bensons daily parade. Bruce Ashmore & Patti Goss on golf cart with python and 'Liz' the elephant in 'tow' led by yours truly

Photo #2 - Sea Lion Show trained and presented by Roland Tiebor (sp?). assisted by Cindy Provencher - 1979

Photo #3 - Bruce Ashmore in cage with a group of young African lion cubs - 1979

Photo #4 - Joshua Ashmore hanging out at the petting zoo area - Sept. 1979

Photo #5 - Bruce Ashmore getting a bear hug, Christmas Day 1979

Ken Coville February 8, 2009 06:27:01 (EDT)

My mother was a Benson. Her uncle was John. She told many stories of the Farm. We had an Ostrich egg that her uncle had brought back to her and had inscribed. It was an Easter present. Sadly, the egg was broken accidentally by my sister.

When we were kids, we were able to go to the park. My mother thought it was a bit to commercial then compared to what she remembered.

Cindy Provencher January 28, 2009 11:31:20 (EDT)

Tony the Gorilla, renamed Colossus, I'm sorry to inform you passed away on April 11th, 2006, while under anesthesia for dental work at the Cincinnati Zoo. He was 40 years old at the time of his death.

ro January 28, 2009 10:27:41 (EDT)

what happened to tony the gorilla? he was awesome... is he still alive?

NH Tourist January 25, 2009 20:30:11 (EDT)

I apologize for the shameless promotion of Canobie. I sell fried dough mix and frozen corn dogs. Business is very bad and I thought if I could get a few more people to any park that would be good for my industry. Go Benson's!

Pining Tourist January 25, 2009 09:22:32 (EDT)

Ahh, yes. The smell of manure...the many smells, the many sights, they many sounds. All of those amazing and unique animals from all over. The thrill of the rides. The sounds of families. Experiences and memories never to be forgotten. Shows, exhibits, history...........many, many good things to 'pine' over.

NH Tourist January 24, 2009 22:39:55 (EDT)

Canobie Lake Park is still open for business at 85 Policy St. in Salem. The main difference is between Benson and Canobie is Canobie does not smell like manure. So come on down to Canobie. 21+ years is to long to pine over a park closing. Can't wait to see ya.

Hudson resident January 23, 2009 19:11:30 (EDT)

Today, January 23, 2009 Governor Lynch held a ceremonial transfer of the deed of Benson's to the Town of Hudson, NH in exchange for the check in the amount of $188,000. After seven years working toward this, Hudson now owns the land and can finally begin to transform the place into a passive recreation park. For more info and updates check the Town of Hudson, NH website. I think the deed is posted there...30 pages. Many restrictions on it (for that price, since the state bought it for $4 million) but the Town can and will begin the long term plan of a nice park, hiking, walking trails, possible museum. Benson's bring back great memories for so many! Feel free to email me if you have any info, I have been involved in the project and want to help as much as I am able.

JOETTA JEANNE VARANASI January 23, 2009 15:00:25 (EDT)

WE SPENT 20 YEARS IN HUDSON AND "BENSON'S ANIMAL PARK" AND "THE NEW ENGLAND PLAYWORLD" WERE THE BEST OF ALL PARKS! WE ALL LOVED IT!!!!

monica major holt January 23, 2009 13:38:50 (EDT)

I have been missing home in hudson,nh and looking at the benson's sight ,i worked there over 5 years and miss that place so much.I am looking for any collectors of benson's stuff i have a brass lion that has written on it "made esp. for benson's wild animal farm in nashua,nh this was my grandmothers and she gave it to me when i was very little .i have so many pictures also. please let me know if anyone is interested in this piece.
thanks,monica major holt

Lisa January 23, 2009 11:27:43 (EDT)

Does anyone know if there were any names of the children recorded that were riding the elephant at Benson's? There are 2 postcards pictured but both are unclear.

Bruce January 20, 2009 06:19:23 (EDT)

Hi everyone,
Snowed in up here in ME. Good luck with all you involved with the bensons commitie metting today, hope for good input with results.
best of luck, have to start my day !!

Bruce January 19, 2009 05:20:16 (EDT)

Hi everyone,
This faceplace seems like alot of work, I still hav'nt figured out bensons yet. I just want to let everyone know If you want to take a trip or get away Please e-mail me and come visit my place is yours. I know its a bad time of year but we can find things to do and oplaces to go .I have plenty of room,and i love to cook.Well i've got to go bring in wood before i go plowing AGAIN !!!Love to have some company. Bruce

Kristin Mulvey Campbell January 17, 2009 15:26:41 (EDT)

Hi Benson's folks! Benson's was my first job and I remember many of you and recognize many names.

Hope all is well!

Kristin Mulvey Campbell

Mary Ellen January 14, 2009 11:42:42 (EDT)

OMG! I grew up in NH and could not believe my ears when I heard Dane Cook talking about Benson's Animal Farm! That was a family favorite when I was a kid. My cousin, and I used to eat "Frozen Coke" all day long at the park. And I couldn't wait to be old enough to go into the huge MAZE(Well, I thought it was huge as a child)! Some of my favorite childhood memories are of going to Benson's!!

Harry January 14, 2009 03:11:15 (EDT)

I remember going to Benson's as a kid growing up in Worcester. If I remember correctly I used to have a bank from Benson's of Bruno the blind bear that used to be at the park (could be thinking of a different park)

Jorge January 13, 2009 22:15:35 (EDT)

the hospital isnt going anywhere... then i drive him to an empty parking lot.... this isnt the hospital...THIS IS WHERE BENSON"S USED TO BE" hahahah DANE COOK