Bennett Hall
On December 15, 1806, Francis Pollard transferred ownership of the land to Jacob Kitteredge. Over the next decades, the estate changed hands, passing to Joseph Blake in 1811 and eventually finding a lasting connection with the Bennett family on August 15, 1821, when Blake died and Joshua Bennett, a distiller from Boston, assumed ownership via estate auction. In 1836, the union of Rebecca Bennett and William Wilkins Warren marked a significant chapter, as the newlyweds embarked on a journey from Bennett Hall to Boston before setting sail to their new home in St. Thomas. In 1856, the estate was given to Joshua Bennett Holden, grandson of Joshua Bennett, with the understanding that his widow should live there the rest of her natural life.
In 1890, the original house underwent substantial remodeling. The resultant grand mansion, now known as Bennett Hall, became not only a family residence but also a hub for political discussions. Figures like Curtis Guild and John L. Bates engaged in pre-gubernatorial deliberations within its hallowed halls. By 1892, Joshua Bennett Holden, Jr., took custody of the estate. He married in 1900 and only spent a few months each year in Billerica. His sporadic residence prompted the leasing of Bennett Hall to Mrs. Mary H. Hubbard in the early 20th century. Known for managing the Wayside Farm at Billerica Center, Mrs. Hubbard continued the estate's legacy as a space for summer guests and automobile parties. It used the names Johnny Cake Inn and Bennett Hall Hotel.
A new chapter emerged in 1934 when the Jewish Community Centers of New England acquired the estate and its sprawling grounds. This marked the beginning of a transformative period for Bennett Hall as it transitioned into Camp Naomi, an overnight camp exclusively designed for girls. Over the course of almost two decades, Camp Naomi became a cherished haven along the banks of the Concord River. The camp not only provided a scenic escape but also offered a range of activities and experiences, fostering camaraderie, personal growth, and lifelong memories for the young girls fortunate enough to partake in its programs.
The early 1950s marked the end of Bennett Hall. The historic estate faced demolition to make room for "Woodside Manor Estates," erasing a tangible connection to centuries of history and cultural richness.
