Lizzie Borden Preliminary Hearing – FREE

UPDATE (August 4, 2009)

“Stop and go no further!” cried the spinster.

“But I am for Truth, Justice & the American way!” bellowed the blogger. (LMAO)

**************************

By clicking the “Preliminary Hearing” page above, you can read the entire transcript of this proceeding in the Lizzie Borden case, absolutely FREE. You can also cut and paste the entire text into Word and save it to your hard drive for later printing if you wish.

The Preliminary Hearing in the Lizzie Borden case was held August 25, 1892 through September 1, 1892.  It was near enough to the murders that memories were sharper than when shared by the same witnesses at the Trial ten months later.

(Click on all images for larger view)

The first hard copy availability of this primary source document was made over 15 years ago through the Fall River Historical Society.  They received Defense Attorney Andrew Jenning’s copy, with his handwritten notes, and sold copies through their gift shop

At the time of the Hearing, newspapers reported on the daily testimony but it was the New Bedford Evening Standard that printed all of the Preliminary Hearing after the Trial -  including Lizzie’s Inquest testimony – which had been read into the record.

The book above contains the full transcript and although it is in very small print, it has wonderful illustrations.

I made copies of the original source document from the FRHS and bound them as shown in the first image above and sold them on eBay over a decade ago.  In 2000, I began transcribing the document in Word format and put them on CD’s as a Research and Reference source into this case.

The above image gives a description of the content of those CD’s, inclusive of my own transcription of the Preliminary Hearing.

I sold the CD’s for many years in different formats beginning in 2001.

Often times I sold the CD with other Lizzie collectibles.

The CD, with my own Word transcription has been copyrighted for years.

I also made a hard copy of my transcribed document from 2001 as seen above and this, as well as the CD’s have been sold or given away for years, including sold at the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast in Fall River, MA.

Harry Widdows, Stefani Koorey and Kat Koorey edited their own version of a transcribed Preliminary Hearing and sell it through LuLu Press and the FRHS for around $40!

Now you can read this most interesting document absolutely FREE, cut and paste the text into MS Word and have it on your hard drive.  You can even do word searches.

Again, just click on the “Preliminary Hearing” page to this blog at the top and Enjoy!

“Alone” Painting – Part 3″

And yet another “Alone” painting surfaces – the same girl-in-the-boat-at sunset scene that Lizzie Borden gave to a handy man.   Thanks to a comment submitted to this blog we have the name of another artist, Heinrich Vosberg, who painted an original of this scene.      The commenter had this to say:

Bo Says:
July 26, 2009 at 2:38 pm e

“I have a copy as well. It was found in the attic of my girlfriend’s great grandmother. She had it framed. It looks to be oil paint and the canvas has large blank edges with writing on it. It is signed H. Vosberg 1887 on the bottom left. Send me your email and I will send you a pic.”

I “Googled” Vosberg and discovered a load of sites about him, including this “Best Answers” forum that poses the question of value of this painting by Vosberg – I have to assume it’s the same person who wrote me.   Otherwise, logic presumes two people have two original originals.  The entire exchange is quite interesting, but here are some extracts:

“Hi! Heinrich Vosberg was born in Germany in 1833, and lived until 1891. One of his paintings, Lake with sunset, Herrenhausen (1876), is even in the Royal Collection of artwork of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth  II. http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/eGalle… His work is also highly regarded in the International community, so I would urge you not to be in a hurry to sell this painting, but to throughly research all of the information I have given you above, without making any commitments to anyone regarding a possible sale, until you have the big picture of information regarding the painting you own.”

So we learn this painting was actually entitled  “ALONE AND FORSAKEN” – at least by artist Vosberg.  Get this:  A small print can be had for $1.50.  That’s right.  Click HERE and scroll down until you come to image “SIG425″.

It remains a mystery who actually painted the original-original of this girl-in-a-boat-at-sunset scene but what we do know is that it was so popular that countless prints were made and apparently easy to come by.  Actual oil on canvas original paintings that have surfaced here so far were painted by:

1.  Herman Alfred Leonard Wahlberg (1834-1906) – and was given by Lizzie to a handyman.   (Provenance describes it as a “picture” so it may not have been an original painting but a print of Wahlberg’s original).

2.  Father Arnold Janssen, or Janseen (1837-1909) who was canonized and previously featured in this blog  HERE.

3.  Heinrich Vosberg (1833-1891) – his paintings are still sold through various art auction houses.  He named this one “Alone and Forsaken”.

Slide cursor over image when it comes into full view.  (There’s music).

One of those untold number of prints sold for less than $30 on eBay just recently.  The cherrywood frame, circa early 1900’s,  and the newsprint behind the frame were worth more than the print.

I’ve become less interested about the fact Lizzie gave this painting to a handyman than I am about the genesis of its original creation.  Perhaps more readers out there will come forward with *their* original “Alone” painting.

When Julie Andrews turned 64

To commemorate her birthday , actress/vocalist, Julie Andrews made a special appearance at Manhattan ’s Radio City Music Hall for the benefit of the AARP.   One of musical numbers she performed was ‘My Favorite Things’  from the legendary movie ‘Sound Of Music’.   Here are the lyrics she used:

(Sing It!)  - If you sing it, it’s especially hysterical!!!

Botox and nose drops and needles for knitting,
Walkers and  handrails and new dental fittings,
Bundles of magazines tied up in string,
These are a few of my favorite things.

Cadillacs and cataracts, hearing aids and glasses,
Polident and Fixodent and false teeth in glasses,
Pacemakers, golf carts and porches with swings,
These are a few of my favorite things.

When the pipes leak, When the bones creak,
When the knees go bad,
I simply remember my favorite things,
And then I don’t feel ! so bad.

Hot tea and crumpets and corn pads for bunions,
No spicy hot food or food cooked with onions,
Bathrobes and heating pads and hot meals they bring,
These are a few of my favorite things.

Back pain, confused brains and no need for sinnin’,
Thin bones and fractures and hair that is thinnin’,
And we won’t mention our short shrunken frames,
When we remember our favorite things.

When the joints ache, When the hips break,
When the eyes grow dim,
Then I remember the great life I’ve had,
And then I don’t feel so bad.

Ms Andrews received a standing ovation from the crowd
that lasted over four minutes and repeated encores. Please
share Ms. Andrews’ clever wit and humor with others who
would appreciate it.

(The above is from an email that is circulating widely.)

My Chinese Friends

Just back from a quick run (flight) to LA to hook up with Liu Meifing and Chen Qiaolian whom we met in Hong Kong when we ate at their restaurant.   They told us they would be visiting California and we promised to meet and greet them no matter the logistics.   So, we took a quick flight and met them at The Grove and talked and walked for hours.  Next day, we took them through Beverly Hills and The Kodak Theatre tour (next to Grahman’s Chinese Theater), then a great dinner at Mr. Lee’s in Chinatown.   It’s their first trip to the United States and I wish I could show them all my favorite places.  Yesterday, they flew up to San Francisco and we flew back to Arizona.

Came back to find a  “Comment” email on yet another “Alone” painting original – again by a different artist.  Will do the next blog about that.  Taking the day off work to catch up on my sleep!

Armstrong Circle Theater & Lizzie Borden

The Armstrong Circle Theatre was an anthology drama television series which ran from 1950 to 1957 on NBC, and then until 1963 on CBS. Considered by many to be one of the best anthology series during the “Golden Age” of television, it featured original dramas by noted writers, and its guidelines specifically called for the avoidance of violence.

Their aim was “to combine fact and drama–to arouse interest, even controversy, on important and topical subjects. Using a news story or idea was not enough: the series also had to be able to present some potential solution, some hope for your citizens to consider, to think about.”

The Legend of Murder: The Untold Story of Lizzie Borden was the premiere episode of the 12th season and aired on October 11, 1961.

The cast included:

Clarice Blackburn as Lizzie

Anne Hegira as Emma, Stats Cotsworth as Knowlton,

Mary Doyle as  Bridget, and

Paul McGrath as Andrew

This episode can be downloaded HERE.

Here’s a list of all the episodes from Armstrong Circle Theater.

Many of the episodes from the Armstrong Circle Theatre can be found at the Museum of Broadcast Communications Archives.  Just log in for a free account, then click TV Drama and enter series search “Armstrong Broadcast Theatre” and the list of episodes will come up.   Select an episode and play it immediately online for free.   Click HERE.

Alone Painting – Part 2

UPDATE:  July 21, 2009.  Found this painting listed on eBay with the following writeup:

“I don’t really know very much about this print at all.  I purchased it approx. 11 yrs. ago at an estate auction in Maine.  It is unsigned and I have tried researching it via ebay, google, and other sites and cannot find anything on it.  My daughter is still searching.  It measures 16.5″ x 9.5″ framed.  The frame appears to be period and is oak.  My husband thinks it is tiger oak due to the dark markings on the wood, but not sure.  Frame does have a few nicks and has a nice beading around the inner edges.   It is as we purchased it with no paper backing.  We opened it to take as many pics. as possible for you to view.  The print has a water stain on the right side and is somewhat wavy as shown in pic.  Also, on the very bottom center, there is what appears to be a crack.  It does not go thru to the back.  We believe it to be from the 1900’s as the paper lining the inside is dated 1903.  Glass covered and glass is in very good cond.   It is serene and depicts a young girl which looks to be sleeping in the boat.  If you know any info on this, I would appreciate hearing about it.  Buyer to pay shipping and I have estimated it a little higher weight, to be wrapped carefully.  If the actual postage is less than anticipated, I always refund via paypal.  If it is more, I cover the cost.  Thank you.

NOTE: Thanks to a fellow Ebayer in giving me the title to this print, I was able to find a little info. on it.  Appears there is a question as to who the orig. painter was.  One is Swedish artist Herman Alfred Leonard Wahlberg and the other is FR Janseen.  I read that Lizzie Borden actually owed the Wahlberg one.  Info is located on the following site, if you care to read on it: http://phayemuss.wordpress.com/2009/06/25/alone-painting/”

And here is the original “Alone Painting – Part 2″ post:

I previously wrote about this painting once owned by Lizzie Borden HERE.

As I understand it, this ‘”Alone” painting was very popular – much like Walter Keene’s “big eye” paintings of children  that have been copied over and over.  So i think the Alone painting was made into prints and even subsequent artists copied it.  If you have the original artists original – it could be worth a fortune.

Jim and Ronda D. have sent me images of their “Alone” painting – an original signed “FR Janseen”.  I’ve searched and found there are so many variations of the spelling for the same people, one of which is Father Arnold Janseen (1837-1909) who was founder of the Society of World Ministries and cannonized by the Pope.  But no indications he ever painted.  in fact, the signature on that link does not match either one on the two paintings shown here.  Nonetheless, they have this “original” and if theirs is the original-original, I imagine it would be worth in the six figures to the Vatican.

On the other, perhaps this “FR Janseen” painted his original from another source.

It is possible the original painter was Peter Janssen (1804-1908) who was praised for his “They All Follow The Star” in this November 10, 1907  newspaper report

One thing for sure – Lizzie did not give away an original of the painting known as “Alone”.

Lizzie Borden & the Dutiful Escort

Lizzie Borden circa 1890

(Note: this image has not been photo-shopped by a  50 year old, financially strapped, unemployed spinster in Fall River).

Central Congregational Church

In various interviews at the time of the murders, Lizzie Borden had been described as “odd” by some who knew her.    During her younger years it has been said by Michael Martins, Curator of the Fall River Historical Society, she did not have the proper dresses to attend the elegant grand parties up on “the Hill”.  But it is now known Lizzie did attend some parties – according to the private journal of an old school chum of Lizzie’s – owned by an elderly descendant who is still living in Fall River.   However, there is nothing on record, as yet, of Lizzie ever having a boyfriend or romance during her teens and early twenties.  I suspect her alleged moodiness and being “odd” was a put-off by the opposite gender.

A few years ago, a letter was among papers again donated to the Fall River Historical Society by a descendant of a prominent FR family.  The letter is written by a gentleman who attended a reception at the Central Congregational Church welcoming back Lizzie and her travel companions from their 19 week Grand Tour of Europe.  In the letter he writes that Lizzie was the last of ladies awaiting an escort home and that he did his duty.  The reception was held November 11, 1890 – Lizzie was 30 years old.

Pure conjecture, but (taken from one of my scripts) it might have gone something like this:  (Please excuse the formatting as the Final Draft script software is not wholly compatible with the cut and paste as Word feature here.)

CUT TO:

INT. 1ST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH – ONE WEEK LATER – NIGHT

The Young People’s Society of Christian Endeavor is having a reception for the ladies return of The Grand Tour.  The church vestry is decorated with fresh flowers and there is an orchestra and refreshments.  Young men and women in fine clothes mix and talk with the ladies and others in attendance.   Older men and women of the church are also gathered.  It is all gay and laughter with lots of background conversations.  Lizzie, along with her travel companions, have been getting much attention from those asking about their trip.  Jerome Borden, a second cousin to her, stands talking with CHARLES HOLMES, banker.

CHARLES HOLMES

What surprises me is that old Andrew paid for any of it.

JEROME BORDEN

Not too far-fetched, from what I’ve heard.  I’ve noticed he seems to be much more at ease these past weeks, judging from his appearance at board meetings.

Mrs. Holmes walks over with Lizzie and Reverend Buck.

MRS. HOLMES

Charles, Reverend Buck has told me  Reverend Jubb has been talking of returning to England in another year.

LIZZIE

I hadn’t heard that.

MRS. HOLMES

Well, my dear, there is a great deal you have not heard.  We must find the time to catch up.

Jerome and Charles give a knowing look of gossiping women.

JEROME BORDEN

Where is your father and Abby, Lizzie?  Did they not come for the reception?

Lizzie looks at Jerome, then to Reverend Buck who recognizes the awkward moment.

REVEREND BUCK

I see Alice Russell waiving to us.  Shall we join her?

Reverend Buck takes Lizzie’s arm and walks with her.

JEROME BORDEN

Yes, I’m surprised they are not here.

MRS. HOLMES

Well, if the truth be told, all is not right in that house.

CHARLES HOLMES

Marianna.

MRS. HOLMES

I’ll say no more.  I’ll say no more.

MRS. HOLMES spots someone in the crowd. She waives her arm in the air.

MRS. HOLMES

Yoohoo!  Yoohoo, Mrs. Chase.  Excuse me, gentlemen.

She gathers her skirts and scurries across the room.

CUT TO:

INT. – CHURCH ENTRANCE

The evening has ended and the last of the people are leaving, saying goodbyes, getting into carriages.  One by one they leave, the ladies being escorted by the young gentlemen for carriage rides home. Lizzie is the last of the ladies left, a few young gentlemen still stand around, talking among themselves.  Mrs. Holmes and two other women are very much aware Lizzie needs an escort and no one has offered to take her home.

MRS. HOLMES

Excuse me Lizzie, I think I left my purse inside.

As she moves towards the few young men remaining, Mrs. Holmes taps one of the gentlemen motioning him inside.  She whispers something in his ear and with a slight grimace, he looks over his shoulder towards Lizzie.

CUT TO:

CLOSE ON LIZZIE who stands awkwardly staring blankly.  The young man reappears at the entrance stepping towards Lizzie.

YOUNG MAN

(tipping his hat)

Excuse me Miss Borden.  May I escort you to your home?

LIZZIE

Well, I…

Mrs. Holmes reappears at the entrance, with her purse in hand and cloak on.

MRS. HOLMES

We are leaving now, too, Lizzie.  Such a short walk we have for such fine night air.  I see you have an escort to take you home.  Goodnight Lizzie.  Goodnight.

Lizzie walks out of the church, the young man trailing after her, resolved to do his duty.

Emma Borden & Lizzie’s Lock of Hair

Emma Borden from a sketch at her 1913 interview

Emma Lenora Borden was Lizzie Andrew Borden’s sister.  She was born March 1, 1851, and died on June 10, 1927, only 9 days after Lizzie’s demise.  Lizzie & Emma parted ways in 1905 when Emma moved out from “Maplecroft” and, so far as we know, never spoke or saw each other again.

On April 18, 1913, the Boston Herald published an extensive interview with Emma by reporter Edwin McGuire.  It was, up to that time, uprecedented that Emma spoke out publicaly.   (It has been speculated her motivation was the April 6, 1913 Boston Sunday Herald’s special edition article entitled: “Lizzie Borden 20 Years After the Tragedy” by Gertrude Stevenson).  In any event, Emma’s interview yielded us the above image.   I can’t help but wonder if she posed for this during the interview or if it was sketched from memory after the interview was over.

When thinking about collectibles in the Borden case, the focus is usually Lizzie.   But one day a couple months ago, an email came to me from a collector attempting to validate an item purportedly belonging to both at different times.

From: Robert S——
Sent: Friday, May 15, 2009 6:50 AM
To: Faye Musselman
Subject: Emma Borden Letter

Greetings from Baltimore.   I have a purported Emma Borden letter.  I am wondering if I sent you a scan of it, if you could just see  if it looks like it is real.  Nothing official, just an off the record opinion.  Thank you for your time.  Regards,

Robert S——

—– Original Message —–

From: Faye Musselman  To: Robert S—–

Sent: Friday, May 15, 2009 2:41 PM

Subject: RE: Emma Borden Letter

Hi Robert.  Thanks for writing.  Yes, feel free to scan and email it to me and I’ll render my opinion.  I am contacted quite frequently by people who have letters, books, photos, other emphera purported to belong to individuals associated with the case.  Some of those contacts are relations/descendants of principals in this most compelling piece of American folklore.  So far there have been only 3 of actually being real.  One was a brief letter Lizzie wrote about having her initials on a vanity case – and this appeared in David Rehak’s book; another was a photo of Lizzie, Emma, Andrew and Abby taken when Lizzie was about 16 years old and unfortunately the owner wished (and still wishes) to be anonymous, making me promise never to show the photo, which I haven’t; and the last was a letter written TO Lizzie from Helen Leighton in 1925, two years before Lizzie’s death, remarkable in and of itself.  This latter find is again in a private collection belonging to a very senior individual who promises to make it public “some day”.  So yes, I’d be happy to accommodate you.  And please do tell me a little something about yourself.

-faye

From: Robert S—
Sent: Friday, May 15, 2009 1:16 PM
To: Faye Musselman
Subject: Re: Emma Borden Letter

Hello Faye, thanks for the quick reply. I am an antiques dealer in Baltimore.  I also collect historical objects.  I ran across some interesting items in 2001 which were purchased by me from the grandson of a Mr. Harold Shigley. I am attaching some photos of what I have.   Mr. Shigley (now deceased),was  a prolific collector of historical items from about 1925-1990.  All he did was travel the world and collect things.  He met with relatives of famous people and bought from them personal items including locks of hair from their famous relations.  Hopefully, the photos will appear at the end of this email.  And, thanks for looking!  Regards,  Robert

Below is an actual letter written in Emma’s hand taken from Frank Spiering’s book , Lizzie, Random House, 1984.

After comparing this and other known handwriting of Emma, I responded with the following email:

From: Faye Musselman [mailto:phaye@npgcable.com]
Sent: Monday, May 18, 2009 7:11 PM
To: ‘Robert S—-
Subject: RE: Emma Borden Letter

Ok.  Well, I’ve spent a couple days looking carefully into this.  And here are my conclusions.

Emma Borden did live in Haymarket, NH during the last years of her life.

1. She bought the home she lived in and had it put in Connor’s name, who was her companion/caretaker.
2. Emma did not want anyone knowing her true identity and it was discovered only by happenstance the year she died, 1927.
3. I find it very unlikely she would grant a meeting with a collector and give him family momentos.
4. Emma parted from Lizzie in 1905, packed up and moved out and they never spoke to each other for the rest of their lives, so far as we know.
   
5. Emma DID grant an interview in to a Mr. McGuire with the Boston Sunday Post on April 13, 1913 – it was the one and only time on record she spoke of her and her sister.
6. Emma always signed her name “Emma L. Borden”….she did not use her initials as Lizzie did.
7. Emma’s handwriting appears in Frank Spiering’s book “Lizzie” (Random House, 1984) and it is not at all similar to the letter you have.
8. Emma sent a postcard to Mary Brigham from Scotland in 1906….it is at the Fall River Historical Society.  Over a decade ago while doing research in the basement of the FRHS,  I held that postcard up against the letter (which the FRHS also has) in Spiering’s book.  I can confirm the handwriting on both is the same but  entirely different from the letter purported written to “Shigley”.
   
9. The letter is dated November 21, 1926,.approx 18 months before Emma died.  Again, she was a total recluse, 76 years old.  Again, unlikely she would have met with this person, assuming this person even knew how to get in touch with her….even Lizzie didn’t know where her own sister lived.
10. The letter contains elements that would have been known by any researcher into the case post 1984, and is worded with some transparency (in my humble opinion) that by the way it is crafted, would serve to give it validation…for example her out and out statement “the personal items I sold you”….hence providing an “indisputable” provenance, written in “Emma’s own hand”.   But I don’t buy it.

Most of Emma’s personal family possessions were in storage and she gave it all in her Will, to her cousin, Orrin Gardner, including family photo, family bible, etc.

The strongest point to me is the handwriting.  I’m afraid I would need much more information and you would also, to validate the authenticity of this letter.

I suspect Mr. “Higley’s” grandson was, himself, the perpetrator of this hoax.

Also, would you object to my posting them on my blog, which has a very wide readership of Lizzie scholars, to get their opinions?  We may learn more one way or the other.

Thank you,

Faye Musselman

And then the plot began to thicken….

—– Original Message —–

From: Robert S——

To: Faye Musselman

Sent: Tuesday, May 19, 2009 4:17 AM

Subject: Re: Emma Borden Letter

Dear Faye,  Thank you very much for your informed opinion.  I have to forward this to a Special F.B.I. in charge of my case here in Baltimore.   There are some indications that the grandson did forgeries and that is why the F.B.I. has the case.  He has got me for about $100,000 from 2001 -2006. The name on the letter FYI is actually “Shigley”.  Thanks again for the bad news.  Regards,  Robert

—– Original Message —–

From: faye

To: Robert S—-

Sent: Tuesday, May 19, 2009 9:14 AM

Subject: Re: Emma Borden Letter

I do find it curious that as an antiques dealer, as you stated, you would be bilked for such a considerable sum on a letter so easily able to be verified for its authenticity.  What a shame.

—– Original Message —–

From: Robert S—

To: faye

Sent: Tuesday, May 19, 2009 7:59 AM

Subject: Re: Emma Borden Letter

wasn’t just one item, it is a whole collection!

Curious, isn’t it?  Well, I don’t believe it, none of it.  And I’ll tell you why.  I periodically receive emails, packages, phone calls, letters from people claiming similar circumstances and in possession of something that belonged to Lizzie or others of the Borden family.  They don’t say outright they are selling rather asking my opinion as this collector did.  I call it “baiting.”  They hope I’ll get excited and offer to buy it.  There have always been predators out there that prey upon collectors of all types of items.  It’s not exclusive to Lizzie.

Anyway, I thought it was interesting enough to post about here.  Hope it serves to forewarn.  

100 Awesome Blogs for History Junkies

LINK

My blog made this list – #4 Under “People”.  Nice to be in the company of such terrific bloggers as Laura James of CLEWS.    Many thanks to those who determined and composed the list.

You can click on any of these live links:

“100 Awesome Blogs for History Junkies

If you’re a history junkie, you surely know by now that the Internet is a great tool for finding information. But did you know that blogs are some of the most useful resources out there? Here you’ll find blogs about periods in history, genealogy, war, and lots more.

Periods

Read about specific periods, like the Victorian era and the American Revolution on these history blogs.

1. Cardinal Wolsey’s Today in History: Read Cardinal Wolsey’s blog for thoughts on Tudor, medieval, and early-modern history.
2. Victorian Times: Victorian Times highlights fashion and dresses in Civil War, Dickens, and Victorian style.
3. Boston 1775: Read about the start of the American Revolution in Massachusetts on this blog.
4. The Victorian Peeper: On the Victorian Peeper blog, you’ll read about nineteenth century Britain.
5. Edwardian Promenade: This blog covers the Edwardian period, from about 1880 to 1914.
6. The Victorian Era: Here you’ll read about fun facts from the 19th century.

Art

These blogs highlight the history of fine art.

1. Dracula vs. Eisenstein: This graphic design blog takes its inspiration from art history.
2. Ponder & Dream: Ponder & Dream is all about graphic designs inspired from military history.
3. Shorpy: This “100-year-old photo blog” highlights history in high resolution.
4. The Philatelic Database: This blog offers a look at stamp archives.
5. Food History: Learn about holiday customs and classic recipes on this foodie history blog.
6. Cycling Art: This blog explores the history of cycling through art.
7. Prima la Musica: Check out this blog to get the official word from Mozart.

War

Read these blogs if you’re interested in the Civil War, soldiers, and World Wars.

1. Civil War History: Read Civil War History to learn about the Civil War, as well as new developments in Civil War history.
2. Out of battle: Read anecdotes and articles about the first World War, specifically the 8th Battalion, AIF.
3. Military History Blog: The Military History Blog blogs about the battlefield.
4. Civil War Memory: Read what a high school history teacher and Civil War historian has to say.
5. Old Virginia Blog: Richard Williams, Jr.’s blog is all about the Civil War.
6. WW1: Experiences of an English Soldier: Read Harry Lamin’s letters from the first World War, posted exactly 90 years after they were written.
7. Australian War Memorial: Learn about official records, animals in war, aircraft, and lots more in this Australian war blog.
8. World War II History Blog: In this blog you’ll find news, photographs, “today in history,” and more.
9. Frontier Battles: Frontier Battles is all about wars for and against empire in America from 1607 to 1815.
10. Blog 4 History: Read about American and Civil War history on this blog about the American experience.
11. American Civil War Stories: Revisit the stories of the American Civil War in this blog.
12. 9th Btn Y & L War Diaries: Read the official war diary of the 9th Battalion of the York and Lancaster regiment.
13. What Passing Bells: This blog follows three different families through the first World War.
14. TOCWOC: The Order of Civial War Obsessively Compulsed is a blog about the civil war written by informed amateurs.

Day in History

These blogs offer a daily look at historical events and people.

1. History’s Mysteries: This blog highlights deaths, presidencies, movies and more monuments from history.
2. Inhistoric: Inhistoric explores sports history one day at a time.
3. The Modern Historian: The Modern Historian’s blog offers a look at a day-to-day history around the world.

Religion

Read about historical churches and church history in these blogs.

1. Looking at Sussex Churches: In this blog, you’ll find photos and history of Sussex churches.
2. Church History: Read this blog to learn about the history of the Christian church.

Genealogy

These genealogy blogs share their family history and offer tips for researching your own.

1. iPentimento: Read about the family history of William Livingston Holmes, the first sheriff of Clackamas County in Oregon Territory.
2. Genea-Musings: Get tips, news, humor and more from this genealogy blog.
3. Searching for Family Branches: This blog discusses the importance of genealogy and legacy.
4. Know Your Family History: Check out this blog to get encouragement and tips for genealogy studies.
5. Irish Roots Cafe: The Irish Roots Cafe is dedicated to Irish family history, genealogy, heritage, and more.
6. A Somerset Family History: This researcher shares interesting findings from genealogy studies.
7. Lord and Lady: Visit this blog to follow the blogger’s family genealogy and get access to a large name database.

Cities, Regions, and Countries

Check out these blogs that highlight a specific area of the world.

1. The Bowery Boys: In this blog, the Bowery Boys will explore New York City history.
2. Sparkletack: Sparkletack is a history podcast that celebrates San Francisco.
3. US History Blog: Read American history thought from an independent scholar on this blog.
4. Our Great Southern Land: The blog of Our Great Southern Land follows the history of Australia.
5. History Rhymes: This blogger offers a discussion on American history.
6. My Strange New Mexico: Read about all of the weird goings-on in New Mexico here.
7. Appalachian History: Find stories, quotes, and anecdotes about Appalacia on this blog.
8. Vanishing New York: Vanishing New York looks at pieces of New York City history that are slipping away today.
9. Chicago History: This amateur historian and student shares her findings about Chicago history.
10. The Virtual Dime Museum: This blog discusses Brooklyn and New York City history, including geneaology, pop culture, Victorian news items, and ephemera.
11. Everest by climbers: Learn about Everest history from climbers and beyond on this blog.
12. Kinetic Carnival: The Kinetic Carnival blog is all about the past, present, and future of Coney Island.
13. Local History: This blog takes a look back at the local history of New York City.
14. Brockville History Album: This blog explores the development of the city of Brockville in Ontario, Canada.
15. Lost City: Lost City investigates Old New York as it’s threatened by new development.

Academic

These blogs offer an academic look at history.

1. History News Network: George Mason University’s History News Network shares breaking news about history.
2. History is Elementary: Read about this elementary school teacher’s take on teaching history.
3. Clio and Me: A teacher of European history and researcher of war and society in modern Germany, this blog’s writer has a lot to offer.
4. The Bell Rang: The Bell Rang explores education throughout history.
5. wig-wags: This blog is written by a graduate student in military history.

Antiques

These antiques blogs will show you interesting items from the past.

1. Dumpdiggers: See some of the items that history has left behind in this blog.
2. Antiquarian’s Attic: Read about “forgotten curios and delights” on this blog.
3. Modern Mechanix: On the Modern Mechanix blog, you’ll read spotlights about inventions of the past.
4. Floyd’s Ancient Wonders: Floyd shares his artifacts, archaeology and more on this blog.

Women

Learn about important female figures in history on these blogs.

1. Women of History: Women of History is full of biographies of fascinating women from history.
2. History of American Women: This blog discusses women in the colonies and beyond.
3. Famiss: Famiss is all about women making and discovering history.
4. Scandalous Women: The Scandalous Women blog highlights female figures from Boudicca to Mata Hari.
5. This Intrepid Band: Read about women who served as military nurses from the Boer war to the end of the Great War.
6. History and Women: On the History and Women blog, you’ll read about notorious women who have left their stamp on the world.
7. Civil War Women: This blog features women who made an impact on the Civil War.

Entertainment

Read about entertainment through the years on these history blogs.

1. Cartoon Brew: Cartoon Brew looks back at animations past.
2. Living With Legends: Hotel Chelsea Blog: The Hotel Chelsea blog highlights events, ghosts, authors, and more from the hotel.
3. The History Movies: This blog offers a look at movies and videos from the past.

People

These blogs take an in-depth look at specific people through history.

1. The Abraham Lincoln Blog: Read this blog to learn about Abraham Lincoln’s life and legacy.
2. American Presidents Blog: The American Presidents blog is all about presidents and first ladies.
3. Beloved Eleanor: Beloved Eleanor highlights Eleanor of Castille, a medieval queen and wife of King Edward I of England.
4. Tattered Fabric: Fall River’s Lizzie Borden: In this blog, you’ll read about Lizzie Borden’s life and crimes.
5. Lincoln Studies: This blog offers a look at Lincoln and the American Civil War.
6. What would Lincoln do?: This blogger considers how Lincoln would handle today’s world.

Odd & Interesting

If you’re interested in history that’s a little offbeat, check out these blogs.

1. Damn Interesting: Damn Interesting often highlights unusual historical events.
2. Vintage UFO: Read tales of UFOs and flying saucers past on this blog.
3. What Really Happened: This blog highlights a history that is hidden from public view.
4. CLEWS: Learn about historic true crime on this blog.
5. So Soon No More: Find alternate history, sarcastic humor and more on this blog.
6. Executed Today: In this blog, you’ll see who was executed today in history, and learn about their lives and how they came to be executed.
7. Questionable History: Brittany’s blog about history highlights interesting facts and findings she’s come across in her quest for information.
8. Obscure History: The Obscure History blog presents little known facts and events in history.

Documents & Literature

You’ll find literature, writings, drawings and more in these blogs.

1. BibliOdyssey: BibliOdyssey explores historic books, writings, and drawings.
2. Strange Maps: The Strange Maps blog highlights unique and interesting maps from today and yesterday.
3. Civil War Literature: Read about books, autographs, and other writings from the Civil War in this blog.

General History

Read these blogs to see a wide variety of highlights through history.

1. The People History Blog: In The People History blog, you’ll read about stories that made the news each year.
2. Informed Comment: Juan Cole’s blog is all about the Middle East, history, and religion.
3. World History Blog: Check out the World History Blog to see lots of different aspects of world history.
4. 101 Greatest Olympic Moments: Explore some of the most exciting times in modern sports history through this blog.
5. His-Story: This blog highlights the important events in the history of the world, particularly Indian history.
6. You’re History: This blog offers a friendly look at entertainment, events, and more in history.
7. Mystic Chords of Memory: This history lover shares her photos and travels.
8. My Adventures in History: Follow this blogger around as she explores adventure in history.
9. The History Tavern: The History Tavern shares interesting stories and anecdotes from the past.
10. Branding Fire: Branding Fire discusses both history and entrepreneurship.”

Comment on the Michael Jackson Memorial

UPDATE:   Click HERE.

“There are certain people in our popular culture that just capture people’s imaginations. And in death, they become even larger,” President Barack Obama told CBS while in Moscow. “Now, I have to admit that it’s also fed by a 24/7 media that is insatiable.”

“You know, this is part of American culture.
Michael Jackson, like Elvis, like Sinatra, when
somebody whose captivated the imagination of the
country for that long passes away, people pay
attention. And I assume at some point people will
start focusing again on things like nuclear
weapons.”
– President Obama

Indeed.  And at some point.  But not today.  Elephants.  Swat Team escort for the casket. World wide coverage.  Facebook doing the Iran Twitter thing. It’s hard to take hold of the fact this is really just one man…a man-child weighing less than 140 pounds with an incredible talent and a messed up psyche. But still – it WAS just an extraordinary singing and dancing talent. He did not find a cure for cancer. He did not save lives from a potential plane crash. He did not end the wars in Afghanistan or Iraq. He did not “change the world” (and I don’t care what anyone says about that).  But he made people feel good through his music and dancing. He generated excitement which always appeals to our base instincts. And now, now, he becomes larger in post life legend than he ever was while living. The media,  for the past week, has served to foster his legend in non-stop 24/7 broadcasts in such a way that has his body of work  soaring through the stratosphere.

He was, after all, only an entertainer. An entertainer. The degree of this present idolatry and adulation has exploded into something that is, in and of itself, even bigger than Jackson.  An entertainer. Wow.

If you leave for mankind a legacy of being the King of Pop who sold tens of millions of records and generated billions of dollars, does that make you more godlike than the person whose legacy was that he/she found cures for diseases or any other thing that enhanced mankind?

What does all this say about us as a people? Not just Americans. But as people? One week a comparatively not so small percentage of the world’s population was impassioned by the events of the Iranian election. The next week – this.

Yes, Barry. At some point. At some point back to concern about real issues. One thing’s for certain. We won’t see a repeat of this magnitude in our lifetimes. And maybe never again. Maybe we will have morphed through technology and electronic gadgetry and medical science into a humankind devoid of its impassioned reactions to deaths of superstars or any emotion capable of exploding on a scale such as this.

Maybe.  At some point.  But not today.

Michael Jackson Memorial

I got tickets to the Michael Jackson Memorial!!! I can’t believe it. I’m so excited! I won 2 tickets on eBay for $10,000. And it was a much better deal than this one.

I had heard on the news that you have to show up at Dodger Stadium today and one of the 2 wristbands will be put on. So I cut off my arm yesterday and shipped it overnight express to the guy who’s picking up the tickets for me.  He will slip my arm up his sleeve and have the wristband put on and then keep it refrigerated until I arrive.  And as a surprise bonus I find out I qualify for handicap parking at Staples Center.

I’m so excited I can hardly sleep.  I called Dr. Murray and asked if he’d drive me in the van (you know the one, the one with the oxygen tanks in it that he drove off in right after MJ died) and give me something to put me down.  We cut a deal that I give him the second ticket, but this will disappoint Billie Jean’s kid whom I was planning to take instead.

Happy Fourth of July!

And thank you Richard Borden for, well, for all those other Bordens. 

Top Ten Reasons Sarah Palin Resigned

Oh, for heaven’s sake – of course there’s more to come out as to why Sarah Palin, aka Governor Platitude Pants (thank you Montana Jack), announced her decision to resign today.

Just for laffs, and nothing to do with Lizzie, consider these possibilities:

(drum roll)

10.  Was in the room when Michael Jackson died.

9.    Knocked up by Gov. Sanford at a Yankee’s game.

8.    Bitch slapped five staffers who’ve had enough.

7.    Planning to leave Todd and move to Argentina with Ann Coulter.

6.   Writing a book and doing lecture circuit more lucrative than milking Alaskans.

5.   Neighbor built huge house blocking view of Russia.

4.   Anderson Cooper expose’ that Trig is really Michael Jackson’s child.

3.   Surgeon soon to reveal she’s transgendered.

2.   Signed up for new reality series: “I’m a Governor, Get Me Out of Here.”

And the Number 1 reason Sarah Palin resigned:

1.   TMZ soon to publish photo of her giving head to a bull moose.