Benny's Story

The Story of Benny the Bunny: A Symbol of Littleton’s Heart and History
 

In the quiet beginnings of Littleton, a small town founded in the early 1960s, there lies a story not just of city planning and civic leadership, but of love, symbolism, and one very small bunny who would become an enduring emblem of the town's spirit.

​

In 1960, Robert and Rebecca Little first visited the land they had recently purchased—a quiet stretch of open fields and tall grasses. Robert, a visionary with a passion for community, had plans to establish a town here. Rebecca, his wife, shared his dreams and often found meaning in the small, beautiful details of life. On that first visit, it was Rebecca who spotted something that would forever mark the identity of the place: a small rabbit, sitting alone in the grass.

​

Touched by the sight, she named him Benny. The bunny seemed to appear at just the right moment, almost like a quiet blessing for what was to come. Rebecca later said that seeing Benny made her feel like the land itself was welcoming them home.

​

Robert, deeply moved by how much that moment meant to his wife, declared Benny the Bunny the town’s mascot. It was a small gesture on the surface, but one that revealed much about the couple’s values—appreciation for life’s little wonders, the importance of shared symbols, and the desire to build something grounded in meaning.

​

In 1965, several years after the founding of Littleton, an anonymous gift arrived at the Littles’ home. It was a vintage-style bunny mascot suit—handcrafted and oddly elegant, with no note or explanation. The sender remains unknown to this day. When Rebecca unwrapped the suit and realized what it was, she was overcome with emotion. The gesture resonated deeply with her, tying together her love for Benny, her connection to the town, and the kindness of community.

In response, Robert had the suit placed in the newly built town museum. It wasn’t just a mascot costume; to him, it was a symbol of the story they shared—a lasting tribute to the little rabbit that had welcomed them, and to the love between a husband and wife who believed in building something from nothing.

​

Today, Benny the Bunny remains on display in the Littleton Museum, standing cheerfully to greet all who enter. Children wave at him, visitors take photos, and locals tell his story with a mix of pride and affection. He represents more than just a town mascot—he’s a reminder of how something as simple as a rabbit in the grass can shape a community’s identity.

​

And occasionally, Benny disappears for a day or two—usually when the museum is being cleaned. The staff insists he’s never far. “He likes to stretch his legs now and then,” one joked. “But he always hops home.”

​

To keep Benny’s spirit alive and accessible to all, Littleton proudly features a charming cartoon version of Benny the Bunny on its official town page. Designed to capture his warmth, whimsy, and welcoming nature, the cartoon serves as a modern tribute to the bunny who helped shape the town’s identity. Whether guiding visitors through local events or adding a touch of nostalgia to community announcements, Cartoon Benny is a cheerful reminder of the town’s roots and the small moments that built something lasting.

​

Benny’s story is, at its core, a reflection of what Littleton values: love, perseverance, and finding meaning in even the smallest of moments. His presence in the museum is not just decorative—it’s symbolic. It tells the story of how a town, much like a bunny, can seem small at first glance, but carry a strength and spirit far greater than its size.