Maurice Michiels January 12, 2014 19:44:24 (EDT)

Any photos of Pinky Madison

Neama January 8, 2014 15:47:16 (EDT)

Looking through some old boxes today and found a pewter mug from Benson's Animal Farm. It brought back so many happy memories of the fun my sisters, brother, and I shared at the magical Benson's

Steve Klein December 29, 2013 13:36:07 (EDT)

Arthur's Obituary. We'll miss you, Arthur!

A memorial service will be officiated by Reverend Kevin Nichols on Saturday, January 18, 2014 at 11:00 AM at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 354 Main Street, Hopkinton NH. Everyone is invited to meet at church. A gathering in the reception hall will follow. Burial will take place in the spring. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hope Elephants, PO Box 2025, Hope ME 04847.

Steve Klein December 24, 2013 14:22:46 (EDT)

Here is a recent article in the Nashua Telegraph about Arthur.

Kathy Weldon Mills December 20, 2013 08:57:49 (EDT)

Rest in peace Arthur Provencher. It was your vision that touched so many lives and created things like this Message Board (thanks Steve) and those things will keep the memory of you and Benson's alive forever.

Jay Knox December 19, 2013 21:43:02 (EDT)

"Sad day. Arthur Provencher has passed away. Last owner of Bensons Animal Park. At the time, the oldest and largest animal park in the U.S. known worldwide. It was a great privilege to work there. Met many great friends and animals from there. Many MANY awesome memories. RIP - AJP. Deepest condolences to Provencher family, especially Cindy Provencher. Arthur's primary care giver, confidant and best friend."

Dana Sion November 25, 2013 14:56:11 (EDT)

Steve,
Great find/post about the signs from the park on CL.
Well look like someone was able to purchase some of the parks former items from the old Grand View Flea Market as those signs had been there since 1987. Someone did talk to the former owner of the Flea Market and he wanted top dollar at the time for any of the old park items so it was hard for the park or the FOBP to get them back. Thankfully the park has a huge collection from the last owner the FOBP purchased .
The FOBP purchased the rights to the Bensons side of things however the other side still belongs to it's license holder Viacom Inc. Several vintage shirts from the old parks gift shop can be found for sale at the FOBP gift shop in the former Elephant Barn during the warm months.

Steve Klein November 25, 2013 14:32:34 (EDT)

See some Bensons Animal Farm items for sale on Craigslist, including three big New England Playworld signs.

Dana Sion November 25, 2013 14:24:35 (EDT)

It's that time of the year....
Come find some great gifts at The Friends of Benson Park store online.
http://www.cafepress.com/bensonpark

You will find.... scarfs, tie clips, golf balls, Snow Flake hanging ornaments, Iphone cases, playing cards, glass ware/mugs, clocks, puzzles, pillows and so much more.

You will not find these great items any place else and all profits go to the FoBP a 501(C)(3) non-profit raising funds to support Benson Park and open the BWAF museum in the former Elephant Barn.
The Gift Shop in the park will re-open in the Spring.
http://www.cafepress.com/bensonpark

Paul November 18, 2013 16:57:00 (EDT)

The FoBPI has purchased the wagon from Arthur and is included in our memorabilia collection that will be displayed in the museum once we have it completed. Visit us on www.friendsofbensonpark.org

william taylor November 7, 2013 18:17:11 (EDT)

I was at the auction but at the time I did not have the money to buy the circus master's wagon. Now in my old age I want it! Does anyone happen to know where it went. Any advice or even hints as to where it is would be appreciated.

Thank you!

Yvon Boudreau November 3, 2013 16:00:32 (EDT)

Just a passing thought (perhaps it has been thought of, already. But, just in case...), but the pink Bensons elephant is still at the location of the former Grand View Flee Market in Derry, still standing proud to the traffic on 28. Grand View has no purpose for the elephant any longer, nor has it for a long time. It should b returned to the park... where it belongs.

joan magri October 31, 2013 00:50:20 (EDT)

I worked there the year they changed the name I was the first one hired for the landscaping crew I racked that entire park and there was still ice on the ground I went every morning to say hi to the gorilla I loved him the most there was all guys hired after me except a month before I left a girl from rhode island worked with me none of the guys were happy when they told them I was incharge called me the foreman I got my sister a job (her very first job) at the hotdog stand but she wanted to work at the ice cream stand I wish I would have paid attention more I remeber going there as a kid with my family my mom still has the picture with the water foutain in the back round

1 October 30, 2013 00:02:17 (EDT)

1

b October 26, 2013 18:31:51 (EDT)

The saddest thing I had ever seen as a child was that 500 pound gorilla. Sitting alone behind a small glass enclosure. How lonely he appeared. No family no grass or trees to touch or feel or even walk on. It was horrible to see this amazing creature put on display. People would bang on the glass. He would just look forward with his sad eyes. That poor gorilla was tortured there. Wake up people.

Bret October 9, 2013 07:01:17 (EDT)

Bittersweet to see. Hard to believe it has been so long. Thanks Steve!

Steve (webmaster) October 7, 2013 15:09:04 (EDT)

Enjoy this slideshow of the 1987 Bensons auction.

Paul September 12, 2013 15:24:43 (EDT)

Stop by the elephant barn for last minute Golf or meal Tickets

Paul September 12, 2013 15:23:28 (EDT)

Stop by the elephant barn for last minute Golf or meal Tickets