2,174 Comments for Bennett School for Girls

I have to agree with winterchrstn and Pat; I'm definitely seeing spider legs.

This makes me think of a blacklight, the way the light looks blue against the walls.

This is gorgeous. I love the contrast of the green leaves against the black window frame and the white sky.

What a cute little window bench. It doesn't look too comfortable, but it's a nice idea. I bet the girls would sit here and study. That's what I would've done.

Looks like a giant bird cage. Great shot, Motts.

Beautiful. It has a very distinct German chalet feel to it. Or, at least, that's how I'm interpreting it. Very lovely.

Amazing!!! I have not thought of Bennett in decades, but found old pics of the place taken in the late 60s. I knew the school had fallen on hard times, but did not realize until now that it had been completely abandoned and is in total collapse, ruin.
Made me think of people I knew then. Does anyone know what ever became of these people: Mildred Johnson, Ph.D teacher of music, Madelaine Germain, French teacher, and the head of the English department at that time, first name was Charles. Would love to hear.

Janne,
You're correct - I believe the boxy dorm was Alumnae hall and I think the chapel is now where the current caretaker lives. It was renovated into a residence shortly after the close of Bennett School by a local artist who shortly thereafter passed away. If you'd like to drop me a line, I'd love to hear from you, share my "stories" and reminisce a bit.
D

Say, Mandy, I was one of 5 on full-scholarship. Three African-Americans from Poughkeepsie; a girl from Ecuador, and me. And I was only one of about 8 from public school (those three from Poughkeepsie, me and a few others). Bennett trained for more than getting an affluent husband. They had an outstanding music program and as Pat mentions the early education program. They also had the only bi-lingual secretarial program. They were training ladies to move on in life. Either marriage and family; careers; further education. Too bad, too sad. None of my friends at Bennett were "teepical Bennett girl". It's a big mistake to generalize.

One note - this shot is labeled "Front" but if memory serves this is in fact the rear of Halcyon Hall. Granted it faces the main road/junction but the Front faces (or used to) a beautiful long looping drive. With the chapel on one arm and a 60's era boxy dorm on the other. The field in the foreground was the Athletic (hockey/archery/and other lady-like phys.ed) Field, on which the great tents were erected for Commencement.

Just tripped over this site! I can't believe Halcyon Hall is so bad! ('70) Alum. I attended under full scholarship gnerously given by Bennett. Met my husband there. A friend's room was on the top floor of Halcyon - huge old room. Loved that building. There were new dorms too - but loved Halcyon. What a shame not only to Millbrook, but to all the very rich alumni! Where are the Fords, Rockefellers, Pillsburys? Where is Cab Calloway's daughter? And What about Molly Ferrer? Her brother is the star on Crossing Jordon; her mom Rosemary Clooney; her dad Jose Ferrer; her aunt was Audrey Hepburn. Where are all these ladies? This is absolutely horrific! I wonder what condition the Chapel is in? And the Library? And the Greek Theatre (A beautiful amphi-theatre)?

iv'v been there!

captured beatifully!!! woulda been the best with a figure standing at the end of it!

thats like a fucking artifact!!! so good!

true...dont let it crumble but can u imagine the compensation you'd get if something happend 2 u in there??? its crazy!