“MAPLECROFT” UNDER AGREEMENT FOR SALE

From Suzanne’s Facebook page today:

“It’s official, Lizzie Borden’s (Lizbeth’s) Maplecroft is UNDER AGREEMENT, exactly a year to the date of closing on Lizzie Bordens Bed and Breakfast. I think she’d be thrilled to hear the laughter of children in the rooms of this beautiful historic home. Daryl, the family you brought couldn’t be a more perfect fit!

“Maplecroft, the historic former home of Lizzie Borden, is being purchased by artist and professor Brooke Mullins Doherty, who will be moving her home and studio from New Bedford. She and her husband Michael, a polymath, along with their three children look forward to respecting the house’s unique history while they restore Maplecroft to a single family residence.”

Suzanne St. John

Century 21 The Seyboth Team

401-302-4404″

For more information on Lizzie Borden’s connection and history of the house, click HERE.

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• 92 Second Street-Then & Now
• Above and Below The Hill
• Books – Good & Not So Good
• Books – Good and Not So Good
• Collectibles
• Descendents & Relations
• Donald W
• Fairhaven
• Fall River
• Fall River Historical Society
• Fall River History
• Fall River Police Department
• Fall River, MA
• Investigations & The Trial
• Just for Laughs
• Kristee Bates
• Lee-ann Wilber
• Legal & Forensics
• lifetime movie channel
• Literature & Literati
• Lizzie Art
• lizzie borden
• Lizzie Borden Bed and Breakfast
• MA
• Maplecroft
• Maplecroft Bed & Breakfast
• Mills and Factories
• Nance O'Neil
• Newspaper Coverage
• Nothing to do with Lizzie
• Oak Grove Cemetery
• Spooky Southcoast
• Swansea
• The Borden Family
• Theatre & Film
• Time Portals
• Timeline
• timelines
• TV
• TV, Theatre & Film
• Uncategorized
• Urban Legends in the Lizzie Borden Case

Fall River, Lizzie Borden, Maplecroft, Maplecroft home, unsolved classic crimes

Fall River, Lizzie Borden, Maplecroft, Maplecroft home, unsolved classic crimes

 

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

 

 

 

A Beautiful Private Home – aka Maplecroft

Here’s another piece on Maplecroft being for sale.  This one is from Boston Magazine and has some very beautiful new photos of the interior.  Learn a little more from this article with a slant (and re-arranged furniture) to emphasize its potential as a private home.

Click HERE.

And even more HERE.

 

INSIDE MAPLECROFT – Brand New 3D Virtual Tour

The doors are open – step inside and explore in 3D, “Maplecroft”,  Lizzie’s third and final home ( a home she lived in the entire second half of her life)  is now ready for serious buyers. And the prime selling agency is Century 21, the country’s #1 realtor. The listing agent, Suzanne St. John of  The Seyboth Team at Century 21 represents the Seller (Donald Woods) and will be happy to answer any of your questions.

Now  here’s what I think would be sweet symmetry:  That the agent for the ultimate Buyer would be Deborah Allard Dion, herself a realtor with a different company. It was not too long ago Ms Dion was the go-to Fall River Herald News Reporter for all things Lizzie. Where there was a Lizzie Borden headline, the byline was almost always Deborah’s.  The next new headline story, “Maplecroft Sold Again”, is yet to be written.

Meanwhile, kick back, take this virtual tour, pause where you want, proceed when you want, think of Lizzie living there – – better yet, think of YOU living there. 🙂

CLICK HERE

 

Renovation of Maplecroft – short videos

 

Image by Joey Radza

Back in the spring of 2015, Kristee Bates, former owner of Maplecroft in Fall River, was busy with restorations in preparation for turning it into a Bed and Breakfast. She sent me many short videos of her progress, however, she sold the property before going operational. Now, five years later, it is being sold again. Lizzie Borden lived in this house for the full second half of her life – from 1893 to 1927. (She died a few days after Charles Lindberg crossed the Atlantic.) Anyway, when viewing the interior being gutted, altered, stripped, painted, dressed up, modified, and prepped for showing – let’s peek behind the curtains.

You can view 12 of these very short videos posted on my Facebook Page by clicking  HERE 

or the individual videos as shown below, however, the quality is inferior.  Please be patient while the videos load – takes about 15 seconds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The final result of the restoration can be viewed HERE.  (Click an image and take a tour.)

 

Lizzie Borden’s Maplecroft Falls Victim to Covid-19

Fall River Herald News photo

The For Sale sign is out again at this French Street beauty – the home where Lizzie lived the entire second half of her life and where she died. The Mello Group – Real Estate Sales and Development, is representing the property. (They have a Facebook page).

It’s really no surprise given past difficulties with the State of MA for special clearances and then the impact of COVID-19. This will truly be a “hard” sell. But best of luck to Donald Woods. He gave many Lizzie Borden fans an immeasurable service by allowing so many people in that would not otherwise have had the opportunity. Please accept our gratitude.

Here’s the prior listing with a wonderful 3D Tour.

Yes, indeed. The Times they are a-changing.

 

Lizzie Borden’s Pandemic

 

                                           Image by Harry Widdows (R.I.P.)

It was 1918, and Lizzie Borden was very worried about the Spanish Flu.

The pandemic started in January, probably in France, China or Great Britain.  Nobody knows for sure but the first case in the United States was in March of 1918 at a military base in Kansas.  The death toll is thought to be 50 million – 3% of the world’s population.  Some scientists think it could have been as high as 100 million.  In the United States, 675,000 people died.  One third of the population became infected

In the late summer of 1918, the second wave hit the U.S. hard with doughboys returning from the war and arriving in ports in Philadelphia, New York, and Boston.

The specific impact of the 1918 Spanish Flu on Fall River River can be read HERE.

Lizzie, now 58 years old and still living in “Maplecroft”, would have read of the horrifying results of the spread of the virus.  She would have also read of the March 3rd death of Dr. Seabury Bowen, aged 78.

Alone, except for her hired help (her sister Emma had moved out of Maplecroft nearly 13 years previous), one can picture Lizzie in her upstairs suite of rooms.  Sitting at her inlaid mahogony desk and reading the Providence Journal or Evening Standard our enduring Lizzie would be a woman sad, depressed and worried.

And in these present days we can feel a little empathy for her, can we not?

 

Lizzie Borden & The Animal Rescue League

Here’s a recycled post (from April 2009) of Lizzie Borden and the Animal Rescue League of Fall River.

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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.

                                   image by faye musselman

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 been 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.

photo by faye musselman

 

 

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

 

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.

 

Maplecroft – Paranormal Investigations Begin

The following video was posted on YouTube just today – January 1, 2019.  While all necessary permits have not yet been issued by the City of Fall River for  this home to be operated for tours and a B&B, let’s hope when they are this type of marketing keeps it open.

Thousands have flocked to the Second Street home because of the paranormal interest, thus keeping the “murder house” open for thousands of those who have no such interest in things that go bump in the night.  No matter, business is business.

So here it is – the first on the 1st.  (There are some inaccuracies but that’s okay).  Lizzie Borden’s Maplecroft.

 

 

 

 

Lizzie Borden’s Maplecroft – Appeal to the State

                                 Photo credit:  Dave Souza, Fall River Herald News

The owner of “Maplecroft” in Fall River is not afraid of litigation nor pursuing first steps leading to such when it comes to opening and operating Lizzie Borden’s home.

The city’s long time motto is “We’ll Try” however, they rarely succeed when it comes to successful, sustainable development. Now the city is considering changing the motto to “Build it Here”.  (Somebody bring me a chair because I can’t remain upright laughing this hard.)

Aside from having a crook for a mayor, I think many of those in City Hall with discretionary powers are actually alien beings – you know, “the Grays”.  They look like us but….

Anyway, I digress.  Donald Woods has reached into his deep pockets repeatedly to be in compliance with the City that “tries”  (to make things really difficult) when it comes to obtaining the necessary permits to open and operate 306 French Street.  But with every accommodation the City comes back with something else.  Soon the State of Massachusetts will have to make the decision.  Read the latest HERE

My money’s on Mr. Woods.  I know him.  He’s a friend of mine.  And he is a man of his word.  He said he was going to open Maplecroft to the public and he will.

Note:  You can view 40 different images of the interior of the restored home by clicking HERE.

 

 

Lizzie Borden – For Brevity’s Sake

Sometimes we just need to chuckle about it all.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Artist Charles George Deviantart.com) does a variation on a theme.

 

 

 

 

Here’s a couple more of his clever illustrations:

Lizzie swoons in court when skulls of her father and stepmother are presented by Prosecutor Knowlton.

A forlorn and depressed Lizzie stares out a window in an attic room at her home on 92 Second Street – or is it Maplecroft?

 

 

 

Could Edmund Pearson Have Hastened Lizzie Borden’s Death?

(I originally wrote this post back in 2010)

Edmund Lester Pearson (1880-1937)

 

Edmund Lester Pearson

He was a noted librarian and prolific writer on true crime.  In 1924 he began a correspondence with Frank W. Knowlton, son of Hosea Knowlton, the district attorney who prosecuted Lizzie Borden in her 1893 trial.   Known as the “Knowlton-Pearson Correspondence” it is a remarkable assemblage – rich in content it clearly shows the eagerness with which Frank accommodated Edmund’s request.  They were contemporaries, and Frank provided the author with “open sesame” to Lizzie’s contemporaries and others still living who knew her and/or were involved in the case.   Pearson had access to all of Hosea Knowlton’s papers on the case, and also the preliminary hearing and Trial transcript. (Knowlton was unsuccessful, however, in tracking down Bridget Sullivan’s inquest testimony – a document still missing after all these decades).

In any event, Pearson’s investigative research resulted in Studies in Murder, first published in 1924, three years before Lizzie’s death.  The book was a series of essays on notable cases, the first and expanded essay was on the Borden case.  This would be the first of many writings in subsequent books by Pearson on Fall River’s most notorious citizen.  But this first book was published while Lizzie still lived.

It is fairly certain that Lizzie Borden had read the very first book on the case published in 1893:  Fall River Tragedy by Edward H. Porter.  I think it further fairly certain she had read Studies in Murder. In the twilight of her years she was at least relieved of the awful annual editorials in the Fall River Globe commemorating the infamous crimes with their consistent innuendos that she had gotten away with the double murders.

Her life had been lived quietly and with the refinement and deportment that were her hallmarks of character.  Her closest associates were her servants and a few loyal friends and relatives.  But now came this publication.  It must have been the talk of the town when it came out.  Knowledge of Pearson’s meetings and inquiries with Lizzie’s contemporaries had proceeded the book itself, and those that assisted Pearson must have discussed it with their own associates.  Perhaps it had been talked about in hushed circles long before its publication and perhaps Lizzie had heard as well through reports of who was talking to whom.  The long essay left no doubt in the minds of the reader that the deed must have been done by Lizzie and only Lizzie.

Think for a moment how this must have affected her.  Guilty or innocent, it must have been a devastating event to have this book circulating in Fall River, the region and all over the country, stirring up painful memories of a horrible time while also serving to provide  interest to a whole new generation.   Lizzie had been described as nervous and depressed, unhappy with her decision to have lived all the rest of her life in Fall River – and now, this.

Could the book have hastened her demise?  Stress, nervous anxiety, depression.  Lizzie had always wanted to be accepted by her peers.  She lived her life kind to others and animals, generously giving and always thoughtful of the needs of others.  And now, this.   It must have played upon her mind and heart, a heart already long burdened and weakened by worry.    Not long after the book’s success and wide readership, Lizzie would be hospitalized for gall bladder surgery and never fully recover.

Hosea Morrill Knowlton

 

Knowlton, Hosea M., white, b. May 1847, 53 yr., b. Maine
Sylvia B. Wife, Jan. 1850, b. Mass.
John W. son, March 1874, 26 b. Mass.
Abby A. dau, mar. 1876, 24, mass.
Frank W., son Aug 1878, 22, Mass.
Edward A., son April 1883, 17, b. mas.
Helen S., dau. Aug. 1884, 14, b. mass.
Sylvia P, dau. may 1890, 10, Mass.
Benjamin H., son, Jun 1892, 8 yr, b. mass.

SYLVIA BASSETT, b. New Bedford, MA, 20 Jan 1852; d. Watertown, MA, 31 Mar 1937; m. New Bedford, 22 May 1873, HOSEA MORRILL KNOWLTON, b. Durham, ME, 20 May 1847; d. Marion, MA, 18 Dec 1902; son of Isaac Case and Mary Smith (Wellington) Knowlton.

Their children, all born in New Bedford were:

John Wellington Knowlton born February 28, 1874.
Abby Almy Knowlton born March 30, 1876
Frank Warren Knowlton born August 1, 1878
Edward Allen Knowlton born April16, 1883

The younger siblings were:

Helen Sophia Knowlton; August 1, 1885
August I. Knowlton;
Sylvia Prescott Knowlton born Ma7 29, 1890
Benjamin Almy Knowlton born June 13, 1892

Frank Warren Knowlton

Attorney General Herbert Parker is not only included in this correspondence but was also one of Pearson’s primary sources for his last essay in his book, Studies in Murder, titled “The Hunting Knife” concerning Mabel Page.

Herbert Parker, a very handsome man

Frank Warren Knowlton, Jr. donated his grandfather’s papers to the Fall River Historical Society in 1989.  (He died in October 11, 2002).

Edit

 

Maplecroft Update: Updated Details & Code Requirements

 

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..

 

Maplecroft Opening Delayed

 

It’s been a harsh winter for Fall River.   Severe snow storms have prevented new owner, Donald Woods (also owns the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast) from proceeding with electrical and plumbing repairs and upgrades for an early April opening.

Read HERE.

Be sure to click thru the many interior photos by Dave Souza of the Fall River Herald News and previous articles written by that intrepid “all things Lizzie,” reporter, Deborah Allard – all of which will bring you up to date.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Update on “Maplecroft” Opening Prep with Ryan Woods

Here’s another update on status of opening Lizzie’s home to the public.

Click HERE.

In the Comments section at the end of the article, I make a few suggestions.

 

Fall River Herald Photo

 

Lizzie Borden’s Maplecroft to Open to Public by April

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.

 

 

3D Tour of Maplecroft – Puts You Right Inside

 

From Sotheby’s International Realty’s listing of 306 French Street, aka “Maplecroft” here is a wonderful 3-D tour of the inside.  I especially like utilizing the blue circle to guide me up, down, sideways, close-up, around corners, through doorways, etc.,  to see virtually every bit of the home, –  its furnishings, paintings, portraits, photographs, ornamental items, original doors, doorknobs, tin ceilings, servant stairways, servants’ rooms, etc.

You can pause and zoom and take your time.  Making use of the blue circle – moving it to enlarge or reduce – really makes you feel you are walking around inside.  And truly gives you a better appreciation for the quality and detail Kristee Bates put into restoring this home.

Except for the stove and fire sprinklers – it is truly a turn-key operation for new owner, Donald Woods and his son, Ryan, who will be the Manager.  Huzzahs!

Click the link HERE and scroll down to the 2 images of Maplecroft and click the box on the right hand side to walk around inside Maplecroft.

Note:  The first time I was inside this home the dining room still had Lizzie’s original drapes.

 

 

 

 

SEE NEW ARTICLE OF 9-14-17 = More on the Sale of Maplecroft with Interior Images

HERE’S AN UPDATE AS OF 9-14-17 FROM THE FALL RIVER HERALD NEWS

Here’s more on the sale of Maplecoft with some good images of the interior and other related Borden case images.   The article is full of errors in respect to what was original in Lizzie’s time in terms of furniture.  The bathroom shown is actually in the attic and was the maid’s bathroom, and that is not an original sink.  The only original wallpaper is in the dining room.  One cannot get a real sense of Lizzie’s library (with her inlaid mahogony desk) as it’s been altered to be a bedroom.  Actually, when one is in the basement it is the closest one feels to Lizzie’s time.   (I’ve been in the house many times, first in 1992 and several times between then and 2015 when Bob Dube’ owned it).

I have about a dozen short videos Kristee Bates sent me showing the various rooms of the house during the renovations.  I’ll be glad to share if you email me.  It’s the last chance to actually see what it looked like inside before The Big Change.

Click HERE.

 

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Click HERE for actual “ownership” of the property.  Twilight Enterprises was formed by Kristee’s friend, Howard, who provided all funds for the purchase and her renovation project.  (Type “French” in the blank field for Street after clicking link and then scroll down to 306 French Street.)