2,174 Comments for Bennett School for Girls

Thanks, wanderer, for the update. Would love to see your photos. Could you post them.

Saw this yesterday, and I must say that the basement is entirely creepy !!!

Explored it yesterday, and the fear wasn't of spirits, or police, but of collapse ! It is still standing albeit barely. It's a beautiful place, and I left there with a feeling of sadness, knowing it's only a matter of time.

Flora way too cool website- made me feel as if I was in there

was there last week and she looks the same but it was like she is a tired old lady- I walked the perimeter of the fence taking pics but the trees blocked a lot- wish someone could be there in the winter time to see it all I think there will no people caused demo as U said the asbestos- would have the Bennett Commons residents up in arms as it is a few feet from the building- the builder of them surely knew there would be no demo however a natural collapse would endanger the residents-would not want to be there ask PWR about that-it should get him on a good rant-how many years left - dunno

Great to so much interest still thriving on this great site. Also happy to see that you, Pat Ratchet, are still keeping us posted (and entertained) with regard to the condition of Halcyon Hall. I rarely visit this blog these days for fear of finding out that the old place has been demo'd.
Back when the place closed, I can remember my dad saying that the best thing that could happen to the place would be to take a wrecking ball to it. He was the "last man standing" at Bennett College at the very end and he provided tours to the "Newmans" the "Moonies" the Irish College and so on. He guided all of the owners: Jack O'Dea, Jim Cerniglia and so on... Even in 1978, no one had deep enough pockets to buy and renovated the old main building.
As for the Science Center having multiple sub-basements, bloody handprints, etc... I think Bear's imagination has gotten the best of him. The various posts of paranormal activity and women in white dresses are much the same. While I don't doubt there are spirits remaining at the school, I don't ever remember any true stories of girls committing suicide, etc... Tripping on Leary's acid, maybe... sordid professor/student affairs, sure... but beyond that, let's just call it "urban legend".
A shame that this masterpiece of Victorian architecture has been left to rot. When the school closed, there were no funds to winterize the heating plant, no funds to shore up the already existing infirmities. What contents could be sold were auctioned, what did not sell was either stolen or left to waste, the waste has been vandalized and bastardized beyond recognition. A sad commentary on the idyllic Village of Millbrook, to say the least.
Bennett College was a huge part of my growing up. The asbestos in the building and exposure to it is certainly part of what killed my father.
So much deeper than whose responsibility it would have, should have, could have been.
Thanks to Motts for his photography and to Pat for his continued posts...
should anyone wish to contact me - name/e-mail are as listed...

Is anyone familiar with this site? http://www.adventurebi...tt-school-for-girls/ I just found this.

Wanderer, have you visited Halcyon yet? Let us know what you see and any photos that you might take. Pat, let us know how your book is going. I'd love to read it. Hope all is well with everyone.

Pat Ratchet, may I please have your email? If you don't feel comfortable posting it here can you please contact me at Halcyon_Project@yahoo.com

i don't know what others are doing but am getting ready to pack- will be there the middle of the month -don't want to see any surprizes- hope no more shake & bake for ya

Where have you all gone.Hello is there anybody in there.OMG Lynne are you back for good.Havent heard from you for ages.Missed you and your wise comments.Hey it like Im the first to see this pic guys.There are more deserving people that shud be right in this place.Lets start it all again and fill this up with all good stuff of Bennett.

i was having trouble getting on this site with places to give replies so i am not crazy the computer is

hey Motts what goes with the lack of posts

we all love out 120 year old BABY

pat, you're welcome. I love to come on this site & see more from you on this place, the wonder that is Bennett. To everyone else that offers some insight on this place, please do no feel slighted that I have not thanked you too. So, to all of you, thanks, you too help keep her alive, if pat is the heartbeat, you are all the arteries & veins. So, again, thank you for all the info & insight you provide on the old girl. I do enjoy reading all the posts you all leave here on her.