Steve (webmaster) October 28, 2008 18:35:09 (EDT)

Recently received several 1980's-era Benson's photos from Bret Bronson. See them all. Thanks, Bret.

Betsy Hahn October 28, 2008 17:03:06 (EDT)

Does anyone know the date or the name of the auctioneer when the property goods were auctioned off? I have served on the Benson's Committee since 2001 as a non voting advisory member. I want to help get the Benson's Comm. ready to go when the property deed transfer is complete. Thanks to all for sharing your thoughts and memories, we are really going to need your input in the future.

Benson Friend October 27, 2008 17:59:09 (EDT)

Hello everyone, I noticed some questions about the Besons's Committee. The Benson's Committee was established by the Board of Selectmen on January 23, 2001 to have 10 members consisting of citizens and gov. reps with 1 alternate. No Term Limits I have served on the committee since 2004, however there hasn't been any meetings. It finally looks like the town is moving forward and the state is getting out of the way. I'll keep you posted

B. Benson October 27, 2008 06:38:57 (EDT)

what a hoot that i stumbled apon this website! i grew up near there in early 80s. Could hear lions roar sometimes at my house.

Raymond J Kelly IV October 26, 2008 07:08:29 (EDT)

Does anyone know the name of the construction company from Windham who has been illegally dumping asbestos at Benson's, causing a 12 month delay in the Town's takeover of the land and putting close by residents health at risk? I would like to begin a boycott of this company.

Bret Bronson October 24, 2008 07:02:14 (EDT)

True blast from the past...just had a great but short visit with Bruce Ashmore. Those that know him...he has not changed a bit. We blabbed about great Bensons times and the many great folks we got to meet and work with. To many names to even mention. Got a few photos from Bruce and a few I dug up that I'll try to post soon. We often said, as many folks do, it was some of the best days of our lives. Bruce remarked how rare it was that any of the 'real' employees ever called in sick. If they did, you were worried something seriously was wrong. Never a day without some form of adventure, everyday had something to laugh about. Even some of the harder days, we can laugh about today. Those of you who know him, shoot Bruce an email. I'm very sure you'll be hearing from him soon.

Kathy October 22, 2008 12:07:53 (EDT)

Jeannie, I'm so sorry to tell you that Tony passed away. For the whole story please go to the link below.
http://www.gorilla-haven.org/ghspringagain.htm#Colossus

Kevin Houle October 22, 2008 11:23:48 (EDT)

Talk about a blast from the past, this was so long ago it seems like an illusion. I am surprized there is anyone left alive, sorry for the cryptical prose, but I am still alive & kicking. They haven't laid me away in a crypt just yet. And no, I am not asleep at the wheel of a diahatsu. A sense of humor was mandatory,on the zoo-crew, because every day was a whole new mountain of rhino manure to shovel, not to mention all the goobers & rasinettes at the petting zoo.
It was a groovy job w/ way kewl co-workers!
Peace

Jeannie Walsh October 22, 2008 11:21:48 (EDT)

Just wondering what ever happened to Tony the Gorilla.
Last i heard he was moved to a zoo in Texas with a outdoor compond. Good for him

Kathy (Weldon) Mills October 22, 2008 11:16:07 (EDT)

Bruce Ashmore!!! How the heck you, old friend? I was asking Brett about you. Thanks to this site, (and the internet) we've been in contact again after all these years. So glad to know you are alive and well. If you ever get back to Hudson, please look me up. Ironically, I live about a mile behind Bensons. My husband and I own and operate a Lumber Mill here on Bush Hill Rd. I've been to visit the park a few times and it's very sad to see how it's just deteriorating but we will always have our memories from that magical place. I still tell stories about my winter job "have your picture taken with a snake". Especially the night you had ME go get the snake and I got one that had never been handled before! And me, you & Brett doing the Sporstman Show in Boston. Good to here from you! Stay in touch. Kathy

skip dutton October 21, 2008 17:36:08 (EDT)

Hi Bruce Ashmore.Its been a long time since i have heard from you .The last time i saw you was in bucks port i think.I was working for a moving company out of booth bay harbor.You were driving like hell thourgh town in a blue toyota land criuser. I turned around and could not find you.It's nice to see your still around.Like to hear from you.My brother timmy says hi too.

Chloe & Claudia October 19, 2008 19:24:02 (EDT)

hey..where did bensons go? i wanted to go on the zipper and smash my god damn teeth into my face!!=]

GH October 18, 2008 12:52:19 (EDT)

Can someone tell me if they are in contact with Brett Bronson and Beth? They would stay on my farm in Ohio when they were travelling with the elephants and I lost touch. Any info would be really appreciated!

Bruce Ashmore October 17, 2008 15:05:27 (EDT)

Wow Ive owned a comp. for 3 years and Im just laarning how to use it. Im an x employee, 1975-1986,yes Im still alive maybe with some help from a dear friend and work mate Bret Bronson. Iown many photos and twice as many good memories,and three times that true stories. Bret please give me a call.Im taking a road trip next week to New Orleans. Maybe Ican stop by with some of my old photo to post.Thanks Bret for telling me aboat the web site a year ago. Look forward to hearing from all of you! Good memories and Great times. Imiss everyone and everything from Bensons Wild Animal Park. Bruce Ashmore.

Brenda October 13, 2008 19:14:09 (EDT)

Does anyone know where I can get some old items from the gift shops years ago. I am looking at ebay but can't find much.

shawn October 12, 2008 21:45:35 (EDT)

is this the bensons animal farm dane cook always wanted to go to?

Ray October 8, 2008 10:42:09 (EDT)

Recall visiting there in the thirties. All I remember is the elephant ride; a pig pulling a little covered wagon with a sign "Bringing Home the Bacon to Benson" and a "maze" made out of hedges from which I couldn't find my way out and had to be rescued.

Mike October 3, 2008 07:48:25 (EDT)

This is from todays Nashua Telegraph. If anyone has been inside the park lately this won't really surprise you. In my opinion it's another of many reasons why the town needs to take over the property as quickly as possible.

Published: Friday, October 3, 2008
3 Hudson teens arrested over vandalism at ex-farm
HUDSON – Three Hudson teens were caught vandalizing a building at the former Benson's Wild Animal Farm on Thursday night, according to police.

Police were called a little before 5 p.m., when the trio was spotted entering the property carrying axes. When officer David Cayot arrived, he heard a commotion coming from the old gorilla enclosure, which once housed Colossus. When Cayot went in, he found the boys chopping at the support beams of the building and found they had done "considerable damage," police said.

As many as three-quarters of the support beams were destroyed before the officers arrived, Lt. Bob Tousignant said.

Officers arrested Julio Sanchez, 17, Brendan Lavoie, 17, and a 16-year-old, police said.

The town has spent six years negotiating with the state Department of Transportation to buy the 165-acre property. The zoo featured exotic animals, displays, games and restaurants until it closed in 1987. Sanchez and Lavoie were released on $2,000 personal recognizance bail; they'll be arraigned Oct. 16 at Nashua District Court. The 16-year-old was released to a parent, police said.

– Telegraph staff

Andrew September 28, 2008 23:13:48 (EDT)

Pete - I think I found her email. Her name is Donna.
( I think she drives a bus.....lol)

ddbusdrvr242@aol.com