I turned 60 this year and was feeling sorry for myself having never attended a college reunion. I graduated in '70 and visited Miss Gannon once after i was married. She was so ahead of her time and taught me all I ever needed to know about teaching and being a mother. I still think of her and my days there very fondly. Chris Cowan was my maiden name.
Thank you for this beautiful and heartbreaking tribute to such a grand old lady. As a '64 graduate I thank you for showing such respect. The music is a perfect fit.. the words provoked much emotion for me, as my 2 years there were some of the best years of my life. I am so privileged to have known her.
+Ann Montague I am a poet from Dutchess County writing an opera about Bennett College. We are trying to reach alumnae to gather their memories in advance of a workshop performance of the opera that will happen this August (2016) in Millbrook. If you're interested in participating, we'd love to hear from you via the opera's website, unfinishedopera.wordpress.com/
I grew up in Millbrook. I remember when it was still a grand lady standing so proud . By the time I entered high school, it was shutting down. Sad that this happened .. I will never understand .. an historical preservation failure, to have let it go!
I was in the the last graduating class......gave the "good by" speech to Miss Gannon! Loved,Loved that building.............what a waste that they let it crumble away!! Such a beautiful place......wonderful memories!!
I grew up and went to school in Millbrook, NY. I find it a real travesty that this historical landmark was abandoned and just left to rot. It could have been a real treasure and could haver been re-imagined as an inn or spa resort.
My family lived on this campus in 1982 to 1984. We loved it and kept praying that some individual or company would have saved at the very least Halycon Hall. Knowing that it is now gone is like losing an old friend
I have had the old ruin picture of this place on my photobucket account for yrs....I always wondered what it was...now I know.....so sad when peoples memories crumble......thanks for finally ending the mystery.
Great video and song. The song brought back so many memories of my own childhood and places I lived. I have always said hold on to your memories and you can relive the past.
All of us Bennett girls are very sad about it's impending doom. It still hasn't been demolished. A lot of controversy over who is going to pay for it. We have a Facebook page for Bennett Alums. We would love to hear your grandmothers stories.
Many thanks for posting this. I haven't been back to Millbrook in about five years, but I've watched the building deteriorate over the decades. Heartbreaking. My father (Walter Chizinsky, known as "Dr. C") taught biology at Bennett from 1954 to 1967, and I grew up on the campus (and regarded the main building as my personal playground).
I'm rebuilding her on my minecraft server, a lengthy process, I am just nearing the completion of the exterior, the building is huge, and very complex. It gives you an even greater appreciation for the architects of Halcyon Hall~ I even rebuilt the original dining hall~
As a 16 year old French teenager I am incredibly passionate about this place, I find it just beautiful and full of charm. Unfortunately, I was born in the wrong era, but I know it was a special place in many people's hearts. Today, we no longer find this kind of architecture at all and it's really sad. I would have so loved to live in a world in which this type of architecture is found absolutely everywhere around me. Thank you so much for introducing me to this beauty. I give all my love to those who lived in this place, now destroyed.
Awww - thank you so much Kathy! We are all heartbroken. I think most of us who spent time there left a piece of us there - I know I did. And it's so sad to see what's happened. Wouldn't it have been wonderful to be able to go back for reunions and alumnae weekends? Not to be. So sad.
I love this You Tube video. What a beautiful homage to a beautiful old school. Wish it would be restored. I wonder what connection the videographer had with this beautiful place. I bet they have an amazing historical connection.
A beautiful video of a grand place. It must have been amazing to attend school here. Such a shame that it was abandoned. It could have been such a wonderful boutique hotel and spa. Or renewed as a specialty school. A loss for all of us.
@perfectbark - oh boy do I! He was my favorite teacher and we kept in touch for many years. He has been a topic of much discussion on our facebook page and he went to the recent gathering of Bennett girls just before his 80th birthday!
Hi. I was there just 3 days ago, I had to check it out ! It is still standing, albeit not by much. It sure is a beautiful place, and you have paid it a great homage, perfectly done ! I left there very sad knowing it's only a matter of time. Thank you for sharing, would love to know some stories about life there.
Enter - John O Keefe Boulevard, Millbrook, New York - in Google maps and it's right there. That road is a new road up to what used to be Bennett dorms - now condos. Halcyon Hall is right on the corner of what shows up there as 82 and Franklin Ave but when I went to school there is was Rt. 44 and Franklin Ave. If you take the Taconic State Parkway and get off at Rt. 44 and go east 44 becomes 82 and you will see it when you get to Franklin Ave in to Millbrook. You can't miss it. Good luck!
How bittersweet. Thanks for sharing this. I graduated in '75 and knew a Shanaberg. My name is Jill Klemmer (Schline). Didn't I know you? If so (or if not) I hope life has treated you with a gentle hand.
@perfectbark - Thanks! I would LOVE to see your photos! It's due to be demolished this month isn't it? SO sad. A bunch of old Bennett friends went back to say good-by a month or so ago but I couldn't make it. I have this image stuck in my head of me clinging to the wrecking ball as it slams into the building as I yell, nooooooooo!
Great job with the video. I was over there myself the last couple of days shooting around 20 minutes or so of video as well as taking many stills, including a series I have stitched together to make a panoramic shot of old Halcyon. I've been wanting to do this for a long time for fear that I am going to wake up one night to an orange glow in the sky to the west of my home where it will be the final end. Let me know if you are interested in the photos. Best wishes.
Oh it is a server for a PC game, you can build stuff in it, out of blocks, sort of like legos. I'll send you some pictures of my Halcyon Hall if you'd like. It is cartoony, but I promise, I spent a lot of time planning spacing, and trying to make it as close to the original by scale as I could.
This si a very touching tribute, and the music is so appropriate. What is the song and who is the artist, please? (Please reply to this comment and I'll get a notification.) Thanks!
@pshanaberg I just checked out a few things and realized it had to be you. I'm feeling so nostalgic lately. Really lovely video! Yes, I'm on FB but did not find you. Could not upload your video to my page but I wrote something about it and embeded it so folks can reach you on youtube. Please be in touch!
have you tried this site? Hudson River Valley Heritage - search Halcyon Hall and Bennett College and Godey's Magazine - they have a lot of old stuff including floor plans -especially the Godey's Magazine
I was referring to the Hudson River Valley Heritage site - I couldn't post the web site address here but they have a search box - Godey's Magazine on that site has all the plans and old article about it
OMG!!! Did they tear it down??!! I know it was schedule to be demolished I think last Oct. but it was postponed because it was going to be SO expensive (who to pay?) and the spread of aspestos was a big problem too.
Wow! Hi Jill! Yes, I do remember you and hope you are well too! I graduated in '76. There are a lot of Bennett "girls" on facebook. Are you on facebook by any chance?
My dream is that some fanatic millionaire will restore/rebuild it at great cost to personal fortune~ ;o if they remade her back into a college that would be such a beautiful story T.T
@perfectbark - And who was your girlfriend? I've heard stories since then but I never thought of him like that - more like a favorite Uncle. I lived in Unit 5 (or was it 6?) freshman year and 4 Sr. year. Do you live in Millbrook?
@pshanaberg Ole Charlie always did like the ladies. Back in the day I learned that he had a tryst with my former GF which sort of got my nose bent our of shape. In more recent years we were colleagues at Marist where I believe he is now retired. I see him every so often in the Millbrook Diner. What dorm did you live in?
I wonder why they didn't have the water shut off and the windows boarded up after it closed? it would be in better shape. it is still standing btw. I don't think they are going to demolish it. too expensive. its so sad to see such a beautiful building go downhill like this.
I am a poet from Dutchess County writing an opera about Bennett College. We are trying to reach alumnae to gather their memories in advance of a workshop performance of the opera that will happen this August (2016) in Millbrook. If you're interested in participating, we'd love to hear from you via the opera's website, unfinishedopera.wordpress.com/
+Gabriel Espinosa I can't even watch the whole thing. You have no idea how physically sick it makes those of us who spent some of the best times of our lives there to see this. I wish people could be more interested in what Halcyon was rather than in the ruin it has become. So heartbreaking.
watch?v=SPTrbaDy0xQ That minecraft game Halcyon Version I was talking about, I made a video of it. Some ideas are mine though, and I typo'd the text in the beginning haha.
I turned 60 this year and was feeling sorry for myself having never attended a college reunion. I graduated in '70 and visited Miss Gannon once after i was married. She was so ahead of her time and taught me all I ever needed to know about teaching and being a mother. I still think of her and my days there very fondly. Chris Cowan was my maiden name.
Thank you for this beautiful and heartbreaking tribute to such a grand old lady. As a '64 graduate I thank you for showing such respect. The music is a perfect fit.. the words provoked much emotion for me, as my 2 years there were some of the best years of my life. I am so privileged to have known her.
+Ann Montague I am a poet from Dutchess County writing an opera about Bennett College. We are trying to reach alumnae to gather their memories in advance of a workshop performance of the opera that will happen this August (2016) in Millbrook. If you're interested in participating, we'd love to hear from you via the opera's website, unfinishedopera.wordpress.com/
I grew up in Millbrook. I remember when it was still a grand lady standing so proud . By the time I entered high school, it was shutting down. Sad that this happened .. I will never understand .. an historical preservation failure, to have let it go!
@@deborahwright3001 Amen. Wishing in the near future builder's, etc will work together on these beautiful builds and restore.
@@deborahwright3001 WELL SAID !
I was in the the last graduating class......gave the "good by" speech to Miss Gannon! Loved,Loved that building.............what a waste that they let it crumble away!! Such a beautiful place......wonderful memories!!
DO YOU HAVE PICS BACK THEN ?
I grew up and went to school in Millbrook, NY. I find it a real travesty that this historical landmark was abandoned and just left to rot. It could have been a real treasure and could haver been re-imagined as an inn or spa resort.
Thank you so much - it was a labor of love for me. Some of the best times of my life were spent there. And the same is true for many many of us.
SO SAD I SEEN TODAY ITS ALL BEING TORN DOWN SO SO SAD !!
My family lived on this campus in 1982 to 1984. We loved it and kept praying that some individual or company would have saved at the very least Halycon Hall. Knowing that it is now gone is like losing an old friend
This is a lovely video about times gone by. I recently visited Millbrook with my male partner. It was so sad!
Hilary Jaeckel Kaiser
Class of 1966
I have had the old ruin picture of this place on my photobucket account for yrs....I always wondered what it was...now I know.....so sad when peoples memories crumble......thanks for finally ending the mystery.
I grew up here in area and I remember Bennett college in the 60's I thought it was so Beautiful 😢
Yes, I join many others who shared some of the best times of our lives there. It was a very special place.
Great video and song. The song brought back so many memories of my own childhood and places I lived. I have always said hold on to your memories and you can relive the past.
choked and crying, I loved this wonderful and loving place thank you for this
my grandma was actually saddened when she heard about the demolition. she studied in that school for interior design.
All of us Bennett girls are very sad about it's impending doom. It still hasn't been demolished. A lot of controversy over who is going to pay for it. We have a Facebook page for Bennett Alums. We would love to hear your grandmothers stories.
i just passed it and its so sad. but its still standing. i wish they could fix it up :((
I CANT FIND THE LINK ??
Still standing as of yesterday, I was there. ;)
@@e5m956it’s gone now
Many thanks for posting this. I haven't been back to Millbrook in about five years, but I've watched the building deteriorate over the decades. Heartbreaking.
My father (Walter Chizinsky, known as "Dr. C") taught biology at Bennett from 1954 to 1967, and I grew up on the campus (and regarded the main building as my personal playground).
DO YOU HAVE ANY PICTURES WHEN YOU WERE THERE ?
Oh my! I envy you! That must have been fun!
@@SMtWalkerS It was. A fabulous place to grow up.
Lovely tribute. Clearly, this college was loved by many. This school will live on in your hearts.
I'm rebuilding her on my minecraft server, a lengthy process, I am just nearing the completion of the exterior, the building is huge, and very complex. It gives you an even greater appreciation for the architects of Halcyon Hall~ I even rebuilt the original dining hall~
As a 16 year old French teenager I am incredibly passionate about this place, I find it just beautiful and full of charm. Unfortunately, I was born in the wrong era, but I know it was a special place in many people's hearts. Today, we no longer find this kind of architecture at all and it's really sad. I would have so loved to live in a world in which this type of architecture is found absolutely everywhere around me. Thank you so much for introducing me to this beauty. I give all my love to those who lived in this place, now destroyed.
I just want you to know that this is my favorite urbex video!
Thank you! But what is an "urbex video"?
It was fabulous! We're all heartbroken over it's demise.
my pleasure - sort of - I feel like crying every time I watch. SUCH great memories for so many of us.
Absolutely beautiful video. I never went there yet it still made me sad. The building was stunning. Love the song choice.
Wonderful Video! What a Beautiful building. Your video payed a Very Good Homage to the history of this college and Halcyon Hall. Well Done!
Awww - thank you so much Kathy! We are all heartbroken. I think most of us who spent time there left a piece of us there - I know I did. And it's so sad to see what's happened. Wouldn't it have been wonderful to be able to go back for reunions and alumnae weekends? Not to be. So sad.
Job well done. thanks for taking the effort to do this.
incredible job well done ! loved seeing the before and after pictures !!
GREAT VIDEO THANK YOU.....HEARTBREAKING
nice choice of music, its a pity old building like this can't be restored, so many memories
That was wonderful... Thanks so much for putting this together! It was truly touching...
I love this You Tube video. What a beautiful homage to a beautiful old school. Wish it would be restored. I wonder what connection the videographer had with this beautiful place. I bet they have an amazing historical connection.
A beautiful video of a grand place. It must have been amazing to attend school here. Such a shame that it was abandoned. It could have been such a wonderful boutique hotel and spa. Or renewed as a specialty school. A loss for all of us.
made me cry....awesome video !
Millbrook is a great little town to check out too - also very different than when we were all there at Bennett.
Thank you so much for doing this. I lived and loved Bennett College.
@perfectbark - oh boy do I! He was my favorite teacher and we kept in touch for many years. He has been a topic of much discussion on our facebook page and he went to the recent gathering of Bennett girls just before his 80th birthday!
If I was a billionaire, one of the first things I'd do is give Halycon Hall a full restoration
Me too 😢
Awww, I'm afraid this probably didn't cheer you up much. I graduated in '76. Such a special time!
Thanks Hilary. Yes, very very sad. I haven't been back in about 15 years and that was bad enough. I still feel such a strong connection.
Hi. I was there just 3 days ago, I had to check it out ! It is still standing, albeit not by much. It sure is a beautiful place, and you have paid it a great homage, perfectly done ! I left there very sad knowing it's only a matter of time. Thank you for sharing, would love to know some stories about life there.
Very very sad - especially for those of us who spent such special times there.
Love your video. You did a great job. And the music fits perfectly. Thanks for posting.
Enter - John O Keefe Boulevard, Millbrook, New York - in Google maps and it's right there. That road is a new road up to what used to be Bennett dorms - now condos. Halcyon Hall is right on the corner of what shows up there as 82 and Franklin Ave but when I went to school there is was Rt. 44 and Franklin Ave. If you take the Taconic State Parkway and get off at Rt. 44 and go east 44 becomes 82 and you will see it when you get to Franklin Ave in to Millbrook. You can't miss it. Good luck!
I love your video...would you sell a copy on DVD ?? I collect Bennett College postcards,Photos etc and I have two yearbooks '62 and '64.
Wow, Thanks for sharing its history. Too bad it wasn't preserved....
How bittersweet. Thanks for sharing this. I graduated in '75 and knew a Shanaberg. My name is Jill Klemmer (Schline). Didn't I know you? If so (or if not) I hope life has treated you with a gentle hand.
@perfectbark - Thanks! I would LOVE to see your photos! It's due to be demolished this month isn't it? SO sad. A bunch of old Bennett friends went back to say good-by a month or so ago but I couldn't make it. I have this image stuck in my head of me clinging to the wrecking ball as it slams into the building as I yell, nooooooooo!
Podrías contarme un poco más?... Estoy muy intrigado, que hermoso edificio... me dejó perplejo. Saludos desde Chile!
Fantastic job! Bravo for your effort!
Thank you...I concur with the others...a wonderful video!!!
Great job with the video. I was over there myself the last couple of days shooting around 20 minutes or so of video as well as taking many stills, including a series I have stitched together to make a panoramic shot of old Halcyon. I've been wanting to do this for a long time for fear that I am going to wake up one night to an orange glow in the sky to the west of my home where it will be the final end. Let me know if you are interested in the photos. Best wishes.
Oh it is a server for a PC game, you can build stuff in it, out of blocks, sort of like legos. I'll send you some pictures of my Halcyon Hall if you'd like. It is cartoony, but I promise, I spent a lot of time planning spacing, and trying to make it as close to the original by scale as I could.
This si a very touching tribute, and the music is so appropriate. What is the song and who is the artist, please? (Please reply to this comment and I'll get a notification.) Thanks!
Madonna - This Used To Be My Playground ua-cam.com/video/RhXDO2a3-sE/v-deo.html
@pshanaberg
I just checked out a few things and realized it had to be you. I'm feeling so nostalgic lately. Really lovely video! Yes, I'm on FB but did not find you. Could not upload your video to my page but I wrote something about it and embeded it so folks can reach you on youtube. Please be in touch!
have you tried this site? Hudson River Valley Heritage - search Halcyon Hall and Bennett College and Godey's Magazine - they have a lot of old stuff including floor plans -especially the Godey's Magazine
I was referring to the Hudson River Valley Heritage site - I couldn't post the web site address here but they have a search box - Godey's Magazine on that site has all the plans and old article about it
Very beautiful Video!!
OMG!!! Did they tear it down??!! I know it was schedule to be demolished I think last Oct. but it was postponed because it was going to be SO expensive (who to pay?) and the spread of aspestos was a big problem too.
pshanaberg Still there as of 8/10/2019.
Thank you! Yes, very very sad indeed.
Great video and information. I would like to photograph there. Any address I can look up? Google maps has failed me. Thanks!
@pshanaberg
Yeah, I've been here most of my life for some reason. So these "units" you refer to are the Sr condos now?
Who ever added those horrid "concrete units" to that glorious work of art, ... grrrr... it was the end of it..
tragic demise
Wow! Hi Jill! Yes, I do remember you and hope you are well too! I graduated in '76. There are a lot of Bennett "girls" on facebook. Are you on facebook by any chance?
Love this song by Madonna… very appropriate for this college.
@pshanaberg
By the way ..... do you remember Charlie Hoyt?
wow - I'd love to see it!
the article said "set for demolition any day now"
published on the 21st of april 2012
I KNOW! I think we all need to see a pic so we all know it's happy and well! :)
My dream is that some fanatic millionaire will restore/rebuild it at great cost to personal fortune~ ;o if they remade her back into a college that would be such a beautiful story T.T
@perfectbark - And who was your girlfriend? I've heard stories since then but I never thought of him like that - more like a favorite Uncle. I lived in Unit 5 (or was it 6?) freshman year and 4 Sr. year. Do you live in Millbrook?
Sent :3 hope you like it, even though nothing compares with the real thing, in ruins or not. Halcyon Hall Forever~
@pshanaberg
Ole Charlie always did like the ladies. Back in the day I learned that he had a tryst with my former GF which sort of got my nose bent our of shape. In more recent years we were colleagues at Marist where I believe he is now retired. I see him every so often in the Millbrook Diner. What dorm did you live in?
Interesting. What is a minecraft server?
read about this in the dailymail
wish i could've gone to view it before they tore it down
Who went to Bennett College for school say "I"? What's it like?! I'm dying to know!
actually, they cant demolish it becuz there is aspestus in the walls so they just have 2 wait 4 it to fall down
I wonder why they didn't have the water shut off and the windows boarded up after it closed? it would be in better shape. it is still standing btw. I don't think they are going to demolish it. too expensive. its so sad to see such a beautiful building go downhill like this.
to Jill - long red hair right?
❤
Wow, this made me extremely depressed. I just made a video of this place as well.
hey, yours is surely way better. no offense
I am a poet from Dutchess County writing an opera about Bennett College. We are trying to reach alumnae to gather their memories in advance of a workshop performance of the opera that will happen this August (2016) in Millbrook. If you're interested in participating, we'd love to hear from you via the opera's website, unfinishedopera.wordpress.com/
I believe she's gone now. Took her down this week.😥
No - they've started but there's still a lot more up than down. Sad.
Took the Phantom 4 out for a test flight and chose this ruin: vimeo.com/160192740
+Gabriel Espinosa I can't even watch the whole thing. You have no idea how physically sick it makes those of us who spent some of the best times of our lives there to see this. I wish people could be more interested in what Halcyon was rather than in the ruin it has become. So heartbreaking.
+pshanaberg I can imagine.
watch?v=SPTrbaDy0xQ That minecraft game Halcyon Version I was talking about, I made a video of it. Some ideas are mine though, and I typo'd the text in the beginning haha.
weird song choice..
not if it used to be your playground
Great video and information. I would like to photograph there. Any address I can look up? Google maps has failed me. Thanks!