New York State is renowned for its remarkable architecture, boasting iconic landmarks like the Empire Plaza in Albany and the opulent Gilded Age buildings in Troy, not to mention the picturesque Victorian homes scattered throughout the region. Yet, none could quite rival the allure of Halcyon House at the Bennett School for Girls in Millbrook, a gem now lost forever.
If you ever found yourself driving along Route 343 nearing Route 82 in Millbrook, New York, you couldn’t miss the imposing presence of the Bennett School for Girls. The sight of this grand and distinctive building was often accompanied by signs warning “Keep Out” and “Danger.”
Formerly known as Halcyon Hall, this edifice was part of the Bennett College, originally designed as a hotel before being repurposed as a school. Although slated for demolition in December 2021, it stood tall until recently, but now only scattered piles of debris remain on the ground.
Legend has it that even when the building was intact, some girls who attended the school in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s still considered this campus their home. Visitors reported encountering slamming doors, whispers in the air, and apparitions drifting through the halls. With Halcyon Hall and the rest of the campus now gone, one might wonder what becomes of these ghostly hauntings. Do they linger, or do they dissipate into the ether like ghosts themselves?
The last vestige of Bennett College, Halcyon Hall, has now succumbed to the passage of time. Once the majestic focal point of the Bennett College – School for Women in Millbrook, New York, this grand structure, erected in the late 1800s, now lies in ruins.
Originally conceived as a luxurious hotel, the buildings were repurposed into an educational institution in the early 1900s and remained operational until 1978. Despite its initial grandeur, with an impressive 200-room Queen Anne-style architecture, the building’s floors collapsed into the basement over time. Initially planned to rise five stories tall, with a basement and sub-basement, Halcyon Hall was a symbol of opulence and ambition.
According to roadtrippers.com, the Bennett campus boasted a plethora of amenities including a chapel, stables, dormitories, an outdoor theater, and a state-of-the-art science center. However, the school eventually fell into bankruptcy, leading to the gradual decay and eventual ruin of its once-vibrant infrastructure.
Legend has it that several students met tragic ends at Bennett College, and their restless spirits are said to linger on the premises. Visitors have recounted eerie experiences, from hearing disembodied voices to encountering ghostly apparitions and even the echoes of laughter echoing through the desolate halls.
Buildings like Bennett College were truly one-of-a-kind, and it’s doubtful we’ll ever witness their like again.
In the 1980s, the property underwent a change in ownership, and a section of the campus was repurposed into condominiums. While there were intentions to convert Halcyon Hall into condos as well, these plans never came to fruition. During its peak, Bennett College accommodated up to 300 students, primarily young women hailing from affluent backgrounds. Originally situated in Irvington, New York, the buildings were later relocated to Millbrook. Initially envisioned as a grand hotel, the venture struggled financially and ultimately failed to thrive.
Students from all corners of the United States were drawn to Millbrook to enroll in the school, enticed by its unique educational offerings. In addition to a conventional curriculum, students enjoyed access to an array of extracurricular activities, including skiing, horseback riding, fashion design, music studies, tennis, golf, and fencing, making for a truly distinctive educational experience.
In a bid to remain competitive with co-educational institutions, Bennett underwent several renovations and expansions. However, these alterations signaled the start of its decline, culminating in the school’s closure in 1978.
Although students arrived for the fall semester in 1978, the school abruptly shuttered its doors. Notably, Halcyon Hall, in particular, never resumed operations after that year. Despite numerous attempts to preserve the magnificent structure, it fell victim to water damage caused by cracked pipes, hastening its decay.