L. Records February 19, 2012 21:04:51 (EDT)

I'm not looking to return the message board to just Benson's people but to all who loved Benson's for what it was hopefully without being so judgemental. Part of Benson's was circus. It is unrealistic to think young people were not inspired to care more for animals after seeing Benson's... (more)

Steve (webmaster) February 19, 2012 20:57:46 (EDT)

Penelope the Turtle, 1982-2012. My dear turtle companion Penelope died from natural causes on Thursday. She has been part of the family ever since my then-two-year-old daughter found her as a hatchling in Robinson Pond. We have loved... (more)

Bob Arctor February 18, 2012 20:33:36 (EDT)

What's the point of your post Larry? If you're so interesting in returning this message board to the Benson's people then why are you baiting Mercer? Larry Records opinion is obviously a little biased given the line of work he's in... He's right about one thing, circuses and zoos are not... (more)

Dana Sion February 16, 2012 17:55:45 (EDT)

Hello Anonymous(Urban Explorer), The park is no longer abandoned and has become a passive recreational municipal park open for free to the public 365 days a year. (more details at www.facebook.com/bensons.waf). You are more then welcome to visit the new Benson Park as it is called now however... (more)

Larry R. February 16, 2012 15:28:46 (EDT)

I've been trying to stay out of this. But... Good Lord! What a pile of BS.You do-gooders have no idea of the bond that can form between trainers and elephants and other exotics and the the benefit the animals can derive from the mental and physical excercise required in training for performing.... (more)

Brad February 15, 2012 12:02:13 (EDT)

Thank you Wilbur Mercer for your comments. I too recall Benson`s as a child and have good nostalgic memories. To quote you: "Take your nostalgia and remember the great times you have had with friends and family and Benson's, just don't forget to learn from the creatures that were taken away... (more)

Michael February 12, 2012 15:44:16 (EDT)

The Friends of Benson Park, Inc., hope to soon secure the purchase of Benson's Wild Animal Farm memorabilia. Help them secure a permanent home at the park: vote YES on article #14 in Hudson town elections in March of 2012.

Deb February 11, 2012 10:05:49 (EDT)

A little while back I found this site by accident & thru Friends of Benson's facebook page. I just wanted to say that I enjoy this message board for the insight and information that I would not find otherwise. I found the elephant sanctuary because of it and can watch the elephant I saw as a... (more)

cheryl February 9, 2012 10:58:01 (EDT)

I don't think anyone considers anyone 'lowlings',
at Least I Hope Not.

I'm for....
No more Traveling Circus'

But we must agree to disagree
And
stop the bickering on this site.

The sun is shining brightly...
Get out and smell the fresh air !
Go to Benson Park if you have the time !

:) February 8, 2012 16:46:38 (EDT)

Thank goodness we have someone like a Wilbur Mercer to guide the rest of us through our ignorant ways. A burden has been lifted. We have his superior approval, so that of us 'lowlings' may continue on with our nostalgia. Now that we have moderately met his approval, we can again lift our heads... (more)

dottie February 8, 2012 16:21:36 (EDT)

i saw a message from you about bensons farm that said you are looking for a picture of your grandfather. he worked with betsy the elephant. i have a picture of my mother from 1933 getting on betsy there is a man helping her who looks like he works there do you think it could be him? if so i could... (more)

Wilbur Mercer February 6, 2012 18:35:26 (EDT)

Of course you can have your nostalgia Deb. I am certainly not trying to take that away from you folks. Times were different and standards were low. For enterprises like Cole Bros. standards are still low. I was completely behind the renovations at Benson's until a disgusting, abusive Circus came... (more)

The Friends of Benson Park, Inc. February 4, 2012 14:39:13 (EDT)

For more Info. on how you can support Benson Park and the future Benson's wild Animal Farm Museum, Gift shop and concession stand please visit us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FriendsBensonPark

The Friends of Benson Park, Inc. February 4, 2012 14:36:24 (EDT)

Be it known It has been announced that The Friends of Benson Park Inc., has received a gift of $ 138,000 from an anonymous donor. The donor has stipulated that the money be used for the acquisition, display and housing of the large collection of Benson memorabilia owned by the last owner of... (more)

cheryl February 3, 2012 23:24:38 (EDT)

It's a great update on Liz.
and there's a sweet picture of dear departed Queen too !

It's the anniversary of them finding sanctuary in 2006.
What a nice feeling it is to know they made it there !!!!

Lisi February 3, 2012 19:35:43 (EDT)

There is a great (and thorough!) update on Liz at TES:

http://www.elephants.com/elediary.php

Michael February 2, 2012 22:16:31 (EDT)

PS... I'd really like to see this page grow. I know it's a lot of work, but someday I'd love it to be a true tribute to the Park in a virtual sense... like you click on the different attractions and each attraction has it's own page with pictures and history. Maybe people who worked there get a... (more)

Michael February 2, 2012 22:13:13 (EDT)

I've always been fascinated and somewhat obsessed with Benson's. I loved it growing up, and was terribly upset when they went under. I'm 29, so it's hard for me to believe that I was only 5 when they closed, yet I'm filled with wonderful memories. I wish there were more. Every now and then I... (more)

Nicole January 30, 2012 18:39:26 (EDT)

I am desperately in search of at least one photo with my late Grandfather in it!. He worked for Benson's and took care of the Elephant Betsy. I'm not sure the exact years he worked there, but it has to be after 1950 and before 1970. His name is Roy "chick" Shikrallah. Thank you for your help!