Front of "castle" 1984
Front of "castle" 2009 with a lot of trees removed
A friend from high school popped in facebook and it turns out she used to stay in the Harry Bennett Castle!!! OMG !!! Her friend lived next door to the castle.
Donna sent me these great photos from 1984. When I shot the castle last fall it has been painted a sage green color with the windows trimmed in white.
Harry had his own theater built on the property
Donna said:
Many years ago, my girlfriend and I stayed there. She lived next door and house-sat when the previous owners were out of town. Pretty cool place.
Abandoned pool
The place is pretty cool and scary. We went in the tunnels and were able to take personal tours with no one looking over our shoulders. I even stayed several nights, once left alone while my friend went to the bar, you talk about being scared, I was up all night looking over my shoulder.
NO KIDDING!!!! Not without a gun in each hand would I have done that Donna!
Love this back view. Donna noticed the large stairway was added to the Castle after 1984. The Castle appears that a lot of trees were removed from this side as well. The two turrets are clearly visible in both views.
Large Staircase goes down to the river
The Bennett stables. This is where HB housed the lions and tigers he used to keep in case of an enemy attack.
Another view of the Theater
Dining room with large dining table
Another view of dining room
Stone Fireplace
Stone Fireplace Close up
Music room off dining room notice dining chair
Narrow staircase to upper level
Family Den with beautiful wing back chair and wood paneling
Out building on property
Powder room
Side view
Read My other Harry Bennett Stories
The Castle
The Lodge
Rise and Fall of Harry Bennett
The Cabin
NEW* PM Magazine Video Tour of the Castle
Thank you Donna!!!
3 comments:
Kim, that was a good article about the Bennett castle. I am glad you had photos from Donna showing the inside, I knew that she had stayed there! I have my Dad's Ford ID with Bennett's signature on it from back in the 30's!
I posted that I aquired the crest of Harry Bennett. As an updated, it is clearly visible in the pictures of the stone fireplace. it is located front and center. Either there were more than one crest plate, or Mr. Stark removed it. But either way I have this Crest Plate. I would like to know if there would be any historical value in this plate?
Anonymous,
My grandfather, Robert Folsom, also worked for Electro-Arc and Harold Stark. He was also frequently put to the task of keeping the grounds at the castle. Might you know him? He probably was retired by 1984, but I also just happened to meet another gentleman by the name of Bob McCrary who now is in charge of taking care of the grounds for the current owner. If you know either of them, would you email me back at jay226@gmail.com. Thanks so much!
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