Kathy June 16, 2008 14:38:01 (EDT)

Hi Jodi, It's been a very long time but of course I remember you. Please say 'hello' to your dad for me. He use to get the biggest kick out of riding the elephants with me in the daily parade and people would ask..."Are you Mr. & Mrs. Benson?"

jodie provencher June 15, 2008 23:19:14 (EDT)

Hello all of you benson's fans. I am very proud to say that i was extremely fortunate, because my father was the owner of the park from 1978 to 1988. When the park closed that was one of the saddest days of my life. I was pregnant with my first child when we closed,so unfortunately my son never... (more)

Kathy June 14, 2008 10:31:35 (EDT)

Oh yeah, Benson's at Christmastime!!! I'd nearly forgotten that incredible time of year at the park. My winter job there was "have your picture taken with a python". My nights were spent inside the elephant barn with either Mary or Margo, two Burmese pythons about 10 feet long. People would line... (more)

Roger June 13, 2008 18:44:36 (EDT)

I was Spring Cleaning today and came across a little squerril that belonged to my mother, I remember my father buying it for her at Benson's. I was raised in Lynn Massachusetts and I was about 6 or 7 then but what a wondeful time I had at Benson's Wild Animal Park. My father was a Scout Master and... (more)

Kimberly June 11, 2008 21:57:24 (EDT)

I have just learned of this web site and am truly excited about it! I grew up in Salem and moved to Hudson about 10 years ago. I too visited Bensons frequently with my family as a child. I drive by the lot almost daily and have wanted to look at what was left and in what condition. I find myself... (more)

shelby June 11, 2008 20:46:32 (EDT)

does anybody have a map for bensons animal farm? I would like to use it for my next visit.

Cindy June 11, 2008 18:42:47 (EDT)

I am a Direct Care Staff at Department of Mental Retardation. The State is always cutting costs and forever wanting Direct Care Staff to take our individuals on Field Trips. Benson's Animal would be a definite treat for our clients if they were still here and not shut down. I remember... (more)

Condy June 11, 2008 18:40:07 (EDT)

I am a Direct Care Staff at Department of Mental Retardation. The State is always cutting costs and forever wanting Direct Care Staff to take our individuals on Field Trips. Benson's Animal would be a definite treat for our clients if they were still here and not shut down. I remember... (more)

Laura Scott June 10, 2008 17:21:37 (EDT)

I grew up in Hudson and a trip to Benson's Animal Farm was always a part of summer vacation. My grandmother Millie Baker worked there at the stand called "The Umbrella" for many many years. I believe that is one of the buildings still standing according to the photos posted. It is truly sad to see... (more)

Guy Sawyer June 10, 2008 13:43:25 (EDT)

I loved going to Benson's as a kid. What great times our family had there. It's very sad to see the place in that condition.

Florence Arey June 8, 2008 12:26:20 (EDT)

I just became aware of this web site today. Looked at some pics of the park now and was brought to tears. I worked there from 1985-it's closure. Such wonderful memories and I'd still be there if it was still open. I also went there as a child and brought my children there. Two of them had their... (more)

KIm Z June 5, 2008 15:24:12 (EDT)

I just moved to Hudson and would LOVE to be able to see what is left of this place. Can someone tell me exactly where it is? Is it easy to get to? I'd be so greatful if someone could email me some info. This place looks like lots of good times were had here and I'd be thrilled to stop by and... (more)

Kathy May 31, 2008 11:44:18 (EDT)

OMG How sad to hear about the development. What happened to the open space concept. Anyone interested in an old fashion tree huggin' sit-in?

Fred May 29, 2008 23:58:42 (EDT)

Well folks, I discovered something that I wish I hadn't. Today at approximately 11:00 a.m. Thursday morning (May 29th), I noticed two DOT vehicles, and two other vehicles with Massachusetts plates at the old Benson's front gate. As I’ve been disappointed for years driving by and knowing nothing is... (more)

Steve (webmaster) May 29, 2008 14:05:55 (EDT)

You will enjoy reading Gina Votour's article about Bensons in the Hudson-Litchfield News. Scroll almost all the way down to find the article. Read it now, since the link is only good until tomorrow (Friday) night.... (more)

Steve (webmaster) May 29, 2008 11:30:03 (EDT)

Here's a great picture of Liz and Queenie getting ready for the parade. Thanks, Kathy!

Fred Stamatatos May 26, 2008 22:27:15 (EDT)

I live in Pelham, never once did I wonder into Benson's land, until today. I took the fam to see my childhood dream, I was surprised and so disapointed walking around in the "ghosttown". Graffiti all over the remnant buildings, and the gorilla cage. My wife doesn't remember anything there, but she... (more)

judy carroll May 21, 2008 17:57:10 (EDT)

My parents took all 8 of us to Benson's when we were kids .The last time I was there my son was 4 years old and he is now 23.i still have those pictures .

lola May 21, 2008 17:01:22 (EDT)

i wish i could have gone.. i never got 2 go.. sad 4 meee:(:(:(:(:(:(:(