Peter R. September 28, 2008 19:39:47 (EDT)

I used to work as a clown for 2 Summers with Jolly Roger and Billy B. We did unicyling, juggling, and magic shows. I just heard from another former employee that Roger had passed away. Does any one have any details? I still live on Bush Hill Rd and pass by the park every day. What a shame?

Cindy September 27, 2008 12:30:56 (EDT)

The clown on the cover is kinda cute,Andrew.

Andrew September 27, 2008 09:34:28 (EDT)

Hey Cindy - The incredibly handsome guy in the clown hat on the cover of that book is me. lol

sarah beth September 26, 2008 22:38:26 (EDT)

what was the address of benson's

Cindy Lavin September 23, 2008 22:46:53 (EDT)

Everyone should read the book "Remembering BENSON'S Wild Animal Farm" Hudson, New Hampshire 1927-1987. By: BOB Goldsack. They have a copy of the book in any Library in NH. The book tells why Benson's failed and where, to who, and how much the animals and rides were sold.

mike russo September 23, 2008 06:15:26 (EDT)

omggg u can patt a ilama and feed it nuts

Kevin September 21, 2008 19:09:15 (EDT)

I was mountain biking today and we rode around inside what used to be Benson's.......It's sad as i remember going there as a kid and even have pictures of me onstage with one of the clown acts they used to do onstage there!! its really sad to see the property in the disrepair it is in now especially having seen it in all of its glory!!

-Kevin

Kristine September 19, 2008 19:58:40 (EDT)

Benny the Donkey
(full size image)

Melissa September 19, 2008 18:57:35 (EDT)

Ok I am in a heated debate with my husband. He claims that one time when he was visiting Bensons he witnessed a large branch braking off of a tree and landing on the fence of the tiger enclosure causing the tiger to escape. Please does anyone remember this incident? This argument has been going on for years, please put an end to it!

CHAINZ SHULTZY September 19, 2008 14:43:43 (EDT)

I just came out of BENSONS,there is a crew working on knocking down the pile of dirt next to the pile of asbestos.It seemed to be a company from mass.I guess the town couldnt find a contractor around here?I got no info from anyone on site or otherwise as to why or what was going on,any info would be nice.I will soon load to the site many recent photos,til then keep the hope alive,raise interest to friends etc. and lets save Bensons for our kids to enjoy as we did.I also was told of a proposition to make parks behind robinson pond,i still say bensons had parking for 5000 cars in 1946,it could certainly handle a couple ball fields,walking trails and a senior center at the barn.The people that keep saying no to these ideas never seem to actually go in there and look around as i havr or else they might have a clue.Well I will be doing my daily surveys/sanity walks through there,hope to see you all in bensons.ps feel free to help pick up some trash,its getting better but i can always use a hand.also any new people going in,wear boots as its been quite muddy but at least some of the gates are unlocked.SAVE BENSONS

Kristine September 18, 2008 19:37:25 (EDT)

My family adopted "Benny" what we call him now hes a donkey that we received when Benson's closed down. If anyone has any previous experience with him or knows about how old he is that would be greatly appreciated.

Nate September 18, 2008 12:33:01 (EDT)

I have the Deputy Dog wooden statue out in a barn out back. Got it from my grandfather Arthur Provencher.

Steve (webmaster) September 17, 2008 19:02:06 (EDT)

Dave, I have the (Alaskan) totem pole - the one that was in front of the office. I bought it at the auction in 1987. I've been gradually restoring it back to its original colors, peeling away three layers of paint that were added while the pole was on display at the park. The original pigments are still on the wood under all the paint. I think it was carved around 1890-1910 and was moved to Benson's Animal Farm in 1938.

The other Totem Pole that was down by the pond is now on display at the Grand View Flea Market in Salem NH.

Dave September 17, 2008 18:21:54 (EDT)

I am so happy I found this site. I used to go to Benson's in the early 80s until it's sad close. My family and my my mom's best friend's family were supposed to get season passes.
I'll never forget riding an elephant, or the shoe house, or the totem pole. another memory may be close to the New England Playworld days, i remember a large statue of a warrior/viking type guy. I live in Ohio now, in my late 20s with two kids, and I wish Benson's was still there. I took my 3 year old son to Canobie this summer, couldn't help but miss Benson's and feel a little sad that he couldn't have seen that.

I remember the bull statue that used to be there, I think it's still at the "Toy Store" in my hometown of Salem. Does anyone know what happened to all the stone statues and the totem pole? I hope something can be done to preserve what's left. It's truly heartbreaking to see what it looks like now. almost haunting.

Mike September 17, 2008 04:47:56 (EDT)

I remember Benson's from the mid to late 70's. The 1st time I went I was 6, 1976. I remember riding the train, and before it went through a tunnel there were a couple manequins. I'm trying to remember what those charachters were. I remember being a little freaked out by them. To my little brain they looked alive. Can anyone remember what the charecters were? I almost want to say one was the Tin Woodsman from the Wizard of Oz. If anyone can remember what they were I'd really like to know. I think finding out would be a keystone to recalling other memories. Thanks :O)

Dee September 16, 2008 00:05:29 (EDT)

Derelict_voyeur...

Can you tell me, did you need to get permission from the Town to enter? I know it's currently State owned mitigation land (which essentially makes it public property), but I hear the Town requires you to let them know you'll be in there. I'm dying to make a trek out there... I spent many a weekend there as a kid (I live two towns over lol).

Also, where did you park? Was it in front of the jersey barriers by the sub shop?

Thanks!

Derelict_voyeur September 13, 2008 23:28:58 (EDT)

I visited Benson's today, as I have a knack for finding interesting derelict areas. My wife apparently had visited the park when she was a young child several times, but for me it was my first. I'm envious for those that enjoyed this park. My children and I only have the vision of a faded dream... how eerie it was to watch the home movies, and recognize some of the paths and ponds. While walking through the grounds, my over active imagination generated the sounds of machinery, the screetch of the peacocks, the growl and huff of large animals... laughter, footsteps... there is a lot of wildlife that now call it home. We saw several painted turtles in the flooded areas, deer, egrets, and several other large waterfowl. What a wonderful park it would make today, if they hauled that large blue tarp-covered eyesore away.

R. DeMarco September 13, 2008 02:31:26 (EDT)

I visited the park as a boy,in the late 30's or early 40's.What I remember most,is the large snakes that they had there.They were either boas or pythons.It really impressed me and I never forgot it,after all these years.

Deb September 10, 2008 00:09:29 (EDT)

I have fond memories of grade school field trips to Benson's, souvenire shopping and just the magic of it all. It's sad that the park's significance to so many people has no bearing on it's future. Thank you to all who worked there to make my memories what they are.

Also, in reply to Dot B who posted:
"just remembered that I also found that the Benson's Carousel is in Scottsdale AZ (only they think Benson was in MA)
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, Scottsdale, AZ; 480-312-2312 [2007]
Allan Herschell, 1950, METAL, 3 row, Portable, 30 j, 2 ch, b/o no, Comments: Newly installed carousel with aluminum horses. Two new carved chariots. History: Benson's Wild Animal Park, MA, 1950 to 1998; McCormick Railroad, Scottsdale, AZ, 1998 to present; Directions & Hours of Operation: Located at a large railroad park. Hours vary call for directions and operating hours. Mailing Address: 7301 E. Bend Road, 7301 E. Indian Bend Road, AZ, 85258 Website: www.therailroadpark.com "

I contacted nca.usa.org (national carousel association) today and asked that they correct the error. My request was forwarded along with a confirmation that Benson's was NH to the census chairman so I expect it will be changed soon.