Benson's Wild Animal Farm - Then and Now
I recently revisited a childhood haunt in Hudson, New Hampshire, that is currently being restored back to life. I had no idea how emotional it would be revisiting Benson's Wild Animal Farm,... but I'm really happy I did.
In yesterday's post about Benson's I promised some photos. So, as promised:
BENSON'S 1960's
BENSON'S 1982 The next generation - Visiting with my daughter
Benson Park 2010
BENSON'S WILD ANIMAL FARM
THEN and NOW
There is still a lot of work to do clearing and restoring, but volunteers are determined to bring the park back to life after so many years of neglect. They have done a great job so far, and I look forward to visiting Benson Park again very soon!
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Awesome job, Sharon! Going back really is quite emotional...joy from the memories and feelings we have of good times passed mixed with sadness over it not being here anymore...
Sharon, what a nice post. Must be quite an emotional thing, to have a place that has been with you through all life's changes. Very cool. I look forward to taking my daughters to some of my favorite locations.
Sharon, these are great then and now shots (all be it a bit depressing) why does everything have to change?
Sharon - It's great to see these photos - "then" and "now". I have to ask - is that you in the little yellow dress? Your daughter in the 80's looks adorable - Oh, and I love your big 80's hair-do! I had big hair back then, too - I was trying to emulate Jacqueline Smith!
I especially remember the bridge and the pond! When were those pics? The bob hairdos look like the late 50's?
Thanks for posting those....
Linda (MY SISTER): You express it very well. That is how I feel too. I just noticed that I somehow left out two of my favorite pics:
Scott: Since visiting there recently and spending all the time going through pictures and writing the two posts...it has been very emotional. I even spent time watching the home movies we have on video tape.
Steve: This kind of change makes me very sad. I feel like I've been sucked into some kind of back-in-time dream with all the time I've invested in this place lately!
Sally: No that is my sister, Linda. (see comment 1) I'm the oldest of the four. We all had big hair back then!
Joan: You were close, it's the 60's. The bridges are a big memory for me too.
Sharon- This is a superb post. I love seeing the transition of hair styles, clothing etc as you took us through the years. And what's with the 80's hair. (don't think we didn't notice it). How lucky you are to have family around and still have places from your past with you.
Kathy: I'm so glad you enjoyed my little trip down Memory Lane. Pregnant and permed...that's pretty much how I spent the 80's. I had a baby in 80, 82, and 84.
Girl, is that you in the little yellow dress showing your panties? These are great!
Just think, Sharon!!! In 20 years or so, your kids will offer the 3rd generation of memories and photos of Bensons. Surely, you will save this post for them.
Hi, Sharon. Oh, those rollers just crack me up!!! TOO funny!
You must have a HUGE attic...where do you keep all the pictures you produce from your amazing archives?!
Patsy: I think you are talking about my sister. I'm the older one. I'm glad you enjoyed the post.
Mary Kay: I don't have to wait twenty years for the next generation...I already have to grandsons. I would love to visit the park with them some day.
Leslie: I don't have as many pics as I think you think I do. I have plenty on my computer though, and when I don't have something on my computer I can use, I know how to scan!
Love the photos Sharon! Thanks for sharing!
Great then and now photos. I'm glad to hear they are bringing it back to life for another generation or two to enjoy.
Debra: I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Russel: Thanks! It was such a shame to have all that land just sitting there neglected. It's a benefit to the community now.