Cindy Provencher July 7, 2009 18:37:57 (EDT)

Two names missing from Picture are Chick Forrence and Cathy Provencher.

Chad Gagnon July 7, 2009 08:11:26 (EDT)

I read back in the messages on here that someone suggested contacting Extreme Makeover Home Edition and that is really not a bad idea!!! They truly believe in community spirit and helpng families out. When you think about it to us locals this was a large part of our family and always will be. I... (more)

Steve July 6, 2009 19:49:01 (EDT)

From Bret - Jun 27, 2009 - Part of the Benson's Reunion Group taken in front the former Gorilla House:

(click to see names and more pictures)

Don July 6, 2009 13:27:39 (EDT)

For those who haven't visited yet, check out The Telegraph's coverage of Benson's at www.nashuatelegraph.com/Bensons

Also, read my recent blog posting at
http://blogs.nashuatelegraph.com/onassignment/2009/07/03/bensons-then-and-now/

-Don

Chad Gagnon July 6, 2009 10:36:21 (EDT)

I was just looking at the pics that Brent placed on here and I am in one of them! WOW holy moly is all I can say, it is the picture of Bruce with the alligator, I am top right with red shirt on, I even remember that day and the show and even the shirt that I was wearing! UNBELIEVABLE! This was one... (more)

Kathy Giakoumakis July 5, 2009 16:49:30 (EDT)

I worked down at rides in the pink booth with kathy dionne
in the 70's. we had so much fun! I'm sorry to see Bensons closed. I will always remember it fondly!

jodie provencher July 5, 2009 16:05:49 (EDT)

its so nice to see people are still ''remembering'' bensons i miss the park so much and the tour i recently took left me sad but happy at the same time sad because its gone but happy because its eventually going to be restored. i have sooo many fond memories and the expereince of being a child and... (more)

Doreen July 3, 2009 16:49:28 (EDT)

I was driving down Rt111 today and wondering where the entrance used to be. I decided to see if there was anything online to help me. Now I glad I did. I will catch the exhibit before it too is gone....thanks. I remember the elephants (of course) and the bird house, and somewhere I have a... (more)

Dana Sion July 3, 2009 14:44:09 (EDT)

My spouse and I went to the Benson's exhibit and it was so wonderful to step back in time and remember the past and even seem memories from before my time(I am 30). I grew up in Hudson very near the park, so close in fact I could hear the animals at night on a summer night when my bedroom window... (more)

Debra July 2, 2009 19:52:13 (EDT)

I am staying in Manchester when checking what to do for amusement Benssons wild animal park acually came up..I was in shock because i went there when I was a kid...I'm 42 now. Was hoping maybe it reopened..Just wanted to share Bensons still lived on even if it is closed..lol

Ann July 2, 2009 19:03:06 (EDT)

For Jim - I may not have the exact answer to your question regarding Gene Autry, but thanks to the Benson's Exhibit I was able to locate an article from the Nashua Telgraph - June 14, 1944 - right after D Day. Gene Autry came to Nashua & Hudson, NH while he was in the service and raised $30,000... (more)

Ellen July 1, 2009 22:17:23 (EDT)

You really should take the time to visit the Benson's memorabilia exhibit at the former Hill's Memorial Library in Hudson! It is truly amazing and the past few days, Mr. Provencher himself has been there sharing stories of the glory days! A great rainy day take-in!

Kathy July 1, 2009 19:34:57 (EDT)

and.............for the record.........the elephants were not rescued from Bensons but from the Hawthorn Circus where they were NOT loved and cared for like they were at what was the only home they knew.

Cindy July 1, 2009 18:41:43 (EDT)

As for small quarters, It takes time and loads of money to upgrade, work was in progress up until the day it closed and this is coming from another zoo keeper who loved her job

Cindy July 1, 2009 18:36:07 (EDT)

Ditto Bret; thats why at least three of the animals that left the care of Benson's who by the way they lived most of their lives have passed. Including that gorilla and most loved two Elephants.

Paula July 1, 2009 18:34:38 (EDT)

As I read an earlier post, I can't help but to respond. I too have many memories, as a child and as an adult. My fondest memories reflect on the part of the part that not everyone had the chance to enjoy. I remember being invited to watch the elephants after hours while they enjoyed playing,... (more)

Steve July 1, 2009 18:07:27 (EDT)

Click to see pictures of Benson's contributed by Kathy and Bret.

Kathy July 1, 2009 17:38:11 (EDT)

Hey Bret, Do you have any video of Callie doing her "own" show? I know Cindy taped a show but has it been converted to disc? After hearing your stories about that elephant I wanna see the show. I haven't laughed that much in years!

Bonnie July 1, 2009 14:25:31 (EDT)

I also remember my parents taking me to Benson's. I loved many different parts of the zoo, but the one thing that really stuck in my memory is the little houses that you could look into the windows to see the story ryme. Would anyone know if the buildings are still there? I still dream of having... (more)