Halcyon Hall (Bennett School)

Halcyon Hall was originally built in 1890 as a luxury hotel. It was five stories high and featured 200 rooms. It opened in 1893 and was a great retreat, but due to a decline in visitors was forced to close in 1901.

The Bennett School for Girls took over the premises in 1907. The school began with an enrollment of 120 students and a faculty of 29. The grounds also included a chapel, stables, dormitories, an outdoor theater and the Kettering Science Center. The state of the art science center was completed in 1972 and put the school close to bankruptcy. Halcyon Hall was closed and quickly fell into ruin. The heat was turned off and the water pipes burst causing major damage inside. In 1978 the college closed for good.

Many attempts were made to develop the property over the years but failed. The hall was originally set for demolition in 2012. In 2014 it was sold to Thorne Farm LLC and the Millbrook Tribute Garden Foundation. The future of these buildings doesn't look good but the 1920's Tudor Chapel may actually be saved and incorporated into the park.

Halcyon Hall was my most dangerous explore to date. There were lots of holes and completely collapsed areas throughout but the decay was rewarding. One room was marked "The Painted Room" with hand painted artwork all over the walls. Also came across some Graphotype and Addressograph machinery.