Jim July 1, 2009 12:12:24 (EDT)

I remember my parents taking me and my brother the Benson Farm and I also took my children there in the 70's. When I was a kid my parents told me that Gene Autry was a investor in this park. Does anyone know if that is true.

kate July 1, 2009 11:45:28 (EDT)

Agreed, Jen. No one's saying the caretakers didn't do the best possible job, and I'm sure that the animals were better off for that attention and care. But the facility itself wasn't the healthiest (spacewise and therefore psychologically) for them. As much as I loved Benson's in my youth - and I... (more)

Jen July 1, 2009 10:05:18 (EDT)

Bret, please don't take my opinion as a stab at the care the animals received while living at Bensons. I'm sure you and the other animal caretakers took great care of the animals on a daily basis in the conditions you were given. I was simply referring to the obvious lack of space or small... (more)

Bret B. July 1, 2009 08:51:53 (EDT)

Jen, is sad to see someone that has such a narrow minded poorly informed opinion of things. Many of the Bensons' facilities were by no means the 'best'. They were old but in a constant state of upgrade. However, these animals all received EXCELLANT care. Care provided by serious, dedicated,... (more)

Jen July 1, 2009 07:42:45 (EDT)

Although I loved going there as a kid, as adult, I look back and can't believe the condition and size of the animal enclosures. The gorilla exhibit was a concrete, 14x14 cell, with a single tire swing in the middle. How can a social animal such as a gorilla thrive in such conditions? In my... (more)

Ann July 1, 2009 07:40:32 (EDT)

http://www.wmur.com/news/19903811/detail.html
Here's a link to view the IMAGES of memorabilia at the exhibit.

Kathy July 1, 2009 07:14:16 (EDT)

Here is the link to the WMUR segment on the Benson's Exhibit
http://www.wmur.com/video/19908350/index.html

Laurie June 30, 2009 22:14:44 (EDT)

Mr. Provencher's exhibit of memorabilia now through July 12, daily, 10am to 4pm at the Hills Memorial Library building. It is an amazing display of items, photos, etc!!! also, check out WMUR.com and Lowell Sun online for video interviews, stories. Town plans a passive recreation park for the... (more)

Linde June 30, 2009 19:44:32 (EDT)

Just loved Bensons. Can't believe it ever closed. My parents took me there many times when I was little, then my husband took me there again much later. It's one of my fondest memories. I so wish it would reopen somehow. I bet it would make alot of money. Families need outings like that to see and... (more)

jared davis June 30, 2009 17:28:48 (EDT)

I am 14 years old. I have heard so many great things about this place. I have never had the chance to be able to get and see all the amazing creatures that were there. I truly think we as a group not one man but everyone should try and reopen Benson's Animal Farm.

Marcelle June 30, 2009 14:42:40 (EDT)

I worked there when I was 22... have great memories of riding the elephant in the parade, having Colossus the gorilla infatuated by my painted toenails, holding baby tigers and black bear cubs. It was a wonderful part of my life, and I have many fond memories!!!

Cathy June 30, 2009 09:14:05 (EDT)

Steve, I know it's been said, but Thank you so much!! You were the person resposible for connecting us to so many people. It was great to meet you. I hope that you feel like a part of the Benson's family, because you most certainly are!

Cindy Provencher June 29, 2009 19:33:32 (EDT)

Webmaster steve thanks for your part in getting us all togather. Hope you had a good time with the Benson's Family.

Bret B. June 29, 2009 16:29:24 (EDT)

A huge thanks to Kathy & James, Cindy P., Arthur P.,
the Bensons Committee and whomever else had a part in making our first (..and beginning of many) reunions a great and memorable success. It meant a great deal to many people.
Thank You Much...and I'm sure that I speak for many.

Jenny (Ellenwood) Conley June 29, 2009 10:53:55 (EDT)

I am so sorry I couldn't make the reunion or even see the memorabilia from the old days. Alas, I now live in Florida. Cindy, is Arthur your uncle from marriage or were you born a provencher? Is you husband Dennis, son of Gerard N. Provencher? I am related to them thru marriage of other relatives.... (more)

Jenny (Ellenwood) Conley June 29, 2009 10:48:10 (EDT)

I am looking for a gentleman by the name of Brett Piper, who used to work for Benson's. Does anyone know him?

Fanpage June 29, 2009 06:13:55 (EDT)

There already is a fanpage on Facebook. I just found it.

Michael June 28, 2009 18:12:03 (EDT)

I would like to add a fanpage for Benson's Animal Farm on facebook. Can I add anyone as admin for it?

jodie provencher June 28, 2009 15:32:50 (EDT)

just wanted to say how wonderful of a job cindy and cathy did yesterdey on making the reunion so great. it was so great to see all of you !!!!! bret and bruce and cathy and jay and donna and renet and the whole crue !!!! all the office ladies and so on and so on. thanks... (more)