UPDATE: Mystery solved. Click HERE
An outbreak of indignation followed a posting on Lee-ann’s Facebook account from some “mystery person” writing as if they were Lee-ann herself reaching out from the afterlife. Thank you, Tim Westberg of Spooky Southcoast for reporting on this so promptly. The game’s afoot to identify this sick person.
Read about it HERE.
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.
UPDATE 6/8/2021: Official Obituary Notice
Lee-ann Wilber, long time General Manager and part-owner of the “Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast Museum” passed away on June 5, 2021.
For over 17 years, the excellence in service, operations, and exceptional visitor care were primarily due to this lady. Bountiful praises can be read on Trip Advisor. All comments reflect when Lee-ann operated this iconic structure. I believe strongly the “Lizzie Borden House” – as it is now referred – should have some kind of acknowledgment as a tribute to the “Lee-ann Era”.
I have been approached by a woman who has offered to make a plaque (at no charge) in remembrance of Lee-ann. She is a professional who makes gravestones for a living and knew Lee-ann quite well. I have prepared a letter to Lance Zaal asking if he would approve such a plaque being placed inside the Lizzie Borden House. Before I proceed further, I am curious to know what those who knew her would want the wording to say. Suggestions would be much appreciated.
Example: “Lee-ann Wilber 1970-2021. Beloved part owner and General Manager of the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast. Her heart and spirit remains in this place.”
Please email me at phaye@outlook.com with your responses. Thank you.
Operating the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast was her life. The residue of her heart and spirit must surely reside there.
I’m hoping Mr. Zaal will respond.
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.
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.
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.
Here’s an awesome article in the Fall River Herald News with lots of new photos.
Also take note of the short video showing Manager, Ryan Woods. Click HERE
and HERE
You won’t find short cuts on expenditures here – but that is the way of owner Donald Woods. He has spared no expense in his updates and maintenance to the Lizzie Borden Bed and Breakfast Museum either. And THAT prime Fall River tourist attraction has been exceptionally well managed for the past 14 years by Lee-ann Wilber.
The two Maple trees removed mentioned in the article create more enhanced spring and summer site lines for the easterly neighbors who remain vigilantly perched to criticize and spread misinformation.
Some photos have been shown before but click through them anyway. A feast to the eyes..
Pictured is Ryan Woods. Photo credit Jack Foley, Herald News
The Fall River Herald News ran this story today.
Just think of it – visitors will be able to tour both homes where Lizzie lived all but 12 years of her life. She was born on Ferry Street in Fall River in 1860, but in 1872 Andrew purchased the home at 92 Second Street. Indeed, from age 12 to 32 she continued to live under the auspices of her father, Andrew J. Borden. Then, shortly after her 1893 Acquittal, she lived the remaining 33 years of her life at “Maplecroft” in The Highlands. The contrast is astonishing.
She loved her home on French Street and coveted it as if it were her child, nurturing it with nothing but the best. (Paranormal enthusiasts take note: If the spirits of Andrew and Abby Borden reside at 92 Second Street, the spirit of Lizzie Borden resides at Maplecroft.)
I look forward to the inevitable videos, documentaries, travelogs, social media input, (and perhaps even a film on the second half of her life) etc., that will be forthcoming on the interior of Maplecroft for the multitudes interested in Lizzie.
Not only past and repeat visitors to the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast will be flooding back to Fall River for a brand new experience related to their most compelling icon, but completely NEW visitors to Fall River will come for a look-see. These new visitors, who may just want to stay at a Victorian B&B on their way to Newport may take a look around at development opportunities and……well, who knows.
Again, I say HUZZAH to the new owners. And again, it was the only purchase that made sense.
From top: Liz, Nowicki, Lee-ann Wilbur, Eleanor Thibault, and Zac the Hunk
More nonsense tonight on Ghost Adventures relative to the Lizzie Borden House in Fall River, MA. i know the first 3 people: Liz since 2005, Lee-ann since 2004, and Eleanor since 1998. They believe. One attempts to remain prudently unbiased; one has a reputation to protect, and one tends to believe in all things paranormal.
When your audience involves both those who are into true crime (specifically unsolved murders) and those who are captivated by the occult or paranormal, you have to keep re-inventing the product. Getting talking heads to serve up the fodder is easy because they enjoy the broadcast celebrity or, if they have vested financial interest in the location, they know such broadcasts result in increased business. And producers, always budget conscious on these “formula” productions, love getting their input for free.
The twist here is being “assaulted” by the spirit, ghost, energy (take your pick) of Andrew Borden. Time has rendered us a rather transparent evolution of experiences by these people. What was once a mysterious mist becomes a cold hand upon the shoulder. What was thumping upstairs when no one WAS upstairs, becomes a slap across the face and what was a slap upon the face becomes….wait for it……Rape. Yes, you read that right. You can’t keep taking the same girt to the Proms unless she changes her dress. These shows have a target audience that keeps oooohing and ahhhing – so they continue to regurgitate with “variances on a theme”. Enough with the metaphors.
Remember, these shows ARE FOR ENTERTAINMENT VALUE. It’s the Travel Channel – not PBS.
While the poor reviews and commentary on the gawd-awful Lifetime Movie Channel’s Lizzie Borden Took An Axe (see my earlier post) starring Christina Ricci continue, I have to report on a most singular and obscure thing they DID get right: The picture above the sofa where Andrew Borden met his fate.
(Image above of the crime scene taken late afternoon of August 4, 1892, from my personal collection of second generation photos.)
You can see the picture here, actually a black and white print of a steel engraving. Here are a couple more images:
This image was also taken on August 4rh, 1892, after the sofa had been removed.
There never was any mention of this picture in any of the source documents, newspapers or subsequent books written on the case. Apparently, never worthy of citing, it wasn’t nearly as notable as the sofa – which has been referred to as a “horsehair sofa of the Civil War era”. But the picture has never raised an eyebrow nor an inkling of curiosity. What that picture was remained unknown for 108 years.
In early 2000, Lizzie Borden expert Leonard Rebello, a Fall River native and author of Lizzie Borden Past & Present (1999) conducted some in-depth research and discovered it was a steel engraving called “The Village Elms – Sunday Morning in New England” by a rather prolific painter, Albert Fitch Bellows (1829-1883). For the first time ever, EVER, the “picture above the sofa” was identified in print with the publication of the April 2000 issue (Vol. VII, #2) of the most excellent The Lizzie Borden Quarterly published by Martin F. Bertolet. Lizzie Borden enthusiasts who subscribed to this august publication, were the first to learn of this discovery. To my knowledge, there has never been any other feature article or any reference to this engraving – in context with the Lizzie Borden case – ever written about since. A print of this engraving has hung above the sofa at the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast since Mr. Rebello’s discovery.
Albert Fitch Bellows
Here it is below:
One can readily see this exact picture hanging above the sofa in the Lifetime Movie Channel’s film which first aired on January 25, 2014, nearly 14 years after the identification of the what and who first came to light.
So who, I ponder, in the production of this pitiful portrayal of the case was responsible for bringing that piece of historical accuracy to the film? Who did the research? How did they learn of the picture? (Perhaps it was Lee-ann Wilber, manager of the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast, who had been contacted about “borrowing” the sofa). Nonetheless, they got the sofa wrong but the picture is correct. They got most everything wrong but they got the picture right. A most obscure inclusion with absolutely no relevancy to the case itself. If they troubled to research that and incorporate it into the film, why leave out so much that WAS relevant?
While it can now be said they got something right, that singular and obscure find still lacks sufficiency for redemption of all they got wrong. Albert Fitch Bellows. The Village Elms And now you know.
Colored version of “The Village Elms – Sunday Morning in New England”
Final note: I’d be willing to bet it never hung at “Maplecroft”. 😉
Poor Lee-ann Wilber, manager of the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast. She and her staff are left with the mop up duties due to all the misinformation and urban legends contained in the Lifetime Movie Channel’s Lizzie Borden Took An Axe, starring Chrsitina Ricci.
As I predicted, awful production has only served to perpetuate the myths and untruths about Miss Borden and the case itself. Too bad the LMN’s target audience are breeders more than readers.
“Lizzie Borden film: A Hatchet Job” – by Deborah Allard, Fall River Herald News, interviewed local Lizzie Borden affcionados and moi. Read it HERE.
Richard Behrens, who authored Lizzie Borden, Girl Detective – a clever and astute non-fiction book, posted this on a chat forum – and I completely agree:
“There must have been a corporate meeting at Lifetime where they planned everything exactly because they were aiming for a specific audience. If the women wore hats, the 20-something Twilight fans would think it’s old fashioned. If they used period music, they won’t download the soundtrack from iTunes. If they cast a teenager-looking actress, the teenagers in the audience will assume she is a teenager. If they show stuff about Fall River and the textile mills, they’ll flip the channels to another station. If they don’t show Lizzie hacking up bodies, the movie will be boring. In short, no ambiguity, no subtlety, no grown-up issues. Let’s make a movie about a 32 year old woman who is really a trouble teenager who wants to smash open people’s skulls like they do in the zombie and vampire movies.”
– See more at: http://www.heraldnews.com/article/20140127/NEWS/140126634/?tag=2#sthash.vNKjppF5.dpuf
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Submitted PhotoLifetime’s “Lizzie Borden Took An Ax” on Jan. 25, starring Christina Ricci as the famous Fall River murder suspect.
FALL RIVER — The reviews are in.
“Lizzie Borden Took an Ax,” at least when it comes to those who know the intricate details of the crime and case, presented glaring historical inaccuracies from start to finish.
Local historians and Lizzie experts hated the rock music, Lizzie Borden’s wardrobe and the absence of several main characters.
Leonard Rebello, a local historian and the author of “Lizzie Borden: Past & Present,” said it was “difficult to watch.”
“It leaves myths and legends for a new generation,” Rebello said.
The biggest historical inaccuracy, according to Rebello, was when officials performed an autopsy on Andrew and Abby Borden on the dining room table, after the couple had been bludgeoned to death by an ax (actually, a hatchet).
“That did not happen at all,” Rebello said.
The autopsies were completed in the house, but Rebello said they were performed on undertaker boards. Andrew Borden was in the living room, and Abby Borden in the dining room.
There were other historical errors, as well, such as when Lizzie Borden burned her dress in a cauldron outside for all to see.
Rebello said it was hard to watch after spending six years researching the facts of the Borden murders and case.
“Overall, it was not very well done,” Rebello said.
The Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast, the actual site of the Borden murders at 92 Second St., is in “damage control” mode, according to curator and manager Lee Ann Wilber.
She said she and her tour staff will be “setting everyone straight” for years to come, separating fact from fiction and rumor from truth.
The film did spark a renewed interest in the Borden murder mystery. Wilber said the B&B has seen an increase in visitors all weekend. Each hourly tour on Sunday was attended by 15 to 20 curious visitors.
Michael Martins, curator of the Fall River Historical Society, which displays the largest collection of Borden artifacts and crime scene items, was put off by the film.
“The film was inaccurate in all aspects — from historical facts, to costuming and sets,” Martins said.
Martins said the society has for years been at the forefront of researching the Borden story, uncovering new material and presenting that material to the public.
Martins and assistant curator Dennis Binette recently published “Parallel Lives: A Social History of Lizzie A. Borden in Fall River,” which shed new light on Borden and the murders.
“It is unfortunate that they chose not to utilize the resources available here,” Martins said. “Visitors repeatedly tell us that that is one of the things that sets the Historical Society apart — fact, not fiction.
– See more at: http://www.heraldnews.com/article/20140127/NEWS/140126634#sthash.qrUgGY3G.dpuf
0
Submitted PhotoLifetime’s “Lizzie Borden Took An Ax” on Jan. 25, starring Christina Ricci as the famous Fall River murder suspect.
FALL RIVER — The reviews are in.
“Lizzie Borden Took an Ax,” at least when it comes to those who know the intricate details of the crime and case, presented glaring historical inaccuracies from start to finish.
Local historians and Lizzie experts hated the rock music, Lizzie Borden’s wardrobe and the absence of several main characters.
Leonard Rebello, a local historian and the author of “Lizzie Borden: Past & Present,” said it was “difficult to watch.”
“It leaves myths and legends for a new generation,” Rebello said.
The biggest historical inaccuracy, according to Rebello, was when officials performed an autopsy on Andrew and Abby Borden on the dining room table, after the couple had been bludgeoned to death by an ax (actually, a hatchet).
“That did not happen at all,” Rebello said.
The autopsies were completed in the house, but Rebello said they were performed on undertaker boards. Andrew Borden was in the living room, and Abby Borden in the dining room.
There were other historical errors, as well, such as when Lizzie Borden burned her dress in a cauldron outside for all to see.
Rebello said it was hard to watch after spending six years researching the facts of the Borden murders and case.
“Overall, it was not very well done,” Rebello said.
The Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast, the actual site of the Borden murders at 92 Second St., is in “damage control” mode, according to curator and manager Lee Ann Wilber.
She said she and her tour staff will be “setting everyone straight” for years to come, separating fact from fiction and rumor from truth.
The film did spark a renewed interest in the Borden murder mystery. Wilber said the B&B has seen an increase in visitors all weekend. Each hourly tour on Sunday was attended by 15 to 20 curious visitors.
Michael Martins, curator of the Fall River Historical Society, which displays the largest collection of Borden artifacts and crime scene items, was put off by the film.
“The film was inaccurate in all aspects — from historical facts, to costuming and sets,” Martins said.
Martins said the society has for years been at the forefront of researching the Borden story, uncovering new material and presenting that material to the public.
Martins and assistant curator Dennis Binette recently published “Parallel Lives: A Social History of Lizzie A. Borden in Fall River,” which shed new light on Borden and the murders.
“It is unfortunate that they chose not to utilize the resources available here,” Martins said. “Visitors repeatedly tell us that that is one of the things that sets the Historical Society apart — fact, not fiction.
– See more at: http://www.heraldnews.com/article/20140127/NEWS/140126634#sthash.qrUgGY3G.dpuf
0
Submitted PhotoLifetime’s “Lizzie Borden Took An Ax” on Jan. 25, starring Christina Ricci as the famous Fall River murder suspect.
FALL RIVER — The reviews are in.
“Lizzie Borden Took an Ax,” at least when it comes to those who know the intricate details of the crime and case, presented glaring historical inaccuracies from start to finish.
Local historians and Lizzie experts hated the rock music, Lizzie Borden’s wardrobe and the absence of several main characters.
Leonard Rebello, a local historian and the author of “Lizzie Borden: Past & Present,” said it was “difficult to watch.”
“It leaves myths and legends for a new generation,” Rebello said.
The biggest historical inaccuracy, according to Rebello, was when officials performed an autopsy on Andrew and Abby Borden on the dining room table, after the couple had been bludgeoned to death by an ax (actually, a hatchet).
“That did not happen at all,” Rebello said.
The autopsies were completed in the house, but Rebello said they were performed on undertaker boards. Andrew Borden was in the living room, and Abby Borden in the dining room.
There were other historical errors, as well, such as when Lizzie Borden burned her dress in a cauldron outside for all to see.
Rebello said it was hard to watch after spending six years researching the facts of the Borden murders and case.
“Overall, it was not very well done,” Rebello said.
The Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast, the actual site of the Borden murders at 92 Second St., is in “damage control” mode, according to curator and manager Lee Ann Wilber.
She said she and her tour staff will be “setting everyone straight” for years to come, separating fact from fiction and rumor from truth.
The film did spark a renewed interest in the Borden murder mystery. Wilber said the B&B has seen an increase in visitors all weekend. Each hourly tour on Sunday was attended by 15 to 20 curious visitors.
Michael Martins, curator of the Fall River Historical Society, which displays the largest collection of Borden artifacts and crime scene items, was put off by the film.
“The film was inaccurate in all aspects — from historical facts, to costuming and sets,” Martins said.
Martins said the society has for years been at the forefront of researching the Borden story, uncovering new material and presenting that material to the public.
Martins and assistant curator Dennis Binette recently published “Parallel Lives: A Social History of Lizzie A. Borden in Fall River,” which shed new light on Borden and the murders.
“It is unfortunate that they chose not to utilize the resources available here,” Martins said. “Visitors repeatedly tell us that that is one of the things that sets the Historical Society apart — fact, not fiction.
– See more at: http://www.heraldnews.com/article/20140127/NEWS/140126634#sthash.qrUgGY3G.dpuf
0
Submitted PhotoLifetime’s “Lizzie Borden Took An Ax” on Jan. 25, starring Christina Ricci as the famous Fall River murder suspect.
FALL RIVER — The reviews are in.
“Lizzie Borden Took an Ax,” at least when it comes to those who know the intricate details of the crime and case, presented glaring historical inaccuracies from start to finish.
Local historians and Lizzie experts hated the rock music, Lizzie Borden’s wardrobe and the absence of several main characters.
Leonard Rebello, a local historian and the author of “Lizzie Borden: Past & Present,” said it was “difficult to watch.”
“It leaves myths and legends for a new generation,” Rebello said.
The biggest historical inaccuracy, according to Rebello, was when officials performed an autopsy on Andrew and Abby Borden on the dining room table, after the couple had been bludgeoned to death by an ax (actually, a hatchet).
“That did not happen at all,” Rebello said.
The autopsies were completed in the house, but Rebello said they were performed on undertaker boards. Andrew Borden was in the living room, and Abby Borden in the dining room.
There were other historical errors, as well, such as when Lizzie Borden burned her dress in a cauldron outside for all to see.
Rebello said it was hard to watch after spending six years researching the facts of the Borden murders and case.
“Overall, it was not very well done,” Rebello said.
The Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast, the actual site of the Borden murders at 92 Second St., is in “damage control” mode, according to curator and manager Lee Ann Wilber.
She said she and her tour staff will be “setting everyone straight” for years to come, separating fact from fiction and rumor from truth.
The film did spark a renewed interest in the Borden murder mystery. Wilber said the B&B has seen an increase in visitors all weekend. Each hourly tour on Sunday was attended by 15 to 20 curious visitors.
Michael Martins, curator of the Fall River Historical Society, which displays the largest collection of Borden artifacts and crime scene items, was put off by the film.
“The film was inaccurate in all aspects — from historical facts, to costuming and sets,” Martins said.
Martins said the society has for years been at the forefront of researching the Borden story, uncovering new material and presenting that material to the public.
Martins and assistant curator Dennis Binette recently published “Parallel Lives: A Social History of Lizzie A. Borden in Fall River,” which shed new light on Borden and the murders.
“It is unfortunate that they chose not to utilize the resources available here,” Martins said. “Visitors repeatedly tell us that that is one of the things that sets the Historical Society apart — fact, not fiction.
– See more at: http://www.heraldnews.com/article/20140127/NEWS/140126634#sthash.qrUgGY3G.dpuf
BE SURE TO CHECK OUT MY LIZZIE BORDEN ITEMS FOR SALE ON EBAY (SEE BOTTOM OF THIS POST).
Sex, gore and schlock rock ratings. The Lifetime Movie Network airing of Lizzie Borden Took an Axe should have good ratings tonight (January 25th) – at least in the New England market. I find people here on the west coast, either haven’t heard about it, don’t care, or wouldn’t watch it anyway. The current Lizzie Borden hype is more regional and of more interest (as to the accuracy of this production) by case experts than it is to the general public.
When anything airs about Charlie Manson and the Manson murders, it gets huge ratings here in SoCal because SoCal is where it happened. People in Fall River don’t care that much about it. And most of them in Fall River don’t care about Lizzie Borden. It’s the sex and gore that attracts. Always does. Can you say “Jody Arias”?
However, I’m still kaphitzed about how this kind of crap perpetuates all the myths and misinformation and I’m certain this airing will move to the front of the line tonight in that regard. I hope when it begins showing there is a caveat in front of the Title feed that says: “Any resemblance to the real Lizzie Borden or consistency of facts is purely unintentional.” LOL
I think the curators at the Fall River Historical Society have shown their usual professional restraint and class in not seeking out to be interviewed in connection with this grossly inaccurate production. Another person, however, has aggressively pursued being quoted or interviewed and is planning to strategically place herself in a local Fall River bar which will be airing the program and where the local print media will be showing up to interview customers – again planning to be one of them. . Some people just LOVE getting their names in the paper – it serves to self-validate who they are and their own self-worth. Sad.
One of my friends in Fall River said: “Faye, I’ll Skype you and you can watch it with me on my TV here 3 hours earlier!” I said, No, that I was gonna record it and wouldn’t be near a TV anyway between 7 an 10:30 tonight.
Anyway, as to the quality and accuracy of LMN’s rendition of the Lizzie Borden case, I don’t need to see two trains going head to head on the same rail to know the result. Excuse them, Lizzie, for know not what they do. Uhhh. Scratch that. They know exactly what they’re doing. 😉
I, myself, am capitalizing on the thousands of Google searches that will undoubtedly follow the airing so as to sell off some of my overflow collection on eBay. HERE, HERE, and HERE.
As to the REAL facts of the case, here’s a terrific 13 minute video by the Fall River Historical Society. Please do yourself a favor and watch it!
Someone messaged me on Facebook: “Faye, you are helping to promote this awful movie by posting about it.” Oh no, I’m not. I’m doing blogs about it, I’m commentinig on internet chat rooms etc. about it, I’m responding to the buzz that’s already out there giving a totally different POV. My POV is based on decades of research, interviews, published papers, speaking engagements, case related collectibles, etc. I want my opinions dispersed out there in the world wide web. Hopefully when the hype heightens and people Google about Ricci, the film, Lizzie, Fall River, etc., they will have my POV to ponder rather than simply accepting as truth the horseshit they will have viewed. Hopefully, I will help to slow the resultant predictable tide of misinformation that perpetuates the myth of Lizzie Borden.
SO HERE IS THE LATEST:
CLICK HERE —->UPDATE 1/3/2014
Excuse me whilst I stab my eyeballs out.
The Lifetime Movie Channel-Christina Ricci rendition of the Lizzie Borden story has her (Lizzie) sneaking out of the house days before the murder to attend a wild party. (Thump. <–sound of me banging my head against the wall).
The script apparently establishes as fact Lizzie & Emma were surrogate wives to Andrew until he married the stepmother. (Thump. Thump).
Ricci, so says the article, did extensive research into her role. (Thumpity, thump, thump).
I’d type more but I can’t see thru the blood of my eyeballs.
In Uncategorized on January 3, 2014 at 3:30 am
Photo by Bryce Vickmark for The New York TimesIt’s only been recently that the Fall River Chamber of Commerce has publicly acknowleged the revenue and residual advantages of touting their most famous citizen, Lizzie Borden. Perhaps it’s taken them that long to figure out thousands have trekked to Fall River for one purpose only: To visit the murder house at 92 Second Street. It’s the same gravitational pull that feeds tourism in Dallas at Dealy Plaza. And once in Fall River they proceed to only 3 other locations before getting back on the highway towards Newport or Boston. Those 3 sites are: The French Street stately home called “Maplecroft” in the Highlands where Lizzie lived the other half of her life, the Fall River Historical Society to view part of their world’s largest collection relative to the case and Lizzie herself, and finally to Oak Grove Cemetery where she is buried. It’s usually the repeat visitors or regional residents that discover Fall River has a little more to offer on a day’s visit, i.e., some great restaurants, Battleship Cove, great vistas overlooking the Taunton River and…and…and…well, the hidden John Mann murals on the walls of the auditorium at the old Matthew Kuss Middle School at 217 Rock Street. Thing is you can’t get to them.
Well, now comes along another TV movie on Lizzie Borden starring Christina Ricci. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. Christina Ricci would be appropriate casting as Lizzie Borden if Justin Bieber played Andrew Borden. If that doesn’t tell you right off the bat about how accurate this Lifetime Movie Production will be….will read the following New York Times article and determine for yourself.
The only good thing is that whenever the media hypes Lizzie, there are spikes in the revenue for the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast – and Fall River in general. I’m all for that. Fiction or Fact.
It”s been 120 years since Lizzie Borden was acquitted of the hatchet murders of her father and stepmother, so it’s no surprise the media would exploit this case once again.
The Providence Journal is doing an extensive article running six consecutive days. This little piece is a “teaser” for the 1st installment this Sunday, June 23.
Shelley Dziedzic poses on floor between bed and dresser where Abby Borden was found with 19 blows to the head on August 4, 1892.
Until last summer, Shelley Dziedzic, whom I’ve known for many, many years was a tour guide at the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast Museum. She is the one who used to produce those annual August 4th re-enactments at the B&B. Shelley has added “historian” to her credentials, and aptly so, as she is extremely well informed on the case. Her favorite smells are the hatchet cookies made at the B&B and, of course, the ever predictable rose.
The Lifetime Movie Channel’s Lizzie Borden is sure to exploit the slash and slice aspect of the case. I’m fairly certain the Providence Journal will not, but we will see.
Meanwhile, check out my Facebook page: CLICK HERE
Upate: Whoa. This isn’t related to The Dead Files – it’s just an eBay offering, but appropriate to show here as another example of how people GET THINGS WRONG.
I’ve been busy in California with my grandson and haven’t written anything new in a while. Thorry. (And excuse my lipsth). Anyway……
The home Lizzie Borden lived in the entire second half of her life and where she died in 1927, is again for sale. .
If you watched that gawd-awful episode on Lizzie Borden on The Dead Files last week you’ll be interested in these comments from Lizzie case experts: They were posted to MondoLizzie on Facebook. I posted the photos in question on my own Facebook page,
The remarkable aspect of these posts is the three people (“MondoLizzie”, aka Stefani Koorey, Shelley Dziedzic, and me, Faye Musselman, who come together to post their insights and opinions about which they are all experts and scholars in the case. It’s rare to see “we three” posting together anywhere. The following comments are worthy of your reading:
Michael J. ShogiYeah, it’s absolutely unbelievable that they try to pass this off as fact – and some people will, unfortunately, believe it. That’s entertainment, I guess.
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UPDATE: According to today’s (4/9/12) follow up article written by Debbie Alard, the donator of the two Bridget Sullivan photos was her “grand niece by marriage”. I learned this yesterday from Donald Woods, co-owner of the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast. Well, of course by marriage…but the sad news is it is NOT one of the daughters of the 3 nieces named in Bridget’s Will. Turns out to be a Dianna Porter and from her statements in the article she doesn’t know anymore about Bridget’s post Trial life than we do. Oh well, so much for the pricking of our happy balloon, let alone the hot air ascendancy of Stefani Koorey’s blog post claim. lol Here’s the FRHN article: CLICK HERE. (Also, check out my Facebook page for more info.)
Until now, this was the only known photo of Bridget Sullivan:
Now, we have these two:
http://www.heraldnews.com/multimedia/video/x826304472/New-photos-of-Lizzie-Borden-maid
New-photos-of-Lizzie-Borden-maid
Just as we were all excited about looking at never before seen photos of Lizzie Borden in her 60’s, now we see Bridget Sullivan in her 70’s. Check them out:
This is especially cool since we only have the one known photo of Bridget taken back circa 1892. The niece who donated the pics was the major recipient in Bridget’s Will. Bridget was blind when she died. Whatever she knew, she took it with her.
When the niece visits, Lee-ann will have an excellent opportunity to learn first hand what, if anything, she had to say about Lizzie and the case in general. I don’t believe the niece has ever been interviewed.
Note: The above certificate, first page to her Will, states she was 69 at the time of writing her Will. I have images of her complete Will if anyone wants to see it. :
Here is Bridget’s Will in toto. Note she cites 3 nieces as legatees: Margaret McLeod, Mary Sullivan, and Kate Moriarity – all of Butte, Montana and all through the bloodline of her husband’s relatives. Also note Julia O’Donnell from Anaconda, Montana as the major legatee who inherited all of Bridget’s personal effects. So this grand-niece must be the daughter of Margaret, Mary or Kate and if she got the photographs from her mother, then Julia didn’t grab fast enough – but then again, she was an out-of-towner. 😉
(Click on images for larger view – use your little magnifying glass feature.)
The Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast Museum in Fall River, MA has announced something very unique and a FIRST for B&B’s: GHOST CAM. If you’re into the paranormal, you can subscribe and conduct your own experiments right from the comfort of your home!
This is really something special – almost like a gift to those who are fascinated by the ghostly and paranormal activities experienced by guests and employees alike at this famous home to Lizzie Borden and the infamous hatchet murders of 1892. Many believe the place is haunted or at least active to some degree. Even I, still a skeptic as to the place being haunted, have had my own scary experience of the unexplainable inside this structure.
What Donald Woods and Lee-ann Wilber have done here is unique. I have to hand it to Mr. Woods: Everything he has said he was going to do with the property when he purchased it back in 2004, he has done. And I have to hand it to Lee-ann as the manager – her ability to give the best bang for the buck and has been on an upward trajectory since she greeted her very first visitors. The hostess with the mostess. 🙂
You don’t have been interested in the paranormal, however, to have a wonderful stay by occupying the same space where history in the annals of most mysterious crimes took place. The ambience will transport you to 1892 and you will come to understand the family dynamic in a new light.
I’m wishing the best success for the Lizzie Borden B&B in this new and exciting endeavor!
Well, here’s an interesting site which is a compendium of various videos, news reports, short movies, etc. on Lizzie Borden. I’ve seen most all of these before. They are snatched from the work of others, including Richard Behrens, various news stations, t.v. documentary productions and the Legend of Lizzie Borden (starring Elizabeth Montgomery) to reference a few. Seems these were assembled into this one location by just grabbing them off the internet. However, it is nice to have so many in one place so easily viewed without Googling around. Also includes the popular Max the Cat from 92 Second Street – the Lizzie Borden B&B. This collage comes from World News. Enjoy.
http://wn.com/A_Lizzie_Borden_Home_Movie_
Ric Rebello has created this excellent promo for the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast Museum in Fall River, MA.
Co-owner, Manager Lee-ann Wilber not only looks stunning but effectively beckons you to this most unique venue. See for yourself:
Needless to say, I’ve been a frequent overnight visitor to the LBB&BM since it opened in 1996 (originally inside in 1977). What makes this such an extraordinary experience? First, guests can roam throughout the whole house, attic and cellar all they want. Most B&B’s have a “common” room and certain areas are off limits to the guests. Second, the hospitality is equal to none. Third, the beds are sensational – the most comfortable I’ve ever encountered in all my travels.
Even if you aren’t into the Borden saga, this is a great place to stay while visiting Fall River.
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Tattered Fabric: Fall River's Lizzie Borden 