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Bret Bronson sent in a photo of "the infamous Harvey, noted by a couple of recent Bensons' website visitors and fondly known to anyone likely that worked at the park during his 'era'. Here's thinking of you Harvey!".

He adds, "I'm not really sure how long Harvey was employed at Bensons. He was there when I arrived in early '80 and left sometime around '83. He was a gruff fairly 'unkept' individual - to say the least but, he was a very unique and intelligent guy. Those that knew him will get a big smile I'm sure in seeing his photo. Harvey was truly a unique 'Bensons Individual'. I did hear he passed away several years ago though, I'm not sure where or when."

You can see all of Bret's pictures here.

Kristen December 10, 2008 17:29:59 (EDT)

Hello,
My name is Kristen and I am a Casting Associate Producer for ABC families hit reality show 'Wife Swap.' We are currently casting for our fifth season and we are looking for great families that are involved with wild or extreme animal training.
The premise of Wife Swap is simple: for seven days, two wives from two different families with very different values exchange husbands, children and lives (but not bedrooms) to discover what it's like to live a different family's life. It's an interesting social experiment and a great way to see your family in a whole new light. It is shot as a documentary series, so NO scripts and no set. It's just one camera that is documenting your life.
Families that appear on the show will receive a financial honorarium for lost wages, time and commitment. And if you refer a family that appears on the show you would receive $1000.
Here at 'Wife Swap' we look for a two-parent home with at least one child between the ages of 6 and 17 living at home full time.
If you are interested, please email me your contact information and tell me a little about your family. Or if you would like to refer a family, please email me their contact information and I will be in touch.
Thank you!

Kristen Phelan

Casting Associate Producer
RDF Media USA
100 6th Ave, 3rd Floor,Suite n3-29
NY, NY 10013
P: 646.747.7936
E: Casting.Kristen@gmail.com

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Cindy Provencher December 9, 2008 19:12:15 (EDT)

Good old Harvey, how could we forget, Thanks for that memory. I remember him workin in the sealion show on my day off and he told me he didn't look as good in my customs, Now I have that picture in my head Harvey on the water wagon, snow, Rain, Blazing sun, cursing at some animal.

rachel December 9, 2008 11:23:11 (EDT)

Here is I blast from the past...should bring a smile and a laugh.... who is shirt collar in mouth riding the water wagon and sputtering no good for nothing **** such and such llama...................My hero of the zoo crew HARVEY

rachel December 8, 2008 12:51:50 (EDT)

any one remember me one of Pat Qinn's orginal petting zoo girls. Boy do I miss the place. Remember the parties at the animal house

Steve (webmaster) December 7, 2008 22:23:59 (EDT)

Here are three photos for the archive from Skip Dutton.

Thanks, Skip.

Skip Dutton and Spanky The Chimp.

Skip Dutton and Popeye The Tiger.

Tony The Gorilla.

Cindy Provencher December 6, 2008 20:18:44 (EDT)

I worked at the Park from 79-close, doing all animal shows and working in the Elephant Barn, has anyone heard from Rolland tiebor? Tammy Miller, started with her dad, Whitie, her mom Edie and I were good friends. How about Mike McCoy?

Donna Topping December 5, 2008 20:53:05 (EDT)

I had someone respond to my last message and it was deleted before I could read it. Could you respond again? Thanks Donna

Donna Topping December 3, 2008 20:08:17 (EDT)

Hi everyone, Just wondering if anyone remembers Skip Thebodeau. I would enjoy some stories and photos if you have any. Skip is my brother and has passed last march. Thanks for reading and I too had a blast at Bensons.

Cindy Provencher December 3, 2008 18:53:53 (EDT)

Hi to all that recognise the name, and to all zoo crew out there. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about the good old days. Hope to hear from you all, See you down the road love stay healthy and happy.

Bob Binstock December 2, 2008 00:08:45 (EDT)

i don't know what made me think of Benson's tonight and ask myself if i might google up some pictures. i do know i was in tears the instant i saw the photo of the lake. i was pretty miserable as a boy (in the 60s) and Benson's was one of the few places i actually had fun and forgot to be miserable. thanks so much to the creators and maintainers of this site and all who have contributed.

Jon Killington November 25, 2008 09:03:21 (EDT)

I can make it... I loved this place as a kid. Hey Rob I'm sorry about momo =(

Jon

Steve Spaloss November 10, 2008 10:02:23 (EDT)

Has anyone talked to Jay or Bernie?

Kathy November 6, 2008 21:24:05 (EDT)

Is anyone out there interested in a Bensons reunion? I know Brett & Bruce have expressed an interest but how about the rest of you?

Brian November 5, 2008 21:09:26 (EDT)

Anyone know of where I can find a parck layout or map of the original Benson's? I have not been able to find anything online. It would be good to see how the park was laid out back in it's heyday! Too bad it is so overgrown and abandoned. What good fun and memories there!!
Thanks
-Brian

justin provencher November 3, 2008 22:33:38 (EDT)

PLEASE READ ME!!! BENSONS DISPLAY HENNIKER NH! VERY SOON!!!ide have to say that this is the best site ive seen in a while! my grandfather (arthur provencher) was the last owner of bensons. my mother worked there as a child. you can read postings she has left on this bored also. her name is jodie provencher. my mother also had a scavinger hunt for her school and one of the things to find was a tiger. so she called my grandfather and had him bring in a live tiger to school. needless to say the principal wasnt amused and the highschool kids couldnt believe their eyes. feel free to contact me any time about anything you may want to know about bensons. allthough i was only there a few times as a baby i feel that everybody who remembers bensons keeps its magic alive and well. im am 20 now and i sometimes bring it up to people that my grandfather was the last owner and people are astounded. but never the less i always see a smile run across their face as they think back to all those times they went with their friends and family. and laughed and played till the sun went down.

Opie and Debbie November 1, 2008 11:37:51 (EDT)

The company that dumped asbestos on the property was Cairns and Sons, from Windham, NH

Betsy Hahn October 31, 2008 08:56:04 (EDT)

Hi All - Thanks to everyone who responded to my posting. This what I found out but "J" would you please scan (if possible),fax or mail me the auction/lot inventory sheet.
The auction took place on Friday and Saturday, October 23 & 24, 1987. Norton Auctioneers of Coldwater, Michigan did it. (David A. Norton) They sold it all: rides, equipment, vehicles, antiques, memorabilia, even animals.

The whole thing was a loss! Three elephants = $65,000, Two younger elephants = $14,000. Colossus, the biggest and most famous elephant went to former Benson Zoologist, Pat Quinn, Pensacola, Florida for $37,000. More than 500 other animals and birds = $250,000. Roller coaster =$197,500, went to Santa's Village in Jefferson, NH. Galleon ride = $100,000. Redwood log house = $17,000. Fiberglass Bull on trailer - $6,500, and was used by businesses in the local area. The five huge "Tin Soldiers" can be seen every Holiday season on Hudson's Town Common. Other large items were seen around the area for a long time. I know the reposing lions are in town.

The Benson's Committee is regrouping and we need to be prepared for the media blitz and inquiries about tax deductible donations and future planning for the park. I am hearing talk about a reunion. We have the blessing to use the Hill House and of course tour the park. The transfer of the property deed has moved at a glacial pace so I would recommend 2009. 2010 would probably be better so you could see some improvements. You would cry if you saw it now although we have been clearing the pathways and mowing. There is money in the town budget specifically for the park. Needless to say the town was wise to stabilize and prevent vandalism only prior to direct ownership.

Bruce Ashmore October 30, 2008 11:45:18 (EDT)

Hi everyone Thanks bret for your hospitality and posting the photos. Im really slow with the comp. Im reading the bensons web site I have more photo to share, and I will be in touch with all of you X co workers and good friends. Cathy I love your idea of a reunion for all the intersted friends of BENSONS. Old and new memories welcome. Charlie your correct I started bensons the spring of 1974 and worked through the auction sad very sad days... I then went to Gulf breeze Fla. to open a new Zoolical park. Owned by Pat Quinn + Vets+ investers ; Tony/collosses and other animals home at THE ZOO INC. Mutial of omahas Wild kimdom`s Marlin Perkins last permotinal apperance was there,for our grand opening. I look forward to talking to all of you in person at our new/old friends of bensons reunion!!! Talk to you soon,bruce. Bret Thanks again Thank your family for me.

Denise (Ratte) Garcia October 29, 2008 17:45:10 (EDT)

Hi Brett ~ would you like to buy a balloon? :)
~Balloon Girl