Benson's Wild Animal Farm
Elephants, donkeys and gorillas in a political jungle
Alex Q. Arbuckle
1930s
First opened to the public in 1926, Benson’s Wild Animal Farm in Hudson, New Hampshire, housed a panoply of exotic animals, including, at one point, a presidential primary candidate.The farm was founded by Teddy Roosevelt’s hunting buddy John Benson as an animal training center, and expanded in the 1930s with the addition of a circus featuring performances by elephants, chimps and tigers, dozens of rides and a miniature train which circled the 165-acre property. Children could also ride a “live carousel” on the backs of real spotted reindeer.At the height of its popularity, a “Jungle Train” would run from Boston to Hudson every Sunday, and the farm had a parking lot with room for 5,200 vehicles. Located in an early presidential primary state, Benson’s also rented out plenty of elephants and donkeys for Republican and Democratic rallies in the area. In 1980, the farm’s 500-pound silverback gorilla Colossus was entered as a candidate in both primaries, running against Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter as a publicity stunt for the farm.After decades of dwindling attendance, the farm closed in 1987. The land is now a public recreational park.
Visit Premier Exhibitions at 417 5th Avenue to see the past become present again at "Retronaut's New York." This pop-up exhibition of extraordinary, digitally restored photographs captures New York City at the turn of the 20th century. It's only open until May 15, so be sure to get down there before it’s gone.