Thanks and Congrats to all who helped with creating
the September 11 Memorial !

Rode my bike or walked to Bensons many times growing up in Nashua during the 50's. Heard the murals done in the new Gorilla House were very nice and captured the spirit of the original. Such a shame that the Committee wants to remove that whimsical touch of art.

Growing up I remember going there a lot in the mid 50's. I loved all the animals. The thing I remember the most is people teasing, spitting and throwing things at Tony the gorilla. I'm betting the ones teasing still remember doing it.It was very sad to see.

Sunday, September 11 · 2:00pm - 5:00pm(14:00-17:00)
Location
Benson Park Hudson, NH 23 Kimball Hill Rd

The Town of Hudson NH, 9-11 Memorial committee is proud to announce that on Sunday, September 11th, 2011 at 2 pm the 9-11 ceremony and dedication will take place at the Benson Park in Hudson, NH. This ceremony is open to the public. We hope you will join us for this significant dedication that will honor those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 and to give the families, friends and residents a place to reflect and remember those they have lost. . ~ Never Forget September 11, 2001

what time is the 911 ceramony start

Join The Friends of Benson Park, Inc. in
" Laughing For a Cause "
Raising funds for Benson Park:

Saturday, October 8 · 7:00pm - 11:00pm

The White Birch
222 Central Street (Rt 111)
Hudson, NH

Doors open at 7pm with a cash bar and the show 8:30pm with a scrumptious pub menu available. There will also be a 50/50 raffle, Chinese raffle and more helping to raise funds for Benson Park hosted by The Friends of Benson Park, Inc.

Tickets are $20.00 per person and can be purchased Showtime Computers in Hudson, NH or call (603) 930-2214 for more details. (Tickets can also be purchased at the door the night of the show as space permits).

www.friendsofbenson.org

The pictures of Tony with his new famly are
priceless.

Imagine how he must have felt when
he met them. To have a family at last !

It is great to know that Tony spent his last years living with others gorillas in a large habitat that was much more like the wild. Now a beautiful mural is being added by a professional artist in his memory at the old Gorilla House in the new Benson Park. Photos will be posted on the parks Facebook page in the near future.

I was just reading old articles on Colossus aka Tony.

Imagine his cage was 240 sq.feet.
And he was in it for 20 or so years !

Good grief !

Kelsie,
The best thing you can do is to contact the Benson Park Advisory Committee Chairman from the Town Of Hudson, NH. The Town of Hudson, NH owns and operates Benson Park now and is not affiliated with this BWAF message board.

You can E-mail the BPAC chairman via the following link:
http://www.hudsonnh.gov/boards/bensons/members

Hello, my name is Kelsie. I am 17 and a life long hudson resident. Earlier today, I came across a website with a great project idea. I immediatly thought Benson's may be the perfect place to build one of these "before I die" blackboards, as it is such a community gathering point. Let me know youre opinions! http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/198bOF/candychang.com/before-i-die-in-nola/

Looking for a way to support Benson Park? Check out it's online store and pick up some great gifts. There are vintage BWAF items and Friends of Benson Park items all with a no hassle 30 day money back guarantee. The Friends of Benson Park, Inc. has outfitted the park with benches the future depends on YOU!

Friends of Benson Park Online Store: www.cafepress.com/BensonPark

to the bird,

My favorite monkey was Judy the Gibbon,
she looked deep into your soul !
So sweet.

Not sure how long the Gibbons live.
I was there 42 years ago.
Anyone know what became of her ?

I always looked forward to our church youth outing day at Benson's. It was always a big treat. I brought my children there when they were youngsters. Of course their biggest thrill was the monkey house and the pony rides. Too bad it isn't there for their children. I know it would have given them the same thrill it gave their parents. I guess that's progress. Too Bad. I also remember my parents giving a ride to friends on the backside of Benson's and the people being so surprised to see wild buffalo in New Hampshire. My folks got a big laugh about that and couldn't wait to tell us kids. What a hoot!!!

Benson's left me with nothing but wonderful memories. It was the big event for my family from R.I We went every summer and I always looked forward to it with eager anticipation. I loved animals and were able to see ones close-up that I would never be able to see elsewhere. I loved the camels, elephants, and the bears. I remember the big Kodiak bear and his claws. When I graduated from HS, I went to work for a summer at Southwicks because of Benson's (I remember Larry Records from Benson's working there) I could not wait to take my children to Benson's when they were old enough. They only went one time and then it closed. To Bret....I remember you and even have you on our old video's. It is wonderful after all this time to be able to say thanks to all of you that worked there and being a part of the greatest memories of my childhood. x0x

when i was about 5 i remember tony the gorrilla that used to give people the one finger salute when they walked by. I loved that gorrilla

I hope Benson`s remains a park for the public to enjoy WITHOUT feeling the need to host circuses.. COLE BROS. Formally charged with animal cruelty by USDA!

http://www.peta.org/b/thepetafiles/archive/2011/08/11/Circus-Finally-Faces-Formal-Charges-.aspx?c=pfs

Thankfully there are many good zoo's and sanctuary's out there that have good habitat to take in and care for those animals you describe.

It was to bad the last crew at Bensons ran out of time and cash in the attempt to do just that.

Tony grow up already. How else would children and people in general get to view animals if not in a zoo. Where would rescued animals that were injured, mistreated and targeted by poachers recover and be rehabilitated if not for zoos.

I know, I know you are going to respond with some liberal mind bending spin that you assume is jedi mind tricks, however, in case you have not realized that crap doesn't work on people that do not watch Oberman or Matthew's "softball".

The recent 'official' Bensons' reunion was fantastic. Huge thanks to Cindy, Dennis & Family for putting it all together. Another HUGE thanks to the volunteer staff and town crews that have done such an amazing job renovating the property and few buildings left. It is 'jaw dropping' the work you folks have done. Big thanks to Steve for, perhaps unwittingly, being a huge factor in bringing the past together and helping to sustain what the park is today. We former employees, of all eras, are doubly fortunate. We had the unique opportunity to work there and get to see/enjoy the property today. Folks of today can enjoy it differently but, still, have a touch of the past. It's a great thing. Great reunion and we enjoyed seeing everyone!