“Gasp, gasp – I’m dying….”

Below are posting stats of probably the best chat forum on the subject of the Lizzie Borden case.

Like the Grasberg mine in West Papua, Indonesia, it’s Archives are the repository of its own gold and copper riches. 

Yes, I’m talking about Stefani Koorey’s forum – the same forum for which she has blocked me from joining and inevitably removes my party mask of contrived digital personas when I have been discovered after slipping in under the radar.

Now look at these stats:

Number of new posts by month
Year	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
2003	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1
2004	0	0	0	432	1138	832	595	710	676	611	1145	1280
2005	1110	1148	1615	1978	1457	1769	1228	1051	1328	1145	1059	1019
2006	1144	1223	1172	1402	1561	1831	1350	1961	1688	1549	1512	1595
2007	1707	1328	1264	1397	908	915	1038	1430	908	1079	1171	1052
2008	1494	1157	978	715	733	1059	829	934	643	786	430	680
2009	473	540	603	577	377	482	606	960	504	370	38	0

The steady decline of posts began in April of 2007 when the 4 digit count was less than the same month of the prior year.  And since April of 2008, all but one month has been in 3 digits.   And we just had a wallapaloosa of a Lizzie Borden month this past October and yet only 370 posts.  Wassup?

I attribute the recent reductions due to the lack of postings from sister Kat Koorey who, when not asking to “cite your source” was meticulous in assuring accurate information on the multitude of threads.  Kat deserves credit as being the chief contributor (and top poster) to the quality of information.  Now that she’s MIA, the post count and quality has subsided.

Another contributing factor to the steady decline, IMHO, is attributable to the more recent absence of Shelley Dziedzic who also was a great contributor to the Forum’s content.  Her bright and breezy posts, not to mention the glorious photos, was a delight to all.  I’m sure she is missed by the 15 or so hard core regulars.  Shelley was the #2 top poster.

The point is, no matter what lack of, er, ah, cordiality exists between Stef and me, the Lizzie Borden forum is a terrific source of Bordenia, provided you have the determined patience of a Grasberg miner.

I would encourage all eager to learn more – novice or scholar – to check out those threads and archives.  You don’t have to join unless you want to actually post, but you certainly can take advantage of the riches of that mine without joining. The rewards are plentiful and the journey exciting.

Lizzie Borden: A Tale of Two Cities

Gallery X in New Bedford, MA is currently showing a wide range of art focused on Lizzie Borden.  The August 4, 1892 Fall River crimes were tried in New Bedford’s Superior Court in 1893 – thus, the  “..Tale of Two Cities.”

Judging from this YouTube entry by Ric Rebello, the art is spectacular.  If you live in the area, go see it!

Visit their website.

Congratulations to Susan Hauck, curator of the event.  Fantastic job, Susan!!

Something New About Lizzie Borden

The Fall River Herald News carried this article on the much anticipated book, “Parallel Lives: A Social History of Lizzie A. Borden and Her Fall River” to be published by the Fall River Historical Society “before Christmas”  (3rd time we’ve heard that but this may be the year).

For example, we learn that Lizzie had a live-in travel companion named Trudy who traveled with her to Boston and Washington.    For more tidbits,  read the full article by clicking on the book title above.

Advance sales are available through the FRHS website.

LIZZIE’S ARREST RECORD BOOK

Fall River Police Chief John M. Souza

On the wall of the Administrative offices at the Fall River Police Department are these photographs of the past City Marshal’s and Police Chiefs.

• Rufus B Hillard – City Marshal – 1886-1909 (top left)
  

• John Fleet – City Marshal – 1909-1915 (bottom left)
  

• (Change from City Marshal to Chief of Police)

• William Medley – Chief of Police – 1915-1917 (center)
  

• Martin Feeney – Chief of Police – 1917-1931 (top right)
  

• Abel Violette – Chief of Police – 1931-1946 (bottom right)
  source: http://www.frpd.org/history.htm

Four of the five were involved in the Lizzie Borden case and had been in her house. Lizzie damn near outlived them all.

On November 14, 2000, through the courtesy of then Lt. Charles Cullen of the Fall River Police Department, I was allowed access to the police records books of the mid 1880’s through the early 1900’s. They were under the control and possession of Administration Lt. (now Deputy Chief) Cathleen Moniz.

When I arrived she had them laid out on her desk along with “all the remaining documents we have on the Lizzie Borden case”, which was miniscule at best. She was kind enough to let me handle, research and photograph these important ledger books. Lt. Cullen had also arranged for me a tour of the new police facilities (completed in March of 1997) which included their huge evidence room. High on a shelf was the camera long thought to have been “the” camera which photographer James Walsh took of Andrew and Abby – the crime scene photos – both just prior to and after the initial autopsies done at 92 Second Street around 4:00 pm, August 4, 1892. As has been learned, while the camera in possession of the FRPD is indeed a police photographer’s camera very similar to that one used on August 4th, it is not the camera, but one donated by a family member of a deceased police photographer.

In March of 2007, I contacted Deputy Chief Moniz once again and asked if she could arrange for the Arrest Record Book be brought out again so as to show to my friend, Shelley Dziedzic. Again, Deputy Chief Moniz had them laid out and allowed us to take pictures. She even gratiously took a photo of Shelley and me with the book.

Unexpectedly, having heard of our visit and plans to do a Lizzie Borden Conference, Police Chief John M. Souza, Fall River Police Chief since 2000, came into the room and spent an hour discussing the Borden case with us as well as other high profile murder cases. We delighted in his conversation regarding police forensic investigations as contrasted in the Borden case of 1892, to modern police forensic techniques used today. He instructed Deputy Chief Moniz to take us down to the “vault” where “historical” police records are stored. (For security reasons, I’ll refrain from describing the room or it’s safeguards.) While there it was interesting to learn that most all of the historic police files were lost in flood damage and, where the Borden case is concerned, also due to pilferage decades ago. Now the Department has rigid policies and procedures to protect and preserve case documents.

Lizzie’s arrest entry

Subsequent to the Preliminary Hearing of probable guilt, the entry of “Prob.” was handwritten over the standard “Guilty” column.

Jose Corriero murdered Bertha Manchester in Fall River with an axe on May 30, 1893. The papers reported this other hatchet murder the following day prior to the Borden Trial jury being sequestered. On June 3rd, 19 year old Jose was arrested and booked. (Note different spellings of his name. I took note of the fact he was born on January 8th, same as me.) The year of his birth is recorded as 1874, which would make him 19 on June 3, 1893, but the ledger shows age 18.

That a suspect was in custody was not known to the jury as they had been sequestered by the time it was reported in the papers, which they were not allowed to read. Thus, in the minds of these mostly farmer jurors, a hatchet yielding maniac was still on the loose and could have been – by golly – the same one that murdered old Andrew and Abby.

Tags: chief john souza, fall river police department

Michael Jackson and Nance O’Neil – 25 Feet of Separation

With all the coverage of Michael Jackson’s burial at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Glendale, California, I was reminded of my trek exactly 3 years ago (September 2, 2006) in search of Nance O’Neil’s final resting place.

Born Gertrude Lamson  on Oct. 8, 1874 in Oakland, California, Nance lived a full and accomplished life in theatre and film and died on February 7, 1965  at the USA Actors  Home in Englewood, New Jersey.  She was 91 years old.

Nance O’Neil was cremated at Fern Cliff Mortuary/Crematory, Hartsdale, New York.  A little over a month later her  ashes were shipped to Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, Calif. and placed in Niche #10022 of the “Columbarium of the Sanctuaries” in The Great Mausoleum on March 10, 1965.  This is the same Niche where her husband’s ashes (Alfred Scott Devereux Hickman) had been placed 34 years previous.  After my visit I added images and remarks at her Find A Grave site.

The Great Mausoleum is absolutely stunning in its beauty.   While inside  I looked with awe at the incredible stain glass depiction of The Last Supper, below which Michael Jackson will lay for all eternity.  It is  not more than 25 feet away from the wall of cremations which contains Nance’s ashes.

Sadly, Nance O’Neil’s name does not appear and there is nothing to indicate that this is her final resting place other than an old 3×5 lined card documenting the arrival of her ashes from Fern Cliff Mortuary with instructions to place them in Niche #10022.   I had to seek this information from the Records Office.

The Records Clerk, once getting the card from the archivist, had never heard of Nance O’Neil, which didn’t surprise me.  (I decided not to tell her the connection with Lizzie Borden and only said my “great aunt” had been a famous stage actress).  They were able to tell me nothing further as the only information they had was on the card.  Being Nance’s “great niece”, I was told her location within the vast cemetery and given a pass to present to the guard at the Great Mausoleum.  He actually left his post to help me and my son find our way to the “Columbine of the Sanctuaries” within the building.   (I have to wonder what enhanced security may be in place now that the King of Pop joins all the other notables in that exquisite structure).

The fact Nance’s name does not appear on the bronze plating might possibly have been Nance’s  own wish. I have never searched for nor seen a copy of Nance’s Will or if, like her once-upon-a-time friend, Lizzie Borden, she left instructions for the disposition of her remains.  But someone (perhaps her younger sister?) saw to it that Nance would rest into eternity with her husband – someone with whom she surely must have had great affection.  I believe both Nance and Alfred were bi-sexual and a marriage of convenience turned into one of mutual respect and caring and even love.

Lizzie Borden’s Will and Who Got the Cars

Lizzie Borden died on June 1, 1927.  Her highly publicized Will was probated for six years.  We learn much from those probate proceedings.  For example, Undertaker Winward charged $696.70 for her funeral arrangements.  We learn that Lizzie’s two cars, which were not listed among her bequests, were subsequently given away to her chauffeur, Ernest A. Terry,  and business manager, Charles C. Cook as assigned assets disposed of in the 4th and Final Probate Accounting.

Conformed Copy of the original of Lizzie Borden’s Last Will and Testament.

(Right click images for better viewing)

There were 4 Probate Hearings as follows:

Proceeding	Inclusive Dates	Held
1st Accounting	June 24, 1927 - May 1, 1929	October 2, 1931 (Fall River)
2nd Accounting	May 2, 1929 - Jan. 1, 1932	February 17, 1933 (Taunton)
3rd (Substituted) Accounting	Jan.1, 1932 - Nov. 28, 1932	February 17, 1933 (Taunton)
4th Final Accounting	Nov. 28, 1932 - March 3, 1933	March 24, 1933 (Attleboro)

Conformed Copy of the original probate documents as filed with the probate court in Fall River.

As executor of Lizzie’s Will, Charles C. Cook had listed his services at $10,000.  That was reduced to $5,000.  There was also the initially unreported sale of the Henry house (for $10,000 on April 14, 1928) adjacent to Lizzie’s that was contested by the primary “human” heirs, Grace Hartley Howe and Helen Leighton.   As if the money and the “so called Baker lot” were not enough, Mr. Cook ended up with the car below.   He had served Andrew Borden in his business interests and then Lizzie and her sister for the past 35 years.   He had earned Lizzie’s respect and gratitude for his loyalty and discretions.  Perhaps, like Lizzie, Charles had his own sense of entitlement.

The vehicles pictured below are for illustrative purposes and not the actual cars.

1923 Lincoln Sedan went to Charles C. Cook.

Charles C. Cook was born March 28, 1854, and died on  September 28, 1934, only 18 months after the final probating of Lizzie’s Will.

1924 Buick Sedan went to Ernest A. Terry

Ernest A. Terry was born January 26, 1886,  and died October 11, 1955.

Both these cars would have been garaged in the special structure Lizzie had built for her first automobile in 1913.  It still stands on French Street but is used for storage.  Robert Dube, owner of “Maplecroft” tells me that when originally constructed there was only the center doors.  The doors on both ends were added years later.  Dube showed me the original drawings.

Rear of Maplecroft showing the area behind the Swift residence to the right.  This shows the pathway on which Lizzie wanted to have a driveway built to her garage with it facing towards Belmont Street.  Due to restrictions set forth in the sale at the time, she was not able to build where she wanted.

Besides Ernest and Charles and the cars – both Grace and Helen gained from the “residuals” of the estate.  In addition to the furniture, carpets, books, jewelry, silver, glassware, etc., they were given cash payouts earned from interest on properties and stock dividends earned since Lizzie’s death to the final accounting – a period of 6 years. Grace was in Fall River on March 3, 1933 to sign (along with Helen Leighton)  the Fourth and Final Accounting of the Probate of Lizzie’s Will, wherein they both received $6,000.  That was a chunk of change to receive in the middle of the Depression.

The very next day Grace Hartley Howe, cousin to Lizzie Borden and wife of the private secretary and chief political strategist to Franklin Delano Roosevelt,  was in Washington, D.C. for the inauguaration of the President of the United States of America.  She and Hartley took the train.

Why she and Helen chose not to keep these cars is a puzzlement to me.

Stefani Koorey’s Bullshit

Comment from Fiz:

	Fiz FROrrBunt	Submitted on 2009/08/28 at 3:21pm I thought she was screwy ages ago and deleted her blog – yours is so much better. Don’t worry, Phaye, we love you. xxx

Note:  “Fiz” is an inactive member of the LB Forum, and very knowledgable in a number of true crimes as well as civil war history.

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

To Stefani Koorey and her forum members:  Yes, I have joined in various names and both genders dozens of times.   But I never “flirted” with anyone.  Khee-Rhist.  She makes me sound like a sexual predator.  And that is slanderous. I’m a happy 64 year old heterosexual.  I think that B.S. comes from past forum member “Audrey” who, in fact, flirted with one of MY male personas at one time.  Audrey turned out to be a male…but I knew that long before the forum members and wrote about it on Fairhaven’s blog long ago. 

And just WHY have I joined under nome de plumes?  Because Stefani refuses to allow me to join as myself – in my own name. Why is that?  What does she have to fear by me posting my knowledge and sharing with other members?  For example, I provide the Preliminary Hearing for FREE whereas she charges for it.

She has tried, unsuccessfully, to have my blog taken down.  She tried, successfully, in having my eBay account closed,  falsely claiming “copyright infringement”.  And eBay makes no judgements.  They just close an account when there’s such a complaint.  She knew how to use the system. (But hell, eBay’s too expensive for the little guy anymore anyhow).

Anyway, Stef – you can stop the bullshit hearsay remarks – which you have used over the years to caste false impressions.   I’m still waiting for you to sue me over your repeated “copyright infringement” claims.  I’m ready to go to court.  As to your recent “cease and desist” letter you sent me:  See this middle finger?   It’s my high sign to you to bring a complaint.  I have been waiting for years to see you in court.  I have the legal backing, financial resources and – most importantly – the TRUTH.

If you think I’m going to stand idle while you perpetuate myths about my character to your members who have never met me, only go by hearsay, you are wrong.  I will continue to set the record straight.

Why is it you’ve never told about August 4, 2008, Stefani?  When you interupted the events at the B&B with your ridiculous copyright police act in the B&B Gift Shop, and then showed up at Oak Grove when they were taking pictures and gave one of the staff a made up legal document threatening a law suit?  Disruptive and cruel….could it be because Mecca is the one place your bullshit precedes you?

I don’t just think – I KNOW plenty of people in Fall River see through your self-promotion antics.   Shame on you.

The following was posted by Stefani Koorey today:
Site Admin

Joined: Mon Dec 01, 2003 5:09 pm
Posts: 100

Location: Fall River, MA
The time here is: 1:11 pm

Status: Offline

Posted: Tue Aug 25, 2009 11:36 am Post subject:  Smitty
Please read the attached image or the first paragraph of the post at the link at the end of this message to understand why I had to ban our member Smitty from posting further on this forum, after three posts. The rules of the Lizzie Borden Society Forum are clear: members must be real people and use their real names when joining. This person continues to break this rule and attempt to engage members here in discussions, mostly in an effort to send traffic to her site. Here I am providing a real link to her site, because she has outed herself. This person has attempted over the years, sometimes with success, to join us using as many as a dozen different identities, both male and female. In one instance, posing as a male, she made personal contact (as a male) to several female members here, and, in some cases, flirted with them. This is unacceptable behavior, and speaks to a character that is not welcomed or condoned on this forum. I am ever vigilant about confirming, beforehand, the identities of the members who ask to join us at the Lizzie Borden Society Forum. This time, as Smitty, the person used an anonymizer (anonymous proxy) to mask their identity and the origin of their posts. These are the lengths this person will go to in a never-ending attempt to trick you and me into believing they are someone they are not. I apologize to you, our members, for having to once again be subjected to the attack. It is my intention, always, of keeping this forum a safe place for its members, and to ban anyone who tries to use this site for their sandbox. If you feel you have been contacted privately by anyone from this site who you do not believe to be who they claim to be, feel free to contact me privately. Stefani Koorey Administrator Lizzie Borden Society Forum http://phayemuss.wordpress.com/2009/08/23/lizzie-borden-bb-secures-trademark/

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.

More Lizzie Borden Collectibles for Sale

From the “Comments” section on my blog comes this nice remark from Keith about my Lizzie Borden collectibles.  I’ve been giving lots away over the past year and have just dug up more from storage.  I have original Porters, Rebello’s, Knowlton Papers, etc. etc.  Email me what you’re interested in and I’ll send you images.

I’ll also be posting more stuff for sale here in the very near future.

Keith Judson Says:
June 27, 2009 at 1:42 pm

“Hi Faye,

I just received the Lizzie Borden CD and all I can say is WOW! You have amassed an incredible amount of information – it is a “Lizzie Fan’s” dream.

Thank you so much for sending it as well as the other Lizzie artifacts.

Keith Judson
Reno, NV”

Be watching for new items and new images.

Lizzie Letters

Reading letters written in Lizzie Borden’s own hand is always a fun and interesting exercise.   We’ve found them in books, newspapers, estates, libraries, and private collections.  They keep popping up.  There are plenty more out there.   Lizzie was consistent in doing what was proper to the customs and practices of the time, and this included her letter writing.   Here is a sampling of some of the letters we know of which give us a glimpse into this woman who continues to fascinate.  Just click on each image for a larger, clearer view.

The noisy bird letter:

Brayton’s son discovered the letter in an old desk and subsequently gave it to the 1st Congregational Church who had it mounted and displayed in the Church office as you see above.

The Fall River Historical Society promises (again) to have the new book Parallel Lives out by the end of the year.  Part of the promotion are little ticklers like this intentionally cryptic letter written by Lizzie.  If each character (which disguises the true word) represents the actual number of characters in the word, translating becomes a little more easier.

Lizzie’s vanity case

A fairly new letter discovery was published in David Rehak’s book, Did Lizzie Borden Axe For It? (3rd edition, 2007, page 197).

She wrote this note just ten days after turning 52, and 20 twenty years after the murders. Also, this was written just 3-1/2 months after the sinking of the Titanic. The interesting provenance of this note can be found in Rehak’s book, which is a very entertaining read and reviewed HERE.

Translation:

“C/O A. Stomell & Co. The toilet case came to me safely
and is very satisfactory. I have a fitted suitcase with toilet articles in white, can you put a blue (bluish?) B. on each piece if they were sent? Very Truly Yours, Miss L. A. Borden, July 29, 1912″

Funeral Instructions

Translation:

My funeral to be strictly pri-
vate with a short prayer at
the grave.

At the house I wish read
“The Crossing of the Bar”
Also the 14th chapter of St. John
and the 23rd Psalm.
Also sung the first and fourth
verses of “My Ain Countrie”
& wish to be laid at my
fathers feet.

A small headstone to match
the others of my family
Lizbeth to be cut on the stone

Lizbeth Andrews (?)
with the date July 1861 (?)

The minister of the Church
the Ascension is to conduct (?)
the services.

Grave to be bricked.

Lizbeth A. Borden
March 31 – 1919
Fall River

The Fall River Tragedy – Rare Book FREE Online

The first book to be published on the Lizzie Borden case was right after her Trial in 1893 by Edwin Porter, a reporter for the Fall River Globe and a chum of some of the police officers who provided some inside information.

The first edition, the original, is not easily found and when it does appear, such as on eBay, usually sells for $300 or more.  Some antique book dealers list it as high as $2,000.  The book itself is really not all that rare.  I addressed this issue in detail in a previous blog which can be found by clicking HERE.

Lizzie’s lawyer, Andrew Jennings, on behalf of the Borden sisters and John Morse,  threatened Porter and the publisher with legal action if any pictures of “the family” appeared.  Well, pictures of the “dead family” appeared and no suit followed.

When the book was first published, it was sold on subscription, and one of the “Lizzie Legends” is that Lizzie bought out the printer and had the copies burned.  Not true.  A goodly number were purchased – and to some Fall River notables at that. The one found AT THIS SITE was owned by Charlotte Brayton and she donated it to the Harvard Library.   The Braytons were one of the prominent founding families of Fall River.

By clicking to advance the pages , you will immediately see the handwritten inscription on the inside cover:  “Israel Brayton”.  This particular Israel Brayton* was born in 1874 and died in 1961.  He married Ethel Moison Chace (1880-1960), and they had three children, including Charlotte Brayton (1913 to 1994).  Charlotte never married.  For whatever reasons, Charlotte preferred to donate her father’s copy of The Fall River Tragedy to Harvard rather than the Fall River Historical Society.  Lucky thing for us she did.

The book is rich in photos of key players not found in other books and includes the old “Ferry Street” homestead, the house Andrew deeded to the girls over the Whitehead fiasco.  Well, that house was practically a prototype of the home he purchased in 1872 at 92 Second Street.  Greek revival, two-family home.  Andrew was worth a small fortune by 1872 but he didn’t exactly move “up”.   Anyway, here’s a picture of both houses:

Virtually, the same house.  Two stories and an attic built for 2 families with identical floor plans on the first and second floors.   Lizzie was 12 when they moved and she could not have been too impressed.  The only difference was after a short while they had “the whole house”.  So that was different.

Thanks to the Harvard Library, and thanks to Charlotte Brayton, you can now READ, AND PRINT OUT THE ENTIRE BOOK FOR FREE – AND AS IT WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED.   NO WORD DOCUMENT HERE.  HERE YOU CAN ENJOY IT JUST AS IT WAS LAID OUT – NOT RETYPED IN WORD FORMAT AND UPLOADED TO A FORUM SITE WITHOUT ANY IMAGES.  HERE YOU GET THE REAL DEAL.   ENJOY!  IT’S FREE!

CLICK HERE —>  FALL RIVER TRAGEDY

*Source: The Braytons of Somerset and Fall River by Roswell Brayton, page 34. (Note: Charlotte is pictured with several generations of Braytons in this book; also pictured are her father and mother.)

Lizzie Borden and the Fall River Animal Rescue League

It’s been a week of Portuguese Water Pirates.  No wait.  That’s wrong.  In any event, in honor of Bo Obama, here’s a recycled post tribute of Lizzie Borden and the Animal Rescue League of Fall River.

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

Lizzie Borden not only left a huge amount of money to the Animal Rescue League of Fall River when she died on June 1, 1927, but she was also one of its initial financial contributors when it was created in 1914.  Her friend, nurse Helen Leighton and Helen’s friend, school teacher Gertrude Baker were there at the beginning and became founding members of the League.

Helen Leighton

Gertrude Baker

Below is the founding document establishing the League as a corporation by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  (Right click images for larger view).

Reading over the Annual Reports from my collection, its interesting to contrast how the League began.  Here’s a sample Report and a history document recapping its early beginnings.

Click on the link below for a scanned image of the April 15, 1926 “12th Annual Report of the Secretary” of the Animal Rescue League of Fall River who, at that time, was Annie E. Allen.

12th Annual Report-1926

Little did the Board of Directors know that less than 14 months later they would be the recipients of large bequests from the Wills of Lizzie ($30,000) and Emma ($20,000) Borden.  Subsequent “Annual Reports” reveal these monies were invested so well that income is still derived from this fund.

The “History” tells us that early fundraising after its incorporation was done in private homes – perhaps even Lizzie’s?  And that they even dressed up as playing cards and had various games.  I like to think Lizzie participated and had some fun.  Stuffy Emma would probably have deferred even if she had still be living at “Maplecroft”.   It was the League who took care of the burial of Lizzie’s dogs according to later Reports filed.

history-1

history-2

Today, the Faxon Animal Rescue League, (formerly the Animal Rescue League of Fall River) located at 474 Durfee Street, pays tribute to the Borden sisters by keeping their photographs on the wall in their lobby.  You can see their pictures in the upper right corner of that photograph as is shown here.

The Month of April – Lizzie Borden

So here’s a partial and selective extraction from my continuous work-in-progress Historic Timeline of Fall River and Lizzie Borden.

April 18, 1774	Paul Revere and William Dawes warn “The British are coming.”
April 19, 1775	Minutemen of Lexington and Concord battle British regulars and start the American Revolution.
April 01, 1778	Oliver Pollock invents the dollar sign, i.e. “$”.
April 30, 1789	George Washington becomes the first U.S. President.
April 4, 1803	First town meeting held at home of Louisa Borden.
April 30, 1803	US more than doubles its size thru the Louisiana Purchase.
April 1, 1844	Abraham Borden invests money for his son Andrew & William Almy to start furniture business. (Andrew is 22 years old).
April 24, 1844	Andrew, Abraham & William Almy purchase lot on Anawan St. for $1500.
April 20, 1854	William S. Borden, son of Deacon Charles L. Borden, is born (Arnold Brown’s “illegitimate son of AJB”)
April 22, 1854	City Charter adopted for Fall River, establishing 6 Wards.
April 22, 1854	James Buffington elected first Mayor of Fall River. Southard Miller elected Alderman of City of Fall River.
April 17, 1859	Philip Harrington, later to be Captain of Fall River Police, is born.
April 3, 1860	Pony Express service begins in St. Joseph. Mo.
April 9, 1865	General Lee surrenders to General Grant, ending Civil War
April 10, 1865	Nathaniel B. Borden dies; former Mayor, Senator, mill owner and bank president. (Married 4 times).
April 14, 1865	Abraham Lincoln assassinated at Ford Theater. (Lizzie is almost 5 yrs old.)
April 26, 1865	American Civil War: Gen. Joseph E. Johnston surrenders to Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman at Durham, NC
April 26, 1872	Andrew buys 92 Second St. house from Charles C. Trafton for $10,000. (Lizzie is almost 12 years old).
April 19, 1873	Bessie Borden born. Daughter of Jerome C. Borden.
April 25, 1873	Emanuel Taylor, mill worker, has his arm cut off on machinery. Dr. Seabury Bowen summoned and performs surgery.
April 24, 1884	At 6 PM fire started amongst cotton in the basement of Sagamore Mill No.1
April 14, 1890	John Morse goes to Warren, RI to visit his Uncle Charles Morse for a year and a half. (LR75-76)
April, 1892	Borden barn is broken into while Andrew and Abby are at Swansea farmhouse.
April, 1892	Lizzie tells dressmaker Hannah Gifford that Abby is a “mean, old thing”.
April 3, 1893	Emma & Lizzie sell 74 acres of land to Leander E. Gardner. (LR556)
April 10, 1893	Judge Blaisdell resigns as Judge of the Second District Court.
April 24, 1893	District Attorney Knowlton writes Attorney General Pillsbury that he’d like to “get rid” of the Trial of the case.
April 16, 1894	New Bedford Bar Association formed. Hosea Knowlton is founding member.
April 17, 1897	UFO crashes in Auroa, Texas, dead “alien” found and buried. (Dallas Morning News p5)
April 19, 1897	First running of the Boston Marathon.
April, 1899	Rev. Buck tenders his resignation to Central Cong. Church after 32 yrs of service (HistoryCCC194)
April 17, 1901	William S. Borden is found dead hung from a tree in Fall River with empty bottle of Carbolic Acid by his side..
April 1, 1902	Lizzie purchases east side of Belmont from Mary Swift. (LR559)
April 3, 1905	Nance O’Neil begins 3-week engagement at Tremont Theatre in Boston; leaves for Australian tour one month later.
April 18, 1906	San Francisco earthquake and fire kills 452.
April 22, 1909	John Morse travels from Iowa to Boston.
April 15, 1912	White Star liner Titanic sinks on her maiden voyage after hitting an iceberg; 1,500 die.
April 6, 1913	Boston Sunday Herald special edition: “Lizzie Borden 20 Years After the Tragedy” by Gertrude Stevenson.
April 13, 1913	Boston Sunday Post publishes interview with Emma Borden by reporter Edwin Joseph McGuire.
April 29, 1913	The all purpose zipper is patented.
April 6, 1917	Woodrow Wilson signs Declaration of War against Germany, allowing U.S. to engage in World War I.
April 15, 1919	Strike by Boston operators disrupts telephone service throughout New England.
April 9, 1920	Melvin O. Adams dies at the of 70 in Boston, Mass.
April 15, 1920	Bandits kill guard, shoot paymaster at shoe factory in Braintree, MA (Sacco & Vanzetti case).
April 14, 1924	Lizzie forms a partnership with Jacob Dondis in her half share of the AJ Borden Bldg on So. Main and Anawan.    (LR56)
April 29, 1924	Hannah B. Reagan, former police matron, dies at the age of 73 in Fall River.
April 8, 1927	Two way test of “Television” with AT&T President Gifford & Secretary of Commerce Herbert Hoover.
April 13, 1933	Emma’s estate sells Maplecroft. (LR561)
April 27, 1933	The play: Nine Pine Street opens on Broadway at Longacre Theatre starring Lillian Gish as Lizzie Borden.
April 18, 1936	Louis McHenry Howe dies at Bethesda Naval Hospital;  Eleanor Roosevelt contacts Grace Howe (Lizzie’s cousin and major legatee) in Fall River and notifies her of her husband’s death. Louis lies in state in the East Room of the White House.
April 19, 1936	Grace and son Hartley travel from Fall River to Washington, DC.
April 22, 1936	President Franklin D. Roosevelt attends Louis McHenry Howe’s burial funeral in Fall River at Oak Grove Cemetery.
April 10, 1944	Orrin Augustas Gardner, cousin and major legatee in Emma’s Will, dies in Deighton, MA.
April 13, 1945	Franklin D. Roosevelt dies. Harry Truman sworn in as President.
April 22, 1948	Premier of Agnes DeMille’s Fall River Legend ballet in NYC.
April, 1952	Edward R. Snow’s radio broadcast stating a boy found undisturbed dust in barn loft on August 4, 1892.
April 10, 1982	Edward Rowe Snow dies at the age of 80.
April 6, 1997	Memorial for Hartley Howe at Fall River Marine Museum where he had been a Trustee.
April, 2003	Robert Dube’ files application with FR Planning Board to build single home on driveway of 306 French; some neighbors protest; Dube’ later rescinds application.
April 8, 2003	The Herald News reports Robert Dube’, owner of 306 French St. (“Maplecroft”) is listing home for sale at $725,000.
April 27, 2005	Demolition begins of Leary Press adjacent to 92 Second St.
April, 2008	Third printing of David Rehak’s Did Lizzie Borden Axe for It? Is published. Contains newly found Lizzie letter.

Fall River – A City Overwhelmed in an Economic Crisis

While towns and cities across the nation suffer during this economic crisis, Lizzie Borden’s Fall River with its nearly 17% unemployment (more than twice the State’s average)  has laid off nearly 150 city workers of which the majority are police and fire personnel.   When a community starts laying off  “first responders” you know they are in deep trouble.  Police patrol levels are down to 1976 levels and most special services have been eliminated or seriously cut back.

Click HERE for a brief video from Boston.com on what is happening to Fall River.  This is a very graphic and depressing report, and certainly does the City no favors in attracting new business or residents.

Even the arts community is suffering from lack of civic support and must deal with inept, unresponsive city officials lacking vision, ethical leadership and appreciation for what the City once had, what it has left, and what still can be saved.

Local activists recently held a rally against the Fall River Redevelopment Authority’s action on proposals to renovate the old Durfee Textile School.  The activists wanted the building to be primarily for artists with no low income housing.  That very afternoon the City went with Peabody Associates (which the group did NOT want) who will have mixed use of condos and arts.  So the group lost.

Stefani Koorey recites a metaphoric poem in the video where she is introduced as “Goofy” and begins by declaring she chose to move to Fall River. The video is about 35 minutes long but once you click it to start and it comes on, slide the bar to 14 minutes, 48 seconds (14.48) and Stefani will be introduced.

Of more importance to Borden buffs who have visited Fall River – but what is off the town’s radar in terms of project priorities – is the bank foreclosure on Abbey Grill, aka the “Central Congregational Church”.

Side view 2008

When the Fall River Herald News reported the closure of the Abby Grill most online citizen comments seemed in agreement that this historic and beautiful and unique edifice  should be torn down and made into a parking lot!

The property will be the subject of an auction next week but given there are hundreds of thousands of dollars in needed repairs and upgrades, prospects for saving it from the wrecking ball seem slim.  This structure is as iconic to Fall River as is the Braga Bridge, Battleship Cove, St. Anne’s and many of the old mills with their towering smoke stacks.

Front view 2006

Fall River’s golden decade was the 1870’s but it never fully recovered from the mid 1920’s when most of the mills had failed.  Today it suffers from lack of industry, severely reduced police and fire services, closing schools, increased crime, high unemployment and a general population that cares little for the historic fabric that made  Fall River  so important to America’s Industrial Age.

Running silent and unseen beneath the surface of  the City,

the Quequechan River empties out into the Bay.

Quiet too are the tears that flow by those who love Fall River

Tears that grieve for its yesteryears

and saddened for its Today.

Random Shots of Fall River

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

Borden here, Borden there, Bordens, Bordens EVERYWHERE!

I regularly receive emails and letters from those interested in the Lizzie Borden case and usually because they have or believe they have a link to Lizzie herself.

As early as 1970, I began exchanging letters with people, many of whom were distant Borden relations or residents of Fall River during Lizzie’s life time, although one or two generations behind her.   For the early correspondence I am indebted to Florence Brigham, past Curator Emeritus of the Fall River Historical Society, who was so accommodating and helpful with her introductions and assistance in my early years of research.

In more contemporary times, letters have given way to emails in terms in quantity and frequency.  But the content seems to always have that recurring thread:  the writer is related to Lizzie Borden.  This isn’t surprising since we’re all only 14 degrees of separation from Kevin Bacon, why not 20 degrees of separation from Lizzie?  Seriously though, with a variety of internet search engines we can instantly find countless blogs and websites on the case to learn specifics from -

Andrew’s skull as presented at trial to:

The Drew Barrymore connection to:

Descendents of the Bordens

The Borden Project is one of my favorite sites because of the many photographs of Bordens.  When you get to the site, click on the “Photo Gallery” at the left and by the time you get to the 3rd and 4th pages you are at the 5th, 6th and 7th generations of Bordens.  When you see all those faces, the years they were born and died, the states they spread out to, is it any wonder that Bordens are everywhere?   And though the bloodline thins with each generation, the linkage is still there.

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My mother’s family were Bordens from Fall River, MA. What is interesting is that my family lineage were all male descendents, so the surname remained Borden until my mother. Your friend indicated that you were also a Borden and had done a lot of Borden genealogy and also that you knew quite a bit about Lizzie. Between a third cousin, Stephen Borden in Fall River, and my aunt, most of our family’s Borden genealogy is current.

Why I have contacted you is mainly to see how we might be related and also to ask you a question or two on Lizzie Borden. There was a grocer by the name of Edmund Whitehead located on 102 South Main Street during this period of Lizzie and the murder of her parents. Edmund Whitehead had married a Borden, Silvia L. Borden, oldest daughter of Stephen and Sarah Potter (Brayton) Borden. Silvia was the older sister of my great grandfather, Charles Edgar Borden. Anyway, Edmund was called as a witness at Lizzie’s trial in regards to the movement of Andrew Borden that morning. I am attaching a summary of Andrew Borden’s movements that morning and you can see the reference to Whitehead.

What has peaked my interest, and you may be able to offer an answer, is the half-sister of Lizzie’s stepmother, Abby. The half sister’s married name was Whitehead. I can’t find my reference at this moment, but I think her first name was Mary. My question: Was Abby’s half sister married to one of Edmund’s brothers? The Whitehead family came to Fall River in 1856, so I don’t think the town was full of Whitehead’s. Lizzie would be my fifth cousin, three times remove according to my cousin, Stephen Borden. But I would be interested in finding out if there is a connection with the Whitehead family.

I hope this email hasn’t confused the daylights out of you, I am open to any questions you may have on my family’s history. My great great grandfather, Stephen Borden, and the next two generations of male Bordens were all carriage painters by trade. So you can see I am not directly related to any of the Borden shakers and movers.

I hope to hear back from you,

Mary Clemens in Florida

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I came across your blog from the article in today’s Boston Herald. Very interesting! Last year I starting doing family research because my Mom always told stories of how her mom (my grandmother) would play in Lizzie’s house. My grandmother, Marion Haywood b. 1893, mother was Flora A. Borden. Anyways…traced it back to Lizzie’s G G Grandfather John Borden b. 1640 is my G G G G G G  Grandfather. Not sure how you would say we were related, but we were.Anyways…great web-site enjoyed it alot!

Bill

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After reading Arnold R. Brown’s book regarding Lizzie Borden, I became interested in the aspect of the murder being done by William S. Borden, with the possible help of William Lewis Bassett.  I began researching these two people.  One thing of interest I found is that William Lewis Bassett left Fall River, Bristol, Massachusetts after 1900 and ended up across the country in Sunnyside, Yakima County, Washington, where he died after 1910!  After William S. Borden’s murder or suicide in 1901, it looks like William Bassett wanted to get as far as possible from Fall River.William Lewis Bassett’s mother, Peace, was the second wife of Charles Lott Borden.  Charles Lott Borden’s first wife was Phebe Hathaway, the mother of William S. Borden.It is probable that Ellen Eagan’s story of seeing William S. Borden coming out of the Andrew Borden house at 11;00 a.m. the morning of the murders is true.  My theory is that he and William L. Bassett went there that morning, between 10:15 and 11:00, to ask for money from Andrew Borden.  When Andrew refused, he was murdered by William S. Borden, a dangerous lunatic.  Abby Borden was probably murdered shortly before, between 10:30 and 10:45.

So, when I read the newspaper account of Pete Peterson’s story on your website, I wanted to see the whole newspaper account.

Sincerely, Patricia

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Note:  “Slides” above from presentation to womens group at ASU 5 years ago.  There are letters I will post pending permission where applicable.

The Amish Lizzie film – “Bordenia”

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).

Merry Christmas from the Bordens (2008)

It has been speculated on how Lizzie Borden and her family celebrated Christmas.   Click these links to find out.  Be patient on the loading – it’s worth it!

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE WITH THE BORDENS AT CHRISTMAS!

WHEN THEY WERE YOUNG

BORDEN CHRISTMAS HOE-DOWN

SNOWBALL FIGHT

SNOWBALL FIGHT-VARIATION ON A THEME

THE DANCING BORDENS!

THOSE PESKY BORDEN ELVES

ANDREW’S ENCORE

Meanwhile, down at the Mellen House, here’s what Mayor Couglin, Dr. Dolan, Marshal Hilliard, Inspector Fleet, and pharmacist Eli Bence were doing back in Christmas 1893.

YOU GO GUYS!

I’ll be adding a few more between now and Christmas, so check back soon. 

New Photo of Emma Borden

From a recently acquired photo comes another purported image of Emma Lenora Borden, sister to Lizzie Borden.  Stefani Koorey, obsessed with all things Borden, quit her tenured teaching job in theater history at Valencia Community College in Orlando, Florida and moved to  Fall River early last summer.   Unemployed and sharing an apartment next door to “Maplecroft” where her boyfriend lives, she spends time digging thru old  boxes of old photos  in search of Borden family members.  But this time she saw an old photo for sale and bought it, believing it to be Emma Borden.  Lucky for us Stefani Koorey made the move and pulled out another photo – this time identifying it as Emma Borden.  Personally, I think it is Emma.  Let’s take a look, shall we?

Above carte-de-visite taken at Melville Sumner studio on 5 So. Main probably between 1873 and 1877 when Emma would have been 23 to 27 years old.

I know, I know. At first glance, anyone familiar with the often published Emma Borden as seen below would say “That ain’t her.”    Here is the Emma we are familiar with:

Here she is obviously older – perhaps the pictures are around 10 years apart – it certainly would serve the maxim that stress ages a person rapidly, doncha think?

What I find remarkable is comparing the “new Emma” with the “young Andrew” – remember that?

In this new image she certainly seems to have her father’s nose, bulbous eyes and mouth.  The downward curvature of the lip lines as they grew older seems to have been a Borden trait.

Poor Emma.  Her disapproval of Abby bore upon her countenance as she aged.  Perhaps not just that, but also her self-imposed life of quiet restraint and solitude contributed to the appearance of a woman who radiated little joy or happiness upon which her friends could remark.

How about these, folks?

Nah.  We’ll just have to wait until the next ” big reveal”.   Some, like me, may think it stupid to leave a good paying job in these economic times just to chase Lizzie in Fall River, but those of us interested in the case certainly reap the benefits of her finds.   Keep ‘em comin’!

Lizzie Loved Scotland

Something about Scotland must have resonated with Lizzie Borden on her 1890 Grand Tour of Europe.  Available information indicates she was fond of Scottish authors and poets.  So a little cruising (excuse the pun) of YouTube brought forth these representative videos of Scotland in the Edwardian era, which was basically 1880’s to 1916.

Below is a video of a Cunard vessel in 1901 – with sound.  Lizzie didn’t travel on a ship this grand but apart from summoning thoughts of the Titanic (note Captain Smith’s lookalike), it is illustrative of the era.

The Scotland Lizzie would have seen in 1890 on her “Grand Tour”.  Clearly Lizzie was impressed with the green expanse of Scotland’s countryside, its wide streets in Edinburgh, the beautiful castles and stately homes on vast acres.  I imagine she brought home prints of Scotland scenes much like these postcards.  And I can further imagine her years later sitting on her enclosed back porch at “Maplecroft” building castles in the air with fond remembrances of that grand, old time.

And the people of Edwardian Scotland – sites Lizzie may have seen -Well, maybe not so much the poorer folk, which she had plenty of opportunity to see in her home town of Fall River.  As was America, Scotland and all of Europe was experiencing the industrial revolution.  The working class was not so much different in Scotland as it was in New England.

And just for fun, time to pull out again the ever popular “Lizzie & Jack”:

On an unrelated note – to those who frequent the LB forum – has anyone noticed the continued decline of posts per month?  With the exception of June 2008, every month has been significantly less than the same month prior year – significantly less for almost 2 years.  Why aren’t people posting as much as they did before?  Possible reasons:  (1) The nitch is narrowing; (2) Former regular posters are MIA; (3) Other interests have taken hold of time and inclination; (4) Nothing new comes forth, i.e., same banterings on the same minutia of speculative theory; (5) The level of expertise of the dozen or so regular posters keep newbies intimidated; or (6) Whatever.

Anyway, November was a record low with only 424 versus 1171 for November 2007.  Here is a cut and paste from the “Statistics” graph from the site:

Number of new posts by month
Year	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
2003	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1
2004	0	0	0	432	1138	832	595	710	676	611	1145	1280
2005	1110	1148	1615	1978	1457	1769	1228	1051	1328	1145	1059	1019
2006	1144	1223	1172	1402	1561	1831	1350	1961	1688	1549	1512	1595
2007	1707	1328	1264	1397	908	915	1038	1430	908	1079	1171	1052
2008	1494	1157	978	715	733	1059	829	934	643	786	424