Random Nuggets – John W. Coughlin & Josephine McGinn

 

As Mayor of Fall River

 

Mayor Coughlin is back row, second from right.  Franklin D. Roosevelt is seated, center.

Coughlin, John W. (1861-1920) — of Fall River, Bristol County, Mass. Born in Fall River, Bristol County, Mass., June 9, 1861. Democrat. Physician; mayor of Fall River, Mass., 1891-94; defeated, 1889; Massachusetts Democratic state chair, 1896; candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts, 1901; member of Massachusetts Democratic State Committee, 1901-20; delegate to Democratic National Convention from Massachusetts, 1904, 1912 (speaker); member of Democratic National Committee from Massachusetts, 1912; candidate for U.S. Representative from Massachusetts 15th District, 1912.  Clearly, he was a

He died December 3, 1920 (age 59 years, 177 days), less than 3 months after the above group picture was taken.

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

 

I was in Fall River during the demotion of the Leary Press.  Exploring through the rubble I found this check receipt laying in plain sight payable to Josephine McGinn, written in 1993 by her grand-daughter and my friend, Martha McGinn , in the amount of $10,000.  Martha ran the Leary Press after John died and made periodic payments to her.  (Note:  There’s a certain symmetry to the fact the check is drawn on the Citizen Savings Bank – the bank which Andrew Borden was President when he died.)

Mayor Coughlin died when Josephine was just a little girl.  The Leary Press no longer stands.  The House at “92 Second Street” still stands.  And the enduring fascination of Lizzie Borden grows stronger with each generation.

 

Lizzie Borden House: August 4th Re-enactments

Many of you may know of – or even attended – the annual August 4th re-enactments of the discovery of the murders of Lizzie Borden’s father and stepmother on that same date in 1892 in Fall River, Ma. Well, so much has changed since the new owner took over. For example, they no longer accept phone calls so if you know (and/or communicate) with people who work there, you’ll get some information, slim as it is. Here’s a tidbit from a friend of a friend on Facebook:

Lance Zaal, new owner

“Vic Leo Hey everyone! I work at the house and am directing this year’s re-enactment. In order to keep things safer and less crowded in the house (covid cases here in MA are beginning to spike again ) we are doing things a little differently this year. There are going to be three days of reenactment events. It’ll be performed live inside the house and live-streamed out to a projector in the parking lot where more people will be able to view it safely. The events are on August 8th, 15th, and 29th. I’m unsure if it’ll be online, but I don’t see why it wouldn’t be. Let me double check that and I’ll update asap.”

In the meantime, check out this Timeline on the events that happened the two weeks before and the day of August 4th, 1892. As you read it, put yourself in the action. Click HERE.

 

MORE (SAD?) NEWS ON LIZZIE BORDEN B&B UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

Erika Mailman wrote a lengthy piece for the online Smithsonian Magazine in which she describes more changes to take place as stated by new owner Lance Zaal. Opinions of its transformation shared by Shelley Dziedzic and myself were given in interviews for the same article.

What I’ve often referred to as “Mecca” is now a chrysalis morphing into a place where “mindless paranormalizers who pretend to see ghosts to get TikTok likes” (-Erika Mailman) is its current destiny. Now guests can squeal with contrived delight while case purists who’ve spent the night before will shake their heads and say what the f*ck?

From replacing the antique replica stove with a modern one, to adding a bedroom in the basement – these changes can be read in the article HERE.

Clearly, the experiences of those who booked overnight stays at this iconic edifice have been terminated. The factual historic residue has dissipated under the weight of contrived ghostly and paranormal experience options.

The House has been a tourist destination under three “generations” of Innkeepers. The first was Martha McGinn and Ron Evans from 1996 to 2004. They purchased most of the furnishings and fixtures that still remain, ensuring the House retained its 1890’s feel. The gift shop was in the abutting Leary Press. People came from all over the world.

The second generation was with Donald Woods (75% owner) and Lee-ann Wilber from 2004 to 2021. It was Donald’s money and Lee-ann’s oversight that gave southern exposure to the first floor windows, and freed up space for the barn replica to be constructed when the entire Leary Press was demolished. People came from all over the world.

Now comes the third generation with U.S. Ghost Adventures (aka Lance Zaal). His planned changes will transform the essence of The House forever, or at least for as long as he owns the property. And who can say how long that will be? Will people bother to come to Fall River from all over the world?

Mr. Zaal says he wants to “export” Lizzie to those who can’t visit Fall River, meaning an emphasis on online content.” “Lizzie Borden needs to adapt and move into a different century if it’s going to appeal to a new generation.” (Note: Lizzie Borden has continued to fascinate generation after generation since 1892). Oh, Mr. Zaal, informed perspective is so often absent in the minds of the unread.

Meanwhile, for me, it’s as if Godzilla surfaced from Mt. Hope Bay, stomped his way over to 92 Second Street (230) and fell, full body, on that iconic drab green structure. The gawking crowd weeps – for it was Lizzie he loved.

 

Lizbeth-A Victorian Nightmare

Ric Rebelo, award winning documentarian and Fall River resident, created this film over 11 years ago. This week he posted the film and promos on YouTube, making it available for the first time to the general public. He also posted my 16-minute interview bonus feature, “Tattered Fabric” in which I tell of my theory as to how the murders were committed.

The Special Feature is HERE.

The full, 56-minute film is HERE.

When Mr. Rebelo completed this project he gave me CD’s of the raw footage of each of the people interviewed. I’ve enjoyed these over the years. I hope you will enjoy the finished product.

 

Update on the Lizzie Borden House

(Note: On all my previous blog posts, click the title and you’ll be able to see Comments in the column to the right).

Read about the latest changes HERE.

Image from Spooky Southcoast

Clearly, a new era. I feel as if Godzilla surfaced from Mt. Hope Bay, stomped his way over to 92 Second Street (230) and fell, full body, on that iconic drab green structure.

The most novice of Borden researchers can spot the obvious error here. But more to the point are the changes.

Mr. Zaal continues to cast aspersions on the way the B&B was operated under the prior management. He fails to realize the lack of marketing was because it marketed itself, resulting in repeat customer visits.

Also, reviews in Trip Advisor, newspaper reports, etc., guests frequently remarked how comfortable the beds were. He states he has replaced the mattresses. Perhaps he has wired them for spooky sounds in the night.

He says he’ll be doing a re-enactment of the crimes on August 4th. Oh boy. Some sequels fail miserably when compared to the classic original.

Goodbye Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast. Hello Son of Godzilla.

 

Sequence of Events – Lee-ann Wilber

UPDATE: Saturday, June 5th at approximately 9:30 pm, Eastern time, Lee-ann Wilber passed away .

,

His watch has ended.

The confusion, misinformation, speculation, hushed inferences, and no harm/no foul regurgitations compel me to set the record straight. The tipping point came when a woman in Pawtucket, Rhode Island emailed me she was Lee-ann’s sister (which I found out she was not) and scolded me for being so abusive and inconsiderate of the family. I will not give her name, though certain parties can figure it out. Neither will I credit nor give names of the sources I’m using as some people are unnecessarily offended when names are cited with expressed remarks.

My sole intention here is to stop those traveling on the pebbled pathway leading them away from facts and left to trip over themselves. (I know this because I fell upon that pathway myself.) I also want to ensure my readers – who never knew Lee-ann or even been to Fall River but are Borden case devotees – to get the correct information.

So let us begin.

On Thursday May 27th, Escrow closed on the sale of the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast to Lance Zaal, aka U.S. Ghost Adventures.

On Thursday, May 27th, Lee-ann was found unresponsive in her home and was taken to the hospital. She had a life threatening condition that caused massive internal bleeding. Due to the bleeding and other medical conditions, she was placed in a medically induced coma for treatment.

On Friday night, May 28th, She had two procedures to correct the bleed but her blood counts were declining.

On Saturday, May 29th, Lee-ann’s mother was informed Lee-ann started having brain seizures. Some of her blood levels were at toxic levels. Dialysis would be needed to help flush out the toxins.

On Sunday, May 30th, She was taken for CT scans which showed swelling of the brain.

On Tuesday, June 1st, Lee-ann was taken off the ventilator and given an IV drip of morphine to ensure she had no pain.

On Tuesday, June 1st in the early evening, Shelley Dziedzic posted on her blog, Warps and Wefts that Lee-ann had died. Immediately, that information was shared on Facebook with dozens who knew her who exchanged hundreds of posts and private messages on their own FB pages, blogs and websites.

On Tuesday June 1st at 6:46 pm, Stefani Koorey posted a lengthy remembrance of Lee-ann, written almost like an obituary,

On Tuesday, June 1st at 6:45 pm Pacific Time, I received an email from Stefani Koorey: “I thought you should know that Lee Ann passed away tonight. Very sad and tragic news.”

On Tuesday, June 1st at approximately 8:30 pm Eastern Time, Shelley took off her post without any further word. Stefani reported this on her Facebook page, chastising Shelley for the shock and confusion she caused. I did the same on my Facebook page, calling it a Giant Klusterphuck.

On Tuesday, June 2, Shelley posted on her Warps and Wefts blog that: “Last night, I had received incorrect information from two sources, one being from the hospital where she is in the ICU. It was an honest error and I am sorry to have caused anyone pain”.

Social media, particularly Facebook and specifically in private messages, continued to run rampant with pleas for prayers for Lee-ann’s recovery, citations of how strong she was and would pull through, a continuation of false information and speculation. I myself have received over 550 combined emails and PM’s.

There is nothing that can be done at this point. She will not recover. She will not wake up. She will not survive. She remains in a coma. As a close friend said, “We are on Lee-ann time.”

For those that pray, pray for her family. Consider a GoFundMe page to help with her hospital bills, if not a donation to the Faxxon Animal Shelter as Shelley has suggested.

As for me, I want to see a permanent plaque and image of her appropriately placed at The Lizzie Borden House for all future visitors to see. Those that visited before need to remember, – and those that come for the first time need to know – that the heart, soul, and true spirit of the historic and iconic place they stand belongs to Lee-ann Wilber.

 

It Was Reported Lee-ann Wilber Had Died

UPDATE 6/3/2021: Shelley has since owned up to her mistake and posted an apology on her website.

UPDATE: Misinformation posted by Shelley Dziedzic of Warfs and Wefts, to which most others posted the news, has caused a Giant Klusterfuck! Apparently Lee-ann DID NOT DIE. SHE HAS BEEN TAKEN OFF LIFE SUPPORT. SHE IS BREATHING ON HER OWN BUT REMAINS IN A COMA. SHAME ON YOU, SHELLEY, FOR CAUSING SUCH UNNECESSARY SHOCK. I APOLOGIZE TO MY READERS FOR THIS PREMATURE BLOG POST.

In the above photo, a visitor dressed as Undertaker Winward talks to Donald Woods and Lee-ann on August 4, 2005

Lee-ann Wilber died on June 1, 2021. There’s kind of a macabre symmetry to the fact Lizzie Borden died this same day in 1927, and the fact the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast closed escrow this week, putting Lee-ann out the door. Managing the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast was her life.

If the new owner, Lance Zaal (U.S. Ghost Adventures) of the Lizzie Borden “House” had any class he would put up a nice photo with remembrance remarks about Lee-ann Wilber, the long time and much loved GM and former part owner. It should be placed prominently on the wall, perhaps in the entrance foyer or the Parlor where it can be looked upon and noted by all future visitors. In this way, she would remain in the place where she gave so much loving care, and would know her spiritual residue remains – ensuring her enduring presence.

Donald Woods, Lee-ann Wilber, Len Rebello, Shelley Dziedic and me. White Horse Tavern Newport, Rhode Island 2004.

 

LIZZIE BORDEN HOUSE – If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

The article below is an interview with the new owner, Lance
Zaal, on some of the changes and additions he is making to this popular Fall River attraction – from solar panels on the Gift Shop to no on-site parking for guests.

https://amp.southcoasttoday.com/amp/7456810002

But you really don’t get the full picture of what is changing and how those changes will alter the visitor experience that has endured for 25 years. To absorb that information, one must delve deeply into the Lizzie Borden House website HERE Please take the time to read it thoroughly.

Rates have gone up. Breakfast costs you extra. (Hence the name change from “…Bed and Breakfast” to Lizzie Borden “House”). No more roaming wherever you want anytime for overnight guests. Radical changes in cancellation policy, just to name a few. Those that are into the paranormal like touring the whole house, especially Knowlton’s room. Sorry, not any more.

The business model and operations at the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast Museum have hardly changed since this Fall River landmark opened in 1996 by my long time friend, Martha McGinn. Except for the accommodations to support the exploding interest in the paranormal and to capture that market, the overall experience in the daily tours and overnight stays has remained the same. The formula has worked because people keep coming back again, and again, and again. It’s precisely that experience that has sustained this business for two and half decades. People book long in advance excited in their expectations for when they return. It’s like when you dine out to a very special restaurant – you go back again and again because you want that same experience. Well folks, it just ain’t gonna be the same.

It’s not like discovering they put a Starbucks on Disneyland’s Main Street. That is but a mere pimple upon the landscape that fails to alter your overall magical experience. But what the Lizzie Borden House experience will become is a totally different thing. Pock marked. No longer will we feel the texture of that tattered fabric and its pulsating historic residue. Instead we will scurry through a neon-lit bounce house with sequined bedspreads and a carnival barker, “Get your tickets here!”

To Donald Woods and Lee-ann Wilber I say, thank you for keeping the experience alive as long as you did.

To Lance Zaal, I lament with a hollow plea: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

Goodbye, old friend. I’m so glad I knew you when.

 

THREADS THAT BIND – Fall River’s Lizzie Borden

For over 35 years I spoke before womens’ groups, genealogical societies, literary groups, etc. presenting the story of Fall River’s Lizzie Borden.  What began as straight up oral lectures  evolved into multi-media presentations.  Looking over old CD’s, I chose to post this one here because it is an entertaining and simple foundation for the genesis of Fall River and its founding families.  It is also a good introduction to the Andrew Borden family, the murders, the investigation, and post Trial life of our enigmatic Lizzie without being overwhelmingly comprehensive.

I think this a new Lizzie diversion to help absorb time otherwise spent sucked into the white noise abyss of Biden vs. Trump.  Just click one slide at a time and let the journey begin.

Click HERE

 

 

 

Perfect Replica of the Lizzie Borden House by Bobbie Barth

Click images for full view.

I had been visiting Fall River two to three times a year since 1977, and staying at the Lizzie Borden B&B since 1996.  On my April, 2007, visit I met a gal I’d been digitally communicating with for some time.  But now I got to meet her in person – Bobbie Barth.

I knew that Bobbie had created a miniature of The House and would be arriving with two of her friends while I was there.  I also knew she was hyper excited about being in the same place this notorious crime was committed, let alone the subject of her latest work.

Sure enough, when Bobbie got out of the car the first thing she did was walk the entire perimeter checking out every detail to see if she got it right.  She did.  Oh, yes, indeedy.  She certainly did.

The detail is incredible.   Going only by known photographs and what she had read, Bobbie captured the full essence of Lizzie’s House.

Long ago I had suggested she donate it for display to the B&B (about 12 years ago).  However, the fragility of materials and manner of construction make shipping very problematic.   So, I share a few images I have here, for all to marvel.

Bobbie, you did an outstanding job with this amazing, one-of-a-kind replica of the most visited structure in all of Fall River and one that is recognized by millions world-wide.

____________________________________________________

(I know of only one other replica (and no other hand made) – the 4-1/” x 6-1/2″ plaster of paris type mold:  American Haunted Village collection from the Bradford Exchange – which sells at the B&B for $60 shown below).

 

Lizzie Borden on 48 Hours – Tonight Saturday, March 28, 2020

 

Ok, Lizzie Borden enthusiasts – here’s another bit to get you salivating. And it airs tonight on CBS 48 hours. Tonight, Saturday, March 28, 2020.

Interesting to note that Cara Robertson’s publisher, Simon & Shuster, is owned by Viacom who also owns CBS. All in the family kinda stuff.

After viewing the clips (link provided above) something tells me this may turn out to be more factual in basic information than most.

And this was just released today.  I’ll be writing more of it later.  Meanwhile, enjoy this woman’s voice.  I positively LOVE it.

 

 

 

Threads That Bind – A Lizzie Borden Presentation

 

I made this over 10 years ago.  Enjoy.

Click here and then keep clicking to advance presentation —–> THREADS THAT BIND

 

Recent Visitors to Lizzie Borden B&B Museum with Entertaining Photos-The Plain Dealer

Lisa DeJong/’The Plain Dealer

This breezy, multi-image article by Lisa DeJong of The Plain Dealer (Ohio’s largest newspaper) is about a few different out of state visitors to the B&B.

Aside from her repeated references of the murder weapon being an axe instead of a hatchet, it’s a delightful digital tour inclusive of the grave site, the New Bedford courthouse and Maplecroft. And a special featurette – that cutie pie, Alex Woods. Enjoy!

https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2019/10/did-she-or-didnt-she-on-the-bloody-trail-of-lizzie-borden-in-fall-river-mass.html

 

“I’m Still Here” – The House at 92 Second Street

Tattered Fabric: Fall River's Lizzie Borden

Click the link below.

“I’m Still Here” – The House at 92 Second Street.

View original post

 

Lizzie Borden Homes Raising Money for Homeless

 

Themed events to help victims of the Four Winds Fire in Fall River will be held at the two top tourist destinations – Click HERE.

All those Travel Channel and Discovery Channel programs have just begun to tap into the availability of a new location for crime-solving and ghost-hunting enthusiasts, i.e., “Maplecroft” in Fall River, MA.  This was the house “on the hill” purchased by Lizzie and Emma after her acquittal in 1893.  Quite fortuitous for Donald Woods and Lee-ann Wilber who own and are vested in this property, as well as the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast – both run as businesses and their objective is to make a profit.  That’s the purpose of a business.  So the welcoming of these type of shows is “smart marketing”.  (And may I insert here that the B&B on Second Street was once operating under the parent company, “Smart Advertising”).

Anyway, huzzah, I say for their charitable contribution to the unfortunate victims of the fire.  And keep those doors open wide for those who come to feed the need.  <wink, wink>

P.S.  The recent Legend Hunter with host Pat Swain was rather well produced, I thought.

 

June 1893 Timeline of Lizzie Borden’s Trial

 

Above image is from my CD “Threads That Bind”.

I used to sell the bookmarks shown in the above image.

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

HISTORIC TIMELINE
LIZZIE BORDEN – FALL RIVER, MA
1612 – 2005

1998-2005 Faye Musselman – All Rights Reserved

Inclusive dates of the Superior Court Trial – held in New Bedford – composed from extracts of my Historic Timeline.

June 5, 1893-June 20, 1893
THE TRIAL OF LIZZIE BORDEN

June 5, 1893 Monday
1st Day: Court convened at 11:28 am. 111 were questioned before the 12 were selected. Charles I. Richards selected as jury foreman.

June 6, 1893Tuesday
2nd Day: Indictment is read; William Moody opens for the Prosecution. Lizzie faints and is revived.

June 6, 1893Tuesday
Civil Engr. Thomas Kieran called, gives measurements, testifies man could have hid in front entry closet.

June 6, 1893Tuesday
Jurors travel to Fall River; visit Kelly’s house, Wade’s store, Crowe’s stone yard, Chagnon’s house, Kirby’s yard, Alice Russell’s house, Gorman’s store, Clegg’s store and banks. Tour finished at 4:00 pm.

June 6, 1893Tuesday
Jurors taken to Mellen House, Franklin & North Main Street where they spend the night.

June 7, 1893 Wednesday
3rd Day: James A. Walsh, photographer testifies as to the accuracy of the pictures he had made of the victims and the house on the day of the killing.

June 7, 1893 Wednesday
John Vinnicum Morse examination conducted by Moody, not different from that as the preliminary hearing. Lizzie smiled as her uncle tried to calculate her age and shook her head vigorously when he came out as 33.

June 7, 1893 Wednesday
Abram G. Hart, treasurer of Union Savings Bank, testifies as to Borden’s movements on morning of the 8/4.

June 9, 1893Friday
John Minnehan, patrolman assigned to follow John Morse on August 5, 1892, dies at age 48 in Fall River.

June 12, 1893 Monday
Lizzie’s Inquest Testimony ruled inadmissible.

June 13, 1893Tuesday
AG Pillsbury arrives by train from Boston, consults with Knowlton & Moody & returns same evening. (ES)

June 13, 1893Tuesday
Skulls of Andrew and Abby are presented in court, Lizzie leaves the courtroom.

June 14, 1893 Wednesday
John T. Burrill, cashier of the Union National Bank, Everett M. Cook, cashier of the First National Bank, Jonathan Clegg, a hat dealer, Joseph Shortsleeves, a carpenter, and John Maher, a carpenter

June 14, 1893 Tuesday
Judges ruling excludes Eli Bence’s prussic acid testimony .

June 14, 1893
At Knowlton’s request during Dr. Draper’s testimony, Dr. Dolan brings in the skulls of Andrew & Abby. Lizzie is allowed to retire from the courtroom. (TT1046)

June 14, 1893 Wednesday
9th Day: C. C. Potter’s son (Freddy) finds hatchet w/gilt on roof of Crowe’s barn. Carpenter Carl McDonnel claims it is his hatchet; prussic acid testimony (Eli Bence) ruled inadmissible.

June 15, 1893
FR Evening News reports hatchet found on roof of John Crowe’s barn. ( FREN18)

June 15, 1893 Wednesday
Opening statements by Defense are given by Andrew Jennings.

June 15, 1893 Wednesday
Opening statements by Andrew Jennings.

June 16, 1893 Wednesday
Emma Borden testifies.

June 16, 1893
Governor Robinson reads from Bridget’s Inquest Testimony (a missing document) (TT)

June 19, 1893 Wednesday
Governor Robinson gives closing arguments; Knowlton begins his closing.

June 16, 1893 Wednesday
Emma Borden testifies.

June 20, 1893 Tuesday
13th Day:

3:24 pm
The Jury retires to deliberate.

4:32 pm
The Jury returns. Lizzie Borden pronounced “Not Guilty” at 4:35 pm. (TT1928) )

June 20, 1893

8:15 pm
Lizzie & Emma arrive by coach w/Mrs. Holmes at 67 Pine St. in FR; small reception follows. Lizzie spends night there. Large crowd gathered at 92 Second St. (CaseBook228)

June 22, 1893
Reupholstered sofa is delivered back to the house on Second Street.

June 23, 1893
Lizzie visits the Wm. Covell’s in Newport, RI, has classic picture of her “standing behind the chair” taken.

June 23, 1893
Morse attempts to get mileage reimbursement from Iowa to New Bedford from Co. Treasurer. (FRHN)

June 27, 1893
Lizzie & Emma go to Taunton to visit Sheriff Wright’s wife.

July 3, 1893
Lizzie and Emma purchase house on French Street.

July 19, 1893
Lizzie’s 33rd Birthday.

July 19, 1893
FR Weekly News reports Lizzie won trip to Chicago World’s Fair via coupon write-in from public.

July 23, 1893
Lizzie escorted to CC Church by Dr. Bowen & Mr. Holmes. (Chicago Daily Tribune 7/24/1893)

August 4, 1893
First of annual articles about crime appears in The Globe.

August 10, 1893
Deed recorded for purchase of French Street house by Lizzie & Emma. (LR556)

August 12, 1893
New Bedford Standard prints Lizzie’s Inquest Testimony.

August 13, 1893
Lizzie & Emma transfer their deed for ½ interest of Whitehead house (Abby’s share) to Sarah & George.

August 14, 1893
Reporter Joseph Howard publishes his criticism of Judge Dewey’s charge to jury.

August 17, 1893
Lizzie and Emma sold for $1 the ½ house on 4h St. to Sarah whitehead & Priscilla Fish. (LR556)

August 21, 1893
FR Police announce case is closed.

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“What Is That Thing?” A Lizzie Borden Querry

Who knows what this is?

It is still inside the closet in “Bridget Sullivan’s bedroom” at the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast Museum.

Tim Weisberg‘s  Spooky Southcoast podcast episode entitled: “The Real Lizzie Borden” was broadcast shortly after the publishing of  Parallel Lives.  The featured guests on that episode were Michael Martins and Dennis Binette (curator and assistant curator of the Fall River Historical Society).  They help identify just what this is.

Advance to 46.10 to the relevant call in.

Here’s the link.

 

 

Inside Lizzie Borden’s Renovated Maplecroft

UPDATE:  “MAPLECROFT” FOR SALE AGAIN.

http://www.heraldnews.com/news/20170906/lizzie-bordens-maplecroft-on-market-again

 

Created by author Rebecca Pittman – The History & Haunting of Lizzie Borden.  Enjoy.

BTW, while I think Kristee Bates has done a very good job in renovating “Maplecroft”, I still do not think this is how Lizzie had it furnished and decorated in her day.  Lizzie selected only the very best of furnishings, fixtures and equipment because she could well afford it.  Her home, which she nurtured and lovingly maintained as if it were her child, had the very best appointments.  She bought only “the very best”.   Kristee worked on a budget and it does not escape the discerning eye.  Nonetheless, it is still beautiful and representative of Victorian homes of the 1890’s.  However, one only has to go to the Fall River Historical Society  or the Easton Tea Room (1870 Alexander Dorrance Easton residence also owned by the FRHS) to see the high quality wallpaper and exceptional quality furniture donated over the years.  The difference is remarkable and unmistakable.  There one will find furniture and fixtures inside these two establishments closer to what “Miss Lizbeth” would have had in her own home.

While the precise decade (1893 to 1927)  Maplecroft’s renovated interior  is reflecting is unclear, the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast Museum is furnished exactly as it would have been on August 4, 1892.  Aspiring and inspired detectives can play out what they know or suspect of the crimes with a full and thoroughly captivating  “stage”.   Kudos to the original “set decorators” and Kudos to General Manager Lee-ann Wilber  (since 2004)  and owner, Donald Woods,  who have not altered  its base authenticity.

And a special Kudo to Rebecca Pittman for providing us with the first ever video showing the interiors of both the Second Street and French Street homes in which Lizzie lived the entire first half and entire second half of her life, respectively.   Well done!

 

Christmas Parody on Lizzie Borden by Garrett Heater

THE best play on Lizzie Borden, bar none,  is Lizzie Borden Took An Axe by Garrett Heater.  So I was particularly pleased to receive this information:

“Hello old friend!

 

I hope this finds you well!

 

“Lizzie Borden Took an Axe” wrapped up a 3rd consecutive sold-out run at the Barnes-Hiscock Mansion in Syracuse this October! Some of the cast members and I even squeaked in a trip to the Fall River bed & breakfast! 

 

During the run of the show we decided to create a short skit: “A Borden Family Christmas.” There are plenty of gems in it to keep the most orthodox Bordenophile laughing. We had such a blast making it.

 

Here is the trailer we released in November: “

 

Trailer: A Borden Family Christmas

This video is very funny and very “inside”.  I love it!

Some years ago I did my own parody – cllck below.

Scroll down to “It’s a Wonderful Life“ – when Deadwood was still on HBO.

If you ever have a chance to see Garrett’s play, BUY TICKETS IMMEDIATELY!!

 

 

 

New Book on Lizzie Borden Unlike Any Other

Been reading Rebecca Pittman’new book which is unlike any other Lizzie book written to date. This 826 page marvel shows deep research, surprisingly probable speculations, and is an overwhelmingly thrilling read. There is a generous number of images – many never seen before in this stunning work. In the “A New Address” chapter readers will find exclusive post-renovation interior images of “Maplecroft“, the home Lizzie lived in the entire second half of her life.

In the “Interviews” section we find a “coming together” (inside joke) of the three major Borden Blogmasters,, i.e., Shelley Dziedzic, Stefani Koorey, and moi revealing our embryonic interest in the case, etc.

I’ll be doing an in depth review when I finish reading this book and after I return from an overseas vacation.  Meanwhile, don’t wait.  Buy it!  Available at Amazon.