2,174 Comments for Bennett School for Girls

PR- U hit a home run -the video is KILLER and i thought a long time ago why wasn't the woodwork salvaged and when they left why was some furniture left

ran across a recent video of people exploring inside the Hall.
Andy's World Episode 4 Halcyon Hall Bennett Junior College

I enjoyed it for a bunch of reasons, figured others here might too.
The "cast'' are pretty endearing, and the jaunty soundtrack,
sharp editing, and sense of humor won me over.

It's the first I've seen of the interior in a LONG time. Most
shocking to me is how decent a shape SOME parts of
the building are STRUCTURALLY [a small percentage, for sure]
yet how almost ANY evidence of the luxurious FINISH of all the rooms has long vanished
throughout.

It astonishes me that the experience of exploring here no longer
includes the wondrous decorative adornments that were such a
celebrated feature of the Hall as it was concieved.
Hell, I thought even I was missing out by not having experienced
inside in later years. I can see from this video I'm not missing a damn thing! It is All Gone. All of it.

Frankly, most of the losses in that regard are from Vandalism. At one point a creditor who was owed from some contract from heck-knows
when by a long deceased former owner went in and did a number on
what little was barely left of the choice interior finish decoration.He would have been better off stealing it. I wish someone had.

The library /parlor double doors and mouldings were valued at
over $100 thousand dollars two decades ago. As is. It is hard for me to believe that they were not "removed" at some point in the mid 90's? I am speculating. The last time I saw them in the flesh was decades ago.
That portion of the building's floors are partially collapsed.

Most of the dozens of fireplaces, no two mantels alike, seem demo-ed
Woodwork, crown mouldings, balustrades,coffered ceilings,
leaded glass windows,seemingly all of the intricate parquet flooring,
everything vanished.

Andy's entertaining video makes it seem interesting as just an
abandoned maze like place. ALL of Halcyon's architectural interest
now lies upon it's weathered exterior. If anyone goes inside, pleeze
be careful! [And wear a Respirator!] ok

This is beautiful!

Will do =)

Let us know how it progresses.

keep us up on the progress

Wanderer, I'm not giving up! I just got an interview for August 5th!

people can be real %^$#@- we'll take whatever U have

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to update everyone on the Bennett project, things have been kind of tuff because it's been difficult to get interviews. It seems that a lot of people are interested but when it comes time to film them, they disappear. So far, we have one, and it turned out very well. Does anyone have an interest in being interviewed on here? I would like to get at least two more people before I release a trailer. No driving required, I would be happy to come to you.

Thanks!

-Christina

my sentiments Stax v8 -every year when I go -don't know what to expect and as U said- what project on to -to verbally dissect- must leave Dutchess county to venture on to another county

Oh Pat,it sounds pritty hard to do for the young ones that
have a dare from their mates to put that mark on the wall
that will show others that they had the balls to not get
caught,not like all the others.It sounds like that it wont be long
now then as the place is getting more attention even tho
its not the attention that it in its own right deserves.Thanx
to all our mates in the states that keep the ones of us on
the other side,up to date with what is going on.Any more
on October the 1st.Wont it be cool if it is one of those
things that just keep on keepn on an and it keeps us all
talking.If Bennett fell the heck ova or was pushed (Heaven
Forbid) what would happen.Would we find another ruin to
love and have a common interest in.Seems sad guys.I for
one dont know the answer??U guys are cool and in my
thoughts

Must have been magical seeing Halcyon in the summer moonlight. Was that the "supermoon" ? Even more so.

actually, on balance, the village has been pretty vigilant for a decade
plus on apprehending and prosecuting tresspassers. Hell, the cops
tried to chase us out more than thirty years ago, when i was still but a
lad.

but realistically, unless they witness entrance or egress, unless
people are being stupid and noisy, who would even know anyone
is inside this hulk that people tend to ignore in the first place?

I don't know the details really, but i presume the charges would
be
misdemeanor tresspassing,and /or criminal mischief. These
sort of scenarios are often accompanied by resisting arrest
charges, if their was a pursuit. If it were a viable property, you
could throw in vandalism, I'm sure, but no judge around here
would do anything but laugh, at least regarding any events
within Halcyon's interior. It'd be reduced to disordely conduct.If the tresspassers are young enough,
there is usually the inevitable open container or possession
charge they could toss in.

not sure what the final penalties will be, likely a fine, few months
probation, maybe a little community service. I can promise you
it is enough that these individuals will not do it again, which will be
the point, to make an example.

i think going in this place at this point is just pushing the button to
get yourself busted really, I understand the attraction, believe me,
but it is not worth it. It is so under scrutiny. The negative attention becomes a self-fullfilling prophecy for those who want demolition,
and also attracts others who are drawn to explore here. This some-what antagonistic cycle is reaching a critical mass, and is becoming
a definite factor that will start to drive events in regards to the property.

Just a few weeks back I enjoyed seeing Halcyon [somewhat up close?} in the summer moonlight, lingering closer and for alot
longer than one would imagine under the current scrutiny. But that
is the point. Admiring and entering are two different animals.

Here one needs to be quite careful doing either, for a multitude of
reasons.

be safe peoples.

I wonder what the penalties would be for breaking into a 40 year abandoned building.

I wonder what the penalties would be for breaking into a 40 year abandoned building.