Category Archives: Lizzie Borden in the Marketplace

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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!

The Face of Lizzie Borden

25 Tuesday Oct 2011

Posted by in "Lizbits", "Lizzie Folks", "Lizziewear", Borden Spaces and Places, Fall River, Fall River families, Fall River Now and Then, If Walls Could Talk, Lizzie Borden in the Marketplace, Lizzie in Print, Maplecroft, Parallel Lives, Potpourri, Stop the Press

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The sweet-faced lady on the piazza holding her pet is a far cry from the caricature of the raging homicidal spinster so often portrayed as being Lizzie Borden.  The bobbleheads, tee shirts, and cartoons may have to undergo a re-do.  Parallel Lives, the long-awaited biography of Lizzie and her times has released this amazing photograph of Lizzie with one of her Boston bull terriers (Laddie Miller), said to be taken around 1916 on the back porch of her French St. home, Maplecroft.

Followers of the Borden case will be drinking in every detail of her dress, her furnishings, her expression. A picture is worth a thousand words. The thick volume, studded with over 500 photos may be pre-ordered  from the Fall River Historical Society.  For the full story and link to order click on this link http://www.heraldnews.com/features/x464394189/Historical-Society-announces-first-true-biography-of-Lizzie-Borden

So will this photo and new bio change your mind about Lizzie?

Looks like more of the same

12 Wednesday Oct 2011

Posted by in "Lizbits", Hatchets and Axes, Just Plain Lizzie, Lizzie Borden in the Marketplace, On Screen

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There’s always a silent hope among Borden case fans, when a new Lizzie film is announced, that somebody might get it right this time.  Most know that sticking to the thrilling TRUE story of the crime will not be enough for Hollywood.  Box office is the prime motivator, sad but true.  Too bad that the “suits” feel they must dumb down the real deal and offer schlock that follows a tried and true formula.  Audiences are underestimated.  Even diehard “cheesy horror fans”  deserve first class special effects, good casting and costuming and a decent script.  There are surely elements in the Borden saga that would work very well for the horror movie genre, put in the hands of capable horror-thriller writers.  Sadly none of these writers have been brought on board and the newest schlock-shocker in the arena, Lizzie The Movie, promises to be no improvement on the last endeavors, Curse of Lizzie Borden and  Prom Night.

The trailer has been released, and pretty much says it all.  Nothing new here.  The web site and blog are still in development but have a little information to check out.  Gary Busey and Corbin Bernsen are the “names” to draw the audience.  Busey has had some brilliant onscreen moments, and Bernsen has good acting chops on TV and some big screen.  Actors have bills to pay- that must be the reason for taking on the role in this latest Lizzie flick. 

Someday, somebody will get over using black and red, hatchets, dripping blood, and other cliche tricks and see the real potential of the Borden case.  Hold out hopes for the proposed Chloe Sevigny-Tom Hanks project.  Maybe NEXT time. . . .

Lizzie: The Movie trailer at http://lizziethemovie.com/

Lizzie Borden Perfume?

28 Saturday Aug 2010

Posted by in "Lizbits", Famous Victorians, Just Plain Lizzie, Lizzie Borden in the Marketplace, Potpourri

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Just when you think everything has been done that can be done with the Borden case, along comes a new twist.  We have Lizzie dolls, pins, magnets, teeshirts, bracelets, earrings, coffee mugs and shot glasses.  There are books galore with more coming soon, paperdolls, collector cards, toy hatchets, and even Cat’s Meow has put out a wooden replica of the murder house on Second Street.  And now- from ETSY, an online crafter’s catalogue, we have a Lizzie Borden perfume oil, in a limited edition, available only until November 2010.  Have a look at the newest entry on the Lizzie market. Wonder what’s next?

This “eau de murder” is described as:

“A waft of Mother’s garden blooms, Father’s unlit pipe, tiny roses on the parlor wallpaper, and a dusty wooden axe handle.”

http://www.etsy.com/listing/52051486/lizzie-inspired-perfume-oil-halloween

August 4th means Lizzie Borden in Demand!

31 Saturday Jul 2010

Posted by in "Lizbits", "Lizzie Folks", August 3, August 4th, Borden Family, Borden House Interiors, Borden Spaces and Places, Case Personalities, Fall River, Fall River Now and Then, Just Plain Lizzie, Lectures & Exhibits, Lizzie Borden in the Marketplace, Lizzie in Print, Maplecroft, Museums & Exhibits, Painted Ladies, Pear Essential Players, Potpourri, Read All ABout It, Second Street Happenings, Victorian True Crime, Victoriana

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Those interested in the Borden Case will have a week ahead chock-full of things to see and do.  It has been a long time since the conference at Bristol Community College and many who are fascinated with the case and needing a good dose of Bordenalia are heading to Fall River this week to take in as much as possible. Great weather is predicted!

 

THINGS TO SEE AND DO

1.  The Fall River Public Library is hosting a book reading with author Richard Behrens, reading from his new book, Lizzie Borden, Girl Detective beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 3rd.  Costumed cast from the annual Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast Museum August 4th performances, The Pear Essential Players, will attend in character with a few words to say about Wednesday, the 4th on Second Street.

 

2.  The Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast will have daytime tours on the hour from 11 a.m. -3 p.m. on August 3rd.  Don’t miss the gift shop! Advance tickets are on sale for August 4th performances of CSI Lizzie Borden.  Richard Behrens will also be autographing his book on the 4th in the gift shop. A drawing will be held at the end of the day for a night’s stay for two at the house.  Program GPS devices for 230 Second Street or 230 2nd Street. 

 

3.  Oak Grove Cemetery has convenient black arrows on the pavement from the office gate to the Borden plot and is open from early morning until dark. Many other case personalities are buried in the historic Victorian cemetery.

 

4.  The Fall River Historical Society will be open with a special augmented Borden exhibit, featuring some items which are generally not on display all the time  This is a must-see on the list for visitors coming to Fall River for the day. The society can be found at the corner of Maple and Rock streets.  There is also a great gift shop selling Lizzie Borden merchandise and books.

 

5.  A little drive around the city in the late afternoon might be a great way to end the day.  The Andrew Borden Building is still standing on the corner of Anawan St. and South Main, Lizzie’s little school can also be found in the South End on Morgan Street, and Maplecroft is convenient if you plan to see the cemetery as it is only a short drive from Prospect to French Street. There is much beautiful Victorian architecture to be seen on The Hill and some fantastic restaurants in which to sample the local cuisine for dinner at the end of your day. 

Book Signing August 4th

13 Tuesday Jul 2010

Posted by in "Lizbits", "Lizzie Folks", August 4th, Borden Spaces and Places, Fall River, In the Marketplace, In the News, Just Plain Lizzie, Lizzie Borden in the Marketplace, Lizzie in Print, Potpourri, Second Street Happenings

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Richard Behrens, author of the new adventure stories of Lizzie Borden: Girl Detective will be signing copies of his book in the giftshop at the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast on August 4th from 10:30- 4 p.m..  Copies of the book will be on sale.

Songs about Lizzie Borden

09 Wednesday Jun 2010

Posted by in "Lizbits", Just Plain Lizzie, Lizzie Borden in the Marketplace, Lizzie tunes, YouTube Lizzie

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“You Can’t Chop Your Poppa Up in Massachusetts” is a well-known Lizzie tune but a few others have tackled the subject.  Flotsam and Jetsam, a thrash metal band from Phoenix, on the 1986 album Doomsday for the Deceiver put their spin on the old story.  You may just want to turn the volume down a little!

Lyrics

A young maiden with a demon in her soul,
A twisted mind with secrets to unfold.
An innocent face, a deceiving smile,
Under no suspicion, servant to Belial.

The axe came down… Blood all around…

She lurks possessed, without a sound,
Butchers her Dam when no one is around.
The next day her Sire feels her wrath,
She has no remorse in her merciless bloodbath.

She’s Miss Lizzy, she feels no pain
The axe came down
She’s Miss Lizzy, she strikes again,
The axe came down… Blood all around

Lizzy Borden took an axe, gave her mother forty whacks,
When she saw what she had done, she gave her father forty-one.

Now before the jury with a solemn face,
These legendary murders… she left not a trace.
Lizzy found it so simple to take their lives,
Today she walks free… Axe by her side…

She took an axe.

The Dubious Brothers are a very popular UK band, playing gigs for charity in a style which can only be called ecclectic.  To sample a taste of their Lizzie tribute, “O, Mother Borden,” click on this link and scroll down to the song. Click the arrow for a few moments of the song, or download the entire selection.  http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/thedubiousbrothers

Lizziewear for tots

27 Saturday Mar 2010

Posted by in "Lizbits", "Lizzie Folks", "Lizziewear", Just Plain Lizzie, Lizzie Borden in the Marketplace, Potpourri

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Nothing Says Love Like Lizzie !

This little fellow in the Youtube segment below loves Lizzie, but apparently not his day care teachers. Even worn as an undershirt, Lizzie’s face raised a few eyebrows.  Need one for your baby from Baby Wit? What next- hatchet rattles? To order: http://www.babywit.com/TRR105I.html

DVD Legend of Lizzie Borden

27 Saturday Mar 2010

Posted by in "Lizbits", August 4th, Borden Family, Lizzie Borden in the Marketplace, Lizzie T.V., Potpourri

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Filmed as a made-for-TV-movie, the 1975 Legend of Lizzie Borden with Elizabeth Montgomery is an eagerly-sought after commodity for guests visiting the Borden house. For those abandonning VCRs for Blue-Ray format, taping the film from a television airing no longer fills the bill. For about 11 dollars, a DVD copy can be had from Lost Movies at the link below.

http://lostmovies.webs.com/legendoflizzieborden.htm

Collecting Lizzie-abilia

02 Wednesday Dec 2009

Posted by in "Lizbits", Borden-related gravesites, Case Personalities, Ephemera, Fall River, Famous Massachusetts Cases, Just Plain Lizzie, Lizzie Borden in the Marketplace, Potpourri, The Lawyers, True Crime, Victorian True Crime

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Recently a letter surfaced in England written by Lizzie to a friend living there.  The woman now owning the letter in the television programme that aired last week in Britain had the letter written to her grandmother by “L. A. Borden,” signed thus, over three pages, that was very conversational and ordinary in tone, being pre-murders. It was valued, very conservatively, at £600-800  or $1,200 to $1,600.

With the upcoming publication of the Fall River Historical Society’s Parallel Lives, (now delayed until late March -early Spring), Lizzie letters are much on the minds of Borden enthusiasts everywhere.

If a Lizzie Borden signature is out of your wallet range, many Lizzie-affiliated signatures can still be had for a bargain.  The signatures of the Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts in 1892-96 and the former Governor, George Dexter Robinson, also better known as Lizzie’s head defense attorney, were bought recently for $30 on Ebay. Another former Governor’s autograph (John Davis Long 1880-1883) was thrown in as a bonus.

 
For more information about George D. Robinson(1834-1896) check out this link.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_D._Robinson
Robinson received 25,000 dollars in fees serving as Lizzie’s defense counsel.  He remained a prominent lawyer until the time of his death in Chicopee at the age of 62.  He is buried in Fairview Cemetery there.

Roger Wolcott (1847-1900)  was Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts from 1892-1896 and Governor from 1896-1900.

Roger Wolcott

John Davis Long (1838-1915)

Governor of Massachusetts 1880-1883, Secretary of the Navy 1897-1902

The Navy destroyer USS Long (DD-209) was named after him. 

Another Lizzie Ditty

27 Tuesday Oct 2009

Posted by in Just Plain Lizzie, Lizzie Borden in the Marketplace, Lizzie tunes, On stage, Potpourri

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axeTo the growing catalogue of Lizzie-related tunes, here’s one from a “thrash metal” band album called Doomsday for the Deceiver. To learn more about this band and their music, visit the link at http://www.flotsam-and-jetsam.com/band.html or listen to the Lizzie song, She took An Axe at this Youtube link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_Jq35QPWVE

SHE TOOK AN AXE

A young maiden with a demon in her soul,
A twisted mind with secrets to unfold.
An innocent face, a deceiving smile,
Under no suspicion, servant to Belial.

The axe came down…Blood all around…

She lurks possessed, without a sound,
Butchers her Dam when no one is around.
The next day her Sire feels her wrath,
She has no remorse in her merciless bloodbath.

CHORUS
She’s Miss Lizzy, she feels no pain
The axe came down
She’s Miss Lizzy, she strikes again,
The axe came down…Blood all around

REFRAIN
Lizzy Borden took an axe, gave her mother forty whacks,
When she saw what she had done, she gave her father forty-one.

REPEAT REFRAIN

REPEAT REFRAIN

Now before the jury with a solemn face,
These legendary murders…she left not a trace.
Lizzy found it so simple to take their lives,
Today she walks free…Axe by her side…

Lizzie Borden: To Bing or Google?

27 Sunday Sep 2009

Posted by in Famous Massachusetts Cases, Famous Victorians, In the Marketplace, Just Plain Lizzie, Lizzie Borden & the Arts, Lizzie Borden in the Marketplace, Potpourri, Strange Lizzies

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Got plenty of time to kill? Google Lizzie Borden and find 494,000 results on the web and 80,000 image files -some of which go out there pretty far to be related.

But maybe the newest thrill on the internet might be Bing.com where Lizzie Borden can net you 1,300,000 results and 11,500 image-related files. The images are worth the search and can turn up some pretty interesting stuff ranging from the Partners in Crime Kennels which has bred this beautiful red Irish setter bitch named – Lizzie Borden

Lizzie_stacked_thumbnail

to the very unique and mysterious Lizzie artwork of Lu LoBue (lulobue.com)

lulobue

Happy Googling- and uh, Binging?

Lizzie’s Companion

22 Tuesday Sep 2009

Posted by in Fall River, Fall River families, If Walls Could Talk, In the News, Just Plain Lizzie, Lectures & Exhibits, Lizzie Borden in the Marketplace, Maplecroft, Potpourri, Read All ABout It

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The Herald coverage in today’s edition of last night’s Lizzie lecture at BCC revealed a particularly interesting tidbit- Lizzie had a lady companion named Trudy.  http://www.heraldnews.com/town_info/history/x1789521502/New-Lizzie-Borden-book-teased-at-lecture

It was a common custom of the time for wealthy ladies to have a younger companion to accompany them on trips out of town, shopping excursions and the like. Miss Trudy apparently lived at Maplecroft and enjoyed the elegant  library and hearthside of Miss Borden before going off to give matrimony a whirl.  How nice to know Lizzie did not lead quite such a reclusive and lonely life as many have thought.

Other snippets read at the lecture included diary entries by a schoolchum named “Lulie” which added a bit more color as to the many moods of Lizzie as a school girl.

The popular lecture series continues through November and is stirring up great interest in the launch of the historical society publication Parallel Lives which will go on sale before Christmas and is probably on every Lizziephile’s Wishlist.

  • Sept 28, Annette Holba, Ph.D., author, “Lizzie Borden as Conscious Pariah: A Discussion About Private Life.”
  • Oct. 5, Cara Robertson, legal scholar, “What the Jury Heard: Evidence in the Trial of Lizzie Borden.”
  • Oct. 19, Kim Dennis, psychic medium, “Lizzie Borden: Her Side of the Story.”
  • Oct. 26, Jill Dalton, award-winning actress, “Lizzie Borden Live: From Page to Stage.”
  • Nov. 2, Ricardo Rebelo, filmmaker, “The Myth and Media of Lizzie Borden.”
  • For information about the lectures or “Parallel Lives,” or to reserve a copy of the book, call 508-679-1071 or visit www.lizzieborden.org.

A Tale of Two Cities

05 Saturday Sep 2009

Posted by in Borden Spaces and Places, Case Personalities, Famous Massachusetts Cases, In the Marketplace, In the News, Just Plain Lizzie, Lizzie Borden & the Arts, Lizzie Borden in the Marketplace, Museums & Exhibits, New Bedford, Potpourri

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lizziecard

Gallery X will be holding an open exhibit “Lizzie Borden, A Tale of Two Cities”. On August 4, 1892, a terrible crime was committed in the city of Fall River. After all suspects were interviewed, all were cleared except for the youngest daughter of the victims, Miss Lizzie Andrew Borden. The vicious murders and it’s following trial caused the largest media blitz America had ever seen. Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Jackson Borden were brutally slain in their home in broad daylight. The trial of Lizzie Borden has lived in the hearts, imaginations, and minds of a larger group of people than one would expect. The crime was committed in the City of Fall River, On June 5, 1893, Ten months later, Lizzie was brought to trial at the Bristol County Superior Court house in New Bedford. After a trial of thirteen days, Lizzie was acquitted for lack of evidence.

The show’s title, “Lizzie Borden, A Tale of Two Cities” is a reference to the connection of these two cities and the national interest the murders in Fall River, and the following trial in New Bedford caused. Nearly every newspaper in the country held front page accounts of the tragedy and it’s proceedings. It seems everyone had their opinion on these bizarre proceedings and the press couldn’t get enough! The exhibit is open to all artists, local and otherwise. All submissions must pertain to Lizzie and/or the Borden tragedy. The limit is three pieces per artist, at $10.00 each. Gallery X will receive A35% commission on any sales. The show opens on October 14, 2009,the opening reception will be on October 17, 2009. The deadline for entries is Sunday October 11,2009 between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Gallery X hours are Wednesday through Friday 11:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m. , Saturday and Sunday 11:00 a.m. till 3:00 p.m.

Salem Witch?

08 Tuesday Apr 2008

Posted by in In the News, Just Plain Lizzie, Lizzie Borden in the Marketplace, Potpourri, Stop the Press

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 +=  ?????????

Salem is rumored to be the new hot spot for weekending for the Boston crowd but who would have thought it might become a venue for Lizzie Borden during the annual Salem Haunted Happening Madness in October.  Word has it that the Essex Street  Newmarket Gallery will be the hot spot for Lizzie to be hanging out come October 2008.  What would a Fall River girl have to say to all of this? 

http://www.thesaleminsider.com/2008/04/07/nightlife-in-salem/

The Psychic Solution?

05 Saturday Apr 2008

Posted by in Crime Scene, Lizzie Borden in the Marketplace, Potpourri, Spooky Lizzie's - Paranormal Second Street

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Selling like hotcakes off the shelves of Phantom Book Shop in Ventura is Richard and Deb Senate’s latest excusion into the psychic world - a solution to the Borden case. Deb has the gift of picking up impressions from holding objects from a crime scene.  The couple is now tackling England’s own Lizzie Borden- Jack the Ripper.  For ordering information and more on this title, visit their website at

http://ghost-pod.com/2008/04/04/richard-and-debbie-senates-book-on-lizzie-borden-ax-murder-mystery-is-selling-extremely-well.aspx

Lizzie Borden Live Postponed

06 Thursday Mar 2008

Posted by in In the News, Just Plain Lizzie, Lizzie Borden in the Marketplace, Potpourri

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LIZZIE BORDEN LIVE HAS BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES.

 jill_portrait.jpgThe 78th Street Theatre Lab must be vacated on March 8th, 9th and 10th (the  show dates). They are currently in the midst of an enormous construction project, which will eventually encompass 236 West 78th Street completely.

http://www.linden78.com

The contractors have chosen this weekend to hoist steel girders over
the building, requiring the top two floors to be empty. This is a
safety issue and the city is requiring them to empty the building. Up
until today the theatre had been assured all construction activities
would be over by 6pm at the latest on any given day, and they would not be working at all on the weekends.

The apparatus used to raise the steel requires blocking off the entire
street, and because of traffic it can only happen over a weekend.

THEREFORE, LIZZIE BORDEN LIVE, is being postponed.

It looks like the new date is Sunday, April 20th @ 3 pm

LIZZIE BORDEN LIVE has also been selected as part of the Six Figures Theatre Company’s 6th Annual Artists of Tomorrow Festival with two performances:

Friday, May 2nd @ 9 pm
Sunday, May 4th @ 3 pm

The West End Theatre
(Church of St. Paul & St. Andrew)
  263 West 86th Street
(bet. B’wy & West End Ave.)