Lizzie Borden Videos…..
November 27, 2009
Image by Danny Evans
….seem to be everywhere. And they are mostly copied from one place to another, i.e., YouTube to MySpace to Hulu to Blog posts, and on and on. Video Regurgitation. Some are really bad and some are quite entertaining. But consider all the cell phones with video capability out there. And those B&B tourists who have them and do a minute video and call it their Lizzie Borden movie. Here are some samplings. (Just click on them).
Excellent bio with the lovely Helen Pierce, courtesy of Hulu.
The next one is a “legitimate” from the old t.v. series and taken from Lillian De La Torre’s play.
Alfred Hitchcock Presents The Older Sister
The following is my own personal favorite of the short, original creations:
They all have one thing in common: The continual perpetuation of Lizzie Borden as a one-dimensional, axe-wielding persona encapsulated in an inaccurate quatrain solidifying her as a demented psychopath. She was not. She was a woman of taste and deportment. She was a woman with a strong sense of her Borden roots, a strong belief in God and the hereafter, exquisite taste and a quick, intelligent mind. She valued those friendships that demonstrated their loyalty and, likewise, unforgiving to those who had, or whom she perceived to have demonstrated betrayals. There’s something to be said about that when it comes to her love of animals.
Lizzie Borden was not a psychopath. But she’s endured as a pop culture icon with a false image so embedded in the minds and imaginations of those who study not closely – albeit widely – on the internet. The content of almost all of the videos proves the point. It seems hardly a week goes by without someone, somewhere on the internet making reference to Lizzie Borden but most always in the context of that one dimensional persona. “I’m gonna go Lizzie Borden”, “The committee will do a Lizzie Borden on the proposed budget”, yadda, yadda, yadda.
What is particularly sad is when the Fall River Historical Society finally publishes it’s book, Parallel Lives, (at a retail price of nearly $50 and a limited market for heavy reading on the Borden case) it will have limited sales (we’re not talking the new Harry Potter book here) and will fail to alter her pop culture image amongst the masses. Anyone who thinks differently can’t see the forest for the trees. Nonetheless, this book promises to be of the same quality as the FRHS’s first book, The Knowlton Papers. Further, its new findings and photos will ensure its worthiness as a “must have” acquisition by Bordenia collectors and scholars.
As an example of the general disregard by the masses to the facts of the case, it was pretty much proven BACK IN 1893 that the murder weapon was a hatchet, not an AXE, for one thing, and anybody who’s read even one book on the case would know that. But it doesn’t matter, as 90% of the time she is identified with the axe, not a hatchet. The masses like their psychopathic, pop culture icons the way they are. That’s why they don’t bother with research by digging into available facts in books, forums, or subscribe to periodicals.
Education. Ain’t it a bitch?
Lizzie Borden B&B/Museum Gift Shop
November 23, 2009
The Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast/Museum Gift Shop is a splendid choice for selecting a Christmas gift for your friends who share your interest in Lizzie Borden.
(Click on images for larger views)
Susan Hauck, who gives tours and works in the Gift Shop was Curator for the outstanding GalleryX Exhibit of “Lizzie Borden – A Tale of Two Cities” held in New Bedford.
On my recent visit to Fall River, I took Bob Dube, owner of Maplecroft to the B&B and to chat with Susan whom he had thrilled (along with Gift Shop Manager, Dee Moniz) with a complete tour of his home. Bob said to me: “This stuff is really good!”
The Gift Shop offers up so much more than what is illustrated at their website as can be seen in these images. There are skateboards, buttons, magnets, jewelry, postcards, memory booklet by Ed Thibault, CD’s by yours truly, glassware, hats, T-Shirts, golf shirts, cups, mugs, buttons, etc.
Viewed here are some of “diggings” discovered when the old Leary Press was demolished. Lee-ann Wilber, B&B/Museum Manager, was able to salvage these finds and are on display for all to see.
So if you can’t get to Fall River, you can contact the Gift Shop by calling 508-675-3333, place your order, and they will ship promptly. So why not get that unique Lizzie gift for your special friends. You won’t find this stuff at Walmart. 
Point Reflections
November 17, 2009
A print of this collage, which I created back in 1999, still hangs on the refrigerator at the Lizzie Borden B&B.
(click on image for larger view)
Back from visit Northeast with scads of voice mail, emails and snail mail to catch up on. Some pointed reflections that I may elaborate on later:
1. Twisted Restaurant in Hyde Park.
2. Two FR senior guys at Rosario’s – turns out one has a home at Rim Country Club Estates here in Payson.
3. Letters from Mary Hartley to Grace Hartley at Vassar in 1897…re “cousin in the news again”.
4. Letters from Mary Hartley to Grace Hartley Howe full of gossip about the “Rock Street people”.
5. Victoria’s Secret girls at the Lizzie Borden B&B.
6. Long chat with Michael Martins and Dennis Binette re Lizzie, their book, etc. (photos selected, galleys done, index done; awaiting blueline, altho new stuff still coming in).
7. Scallops and Lobster at the Liberal Club with Manny A. and his wife.
8. GalleryX Exhibit piece “Two Sides to Every Story”….couldn’t find artists contact info or I would have purchased it right then and there.
9. Interior of Abby Grille (Central Congregational Church) since the recent vandalism. Sickening. I’ll post pictures later.
10. “Blood Relations” in New Bedford Saturday night, then our mad dash back to the Eagle. What a ride!
11. FDR’s house, Vanderbilt Mansion, Val-Kil – thank you Margaret, D.A.R. member, and resident of Hyde Park.
12. Max the cat in window of the “bahn” late at night; red glow background (from Exit sign), foggy. Stunning effect.
13. Blueboy in parlor – couldn’t stop laughing.
14. Ken Champlin telephone calls.
15. Fall River Library – new piece by Macomber donated in memory of Jerome C. Borden – my personal fav.
16. Visit to FRPD and chat with Asst Chief Moniz.
17. Nice visit and Chinese lunch with Bob Dube. (Wonderful new look to the parlor).
18. Mayor’s office re disposition of WPA artist project of murals at Kuss Middle School.
19. Viewing the grounds at Vassar in Poughkeepsie where Grace and Mary Howe attended. (Grace lived in an apt there while Louis lived with the Roosevelts a their huge house).
Lots to do, little time. More later.
Early Visits to Fall River
September 8, 2009
Before it was the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast Museum, the house at 92 Second Street was the home of John and Josephine McGinn. The history of the owners and occupants of the property can be found HERE.
Following are some photos of my early visits beginning in 1977. Click on images for larger views.
Above views are looking south up Second Street with the old bus station on the west side of the street. I used to conduct taped interviews of the old timers waiting for the bus and still listen occasionally to their remembrances of the old neighborhood.
The “House” always had gawkers but few ever allowed inside. Note the wrap-around Leary Press where the barn was once located.
“Today” means the early 1980’s.
Note I received from John McGinn with their “new” postcard.
The Kelly’s wouldn’t recognize the place.
Thank you note from Josephine McGinn referencing the loss of her son, and mentioning her grandaughter, Martha, who subsequently was a co-inheritor of the property.
Top view is looking South. The bells have since moved to the east side of City Hall. The bottom view is looking north and City Hall is seen in the center background.
“Maplecroft” early 1980’s. Similar images – one taken in the Fall and the other in the Winter.
Lizzie Borden B&B Secures Trademark!
August 23, 2009
Here’s an excellent post with very accurate content regarding the Lizzie Borden Trademark. Click HERE.
UPDATE: Click HERE re Stefani Koorey’s B.S.
Rats! I’ve been busted again on the LB Forum (aka “smitty”) as I just tried to log in. Oh well. That makes about 20 different user names I’ve joined with. Fun and games in Lizziedom. But I am not the “smitty” who posts on the FRHN online edition. Really. I’m not.
YESTERDAY’S BOSTON GLOBE CARRIED THIS STORY AS WELL. - CLICK HERE
There was quite a response from Fall River locals to FRHN (online edition) yesterday. Here is a cut & paste sampling of what they think. Note that there’s a general animosity to the whole Lizzie Borden thing by these posters. I also contributed as “phaye”. But I am NOT “smitty”. LOL:
This is the most ridiculous thing I’ve heard come out of the patent office in a long time. How do you copyright someone’s name, that you had nothing to do with owning, ever. Just because you own the house where the murders took place, to me, doesn’t seem like a legitimate reason to block everyone else from using it. The name should be, and is as far as I am concerned, in the public domain.
The patent office lately continues to confound me.
Herald News how could tonight’s mayoral debate not be front page news? Don’t you think you have a responsibility to your readers to keep them aware of public interest issues and events? Someone dropped the ball! I hope there will be a recap in tomorrows edition.
It’s the merchandising rights associated with the name – not the name itself.
They shouldnt be able to do this. This is some one protecting a monopoly. They just got broadwalk and park place and have a hotel on each one. So if my last name is borden and I want to name my kid Elizabeth , would that be a problem? Better yet how about if I mispell the name lizzy or use a relative name of lizzy bordens? Would I be breaking any laws.
BTW, what gives someone the right to proclaim ‘copyright infringement’ to a another person’s WORD transcription of their own hard copy of the Borden Preliminary Hearing just because they did it too (in expanded form, I might add)? An yet, that person did just that. Thinking they have a copyright against any all past and future transcriptions. B.S. They ‘own’ what they did and another person owns the work ‘they’ did. In short, it’s not the exact same coffee mug. 
Phaye, The USPTO can give out a trademark for whatever it wishes. They just care if someone else has trademarked it. But, if they go after the wrong person, i.e. someone who has been making Lizzie Borden Mugs for years, they will lose the case for sure. I would wager one further, that you cannot copyright something that has been in the public domain for so long. Certainly not unilaterally.
As to your BTW question. If two people were to transcribe the same public document, you cannot copyright that. You cannot copyright facts period. However, if that said person were to have stolen the copy from another person, and started selling it as their own copywritten work. Then you have a different issue. You would be violating the copyright of the person who owns the copyright to the transcription.
Yes, you CAN copyright your own transcription of a first, second, third, whatever copy of an original historic legal document (public domain), package it and sell it. I’ve done it. And I have the official copyright document from the US Copyright office (I can email you an image if you like). What you can NOT do it take the transcription work of another from the same or subsequent generation of the original, package it and claim it as your own work. i could transcribe the Declaration of Independence from a copy on the internet, embellish it with graphic design, put it on a CD and sell it on eBay. I could copyright that CD. But if I did a literal cut and paste of that Declaration of Independence from the internet, that would be another story. The difference would be I created my OWN WORK…and that work is not exclusively confined to the text of the original document itself. It’s the package and the content therein. That’s what constitutes the intellectual property.
So what have you copied and embellished on and copywritten? What particular additions did you make that made it ‘yours?’
It’s all right here Lefty. And Look!! I don’t even charge for it anymore. It’s free. Read this blog post and get the full story.
FRONT PAGE FALL RIVER HERALD NEWS: CLICK HERE.
Donald Woods & Lee-ann Wilber chat with “in character” visitor in the B&B gift shop on August 4, 2008.
Yipee!! It’s been done. Donald Woods, co-owner of the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast told me a couple months ago this was coming and I’m thrilled to have just learned it’s official in the Fall River Herald News which can be read HERE.
Just as Lizzie herself knew the importance and social cache of the Borden name in Fall River, Donald Woods and Lee-ann Wilber know the importance and “cash” of the “Lizzie Borden” name when it comes to merchandising. If you own and run a business you protect your interests and maximize on opportunities to increase revenue. It’s the American Business Way.
New strategies often require attention and action in this internet age of eBay and other auction sites, Cafe Press, Itsy, etc. etc. where clever - if not always high quality - Lizzie related items are created, it’s a wise move to trademark the name as it relates to merchandising. As Mr. Woods indicated, merchandisers could still have the option to sell through the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast Museum.
Donald Woods is a man of his word. Every thing he has said in the public media that he intended to do with the property he has done. The Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast Museum continues to be a first rate operation under the daily care of GM Lee-ann Wilber, gift shop manager Dee Moniz, and all the rest of her staff. And with the “Lizzie Borden” merchandising name trademark held by the owners we will most likely be seeing even more interesting souveniers and collectibles in the gift shop.
Way to go, Donald!
Lizzie Borden August 4th Re-enactments…
August 5, 2009
…just get better and better each year thanks to Shelley Dziedzic and the Pear Essential Players, a group of Lizzie Borden enthusiasts who volunteer to costume themselves and portray characters from this most compelling mystery. The above cast and their characters included:
Lizzie: Lorraine Gregoire; Bridget Sullivan: Kristin Pepe; Emma Borden: Barbara Morrissy; Mrs. Churchill: JoAnn Giovino; Andrew Borden, Jeff Masson; Abby Borden: Shelley Dziedzic; Uncle John : Joe Razda; Officer Medley: Ben Rose; Alice Russell: Susan Hauck; Dr. Dolan: Ted Gregoire; Little Mary Doolan: Miss Kathryn Woods; Mrs Bowen: Ellen Borden
Here’s the newest YouTube video showing what transpired yesterday at 92 Second Street, the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast.
On the Trail of Lizzie Borden – by Charles Reis, Jr.
February 17, 2009
Countless guests video tape their stay at the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast and often times put them up on YouTube.com. Some are more entertaining and informative than others. Charles Reis, Jr. has done a very good job with this 4-part presentation of his January 30, 2009 visit.
Random Shots of Fall River
February 16, 2009
Here’s some shots I just picked at random from my different digital albums of Lizzie Borden’s home town – Fall River. Also some of nearby locales. Enjoy.
Mary Borden Hartley rests near her father, Cook Borden – the mother and grandfather of Grace Hartley Howe.
The beautiful church seats at The Narrows, 45 Anawan Street.
Staircase at The Narrows – imagine the millions of steps up and down by the factory workers, holding the railing, descending after a 14 hour day.
Central Congregational Church
Academy Building Courtyard fronting on Second Street
Sitting Room closet shows bounded Trial transcript. and my “Journey to Maplecroft” game on second shelf.
Rear view of the “Kelley house”, directly south of 92 Second.
The “Henry House”
Kennedy Park
Main Library, post renovation.
Sitting at the bench, New Bedford Superior Court
Oldest house in Fall River
One of the few remaining “grand” carriage houses
Lafayette-Durfee House
From the corner of the grand old carriage house looking at the former Sarah Brayton house.
Seashells at the sea shore.
Center courtyard off the kitchen at Central Congregational
You can’t stand here and get this shot anymore.
Refrigerator at Lizzie Borden B&B.
Home for the Aged – rear view.
Views from Swansea, across the street from Marconi’s
Bet you’ve never seen this shot before.
David Rehak book, Did Lizzie Axe for It? has first time published portrait of Andrew Borden seen above.
Center Street as seen through window of New Bedford Whaling Museum
Old Gardner cemetery in Swansea
Newport
The Amish Lizzie film – “Bordenia”
January 28, 2009
Look! There goes Dr. Bowen rushing down Second Street in front of the Borden house!
A more contemporary (2004) photo of 92 Second Street shows the now demolished Leary Press attached.
This photograph, used as evidence in the 1893 Borden trial, shows the House as it appeared at the time of the murders. (Note no “Leary Press”)
So what’s the point of this you may ask? Well, Cameron Munson is filming his Bordenia and this is the house he selected in Amish Country to depict the Borden homestead. Carson Grant, who wrote the “Bordenia” article, studied under Lee Strasberg (but then, hasn’t everybody?) and stars as Andrew Borden. He writes:
“The house we are shooting the murder scenes has a similar design to the original Borden’s home.”
Wrong. See above. Gadzookskies. There’s a million Greek-Rivival homes still standing all across the country and this is as close as they could get? I have more to say on this score but first in the “here we go again” department, Grant writes:
“The clopping of the horse hooves on the cold winter pavement outside my Rt. 340 Bed and Breakfast room this 5 am morning, offers a gentle awaking to a full day of shooting on “Bordenia” directed and written by Cameron Munson. A retelling of an American legend, the Fall River story of the Borden family, and Lizzie Borden’s part she played in the ax murders of her father and stepmother.”
There it is. The perennially inaccurate reference to the murder weapon being an axe. Arrrggghhhh. May I say it again? Thank you. Arrrrgggghhhh.
So back to the filming location – and this one deserves a smirky chuckle:
“Our film location, Intercourse, Pennsylvania offers a quiet Lancaster township, off-season to the warm weather tourists who flock here to enjoy the pastoral surrounding of Amish farming, dining, crafts and culture. Quilting, needlepoint, wood furniture making, tin, metal and pottery wares are some of the handwork one will find on a stroll along the main street markets and restaurants.”
Intercourse, Pennsylvania. A wonderful B&B in Intercourse. Hello. Fall River has a wonderful little B&B. It’s called THE LIZZIE BORDEN BED & BREAKFAST. Again. See above.
I’m sure they contacted the owners, Donald Woods & Lee-ann Wilber who actually welcome documentary and theatrical filming in and on the premises. But for whatever reasons – and whether they contacted the owners or not - they chose to film the ” Borden House” in Intercourse, Pennsylvania.
Intercourse. That’s phucked up, dude. Then again, maybe Amish is to Quakers as Pennsylvania is to Massachusetts. Hmmm. Don’t think so.
Well, let’s keep our eyes and ears open to the film festival circuit and maybe we’ll see Dr. Bowen racing down “second street” after all. (nyuck, nyuck).
CASE SETTLED! Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast/Museum vs. Salem’s “True Story” of Lizzie Borden Exhibit
October 7, 2008
For those who have been following the litigation between Donald Woods, co-owner of the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast/Museum in Fall River, MA, and Leonard Pickel, operator of the recently opened “True Story of Lizzie Borden” exhibit in Salem, MA, – the case is expected to be settled out of court today. This result was what a few of us knew would be the probable outcome.
However, this AP first reporting was actually premature as the ink has not yet been applied to the Agreement papers as of noon Eastern time. Mr. Pickel, no doubt in his excited relief, rushed to speak to the AP Reporter. You can read the AP’s first and premature reporting of the settlement HERE.
At issue was Mr. Pickel’s use of the word “museum” in both his website URL and contact email address wherein Mr. Woods claimed copyright to the word when attached to “Lizzie Borden” as that was cause for confusion and adversarial to his (Woods) business.
For the next several days there will be the usual flurry of newspaper and t.v. reporting following up on the AP wire story. All of which is good for both businesses. We wish them well.
And – unrelated to the case but for anyone interested, this next article associates Sarah Palin with Lizzie Borden. Read it HERE.
Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast/Museum & “The Jennings Hatch”
September 22, 2008
The “Lizzie Borden House” or “Charles Trafton House” was built in 1845. Fire prevention methods in almost all homes at that time was practically non-existant. There were virtually no escape routes save for the one, common-use stairway to many of the 2, 3, and 4 story homes built in that era.
When 92 Second Street (formerly 230) was made into a Bed & Breakfast in 1996 and opened up to the public for the first time, it was brought up to fire code for B&B buildings.
Kenneth Champlin in front of the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast/Museum
Besides the usual sprinklers in the ceiling, the B&B has a number of fire extinquishers on hand, pull down alarms directly to the Fire Department and an escape hatch on the third, or attic, floor. Guests on the second floor have access to both front and rear staircases. Guests on the third floor, if unable to use the only staircase – the rear staircase – have this escape hatch.
In the Andrew Jennings bedroom, the escape hatch is directly over the front bathroom of the second floor. The ladder placed inside can be easily thrust downwards against the lightweight covering providing a quick and easy escape to the second floor and only a few feet from the front staircase or easy access to the rear staircase.
Guests explore all the nooks and crannies of their rooms and often The House itself and take note of this emergency evacuation.
Speaking of houses, below is the so called “Brownell” house on Green Street in Fairhaven, MA. This is the house where Lizzie’s sister, Emma Borden, was staying on August 4, 1892. t has been literally “skinned” of its previous excessive debris.
For a comparison of what it used to look like, CLICK HERE. Gone is the abandoned vehicle, dense over-growth, and the knee-high debris inside, though it still remains unsecured and empty. This house was recently sold and a “Building Permit” is posted in one of the front windows. Like an elderly woman with a festering cancer undergoing kemotherapy, she has lost all her hair. Her skin is potmarked, bruised, discolored but she lives on….battered, weakened, awaiting the inevitable. Question is: Will it be demolished and cleared for new construction or will the new owners bite the bullet for expensive infrastructure upgrades?
By contrast, the Fall River Historical Society’s curator is giving his house a cosmetic overhaul as shown below.
On Rock Street, only a few blocks from both “Maplecroft” and the FRHS.
All of the above photos were taken less than a month ago.
Lizzie Borden Salem Exhibit & the Bleeder-Readers
September 5, 2008
I’ve posted before about the Lizzie Borden “True Story” exhibit in Salem and now, I give you some overall glimpses of most of the exhibit.
I’ve written before on this subject and those posts can be found HERE
and HERE and HERE . BE SURE TO READ THE NEWSPAPER ARTICLE AT THE VERY END OF THIS POST!
The facility is 3,500 square feet of which 3,000 feet is exhibit space. It is brand, spanking new, extremely well organized with the spacial layouts of the storyboards which are very well done with a clear, readable font. It seems more thought and planning went into the storyboards than the actual floor displays.
There is nothing new to be found here in terms of information or “true” story. What it is, is a factual telling of the case thru the extremely text-heavy storyboards. All the content is what has already appeared in numerous books or newspapers. One feels they ARE reading a book.
The “True Story” exhibit is located on Essex Street in Salem’s “boardwalk” of numerous museums, shops, restaurants, cafes, bookstores, etc.
It is right next door to the large Witch History Museum
The first thing you see when approaching the door is the display of “Halloween’ type skulls displayed in the large glass window.
Once inside, your eyes take in the neatly displayed variety of gift and souvenier items.
There are NO interactive displays. No audio memories. No audio guides. No videos of any kind. No forensics display. No interactive forensic exhibit that would engage the visitor to “solve the crime”. It’s all about the READING.
After paying for your ticket and going thru the entry turnstyle, you enter a small narrow hallway and the READING begins:
CAUTION: CAN BE HAZARDOUS TO YOUR EYES!
AND READ……….
AND READ………
READ ABOUT THE BORDEN FAMILY (Too bad there isn’t audio with voices depicting the family members *telling* you about themselves. Oh well. Ho-hum.)
AND READ………
AND READ…………
KEEP MOVING – KEEP READING……..
AND READ………….
Now if you didn’t know better and skipped the “reader boards”, you would incorrectly assume both Andrew and his wife were murdered in the same room because of the body outlines shown in the same display space. One is FORCED to read to get the facts. (Might as well get a book.)
OKAY, MOVE ON NOW. THERE’S MORE READING TO DO……….
AND READ………
Ahh! Finally something different to LOOK at! A 3-D paper mockup of the Borden house and immediate neighbors. (Here you can relax your eyes for a moment or two.)
BUT THEN…………
YOU KEEP ON READING……….
AND READ ABOUT THE DISCOVERY OF ANDREW’S BODY AS OUTLINED ON THE BLUE, NOT BLACK (SO00000 “UNTRUE” SOFA).
READ ABOUT THE LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND TRIAL IN A VERY UN-AUTHENTIC MOCKUP OF THE JUDGES BENCH AT THE SUPERIOR COURT IN NEW BEDFORD.
AND READ………..
The “mastoidian” type teeth in the skull of “Abby” was so inaccurate that Mr. Pickel removed them. The skull is now without teeth. However, the autopsy report on Abby clearly states she had false teeth in the upper jaw, but visitors do not see the “true” replica of Abby’s skull.
READ ABOUT LIZZIE MOVING TO MAPLECROFT. NO, THAT’S NOT LIZZIE’S FURNITURE. NOTHING IN THE EXHIBIT IS A LEGITIMATE ARTIFACT FROM THE CASE OR FALL RIVER’S HISTORY. BUT DON’T LET THAT STOP YOU FROM READING BECAUSE THERE IS FAR MORE TO READ THAN ITEMS TO LOOK AT.
I don’t know why the picture of these dogs are on the wall. They were not the kind of dogs Lizzie or Nance O’Neil had. Perhaps something was just needed to fill up the wall space and its just temporary.
READ ABOUT NANCE O’NEIL
READ ABOUT FALL RIVER TODAY (HUH?) AND THE LIZZIE BORDEN BED & BREAKFAST (THEY FORGOT TO ADD THE WORD “MUSEUM”)
There is no really “Wow!” factor in the exhibit. But I suppose the closest would be this replica of the Andrew Borden grave site in Oak Grove Cemetery. Very well done. It is the next to last thing you see in the exhibit. It has a dark-mirrored background in back of which is the gift shop.
AND READ…………
THE GUEST BOOK BEFORE YOU GO THRU THE EXIT TURNSTYLE.
There has been much reporting in the media lately of Leonard Pickel’s new “True Story of Lizzie Borden”. What follows is pure FICTION.
YOU CAN MAKE UP YOUR OWN NEWSPAPER HEADINE AT THIS SITE.
Lizzie Borden – Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
September 4, 2008
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy – it’s a mouthful but maybe Lizzie could have benefited from it. Tomorrow night there will be a live radio broadcast with a lecture by Dr. Marsha Linehan from the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast/Museum. You can call in to: (347) 838-9159
starting at 5:00 pm Eastern Time.
Thing is, Lizzie could have used some therapy, like anger management, BEFORE August 4, 1892.
Lizzie Borden Mini Movie
August 19, 2008
From YouTube comes this really clever and original video on the Lizzie Borden story uploaded about 2 weeks ago.
The litigation I referred to a while back between Fall River’s Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast Museum
and the proposed True Story of Lizzie Borden Museum in Salem
can be read HERE as told by the Fall River Herald News.
I indicated I would comment on Mr. Pickel’s “open letter” below. My brief comments appear in color below:
“Leonard Pickel
http://www.lizziebordenmuseum.com | lizziebordenmuseum@gmail.com | 70.22.220.232
I find it interesting that a museum, which has not opened to the public as of yet, (we are working hard on that people, trust me!), has been dragged through the mud as much as The True Story of Lizzie Borden has.
“Home Haunter?” Do you even know what that means? I have built Attractions for Universal Studios, Madison Square Garden and 6 Flags Parks across the country. I have over 30 years in attraction design, own and edit the industry magazine, and own a convention. I am no hack!
Why don’t you at least wait for reviews of people who have been through the museum, or perhaps even tour the museum yourself, before casting disparaging criticism on the level of experience quality, amount of preparedness or fact checking. I think many people are wishful of a first class operation and anxious to see that is exactly what it turns out to be.
I contacted the FRHS many years ago about getting photos, and they assured me there would be no problem. Then when I was ready to purchase them, everything was different. They have been trying to put together a quorum to even have a meeting for 2 months now. We will be open before they decide if they are willing to assist us in developing the museum content. Sounds like you got the run-around. The FRHS is very proprietary about Lizzie. They are, of course, the repository of and safeguard to much of the physical evidence presented at the Trial. They have regularly scheduled Board of Director’s Meeting. Just how savvy are you, Mr. Pickel? hmmm?
I had all the most of the photos I needed already, what I was looking for was photos with the best resolution available. I just spent $15,000 enlarging photos for the museum, most of which have never been enlarged, or enhanced. Very exciting! You paid too much. Not very prudent for a business man. That’s a lot of $10 admission tickets just to cover costs of those enlargements. And you’re wrong about them never having been enlarged or enhanced. I have 3 feet x 5 feet enlargements in my collection which I’ve used for presentations going back to the mid 1980’s. But perhaps you have better resolution.
While a Lizzie Borden attraction has been in my thought since 1992, I did not have the funding and the right location at the same time until January of this year. I am a busy guy and was not willing to devote the time to fully develop this back burner project until it was real! By then time was short. If you’ve been successful with your Haunted House attractions at premiere venues, why didn’t you have the funding since 1992?
We are behind on opening because of building permit, construction, and contractor delays, and may not be able to open on Monday due to a Fire Alarm panel programming issue. But I am sure we will be open by the end of the week. Then I worry about the web site!! Your website is your branding. It is a primary marketing tool. A rush to open may sacrifice quality, and for visitors, initial impressions are lasting.
Will we be where we want to end up when we open? No. A museum as a constant work in process. We will be critiqued and fact checked by every person walking through the attraction, and we will make changes and corrections to the museum content as we go. Add better photos as they become available, and nuances as we or others thing of them. “Critiqued and fact checked.” You got that right.
We are in this for the long run! Taking our time now to get it right is what is important. “get it right’….I would certainly hope so. Advertising the “true story” puts the burden of TRUTH on you, Mr. Pickel.
As for the lawsuit rumor, there are some people who think they own Lizzie! And that no one is allowed to do anything with her without their permission, which they do not give anyone. Maplecroft tried to open a B&B at one time, and those plans were squashed by the self appointed owners of Lizzie. Too bad, I would have loved to spend the night at Maplecroft, wouldn’t you! “Maplecroft” DID open as a B&B, albeit for a short while. Nice research, Leonard.
So now they think they own the idea of a Lizzie Borden Museum, and no one can open one because they own it! They own Lizzie Borden!! I haven’t heard any person, organization or entity say they “own Lizzie Borden”. That’s YOUR phrasing. Clearly, the issue has been the word “museum”.
Sorry… I thought we were free in America, that pursuit of happiness thing, and monopolies were against the law. Monopolies? Monopolies? They ain’t got no stinkin’ monopolies.
The other thing that is against the law is slander! And when you announce a lawsuit in the newspaper, you had better stop wining and moaning and file the thing! All I have gotten so far are angry temper tantrum emails from some attorney, demanding that we take “Museum” off the logo and signage, demanding that we give them our URL, demanding that we take “Lizzie Borden” off of our logo and signage! Because they own Lizzie! Chill, dude your professionalism is showing.
So either file your lawsuit or shut the hell up! Someone didn’t shut up.
The sad part is that The True Story of Lizzie Borden is the best thing that ever happen to the B&B and the FRHS. There are 600,000 tourists that come to Salem each year. And most of them have no idea where Fall River is, or that Lizzie Borden lived there. Only an hour and a half south, we will drive more people to Fall River than the Fall River Tourism Board (if there even is such a thing), could ever dream of doing! Read my type Leonard, your exhibit is NOT the best thing that ever happened to the B&B and the FRHS. It hasn’t happened yet. The B&B has done very well for well over a decade. A first class exhibit in Salem would probably drive more tourists into Fall River, but not that much. People interested in the Borden case come to Fall River anyway. Why? Because its where the House is. Because it’s where the evidence artifacts are. Ask yourself why Willie Sutton kept robbing banks.
Our plan was to have an internet terminal, so people could find out the hours of the FRHS or rent a room at the B&B while in the museum. An internet terminal. How early 90’s. People have cell phones with internet access, text messaging. Again, good research, Leondard. Good out-of-the-box thinking.
But why would we do that if they are going to be ugly about the whole thing. If they don’t want the exposure, we can always tell people that, the Murder House is still a print shop, that the FRHS’s Borden exhibit is about the size of our men’s room, and that Fall River is in Rhode Island! Your charming professionalism is exceeded only by your creative wit, as displayed here.
-end
Note: I hope the trademark issue is resolved with no further litigation than the current Restraining Order and Temporary Injunction. I hope the Salem exhibit DOES open and I hope it is a first class operation as is the B&B and the FRHS. But “first class operation” means accurate information. And it has been very apparent to me that ever since Mr. Pickel had this idea (by his own admission back in 1992), he has done little to acquire or read source documents or become knowledgeable about the case and its principles. Something a curator would do. Something an historic B&B owner and manager would do. Something enthusiasts do. Like I said, I’m not holding my breath.
From Lizzie’s A-Twitter Be it Salem or Fall River!, 2008/08/03 at 7:17 AM”
116th Anniversary Weekend of Borden Murders
August 1, 2008
Tour Guide Kathleen describes discovery of the murders to visitors at the Borden house on July 31, 2008. (FRHN video)
How fortuitious that the fatal fourth of August falls on a Monday this year – 116 years later from the 1892 Borden murders that made Lizzie Borden an enduring fascination. This week day date allows for a long preceding weekend for the local media, particularly the Fall River Herald News, to do what it has continuously done from that very day (when it was known as the Fall River Globe), i.e., fill its paper with remembrances of the case and its iconic female enigma, Lizzie Borden. It is The Big Weekend for the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast and the Fall River Historical Society.
Also, more vehicles will pass through the beautiful entrance of Oak Grove Cemetery and follow the arrows painted on the pavement leading to the Borden family plot than any other weekend of the year. And traffic on French Street, already congested with insufficient curbside parking, will be heavily traversed with the “lookie-loos” getting a gander where Lizzie lived the rest of her life – the once stately abode she named “Maplecroft”. Lizzie died in the add-on bedroom over the veranda she had built as seen in this photo.
So it’s no surprise that the papers are full of Lizzie. It’s that time of year. Always has been, and (as long as the case remains one of the great murder mysteries) it always will be. The anniversary draws more tourists to Fall River and thats good business for the City and its tourist attractions. We can also look forward to the annual re-enactments and (don’t hold your breath) the opening of the Salem “Lizzie Borden Museum”. Come Tuesday, August 5, 2008, the local and regional papers will be still be full of Lizzie.
Yep, one long weekend. A virtual Lizzie bonanza for the media looking to increase viewership, radio listeners and on-site visitors! Free publicity all around. Especially for a town long suffering in its economic development that could use an infusion of revenue. No wonder they love her. Go, Fall River! Go!
On Monday, August 4th, I’ll post an updated Timelime of events the day before and the day of the murders.
Lizzie’s A-Twitter Be it Salem or Fall River!
July 31, 2008
CHECK OUT THIS ABC NEWS CHANNEL VIDEO AND WHAT FALL RIVER PEOPLE HAVE TO SAY:
I was excited when I heard about the “Lizzie Borden Museum” in Salem, and contacted Leonard Pickel on June 24 to offer assistance and perhaps loan some rare items from my collection for his 3,500 sq. ft. facility (3,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space). However, after two weeks of email exchange, learning of current litigation, and doing a little due diligence, I was less encouraged about the prospects of a first class operation. Learning this owner of Haunted Attractions magazine had planning and design exhibit experience solely on “home haunts” and the ghostly/paranormal genre, my enthusiasm waned considerably. When I asked what he had so far, Mr. Pickel informed me he had “only 50 hatchets so far” and that he was looking for good resolution images of the crime scene to make copies. Three weeks before his initial proposed opening (he wanted to open on her birthday, July 19th) he was still busy with contractors remodeling the venue and still looking for items to exhibit. Mr. Pickel had been asked by the FRHS (of which he is a dues paying member) to do a synopsis of his exhibit for submission to the Board for permission to access and obtain items from their collection. Clearly, the FRHS had the same reservations.
Mr. Pickel claims to have been planning this for years, yet his knowledge of the case is weak. One would think he would have been collecting source materials and reading everything possible to ensure accuracy of exhibits and the proposed CSI-type “journey” into the “true story of Lizzie Borden.” His website, as of this late date, still lacks a “Schedule” of operating hours, a “History”, or “Gift Shop” info. The website is in an ufinished state. Much as, I suspect, the exhibit/facility itself.
Fall River is home to Lizzie Borden. She remained in Fall River all her life. If she had moved to Boston and lived her remaining post-Trial years there, it would seem very appropriate for some type of Lizzie attraction. But in Salem, not so much. On the other hand, whether Mr. Pickel’s enterprise turns out to be a roaring success or a schlocky endeavor, people that visit it and are heading south, will most likely tour the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast (Mecca), visit the Fall River Historical Society, see the family graves at Oak Grove Cemetery and drive by Robert Dube’s “Maplecroft”. Lizzie brings in tourists. The vast majority of visitors to the FRHS come specifically to view their exhibit regarding the Borden case. And those that stay overnight at 92 Second Street get the best bang for the buck of any B&B in the country. PLUS, there are many Lizzie and case related artifacts on display and available for scrutiny at the B&B, including the most complete and comprehensive library of books, pamphlets, letters and journals easily available for review and research. The B&B is truly, the closest thing to a Museum that Fall River’s got – and almost a “living” museum, IMHO.
Yes, Fall River has repeatedly missed golden opportunities for obvious and new ways to capitalize on its most famous citizen. As descendents of the “founding families” literally die out, the resistance to that capitalizing seems to diminish. And that’s a good thing.
As to the new Superior Court across the street, it assumes and will hear those criminal cases which would have previously been at the old New Bedford Superior Court. It was not long ago that an inmate escaped the courthouse in New Bedford, much to the embarrassment of all concerned. The new facility in Fall River will have state of the art security. Talk of an increased criminal element in the Second Street neighborhood is without merit. There will be far more security in and around that building because of the nature of its operations than ever existed before in that space. And let us not forget that the Borden case Coroner’s Inquest and Preliminary Hearing were held in Fall River. Who knows, maybe arrangements will be made between the B&B owners and the court to have re-enactments in the future. I’d certainly pay to see it.
Monster Quest Does the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast
June 11, 2008
Post Airing Follow-up:
Another paranormal investigation into the “haunted” Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast. I’m sure most viewers out there found it fascinating and there’ll be another spike in bookings from this airing. Not only will it draw more visitors to “the Borden house”, but it serves to ensure its standing for yet another, and another, and another future series episode on spirits, ghosts, and haunted happenings.
It’s not about the Borden murder case – its about the residual paranormal aspect that is “entertainment-worthy” within this genre. So case scholars, experts, purists or just plain enthusiastic case followers will always be disappointed and annoyed by the dismissive manner regarding actual facts of the case. Program producers and directors want to hear from people who have actually had experiences, not people who know the relationship of Lizzie’s second cousin to Franklin Roosevelt, or what role John Morse played in the sequence of events.
I chuckle at the notion of those that are well read scholars on the case who contact program and series producers offering up their services, free or otherwise, to consult on the project as to accuracy of case facts. It’s not about that. It’s about ENTERTAINMENT. In fact, the presentation of not one, but three locations, i.e., Gettysburg, a gas station, and the Lizzie Borden house, going back and forth, is to keep the viewership for the full hour – otherwise, one would only watch the segment they were especially interested in.
They brought up Michael, who lived in the Knowlton Room for a few months having engendered himself to Martha McGinn’s mother, Sally (who worked for Martha as house manager). But Michael died in a fire in Connecticut. Why would his spirit be hanging out at 92 Second Street in Fall River?
I believe there’s SOMETHING ACTIVE in that House. But it’s not Michael. I believe there is SOMETHING otherworldly that manifests itself and has been seen and/or felt by others, myself included – one time and one time only on August 4, 2007. Whether it be moved furniture, a severe and sudden drop in temperature, mist, fingers down the back or across the face, a wisp of wind when there is no wind, children’s laughter when there are no children, a heavy foreboding feeling as if an angry entity were present, or the voice of Andrew himself. There is SOMETHING. And I would not have believed it myself until 2 years ago, when I had my own experience. But it made a believer out of me.
This Monster Quest episode segment also hoped to pick up Lizzie’s voice. So the invesigator asked the question: “Lizzie, who killed your father?”. First of all, Lizzie hated that house and it’s the last place she – under free will – would hang out, dead or alive. Secondly, if she would never admit to stealing two paintings on porcelain in 1897, she sure ain’t gonna cop out to chopping up Andrew and Abby back in 1892. Entertainment T.V. or not!
We purists will just have to wait for the Ken Burns documentary airing on PBS. (sigh)….. Meanwhile, we’ll take these “entertainment” segments any way we get them.
*******Original Post Below*************
You understand TV programming doncha? First you do a spinoff of the hit series, then repackage the content but dress it differently. Then you sell the box DVD’s, re-program or sell to syndicated sister channels, tweak the title within the same genre, re-circulate the same episodes, utilize the same featured players and authorities, then box those DVD sets again, merchandise, syndicate and so it goes. Great formula.
Particular success with this formula can be found in the paranormal genre. The explosion of interest in the occult and paranormal, not to mention a growing appetite of the public to occupy the same space in a different time at famous and infamous locales where haunted happenings took place – locations such as 92 Second Street, Fall River, MA, home of the infamous Lizzie Borden, has force fed this type of programming until a number of channels are cluttered with them weekly.
Andrew Jackson Borden and what’s left of his face.
Abby Borden and what’s left of her hair.
It was inevitable then that The World’s Creepiest Places, The Most Haunted, and Places That Go Boo in the Night, would morph into a quest for monsters, namely Monster Quest, through packaging geniuses, The History Channel. And this, only one of their many genres. Anyway………
My pals Tim and Matt will be on Monster Quest next Wednesday night, June 11th, which features the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast.
I first met these guys last August 4th when we did a Spooky Southcoast episode. Here’s the podcast if you want to hear my interview and my own paranormal experiences at the scene of America’s most enigmatic murders.
And if you can’t figure out the connection between this 116 year old unsolved hatchet murder and the title of this new series….well, my phriend…..look at those images of Andrew and Abby again. Wouldn’t you agree only a monster could do such a thing?
UPDATED 6/3/08 TO INCLUDE ARTICLE ON “20/20″ TV PROGRAM IN FALL RIVER.
Last month marked thirty years – that’s 30 years of visiting Fall River and the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast.
1978
2008
(Right click for larger image)
Safeguard yourself at Oak Grove Cemetery
John Stossel on 20/20 did Fall River on this controversial issue – thanks to Keri Rodrigues - great seeing “the neighborhood”.
The following is from A View of Battleship Cove blogsite:
Friday, May 30, 2008
Fall River TONIGHT on 20/20
There I was, discounting the power of WSAR, I thought for sure there was no way 20/20 would visit this little town of Fall River. 20/20 has pointed it’s lens towards little ole Fall River, MA, to show the story of Mixed Martial Arts and Gillett’s studio.
Tonight on 20/20, 10PM Channel 5
Episode Detail: How Young Is Too Young? – 20/20 Reports on age-appropriate behavior and adult pressures placed on youngsters include profiles of two teen paparazzi and a teenage in-line skater who was given steroids by his father. Also: Salma Hayek and Sarah Jessica Parker on how they deal with paparazzi wanting pictures of their young children; John Stossel on campaigns against the teaching of mixed martial arts to minors; and (from 2007) reporter Bill Ritter on child prodigies.
It will be interesting to see how they handle the story tonight. My sources tell me that it is going to have a positive spin, rather than the WSAR intended negative spin. Watch tonight to find out.
Signed,
Fear and Loathing in Fall River
Radio Station WSAR in Swansea
Keri Rodrigues, Me and Baby Matthew
Update: Even recent discoveries of new photos of Lizzie Borden, her father and her mother have not injected an increase in interest into this case. In fact, the number of posts on the best chat forum have consistently decreased for the past 13 months. Yet, she continues to “play” in schools, libraries, community and legit theaters, as well as frequent mentions in the countless blogs. The nitch remains narrow.
Original post follows:
Well, first off we have to define “We” because on one end of the spectrum “We” are the hard core scholars, a relatively tiny group grounded at the epicenter of “all things Lizzie”. At the other end is a moderate percentage of the public who have some degree of awareness of a certain poem and a bloody hatchet,
but rarely an interest to pursue it further and a total lack of understanding as to why anyone else in their right mind would want to.
In between are the minions of people who who love a good, classic unsolved crime; people who grew up in Fall River or environs; people who would like or think they can solve the crime; people who are attracted to the dark side of the bloody and bizarre; people who see Lizzie as a victim; people who dabble in or chase mysteries and the occult; people who saw the Elizabeth Montgomery movie and scratch an itching curiosity; people who study the case solely for its historical and societal implications; and people who are drawn to any story, film, book, reality t.v. show, or real life disaster that injects a jolt of excitement into their own otherwise mundane and uneventful life.
Now, think of ALL THE PEOPLE IN THE WORLD – literate people with computers or access to computers – with an interest in Lizzie Borden – that can easily find forums on which to chat and exhange information. Even the best forum, running for over 4 years, has only 30-35 regulars who log on in any 24 hour period. And of those 30-35, only 10 or 12 who actually post regularly.
The 1992 Lizzie Borden Centennial held at Bristol Community College in Fall River, drew only 400 people. Not even a third as many as the 1992 Assassination Symposium on President John F. Kennedy held the same year in Dallas, Texas, which I also attended.
Free, public lectures on Lizzie Borden in Fall River, draws only around 40 people. And this IN Fall River, the city where the murders happened 115 years ago. I’m told the quality, content and delivery of these lectures are excellent, yet attendance is a barometer to the local interest. Usually most of the attendees are friends of the speaker, staff from the B&B and a few local forum members. Attendance by Fall Riverites interested in Lizzie has been sadly lacking. In fact, my intrepid reporter tells me the lecture held on August 15, 2007 at 6:30 pm drew 52 people – and this with print media advertising!
Ground Zero, or “Mecca” is at 92 Second Street, Fall River, MA. (phone 508-675-7333). Bookings do not fall in the 90-100% capacity except in the first week of August and a few other dates throughout the year. The Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast offers the best “bang for the buck” of any B&B anywhere. It’s uniqueness is unparelelled anywhere in the country not only because of the complete freedom it gives its guests to roam and explore, but the hospitality is absolutely exceptional for B&B’s.
Now do you get what a narrow, narrow market of interest there is for Lizzie Borden IN ALL THE WORLD? More people would buy a good book with a clever twist on the Lizzie Borden case than log on to a forum touting the same subject. Tens of thousands more would watch a Lizzie documentary on TV than log on to a forum….but hardly any of those people would have an interest enough to buy a slick and well edited magazine publication be it $20, $10, or even $2.00. Of those 30-35 hard core members of the forum I mentioned (the administrator is the editor of the magazine) – a recent poll showed only 15 members even subscribe! If those who find themselves seductively stuck in a daily ritual of Bordenia online exchange don’t even subscribe, certainly that middle group of minions aren’t buying it either. In short, nobody’s reading it. That’s unfortunate. Sherlock, something is amiss.
Another example of the narrow nitch is eBay. ALL THE WORLD barters on eBay. Do a word search on “Lizzie Borden”. (Heck, if you’re reading this you probably already have!). Scan the number of bidders per listings – bidders from ALL THE WORLD. Not much. Certainly not nearly as much as anything on Lindsay Lohan (Insert audible “arrrgghhh”), or (name-your-team) sport tickets. Because “WE” are at the epicenter, some of “US” see all things Lizzie larger than it really is.
Now, you may ask yourself, why is this such a narrow nitch? I’ll tell why I think it is: Because Lizzie has most always been presented as a one dimensional persona based on an inaccurate quatrain. She’s rarely presented in the context of a richly textured and layered backdrop that is the history of Fall River and the Bordens themelves. Tis a pity, it tis.
I hope to give some illustrations of just how and why this case is so richly textured in upcoming entries. Stay tuned.
