Category Archives: In the News

Lizzie and Fall River in print television and radio

Bridget Sullivan in Later Years

19 Thursday Apr 2012

Posted by in "Lizzie Folks", Aftermath, Borden Family, Case Personalities, In the News, Potpourri, Stop the Press

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Perhaps the most thrilling photo from Parallel Lives was that of Lizzie on her veranda at Maplecroft with her little dog. Now we have two photos of the Borden maid around the same age. Whereas Lizzie looks rested, prosperous and content in her photo, Bridget has a stern and careworn visage. Two elderly ladies- worlds apart in many ways, but sharing one extraordinary day in common- August 4, 1892.

Photo of Lizzie and her dog courtesy of the Fall River Herald News Online as seen in Parallel Lives by Michael Martins and Dennis Binette.

Photos reproduced here courtesy of Diana Porter, a relative of John Sullivan

Photo of Bridget Sullivan courtesy of Diana Porter attributed as coming from the Barbara Knightly Hockaway Collection

Marriage license courtesy of Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast Museum

Bridget Sullivan – “Stern, Humorless- and mean”?

09 Monday Apr 2012

Posted by in "Lizzie Folks", After the Trial, Aftermath, Borden Family, Case Personalities, If Walls Could Talk, In the News, Read All ABout It, Stop the Press

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The promised article is finally available via the Fall River Herald news http://www.heraldnews.com/news/x221044214/New-photos-surface-of-former-Lizzie-Borden-maid-after-murders

and contains the very interesting comment pertaining to Sullivan’s personality as being humorless, stern, and even “mean.” Reading Bridget’s testimony and statements made in 1892-1893, she gives the impression of being careful with her statements, and not just a little bit nervous and afraid to say anything negative about Lizzie or the family, so this new revelation causes one to wonder if Bridget developed the stern, mean and humorless traits after the trial or did she always have such a personality?

For decades the story has been widely circulated that Bridget had something to “get off her chest” and either died without telling “something about that Fall River business” – or else confessed it to a priest with her dying breath.  What the something was, or even if all or a part of this story is true yet remains to be proven without a doubt. People have speculated what the something could be: she knew the dress Lizzie gave to the police was not the dress Lizzie had on that morning of the murders, Bridget helped clean up blood or other evidence, she knew Lizzie was guilty but protected the family in return for a favor, etc. The list of possibilities is endless. The notion that Bridget knew something but would never tell is, however, provocative and the recent disclosure of the photos and comments by a great niece of Bridget’s husband, John Sullivan, Diana Porter, only add even more flavor to conjectures about Bridget and what she knew. No single person was in a better position to know the daily workings of the Borden household better than Bridget, and so anything about her or anything which will emerge in the future promises to be greeted with eager eyes and ears.

Copies of the two photos will be added to Warps and Wefts as soon as the proper permissions have been granted.

The “Lizzie News” Round-Up

06 Tuesday Mar 2012

Posted by in "Lizbits", "Lizzie Folks", After the Trial, Borden Spaces and Places, Case Personalities, Fall River, Fall River families, Fall River Historical Society, Fall River Now and Then, In the Marketplace, In the News, Just Plain Lizzie, Lizzie in Print, Newspaper Coverage, Parallel Lives, Second Street Happenings, Stop the Press, The Lawyers

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So much has been happening in the Borden sphere of late that you need a program to keep up.  Not all has been happy news, but most has been cause for celebration.

1. The Central Congregational Church: Things are looking grim for Lizzie’s old church on Rock Street with hopes high yet for a reprieve once again. http://www.heraldnews.com/news/x962233671/Fall-Rivers-former-Central-Congregational-faces-wrecking-ball

2. HBO Mini Series  The much-anticipated four-hour series starring Chloe Sevigny and backed by Tom Hanks’ Playtone Productions is still simmering on the back burner.  Hopefully when Miss Sevigny wraps her latest project, this fresh take on the Borden saga will get cookin’!

3. Donation of Andrew Jennings’ private notes and journal to the Fall River Historical Society was the exciting news this past weekend as the famous “hip bath collection” yielded one more treasure which was turned over to the historical society. http://www.heraldnews.com/news/x1785609188/Handwritten-journals-from-Lizzie-Borden-lawyer-donated-to-FRHS

4. Parallel Lives is recognized at New England Book Fair http://www.heraldnews.com/news/x570348962/Parallel-Lives-book-on-Lizzie-Borden-wins-honorable-mention

5. Coming Soon!  Fall River Revisited by Stefani Koorey.  Preorder now at http://www.amazon.com/dp/0738576840/ref=tsm_1_fb_lk

6. The Dead Files visit in January to the Borden house should be airing March 16th at 10 p.m. on the Travel Channel.  Check the website for schedule and more on hosts, Amy and Steve. http://www.travelchannel.com/tv-shows/the-dead-files

Jennings Journals

05 Monday Mar 2012

Posted by in "Lizbits", "Lizzie Folks", Case Personalities, Fall River, In the News, Stop the Press, The Lawyers

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If the publication of Parallel Lives was not enough excitement, the news of the donation of Andrew Jennings’ personal papers, notes, and newspaper clippings to the Fall River Historical Society was published in the Fall River Herald News today. The Borden community was anxiously awaiting the news of ” a significant development” after being alerted late last week to the fact that something exciting was about to break.

http://www.heraldnews.com/newsnow/x1785609188/Handwritten-journals-from-Lizzie-Borden-lawyer-donated-to-FRHS

Some very illuminating comments and information will no doubt be forthcoming from this new treasure trove.

Now, if we could only get the Hilliard papers published and the Robinson cache uncovered!

Fionnula Flanagan to receive award

07 Tuesday Feb 2012

Posted by in In the News, Legend of Lizzie Borden, On Screen, Potpourri

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In Lizzie Borden circles she is best-remembered for her spot-on portrayal of Bridget Sullivan, the Borden’s Irish maid in The Legend of Lizzie Borden, but in years since the 1975 film, Flanagan has had an amazing career.  The Dublin-born actress admits to the tough time she endured as an Irish actress in Hollywood in this article http://www.independent.ie/lifestyle/insider-do-you-know-you-are-giving-a-reception-for-murderers-3009822.html  and her perseverance to reach the top as a much-beloved star of television and the big screen. She will soon receive a lifetime achievement award from the Irish Film and Television Academy.  To see her long lists of credits including current projects visit http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001217/  Borden house co-owner LeeAnn Wilber has met Ms. Flanagan and has invited her to spend a night in Bridget Sullivan’s room on Second Street.!

studio publicity photo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gwdaeIKQb4

 

 

A Red Letter Day in Fall River

20 Sunday Nov 2011

Posted by in "Lizbits", "Lizzie Folks", After the Trial, August 4th, Borden Family, Borden House Interiors, Borden Spaces and Places, Case Personalities, Fall River, Fall River families, Fall River Historical Society, Fall River Now and Then, Famous Massachusetts Cases, Famous Victorians, In the Marketplace, In the News, Just Plain Lizzie, Lectures & Exhibits, Lizpix, Lizzie Borden in the Marketplace, Lizzie in Print, Maplecroft, Mills, Parallel Lives, Potpourri, Read All ABout It, Stop the Press, Victoriana

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Christmas came early this year for those who enjoy Fall River history and have an interest in the Borden case and the enigmatic Miss Lizzie.  Parallel Lives was released this morning to the public. By 11: 30 a.m. a long line snaked its way down the pavement toward Maple Street and there was a feeling of restless expectation in the air as the noon hour approached. .  A man came around the corner bearing two copies of the coveted tome as heads swiveled to catch a glimpse.  A spontaneous outburst of appreciation went up from the crowd followed by many comments as to the  SIZE of the massive tome.

No preview copies were released for reviewing to anyone, so it was with enormous excitement today’s release was anticipated.  Beginning on Friday, the benefactors of the publication enjoyed a special gathering, followed by Saturday night’s annual Christmas Open House for members, and capping off an extraordinary weekend with today’s public release of the book, viewing of a special exhibit of materials featured in the book (cards, letters, gifts Lizzie presented to friends, etc.) and a tour of the Christmas decorations, always an annual treat.

The authors held court in the front parlor at a beautifully decorated table with a red rose Christmas arrangement, signing autographs and having photographs taken with visitors.  On the lawn, on the stairs, and anywhere one could sit, people clutched their volume, looking eagerly through the pages. From all corners came appreciative little shrieks of excitement as never-before-seen photos were discovered, especially those showing Lizzie herself. Even those who vowed not to ruin the surprise until they could sit at leisure soon gave way to overwhelming curiosity and were soon leafing furiously through the pages. Some had driven hours to pick up their copies.

It would be presumptuous to attempt any sort of review of this major work until the whole was digested, therefore the Warps & Wefts review will be forthcoming in the near future.  Suffice it to say, Parallel Lives is as plummy a Christmas pudding as anyone could ever wish for, chock full of juicy morsels, delicious facts and photos, fascinating history, surprises and many hours of enthralled reading.  To reveal too much would be to ruin your own Christmas surprise- so-

Just spring to your sleigh, to your team give a whistle,

To Rock Street fly like the down of a thistle.

Parallel Lives is the gift sure to please, so take heed,

Happy holidays to all, and to all a good read!

Come and Get It!

17 Thursday Nov 2011

Posted by in "Lizbits", "Lizzie Folks", Borden Family, Case Personalities, Fall River, Fall River families, Fall River Historical Society, Fall River Now and Then, In the Marketplace, In the News, Just Plain Lizzie, Lizzie in Print, Museums & Exhibits, Parallel Lives, Potpourri, Read All ABout It, Victoriana

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Put on your best bonnet and race to the corner of Rock and Maple Streets on Sunday, November 20th between noon and 3 p.m

  It’s Here!

Have your copy of Parallel Lives autographed. Pre-ordered your copy? Not to worry, pick it up Sunday at the Fall River Historical Society Book Signing!  Don’t let your friends beat you to the punch!  1000 pages and over 500 photos.  You just may have to take your vacation next week! Come back over the holidays to see a very special exhibit of ephemera and other items discovered while researching for the book: notes, cards, letters and more from Lizzie’s own hand.  Who could ask for anything more?

A Reprieve for Lizzie’s Old Church

27 Thursday Oct 2011

Posted by in Borden Spaces and Places, Fall River, Fall River families, Fall River Now and Then, In the News, Stop the Press

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http://www.heraldnews.com/business/x2063884711/Donovan-eyes-Abbey-Grill-revival-Historical-Commission-is-reconvened

With a wrecker’s ball looming over the spire of the historic Central Congregational Church, today’s announcement in the Fall River Herald News brings a sigh of hope to city preservationists.  The Ruskinian Gothic structure of red and white brick, designed by the prestigious firm of Hartwell & Swazey, was, until recently a culinary arts school with an attached restaurant, The Abbey Grille.  The business went into foreclosure, the edifice was boarded up and weeds set in.  The scenario looked bleak for the church, once the bustling religious center for many of the city’s society families from The Hill section.  Andrew Borden paid for a pew in the vast sanctuary, although it was primarily Lizzie alone who attended regularly.

Jerry and son Chris Donovan have restored and rescued other properties in the city, most notably the old Eagle on North Main Street, now a center for performing arts.  The historical commission is back in business and it looks like great things are in the works! Good news indeed.

The Eagle on re-opening night.

Lizzie Reigns in October

21 Friday Oct 2011

Posted by in "Lizbits", "Lizzie Folks", Borden Family, Case Personalities, Fall River, Fall River families, Fall River Now and Then, Halloween Lizzie Borden, In the Marketplace, In the News, Lizpix, Parallel Lives, Read All ABout It

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October  has always been a 4 star month for all things Lizzie, but this year as Halloween draws nearer, the case is everywhere. Tonight Ghost Adventures showcases their investigation at Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast Museum (Friday,Oct 21) at 9pm and Saturday Oct.22 12am or midnight on the 21st. The crew from CBS Sunday Morning with Charles Osgood visited Lizzie’s last weekend (the same day Aron Houdini (relative of the famous Harry) came to entertain staff and guests.  That segment will air on October 30th at 9 a.m.

But most thrilling of all, the long-awaited tome published by the Fall River Historical Society which will feature amazing new facts about Lizzie and her times is now launched and can be pre- ordered on the site.(November 21st availability).  The anticipation for this thick volume, chocked-full of photos(over 500), some new ones of Lizzie, is going to fly off the shelves.  Visit the website for all the latest information and content and order form.  It’s going to be an exciting time ahead for all of us!  http://lizziebordenparallellives.com/welcome/

Also visit the Facebook site https://www.facebook.com/pages/Parallel-Lives-A-Social-History-of-Lizzie-A-Borden-and-Her-Fall-River/217117611686628

Bad news day

11 Thursday Aug 2011

Posted by in "Lizbits", "Lizzie Folks", August 4th, Borden Family, Borden House Interiors, Famous Massachusetts Cases, If Walls Could Talk, In the News, Just Plain Lizzie, Lizpix, Newspaper Coverage, Pear Essential Players, Read All ABout It, Second Street Happenings, Victorian True Crime, Victoriana, Violent Victorians

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The front page of the Fall River Herald for August 4th featured a large colored photo of Kathleen Troost-Cramer and Barbara Morrissey as Lizzie and Emma Borden on the day of the infamous murders re-enacting the news about the killing of their father and stepmother.  The front page also featured a headline of the Dow down to the lowest point since 2008 and news of bacteria levels in the Taunton River. At least one of the stories was old news from 1892.

 

Ray Mitchell as city marshal Rufus Hilliard.  Story by Deborah Allard.

Lizzie’s old church in danger- again.

31 Sunday Jul 2011

Posted by in "Lizbits", Borden Spaces and Places, Fall River, In the News, Potpourri

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Many anxious eyes are watching the outcome for the old Central Congregational Church on Rock St. The building by Hartwell and Swazey is of significant historical value, and is in a state of disrepair currently that requires considerable money to restore.  Here is a new video detailing the history of the edifice.

She’s Back for August!

28 Tuesday Jun 2011

Posted by in "Lizbits", "Lizzie Folks", August 4th, Borden Family, Borden House Interiors, Borden Spaces and Places, Fall River, Fall River Historical Society, Famous Massachusetts Cases, Famous Victorians, In the News, Just Plain Lizzie, Lizzie Borden & the Arts, On stage, Pear Essential Players, Potpourri, Second Street Happenings, Things to Do

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In addition to anticipating the upcoming release of the historical society’s Parallel Lives, August will welcome a new play about the famous case.  The Herald News reports:

A new play, “Lizzie Borden Took an Axe,” depicting the well known Lizzie Borden case will be staged in Fall River for the 119th anniversary of the hatchet murders of Andrew and Abby Borden.

There will be two performances on Aug. 5 and 6 at the Nagle Auditorium at B.M.C. Durfee High School by the Covey Theatre Company of Syracuse, N.Y.
Fresh from winning two Syracuse Area Live Theatre awards for Best Original Play and Best Costumes, as well as the Gloria Peter Playwright competition from Aurora, NY, “Lizzie Borden Took an Axe” left critics enthralled and Bordenophiles raving.

“Lizzie Borden Took an Axe” will be staged Friday and Saturday, Aug. 5 and 6 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased by calling 315-420-3729 or online at”  www.thecoveytheatrecompany.com.

Read more: http://www.heraldnews.com/archive/x2108614302/-Lizzie-Borden-Took-an-Axe-to-be-staged-at-Durfee-High-School#ixzz1QatgYTzn 

The annual costumed recreation of August 4th will take place as usual at the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast on the 4th, which this year, will be a Thursday, just as it was in 1892.

Plenty of Lizzie on the way for August!

Lizzie Film Download

02 Monday May 2011

Posted by in "Lizbits", August 4th, Borden Family, In the Marketplace, In the News, Just Plain Lizzie, Murder Most Foul, Potpourri

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W&W is a little late getting this one posted.  Shawna Waldron’s 93 minute Lizzie feature can be downloaded here:  http://www.musicmovieshare.com/thriller/lizzie-2011/

You can see more on the Facebook page, including photos. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lizzie-the-Movie/378802895590?ref=mf&sk=wall#!/pages/Lizzie-the-Movie/378802895590?sk=wall

Author Rich Lindberg visits Fall River

06 Wednesday Apr 2011

Posted by in "Lizzie Folks", Fall River, In the Marketplace, In the News, Murder Most Foul, Potpourri, Read All ABout It, Second Street Happenings, True Crime

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(Rich Lindberg with Ellen Smith and Jack Faria at the Fall River Art Association)

Among the special guests at the recent Second Street Irregulars’ annual reunion was Chicago history writer Rich Lindberg.  Mr. Lindberg , a newcomer to the Borden case, has a new book coming out in May on serial killers in the heartland, notably the infamous black widow, Belle Gunness and Johann Hoch.  The “Muttoneaters” enjoyed an evening of hearing about the new book from the author and the author learned a lot about Lizzie Borden as he toured Fall River, Swansea, New Bedford, Marion and Fairhaven and stayed four days at #92 Second Street.  Mr. Lindberg will be bringing the Borden case to Chicago in a lecture format in the near future.  http://richardlindberg.net/index.htm

The Buzz is Global on HBO project

18 Friday Mar 2011

Posted by in "Lizbits", "Lizzie Folks", Borden Family, Borden House Interiors, Borden Spaces and Places, Fall River, Fall River Historical Society, Famous Massachusetts Cases, In the News, Just Plain Lizzie, Legend of Lizzie Borden, Lizzie T.V., Potpourri, Read All ABout It, Second Street Happenings

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Chances are if you Goggle Lizzie Borden under the “News” heading, you will find several pages of stories on the Chloe Sevigny HBO project for a four hour mini-series, including stories in Polish, French, Russian and Italian!  And if you live in Connecticut, Rhode Island or Massachusetts, tonight at 6 p.m., Channel 10 news jumped on the promotion band wagon.  With all of the very positive buzz and excitement, it is hard to believe Tom Hanks and Playtone would change their mind about producing the four -hour series.  To view the Channel 10 clip, http://www2.turnto10.com/entertainment/2011/mar/17/sevigny-may-play-lizzie-borden-miniseries-ar-426649/

The casting of Miss Sevigny as Lizzie is spot-on.  She has all the right physical attributes, right down to the mesmerizing and unsettling eyes, and is of the right age to pull it off.  She is also a better-than-good actress.  It will be very interesting to see who will be cast in the major roles.   Maybe Uncle John Morse will be included this time around.

 Due to street noise and the encroachment of modern living, and many other factors, the house on Second Street will not be a likely candidate for the  filming venue.  The 1975 Elizabeth Montgomery attempt did a pretty fair job of recreating Borden house interiors on stage sets. 

There are very high hopes in Fall River, among the Borden house bed and breakfast employees, and students of the Borden case and Fall River history that this version will get the facts right and do the story justice.  Playtone and Hanks are synonymous with quality productions, so the end result holds very great promise.  It is surprising that it has taken so long to revisit the case and Lizzie Borden as the topic has been building momentum and interest since the Borden house opened for business in 1996.

The buzz about the upcoming  Fall River Historical Society’s Parallel Lives, detailing Lizzie’s life and Fall River has been the hot topic around Fall River for many months as it promises revelations about Miss Borden which will open a few eyes.  The date of publication has not yet been announced but the long-awaited tome is in final proofing and chances are  it will be published by late Spring.  The nearly thousand -page volume will feature over 500 photographs, including some new views of Lizzie herself, and will disspell some commonly -held notions about her. It will be a must-read for Miss Sevigny and should have some major impact on her characterization of the enigmatic Lizzie. The series will probably have an early 2012 air date according to some sources.

 In any event, Lizzie is bigger now than ever, and the upcoming series will be a boon to the city as well as book sales of Parallel Lives.  It will be a very exciting year ahead.

http://screenrant.com/hbo-chloe-sevigny-lizzie-borden-miniseries-yman-106311/

Busy days for Lizzie Borden & Co.

08 Tuesday Mar 2011

Posted by in "Lizbits", "Lizzie Folks", Borden Family, Borden Spaces and Places, In the News, Just Plain Lizzie, Mutton Eaters Online, On Screen, Potpourri, Second Street Happenings, Stop the Press

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The snows did fall and the wind did blow, but the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast had a busy winter and the month of March is jammed- packed with activities too.  The first Murder Mystery Weekend was held over the Valentine’s Day weekend, followed by the Dead of Winter paranormal event with Chris Moon.  The news, posted here earlier, detailing  B&B visitor Chloe Sevigny’s proposed upcoming project of an HBO mini-series about the Borden case filming this summer was icing on the cake.

Last week, those who work at the house were thrilled to learn the TODAY show will be making a visit the end of the month to shoot a special on the fascination with the case.  The timing could not have been better for the release of the eagerly-awaited Parallel Lives from the Fall River Historical Society.  The authors will also be appearing on the morning televison special segment.  The Second Street Irregulars will be descending on the 31st for a jammed-packed 3 days at the house and on the road, with some special guests and stops along the way. It looks like 2011 will be another banner year for Lizzie & Co.

Fall River Herald News follow-up

26 Saturday Feb 2011

Posted by in "Lizbits", "Lizzie Folks", Borden Family, Fall River, Famous Massachusetts Cases, In the News, Just Plain Lizzie, Lizzie T.V., Newspaper Coverage, On Screen, Potpourri, Read All ABout It, Victorian True Crime

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Here’s an interview and follow-up to the Chloe Sevigny story posted here earlier this month. Hopes are running high for an historically accurate script which will include John Morse this time around. The HBO mini-series, slated to run two nights, may be released at the end of 2011.

http://www.heraldnews.com/highlight/x742403032/Chloe-Sevigny-will-play-Lizzie-Borden-in-upcoming-HBO-miniseries