Benson House (Wading River, New York) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Wading River Radio Station
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South elevation and west profile, 2016
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 Benson House
Location in New York
Benson House
Location in the United States
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| Location | Wading River, New York |
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| Built | 1912 |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 100002365 |
| Added to NRHP | May 4, 2018 |
The Benson House, also known as the Wading River Radio Station, is a historic home in Wading River, New York. This three-story house has red shingles and is located on a high bluff overlooking Long Island Sound. From 1942 to 1945, it was a secret base for a very important World War II mission. This mission aimed to trick Germany and Japan about the Allies' war plans.
In 2018, the New York State Historic Preservation Board suggested the house be added to the National Register of Historic Places. It was officially listed later that same year.
Contents
A Secret Mission in Wading River
Spies and Secret Messages
During World War II, a spy working for the Nazis in Argentina secretly switched sides. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) decided to use this to their advantage. They wanted to create a fake operation to make the Nazis believe their spies were still working for them.
The FBI took over the Benson House for this secret plan. A special agent named Donworth Johnson and his family moved in. Their cover story was that Johnson had tuberculosis and needed a quiet place with fresh air. This also explained why he wasn't fighting in the war. Johnson's wife, Betty Ann, cooked for him and other agents. These agents came and went secretly at night. They worked on the second and third floors of the house.
The main goal was to send secret radio messages to the Germans in Hamburg. These messages seemed to come from Nazi spies. They contained a mix of true and false information. In 1943, messages were sent to keep German troops in northwest Europe. This stopped them from moving to other battle areas. In 1944, false information was sent to confuse the Germans about the D-Day invasion plans. Fake plans about invading places in the Pacific were also sent. This information was meant to be passed on to Japanese forces.
The house also received important messages. In 1942, intelligence about Germany's interest in building a powerful new weapon, an atomic bomb, was received. This information helped President Franklin Roosevelt decide to develop an American atomic bomb.
How the House Helped
To run this secret operation, several large shortwave radios were set up in the house. These radios used a lot of electricity. To avoid drawing attention, a Buick car engine was bolted to the basement floor. This engine supplied the power needed. A muffler helped keep the noise down.
Large antennas were needed outside the house. They were hidden by trees. The house's isolated location at the time also helped keep the operation a secret.
What Happened Next
For a long time, very little was known publicly about the Benson House. After the war, Mary Benson donated money to the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island. The Diocese bought the house in 1947. It was renamed the Benson House in Mary's honor.
The house then became part of Camp DeWolfe. This was a summer camp and retreat center for a church group. On June 7, 2014, which was 70 years after D-Day, a special plaque was placed on the house. The Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI and the Diocese dedicated this plaque. It explains the important history of the building.
