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New from Garden Bay Films
Bridget’s Run, filmed May 2008 Lizzie Mini #4
Q. Did she say anything when you got down stairs?
A. She said “go for Dr. Bowen”. I ran ahead, I did not know what was the matter. She told me to “go quick and get Dr. Bowen.”
Q. What did you do then?
A. I went right over to Dr. Bowen’s.
Q. Who did you find there?
A. Mrs. Bowen.
Q. You told her what had happened?
A. Yes Sir.
Q. Dr. Bowen was not there?
A. No Sir.
Q. Then what did you do?
A. Came back.
Q. Dr. Bowen lives right across the street?
A. Yes Sir.
Q. Who was there when you came back?
A. Nobody but Miss Lizzie. I told her he was not in. I told her what Mrs. Bowen told me. She told me to go after Miss Russell.
Q. What did you do then?
A. I went after her.
Q. Where does she live?
A. On Borden street.
Q. How far away is that?
A. I do not know, it is a good ways away. I could not tell you exactly how long it is.
Q. Did you find Miss Russell?
A. Yes Sir.
Q. Had anybody else come in when you came back there, telling that Dr. Bowen was not there?
A. No Sir, I did not see anybody.
Q. Where was Miss Lizzie when you came back from Mrs. Bowen’s?
A. Where I left her, standing at the door.
Q. At that time when you went out after Dr. Bowen, did you find the screen door locked?
A. No Sir.
Q. Shut up?
A. Yes Sir.
Q. Did you come back with Miss Russell?
A. Ahead of her.
Q. When you came back, who did you find there then?
A. Dr. Bowen was ahead of me, he stepped out of his carriage as I came up Second street. Dr. Bowen went in ahead of me.
Q. When you got in, who did you find there?
A. I think Mrs. Churchill was in when I got in there.
Q. She is the next door neighbor?
A. Yes Sir.
Q. She was in when you got back?
A. Yes Sir.
Q. What was said when you got back?
A. I cannot tell.
Q. Where was Miss Lizzie when you got back?
A. She was there.
Q. Wherebouts?
A. I could not tell you where, I think she must be in the kitchen; I think she was in the kitchen.
Q. Who else was there besides Mrs. Churchill?
A. That is all I remember, Mrs. Churchill and Dr. Bowen.
Q. Did you then see the body?
A. No Sir.
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Bathsheba Spooner
Most folks who study the Borden case will, at some point, run into mention of another famous Massachusetts lady who had a more final brush with the gallows in 1778, Bathsheba Spooner. Brent Abrahamson has made a visit to the site at Brookfield and posted about the visit at this link: http://massachusettsobserver.blogspot.com/2008/08/murder-most-foul-in-brookfield.html
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Lizzie Borden Live ! Schedule of Performances
Actress and playwright Jill Dalton accepting her 2008 “Lambie” for best actress from the Second Street Irregulars at the annual Mutton Eaters’ Banquet.Sept.7, 2008, Sunday 3:00 pm 78th Street Theatre Lab, 236 W. 78th St.,NYC,Between B’way & AmsterdamSunday Oct. 5, 2008, 3:00 pm 78th Street Theatre Lab, 236, W. 78th St.,NYC,Between B’way & AmsterdamFriday Nov. 14, 2008, 8:00 pm Columbus Theatre, 270 Broadway, Providence, RISaturday Nov. 15, 2008, 8:00 pm Columbus Theatre, 270 Broadway, Providence, RISun. Dec. 7, 2008, 3:00 pm 78th Street Theatre Lab, 236 W. 78th St.,NYC,Between B’way & AmsterdamThurs, Fri, Sat, January 8,9,10, 2009, 7:30 pm Canyon Moon Theatre 6601 Highway 179, Sedona, AZSunday Jan.11, 2009, 3:00 pm Canyon Moon Theatre 6601 Highway 179, Sedona, AZThurs, Fri, Sat, January 15, 16, 17, 2009, 7:30 pm Canyon Moon Theatre 6601 Highway 179, Sedona, AZSunday Jan.18, 2009, 3:00 pm Canyon Moon Theatre 6601 Highway 179, Sedona, AZ -
Lizbeth of Maplecroft
The following poem (click on poem for full size) was written by Michael Wilkerson for the Barrister Production of The Country Lawyer. A copy was at each place on the tables at the Quequechan Club for guests to take home as a souvenir back in 1993.
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Pear Essentials Players launch new blog
Over the years since the Lizzie Borden Bed and Breakfast Museum opened, many staff employees and their friends have undertaken the task of bringing the Borden story and Lizzie to life via annual August 4th re-enactments. All have shared a passion for the story, and a pleasure at sharing it with others. Some have taken their show “on the road” to local schools, libraries and civic groups. Since 1996, when the B&B opened, the roles of the Borden family and other personalities in the case have been assumed by many professional and amateur actors. The new site will feature photos and anecdotes about the 12 years of “bringing Lizzie to life” for visitors and guests at #92 and other places. Perhaps you have met one of the troupe on a visit to the house. If you were a member of the cast in 1996-2007, we’d love to hear from you!
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August 11th Autopsies
It was on this day in 1892, 127 years ago, that the bodies of Abby and Andrew Borden were removed from the holding tomb where they had reposed for a full week, and transported to the Ladies Comfort Station just inside the gates of Oak Grove Cemetery. It was here that the heads of the victims were removed from the bodies.
The holding tomb was a fixture in all cemeteries in the North where extreme winters made gravedigging impossible until the Spring thaw.
The Ladies Comfort Station, which is now a break room for the cemetery grounds staff, consisted of two rooms, one white-tiled with sinks and lavatories, the other paneled in dark wood wainscotting.
Andrew Borden: Aged 69 years. Autopsy performed by W. A. Dolan, Medical Examiner, assisted by Dr. F. W. Draper. Witnesses F. W. Draper of Boston and John W. Leary of Fall River. Clerk D. E. Cone of Fall River. Time of Autopsy 11.15 A.M. August 11th, 1892, one week after death.
Abby D. Borden, aged 64 years. Thursday August 11, 1892. at 12.35 P.M. One week after death.The Autopsy was performed by W. A. Dolan, Medical Examiner, assisted by Dr. F. W. Draper, and witnessed by F. W. Draper of Boston, and J. H. Leary of Fall River. Clerk of Autopsy D. E. Cone of Fall River.
Preliminary Testimony by Dr, Dolan describing the skull removal.
Q. He told you to remove the skulls?
A. Yes Sir.
Q. The Attorney General?
A. The Attorney General of this state, yes sir.
Q. I do not assume the Attorney General of any other state has anything to do with this case. You did so?
A. Yes Sir.
Q. What did you do with them?
A. I cleaned them.
Q. You cleaned them?
A. Yes Sir.
Q. Do you mean to say these bodies are now buried without the heads?
A. Yes Sir.
Q. Where are these skulls?
A. In my possession.
Q. Where?
A. At my office.
Q. Has it been said to any member of this family, or any friend, that these people were buried without their heads?
A. I do not know.
Q. Have you said it, or caused it to be said?
A. No Sir.
Q. Did you photograph them, or cause them to be photographed?
A. Yes Sir.
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The Controversy Rages On
The approach to the Braga Bridge, Fall River signs on 195E (and also 195 westbound) feature a mention of the Lizzie Borden Museum and have done so for some time.
Still garnering front page news is the continuing battle between Salem and Fall River over who owns the rights to the Lizzie Borden story, and the all-important word, “Museum”. Channel 25 Fox television out of Boston ran this segment yesterday http://www.myfoxboston.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=7177254&version=2&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=3.2.1 Sounds like several of those interviewed for the news clip might benefit from a visit to a museum telling the facts! No date has yet been given out for the Salem opening.
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Photo of the Week
The former BMC Durfee High School clock tower in the early morning fog, August 9th.
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Undertaker Winward
James E. Winward was the man Lizzie Borden wanted immediately to undertake the funeral of her father. On the day of the murders, just a very short time after Lizzie said she found her father on the sofa, she requested the services of Mr. Winward, who at the time had his business address at 13 South Main Street. Even before the body of Abby Borden was found on the second floor, Lizzie was voicing the opinion that she would be the one to go down to Oak Grove Cemetery to arrange her father’s funeral and burial. This may be construed as a curious statement as Mrs. Borden would have had this task herself-did Lizzie already know Mrs. Borden was lying dead upstairs?
Young Mr. Winward (aged only 38 on the day of the murders) came as requested, and was to find not one, but two bodies at #92 Second Street. He and his assistant had the grisly task of removing the heavily blood-stained sofa from the sitting room later in the day.
Mr. Winward enjoyed a successful career in his field, and fitted the ideal of a funeral director in every aspect of appearance and decorum. A photograph of Mr. Winward is soon to be published. At the end of his life, Mr. James E. Winward lived in a prosperous section in the north end of the city on Madison Street. He is buried with his wife Annie, his daughter Helen Winward Brown and his son-in-law in the cemetery where he spend so many years organizing funerals for so many city clients- Oak Grove.
The role of Mr. Winward was ably performed by funeral director Andrew Correia for the recent August 4th re-enactments at # 92 Second Street.
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Just in Time for August
There’s no end to Lizzie merchandising ideas. Here’s something new- a Lizzie with hellfire flames card case, by Sweetheartsinner, which can be used for anything you need to carry around. The novelty design, plus other similar merchandise may be found here http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10792219
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August 4, 2008
Re-Enactment Cast 2008
Lizzie Borden- LeeAnn Wilbur
Abby Borden -Shelley Dziedzic
Andrew Borden – Jeff Massan
Bridget Sullivan- Kathleen Troost-Cramer
Emma Borden- Barbara Borden Morrissey
Mrs. Churchill- JoAnne Giovino
Mrs. Bowen- Susan Hauck
Mr. James E. Winward, Undertaker- Andrew Correia
Miss Manning from the Fall River Herald- Lorraine Gregoire
Dr. Dolan- Ted Gregoire
Detective Seaver- Ben Rose
Little Abbie Whitehead- Kathryn Woods
Alice Russell- Colleen Johnson
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A hex on the new Salem Lizzie Museum?
Once again the much-anticipated opening of the True Story of Lizzie Borden attraction in Salem was delayed. Hoping to open on Lizzie’s birthday on July 19th, the date had to be pushed forward to August 4th, the anniversary of the murders. The woodwork paint was drying, the local newspapers were touting the opening, and Fall River was getting into the controversy about Lizzie’s presence in Salem-when the August 4th opening never materialized. Hopefully eager visitors-to-be called ahead, or else there were some murderous prospective guests who must have been disappointed to find closed doors on the day. Meanwhile, back in old Fall River, August 4th went on as ever.
Today the word is out that the opening date of the attraction/museum/exhibit is uncertain due to some difficulties with the city of Salem officials- red tape, paperwork, permits, -something like that. Makes you wonder if the other famous ladies of the city- those ladies in the pointy hats- are brewing up some spells ! Maybe they don’t want any competition from another woman!
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August 4th is coming to Second Street !
Bed and Breakfast co-owner LeeAnn Wilber starring as
Lizzie Borden for August 4th
Sure signs it must be August are the heat and humidity- and the Fall River newspapers and local television channels talking about Fall River’s most infamous native daughter. This year, as in every year since the B&B museum on Second Street opened, there will be a recreation of the Borden story on August 4th. There is a new script again this year, this time with the largest cast ever assembled. The production, which was sold out by noon last year, will feature new characters, some for the first time ever. Naturally visitors want to meet the family, Abby and Andrew, Lizzie and Irish maid Bridget- but this year sister Emma, several of the neighbors, ( Mrs. Churchill, Mrs. Kelly, Mrs. Bowen) Dr. Dolan, Little Abbie Whitehead, and even the undertaker, Mr. Winward will be making an appearance at #92 Second Street. Visitors to the house will “find” the body of Mrs. Borden upstairs, listen to Dr. Dolan’s preliminary observations on the body of Andrew Borden which is covered with a sheet on the sofa, hear about the funeral plans, and help to search for a possible weapon in the cellar! Tours will take place between 11 and 3:30, approximately on the half hour. Tickets may be purchased in the barn gift shop behind the Borden house.
“She’s not my mother- she is my step-mother.”
“It all depends on your idea of cordiality.”
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Eli Bence’s New Bedford Pharmacy
One of the most interesting witnesses for the prosecution must surely have been young Eli Bence, the pharmacy clerk who testified that Lizzie Borden had asked for a dime’s worth of deadly Prussic acid on the morning before the murders. Mr. Bence denied her request without a prescription, but remembered her face and voice, and would later identify Lizzie, as did two other men in the store at the time, as the lady who visited the store that Wednesday morning.
Bence’s evidence was a godsend to the prosecution and stood firm until it reached the higher court. There it was ruled too remote in time from the killings -and no poison was ever found in the stomachs of the two victims. Eli’s evidence, had it been heard by the jury, may have had serious consequences. Miss Borden denied going to the pharmacy and even knowing where it was located on Main Street, only two blocks south of her house.
Bence left Fall River and started his own pharmacy in a residential section of New Bedford in 1894 at the corner of Russell and Fourth Streets. His wife died in New Bedford, but Bence remarried in 1904, to a Fairhaven woman, and the pair with his young son Roy Sydney Bence, moved to Pittsfield, Massachusetts to establish another pharmacy. The couple had two children, Priscilla and Maxfield. Bence had a successful career and rose to the top of his profession. His name in print was always followed by a mention about the part he played in the famous Borden trial, even in his obituary. This medicine bottle, minus its cork stopper was recently found in a New Bedford antique store and reads Eli Bence Pharmacy, New Bedford.
For more on Eli Bence visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlJumWmayLc
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Warps and Wefts – One Year Anniversary
Thank you!
On Saturday, July 26th, Warps and Wefts marked one year on the blogosphere. As we approach our 200th post, thanks and appreciation go out to all our readers who have visited over the past year, and left comments and encouragement. We hope you have read something of interest here and will continue to visit Warps and Wefts and other Fall River sister blogs often.Friends of Oak Grove http://oakgrovecemetery.wordpress.com
Fall River Painted Ladies http://fallriverpaintedladies.wordpress.com
Fall River Eats http://fallrivereats.wordpress.com
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Jack the Ripper 2008 Conference
The fifth biennial U.S. conference on Jack the Ripper will take place October 10-12th in Knoxville, Tennessee. It will be held at the Four Points by Sheraton Knoxville Cumberland House Hotel, which is immediately adjacent to the World’s Fair Park and its distinctive Sunsphere and less than an hour’s drive from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For more information please visit the website at http://www.ripperology.com/conference/where.html
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Salem Lizzie Museum announces August 4th opening
The Salem local papers announced this morning the date of the long-awaited Lizzie Borden Museum -August 4th, the date of the murders of Andrew and Abby Borden in Fall River. According to Leonard Pickel, the designer of the exhibit “This is going to be very much like a museum. More like the Peabody Essex than the witch museums. Don’t expect to come and be entertained, but come to learn something about the true story of Lizzie Borden.”
It should be interesting to see how the Salem Witch venue will succeed with a Fall River legend.
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Now & Then #3 South Main
Not too much remains today of the 1903 postcard view of South Main St. looking north. The city hall, once the prominent landmark in many postcards, has been replaced by the government center. Shopping fixture, McWhirr’s, was demolished years ago, and the steeple of the Central Congregational Church, currently the Culinary Institute and Abbey Grille now wears a sheath of black mesh after some brickwork and concrete fell to the ground a few months ago. It is still a reassuring presence in the center background of both images. With the price of gasoline now, it sure would be great to have those trolley cars back on Main Street!
