October and Lizzie Borden Go Together Like Peanut Butter and Jelly

First, a big thank you to followers and readers of Warps & Wefts as we mark the 600th post since 2007. Comments and emails are much-appreciated.

Well, just as seen posted here every October, Lizzie is back in time for Halloween in every fun house, horror venue, costume contest, and not more than a few really BAD films. Usually seen in a red and black dress with puffy leg-o’-mutton sleeves and red hair, she is swinging a bloody hatchet- or even more often an axe, and looking maniacal.  Sadly, a really intriguing mystery goes missing in all the gore, and much misinformation about the case gets repeated as Gospel truth which makes a lasting impression. The true story is as scary as anything:  two harmless old people savagely slashed and bludgeoned in the head right in the safety and comfort of their family home;  home– a place which should be the haven of safety. If this can happen there- then who is safe?  Horrifying thought. Rod Serling and Alfred Hitchcock got it right.  Horror truly comes in the unexpected violence which intrudes into the safe and simple day-to-day, ordinary life.

So this year, W&W is not going to comment on Halloween Lizzie doings all over America. Rather, try having a really good historical scare by reading the source documents on the case.  The witness statements, inquest, preliminary, and trial are all available on Amazon, and some free online.  And while you are waiting for your Amazon delivery, here is something interesting to read.

http://www.sacbee.com/2012/10/17/4919351/research-uncovers-evil-runs-in.html

Happy Halloween.