Hodges January 13, 2009 22:09:33 (EDT)

Ah Benson's. I remember at four-years-old thinking Robert Guillome was going to be there. It was my first roller coaster and I remember it FREAKING ME OUT because at the bottom of the drop, there was a small section of track that goes off for a few feet and ends. I kept thinking THAT was the track the car would take and that we were all about to fly off and die. Screamed. And then screamed again because it wasn't a very long roller coaster so they just made you go around and around again.

hannah January 13, 2009 20:47:58 (EDT)

Seriously, if this was open now, it would be booming with business. You could probably get Dane Cook to perform there too! Too bad it won't be there tommorow. : D

Sue January 13, 2009 13:48:24 (EDT)

I also saw the Dane Cook special Sunday nite and was taken aback when he mentioned Benson's Animal Farm. I live out of state now and my boyfriend thought I was making it up when I told him I had been there many many times on school field trips.I grew up in the Lakes Region of NH. So we googled it and sure enough I was right.His skit brought back a lot of childhood memories for me.

Lindsay Toke January 13, 2009 13:17:01 (EDT)

hahaha i have always known about benson's animal farm and when i heard dane cook's skit for the first time i almost died!!!! i heard that it is going to re-open, anyone know about it?

Mike D January 12, 2009 17:23:38 (EDT)

I actually saw Dane Cook last night too, I knew it had to be this Benson's cause he grew up in NE.

Kathy Sparrow January 11, 2009 22:30:02 (EDT)

It's Sunday night and on the Comedy Channel, Dane Cook lead of his gig at Madison Square Garden mentioning that his Dad was always promising to take his kids to Benson's. What a fluke that I would know and have been to Benson's. Cook didn't mention the location in his show -- but where else could it be -- there's only one -- in Hudson, NH!!! I grew up in Nashua and lived there for 18+ years. Just cracked me up to hear a national comic out of nowhere mention a NH landmark that 99% of his audience had never heard of - but that I'd actually been to -- more than once.

daj January 10, 2009 23:48:07 (EDT)

Benson's was my first job, as I am sure it was for many who grew up in Hudson, not only was it my first job, it was my mothers, my Great-Grand Father worked at Benson's for many years. I have such great memories of Benson's, I just wish that I could have brought my son.

Nashua Telegraph Article January 10, 2009 18:49:15 (EDT)

Dean Shalhouparticle tools

Published: Saturday, January 10, 2009
Ownership of Benson's Wild Animal Farm now with Hudson

Sure, it was huge, full of fun rides and oddball sights, and loaded with animals you'd usually have to leave the United States to see. But still, you'd think it would get old after a while, given it was so close by, right in our proverbial backyards.

Not so.

After all, this was "The Strangest Farm on Earth." Nobody, no matter how many times they'd been there, would ever turn down another stroll through the enchanted pathways and curious attractions of Hudson's famous Benson's Wild Animal Farm.

This week, at long last, the latest and probably most tedious, tumultuous chapter in the park's roughly 65-year life closed happily when the town officially assumed ownership after years of haggling with its reluctant grantor, the state Department of Transportation.

Now, all eyes are on the new chapter, which already has nearly everyone from selectmen and town planners to local historians and, certainly, all the Benson's Committee members past and present, giddy with excitement over the possibilities before them.

"Oh, man, I'm so thrilled," gushed 77-year-old Benson's Committee chairman Esther McGraw, who worked at the park at various times and has lived just a tiger leap up the road her entire life.

"I can't wait to get going!"

Such is the enthusiasm that's snowballed since 2001, when Benson's Committee was formed with a mix of town officials, historians and active residents. Sadly, the process has taken so long that some longtime activists aren't around to celebrate – among them, former animal trainer Joe Arcaris, who worked at Benson's from the 1940s to the '70s and died in 2006.

The overall goal, town and committee officials agree, is to develop the land into a passive recreation area featuring trails for walking, biking and cross-country skiing, possibly a skating rink, and such visitor-friendly amenities.

Preliminary plans call for inspecting and eventually restoring some remaining buildings, most importantly the historic Hazelton barn and the storied train station, which was moved to Benson's from the old depot behind the current Grange hall.

Staff file photo by Dean Shalhoup

Albert Jones is shown with Tanya the elephant in October 1987.

The park's roots go back to 1924, when world-traveling exotic animal trainer John T. Benson bought part of the old Hazelton farm to house and train his newly procured "pets" and rehabilitate injured and sick ones.

Soon roars, honks, growls and grunts began piercing the stillness of yesteryear Hudson Center. Neighbors, not knowing quite what to make of the sudden jungle sounds, began investigating. Seeing their interest, Benson invited them in to watch and in 1926, set up animal exhibits, a miniature train ride and games and began charging a small admission fee.

Baby boomers and their parents are probably the two generations that remember Benson's the best. It was a pleasant diversion from worrisome world and economic problems of the 1930s (although it closed for most of World War II) and was one of the Northeast's top family destinations in the increasingly mobile America of the '50s and '60s.

The park closed in 1987 as New England Playworld, its final incarnation as a working amusement park. Since, it has gradually come to resemble various stages depicted in the History Channel's computer-simulated documentary "Life After People."

Staff file photo by Dean Shalhoup

Still, the memories are clear.

Who remembers those "This Car Visited Benson's!" signs that attached to Pop's big chrome bumper with two wires? Sometimes they just appeared while you were inside, riding an adrenaline rush from the gorilla to the tigers to the elephant to the roller coaster and freaking out your frantic parents.

There was that metal elephant, Benson's trademark "wishing well," which town historian and former committee member Laurie Jasper believes was purchased by a Boston-area college years ago.

How about the monkey cages, their wire runs and little, elevated platforms, where they often landed, and, to the delight of giggling boys and the horror of blushing adults, occasionally dabbled in activities that humans consider quite private.

Surely everyone remembers Colossus, Benson's beloved 500-pound silverback gorilla who, in the age-old New Hampshire tradition of strange-but-true presidential primaries, exercised his rights as an American and entered the 1980 primary as third-party candidate Colossus G. Benson.

He was only 13 – but still much bigger, stronger, hairier and louder (now, now, I'm not going to say 'smarter') than all his opponents.

And you can't forget Tanya, the "cute" African elephant and several-year Benson's resident who had her own brush with political fame – as a cover girl, symbolizing the Republican Party for a 1992 Newsweek issue on the presidential primary.

McGraw, meanwhile, remembers "a gorgeous place" with impeccable esthetics kept up by a professional landscaper who owner Benson called on regularly. She especially remembers the ponies, where she got her first job, at age 14, leading them and their kiddie riders around the ring. "I did that until a pony kicked someone and they had to stop the rides," she recalls.

Later, McGraw said, she worked in what they called "the cabin," a small shelter near the entrance where tickets and souvenirs were sold. She laughs now as she remembers the occasional gate-jumpers: "Admission was 35 cents . . . but free for Hudson residents," she says. "Out-of-towners would look through the phone book for a (Hudson) name and use it to get in free."

For Jasper, whose husband, Shawn, has also been deeply involved in restoring the site, there's a lot to look forward to. "The possibilities are endless," she said of the property's future. And then there's the human side. "If people know the name Benson's Wild Animal Farm, then they have a lot of very fond memories."

Union Leader Article January 10, 2009 18:46:16 (EDT)

Hudson finally acquires former animal park
By SUZANNE BATES
Union Leader Correspondent
9 hours, 57 minutes ago

HUDSON – It's hard to imagine that what is now crumbling old buildings and acres of wilderness blanketed under snow and ice was once one of New England's most famous landmarks.

Where there are now fences and brush, children used to take rides on elephants and families used to watch the lions perform before picnicking by the pond.

Benson's Wild Animal Park -- also once known as Benson's Wild Animal Farm -- was closed in 1987 because of rising costs and dwindling profits. Before then it was a well-beloved zoo and amusement park, which still lives on in the memories of the many who once visited.

After it closed, then-owner Arthur Provencher sold the land to the state for $4 million in an attempt to preserve it as open space. Since then, the Town of Hudson has been trying to buy the land from the state in order to turn it into usable property.

Just this week Hudson Selectmen Roger Coutu announced that Hudson now owns the land, after paying the state $188,000, and intends to restore some of the historic buildings and to turn the 165-acre parcel of land into a park for passive recreational purposes.

When Coutu was asked to fill a vacancy on the Board of Selectmen in March he decided his first goal would be to figure out why it was taking the town so long to purchase the property then to make it his business to see it done.

Coutu said he visited Benson's as a child growing up in Lowell, Mass..

This shows an old postcard from Benson's Wild Animal Farm in Hudson.
"Some of my most memorable moments were standing in front of the gorilla cage watching that gorilla," he said. "We used to watch the elephants and feed them peanuts -- it was just a thrill.

"It was just a treat to walk the park and see nature come alive."

When Coutu approached the Board of Selectmen about his plan to reopen negotiations they gave him the go-ahead.

One of the hurdles to the sale had already been overcome -- the state had sued a company that dumped asbestos on the land, contaminating it and making it unsafe for public use. The state won the lawsuit and the asbestos has since been removed.

Another problem remained over the language in the deed of sale. The original language would have required the town to spend possibly hundreds of thousands of dollars to restore the remaining buildings on the property exactly as they once stood.

The new conditions say the town must maintain the buildings in the condition in which they are received and if any changes to the buildings are made the state's preservation board must be involved, said Coutu.

He said Gov. John Lynch also helped expedite the process. Coutu contacted him about the problem and the governor and his staff were in constant contact with him until the sale was finalized.

"When I approached the Department of Transportation after I had approached the governor they were very receptive," he said. "Whatever influence he used, it worked."

Now the town must decide what to do with the land.

Town Administrator Steve Malizia said at one point the town had a master plan for the area, but it was done a while ago and will need an overhaul. Earlier dreams for the property included passive recreation like bird watching, hiking, jogging, ice skating on the pond and maybe an athletic field.

At this point there isn't a lot of money available to restore the property.

"That's under discussion," said Malizia. "We need to figure out a vision for the property."

Some would like to see the history of the property incorporated into the new vision.

Cindy Provencher, Arthur's niece by marriage, once worked on the animal crew at Benson's. She used to ride the elephants for shows and also worked with the sea lions.

She said every time she wears an old coat with the name of the park on it, people stop her to tell her how much they loved Benson's.

Provencher, who now lives in New Boston, said she hopes there will be a tribute to what the land once was in one of the old buildings.

"Benson's was a place that put New Hampshire on the map," she said.

Keith January 10, 2009 15:59:55 (EDT)

Has anyone given a thought to re-opening the park as a petting zoo/animal farm?
It seems based on this website that people loved seeing their children enjoy the park and I went to it as well in the 70's and early 80's as a child.
How about reopening certain aspects of the park for the children of today?
It seems like the right thing to do.
Comments?

Cindy Provencher January 10, 2009 15:13:55 (EDT)

Webmaster Steve: I tried emailing you today and it failed to go thru, could you please email me thanks Cindy

Michelle Mitchell January 10, 2009 09:20:51 (EDT)

Although I never visited Benson's as a child, my friends in Nashua/Hudson all remember it fondly. Some remember the wax elephants, others the totem pole. Its a shame this treasure was lost to them.

The Dean Shaloup wrote a column in the Nashua Telegraph about Benson's that those of you contributing here might enjoy. It includes a slide show of Benson's photos.

The story can be reached here.

Bret January 10, 2009 08:46:02 (EDT)

Great news on the Bensons property transfer. Fantastic to see that the property will be used and utilized for the public versus more townhomes. I've noticed a huge leap in visitors based upon the counter. Great job Webmaster Steve...you've done a great thing. Hello to all that I've been very pleased to be reconnected with...looking forward to sharing many-0-glass of 'Hug-a-lua' one day soon...

A memory as a little girl January 9, 2009 23:40:11 (EDT)

OMG! I just scrolled down as I was reading all the postings. WebmasterSteve has the totem pole. My mother gave me 6 different photo's of different visits with me standing there in front of the totem pole. One of the photos I was hiding behind it with my arms wraped around it giving it a hug. I will ALWAYS remember the totem pole!

Barbara January 9, 2009 23:22:29 (EDT)

Isn't the statues of the lions and tigers sitting in the front yard of a newer yellow home owned by a couple on Highland street? I thought someone had told me that they loved Benson's also and went to the auction and purchased them and they now are there for everyone to see.

a memory as a little girl January 9, 2009 23:02:06 (EDT)

I remember going to Benson's every weekend as a little girl. What I remember the most was the totem pole. I would stand there and look up at it in amazement. The colors and the faces were so awesome. I wonder what ever happened to that totem pole?

Joetta Jeanne Varanasi January 9, 2009 12:36:45 (EDT)

The boats were fun! We would go down to the Animal Farm
and take a picnic lunch and especially liked going out on
the little lake in the boats.

The little train was fun to ride on, too.

Joetta

Joetta Jeanne Varanasi January 9, 2009 12:30:22 (EDT)

I loved Benson's Animal Farm. We had a family pass and I
my kids there everyday both to the Animal Farm and New England Playworld.

It was a great place for kids and adults to spend the day.

Joetta Varanasi

mike January 9, 2009 07:48:15 (EDT)

Barbara (and all),
That transaction inverse took place because of the ice and snow storms. This is from today's (01/09/09) Nashua telegraph. Benson's is finally back where it belongs, in the possession of the good folks of the town of Hudson.

Published: Friday, January 9, 2009
HUDSON Benson's finally belongs to town
After seven long, grueling years of meetings, discussions, delays and more delays, the 165-acre parcel that once housed the famous Benson's Wild Animal Farm has at last become the property of the town.

Selectman Roger Coutu ended Thursday night's Budget Committee hearing by announcing to the roughly 30 citizens present that the deal, in which the New Hampshire Department of Transportation sold the land to Hudson for $188,000, had been finalized earlier in the day.

"It's official . . . Benson's is ours," Coutu said after the budget hearing, at which the Budget Committee finalized its fiscal year 2010 town operating budget for the Feb. 7 deliberative session. "The deed was recorded in court today."

After roughly 60 years as one of New England's most popular tourist attractions featuring exotic, wild animals, carnival rides, unusual displays, eateries and family picnic areas, Benson's closed in 1987 and the idled property, which borders Central Street and Kimball Hill and Bush Hill roads in what's known as Hudson Center, quickly fell into overgrowth and disrepair.

Negotiations with the state on the sale of the land have gone on since 2001, when a committee of town officials and residents was formed to pursue the preservation and purchase of the property.

Last July, the selectmen agreed to terms of a deed that would see them buy the land for the $188,000 price that was agreed upon in 2002.

Coutu said the committee will now begin focusing on rehabilitating the property into a recreational area that will be open to all residents of New Hampshire. Several buildings will be inspected with hopes of restoring them, the most important of which being the 200-year-old Hazelton barn, which may become a museum housing Benson's historical memorabilia, Coutu added.

– DEAN SHALHOUP