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Lizzie Borden : Warps & Wefts

~ News, articles and photos about The Lady, The Crime, The City and The Era

Lizzie Borden : Warps & Wefts

Category Archives: Borden-related gravesites

Lizzie Borden’s Grave

12 Monday Apr 2010

Posted by Shelley in "Lizbits", "Lizzie Folks", Borden-related gravesites, Fall River, Just Plain Lizzie

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Over the years, especially the past 20 years, visitors to the Borden plot feel the need to leave something for Lizzie.  Flowers would seem to be the usual thing, and these do appear, both silk and real, from time to time.  Coins are a regular feature-the significance is not entirely clear, but it is a token of the times.  Some bizarre, inappropriate and frankly too- disgusting -to- mention things have been left. What does this say about us as a culture?

Today one can find a rhinestone brooch (seen above), a pine tree air freshener, coins, a packet of ketchup, a Christmas ornament with a snowman and teddy bear on it , three dead roses, and some paper trash.  The debris changes more frequently as the warmer weather arrives and more visitors come to “pay their respects”.  Not only the name marker but also the large family plot marker comes in for its share of festooning.  Voodoo crowns, vials of blood and urine, notes to Lizzie, amulets, plastic skulls, dolls, and anything else which can be found loose in the car will find its way to the grave. Two years ago there was a birthday party for Lizzie with cake and ice cream- some of which was left on the grave, with a candle for Lizzie.

For many years the graves were nicely tended with ageratums, white alyssum and red geraniums planted for Memorial Day and kept up through Labor Day.  It was always said this tribute was from the Animal Rescue in remembrance of Lizzie’s generosity to that organization in her will, and her support of it  also in life.

With cemeteries so short-staffed, it looks like trash tributes will not be going away soon.  Graves of Abby and Andrew Borden are rarely adorned-which may be a good thing.

The Mutton Eaters Online

22 Friday Jan 2010

Posted by Shelley in "Lizzie Folks", Borden Spaces and Places, Borden-related gravesites, Case Personalities, Crime Scene, Fall River Police Dept., Murder Most Foul, Obits & Death Certificates, Potpourri, Read All ABout It, True Crime, Victorian True Crime

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Fall River Police Department, William Medley

Warps & Wefts is pleased to announce a new feature for this site.  Beginning this month, articles and photos of the exploits of the Second Street Irregulars will appear.  The S.S.I. or “”Mutton Eaters” is an informal group of armchair sleuths from all over America who like to go “On the Road” whenever possible to chivvy out obscure and fascinating facts about the many individuals involved in the Lizzie Borden case. When the game’s a’foot there’s no telling what will happen or what they may find-and getting there is half the fun.  This month the spotlight is on William Medley, one of the observant policemen on the scene of the crime August 4th.  Our articles will remain for six months and are for private use only.  To access this month’s feature, click on the tab Mutton Eaters Online Article above or this link https://lizziebordenwarpsandwefts.com/january-mutton-eaters-online-article/  You will feel as if you were riding right alongside!

For more about the Second Street Irregulars visit http://secondstreetirregulars.org/

Lizzie Borden’s NY Times Obit

05 Tuesday Jan 2010

Posted by Shelley in "Lizbits", Borden Family, Borden-related gravesites, Just Plain Lizzie, Lizzie in Print, Oak Grove Cemetery, Obits & Death Certificates

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A Christmas Editorial

16 Wednesday Dec 2009

Posted by Shelley in Borden Family, Borden Spaces and Places, Borden-related gravesites, Fall River Now and Then, Oak Grove Cemetery, Potpourri

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All across the country families  now make their way to cemeteries carrying Christmas wreaths and baskets filled with artificial holly, greens and pinecones and red velvet bows.  Our dead should not be forgotten at this family time of year.

On August 4, 1892, two elderly, harmless people were brutally slashed and bludgeoned to death in the sanctity of their home, a place which should have been a haven of safety.  No justice will ever come for the silent slain.  The killer went on to live and prosper another day, and to celebrate Christmas. 

Christmas 1892 left Lurana Borden without her brother Andrew.  Lizzie and Emma Borden were fatherless.  Nobody knows for sure if they both mourned deeply.  It is entirely possible that they did.

 In the Whitehead household on Fourth Street,  Sarah and Little Abbie mourned.  Mrs. George Fish, Abby’s sister was bereft.  Abby and Andrew Borden were loved by some family members, surely- and liked by some neighbors and friends. The tragedy of their loss was felt.  How did they feel standing at the grave, bare of a marker in the Christmas of 1892?  The citizens of the city, demanding that someone be brought to trial for the deeds during that hot month of August had a suspect in jail- waiting.

How curious it is that in 2009, the victims become but a side note to the tragedy.  It is the accused and aquitted whose name lives on.  If one were to stop by Oak Grove Cemetery and leave a floral tribute to the victims, within hours it would find its way to the grave of Lizzie Borden- taken without a thought and re-deposited  without a thought.  Below the frostline now lay today what remains of the sad, frozen bones of Abby and Andrew Borden- still headless, –  and now their likenesses and characters the fodder for irreverent cartoons, gift products and unspeakable accusations made without a shred of evidence.  Those who once were loved and walked among us.  Does the interval of Time allow for such insensitive liberties?  Is murder ever a source for humor?

 How we memorialize our Dead says a great deal about ourselves in these modern times- a thought to contemplate any day- and especially at this time of year. 

An epitaph often seen on grave markers

Remember friend as you pass by.
As you are now so once was I.
As I am now so shall you be.
Death take thy hand, and follow me.”

Collecting Lizzie-abilia

02 Wednesday Dec 2009

Posted by Shelley 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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Collecting Lizzie Borden Ephemera, George Dexter Robinson, Lizzie Borden's Dream Team

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. 

Just in Time for Halloween

27 Tuesday Oct 2009

Posted by Shelley in Borden Spaces and Places, Borden-related gravesites, Lectures & Exhibits, Oak Grove Cemetery, Potpourri

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Oak Grove Cemetery Photo Exhibit

boneyardcard2

Opening tomorrow:  

October 28 Artists and Fall River Natives Jim Charette and Mark Delisle present Boneyard, a series of paintings, prints, photography, music, video and more inspired by Oak Grove Cemetery. The gallery opening will be from 6-9PM on Wednesday, 10/28 at the Cherry & Webb Gallery, 139 South Main Street. Jim and Mark grew up on opposite ends of Oak Grove and attribute the formation of their life-long friendship to their old “stomping grounds”. As such, this cemetery holds a special meaning to both Jim and Mark.  Both artists have generously agreed to donate a portion of the profits from the sale of their artwork to the Friends of Oak Grove. Please mark your calendar and consider attending this event and support these two local artists.

Spectral Borden Canines for Halloween?

22 Thursday Oct 2009

Posted by Shelley in Borden Spaces and Places, Borden-related gravesites, Just Plain Lizzie, Maplecroft, Potpourri

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Dedham Pet Cemetery, Lizzie Borden's dogs

bbt

Even Lizzie’s late, lamented pets are in the spotlight for Halloween. Her three Boston Bull Terriers are the star attraction of the upcoming pet cemetery tour.

Thursday, Oct. 22

Haunted Pet Cemetery – The Animal Rescue League of Boston’s Dedham branch, at 55 Anna’s Place, is hosting a night of spooky tales on a stroll through the oldest section of its 100-year-old Pine Ridge Pet Cemetery – home of the dogs owned by the notorious Lizzie Borden – on Thursday, Oct. 22, Friday Oct. 23 and Saturday Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m. each night. The cost is $10 per person (includes complimentary cider or cocoa). Information: 781-326-0729

dedham

New Oak Grove Calendar Unveiled

30 Wednesday Sep 2009

Posted by Shelley in Borden Family, Borden Spaces and Places, Borden-related gravesites, Case Personalities, Ephemera, Fall River, Fall River families, Oak Grove Cemetery, Potpourri, Victoriana

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Cemetery Photography, Friends of Oak Grove Fall River

oakgrovecalendar

These high quality, full-color calendars are spiral bound and printed on heavy cardstock

 

Our calendars feature photographic contributions by Mary Beth Rigby and William Moniz as well as historic images donated from private collections

Layout by Ann Keane

Additionally, the birth dates of notable historical figures are observed throughout

 

Limited quantities of our calendars are available for $15 and make a wonderful holiday gift

 

Shipping is an additional $1 per calendar.  Those in the Fall River area may arrange for pickup.  Please call or email to reserve your copy or to arrange for pickup

 

Payment may be mailed to:

The friends of oak grove cemetery

96 colfax street

Fall river, MA 02720

Ph: 508-642-9636

October 4th at Oak Grove

30 Wednesday Sep 2009

Posted by Shelley in Borden Spaces and Places, Borden-related gravesites, Case Personalities, Fall River, Fall River families, Famous Victorians, In the News, Lectures & Exhibits, Oak Grove Cemetery, Potpourri

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Gravestones of Borden Case personalities

hilliard

Don’t forget this Sunday’s tour which includes Borden-related grave stones!

History Underfoot III Tour – The Fall River Garden Club, Fall River Historical Society and The Little Theatre of Fall River, Inc. will be hosting their 3rd tour of this historic cemetery, sponsored in part by Citizens-Union Savings Bank.  The group has graciously agreed to donate a portion of their profits toward the purchase of a Memorial Tree.  F.O.G .has been invited to provide an informational table on our group and the work we are doing to restore Oak Grove. Past tours have been a tremendous success and we hope that you will plan to attend.  Tour will be conducted from 11 – 3:30 and tickets for the fundraiser are $15.  Rain date is October 11.

Autumn Events Around Fall River

18 Friday Sep 2009

Posted by Shelley in Borden Spaces and Places, Borden-related gravesites, Case Personalities, Fall River, Fall River families, Lectures & Exhibits

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History Underfoot III, Oak Grove Cemetery

lyre

This week’s Fall River Spirit contains a front page article by Bill Moniz covering a recent walk through Oak Grove conducted by arborist Dennis Brodeur.  Dennis’ walk was quite insightful for the 20 or so individuals who attended.  Our thanks to Dennis for his efforts to enlighten us on the importance of Oak Grove’s ecosystem as well as to Bill for his coverage of the event.  For our members who are outside the area, below is a link to the article:

http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090917/PUB03/909170374 

October 4

History Underfoot III Tour – The Fall River Garden Club, Fall River Historical Society and The Little Theatre of Fall River, Inc. will be hosting their 3rd tour of this historic cemetery, sponsored in part by Citizens-Union Savings Bank.  The group has graciously agreed to donate a portion of their profits toward the purchase of a Memorial Tree.  F.O.G .has been invited to provide an informational table on our group and the work we are doing to restore Oak Grove. Past tours have been a tremendous success and we hope that you will plan to attend.  Tour will be conducted from 11 – 3:30 and tickets for the fundraiser are $15.  Rain date is October 11.   

October 8

The Friends of the Fall River Library, in conjunction with the Fall River Street Tree Planting Program, will be screening the film The American Elm: Majestic, Imperiled, Renewed from 7:00 – 8:30PM at the Main Library.  FOG Board Member Mary Ann Wordell will provide a brief introduction.  Light refreshments will be served.

 October 28

Artists and Fall River Natives Jim Charette and Mark Delisle present Boneyard, a series of paintings, prints, photography, music, video and more inspired by Oak Grove Cemetery.  The gallery opening will be from 6-9PM at the Cherry & Webb Gallery, 139 South Main Street.  Jim and Mark grew up on opposite ends of Oak Grove and attribute the formation of their life-long friendship to their old “stomping grounds”.  As such, this cemetery holds a special meaning to both Jim and Mark.  Jim and I have been discussing this event for well over a year now and both artists have generously agreed to donate a portion of the profits from the sale of their artwork to the Friends of Oak Grove.  Please mark your calendar and consider attending this event and support these two local artists.

 

Fourth Annual Mutton Eaters Weekend

10 Thursday Sep 2009

Posted by Shelley in Borden Spaces and Places, Borden-related gravesites, Case Personalities, Conventions, Fall River, Potpourri

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Borden Societies and Forums, Mutton Eaters Gathering

courthouse

April 16-18 has been selected for the dates of the next Mutton Eaters assembly at the Borden house in Fall River. The group, begun in 1993, is a coterie of armchair sleuths who enjoy researching famous crime cases, with a focus on the Borden case.  Annual awards are handed out for different achievements ranging from best new case discovery to best performance as a Borden -related character in a dramatic production.  Side trips to places involved in the Borden case, and other Victorian venues are a highlight of the weekend as well as an annual banquet and presentation of research projects by individuals .

This year Taunton , where Lizzie was in jail for 10 months is the city focus as well as an indepth tour of Oak Grove Cemetery, St. Patrick’s, and Old North where many connected to the case are buried.  Remaining homes in the city where those involved in the case resided will also be part of a Fall River City Tour on Saturday.  The first ever Hyman Lubinsky Ice Cream Social will be held on Saturday evening.  Mr. Lubinsky, whose grave was recently discovered, was an ice cream vendor who testified to seeing a woman come from the barn on the day of the murders in 1892.  His testimony was eagerly embraced by the defense.  For more about the Mutton Eaters, please visit their web site at http://secondstreetirregulars.org/

Hyman Lubinsky, friend of the defense

10 Monday Aug 2009

Posted by Shelley in Borden-related gravesites, Case Personalities, Fall River, Potpourri

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Hyman Lubinsky, Lizzie Borden's Friend

hymanl2

Young Mr. Lubinsky (1868-1928), aged 24 in 1892, claims to have seen a woman crossing from the Borden barn to the side door on the fateful day of the murders.  The ice cream vendor knew the Borden maid, Bridget Sullivan by sight, and said this woman was not Bridget.  Lizzie of course claimed to have been out in the barn up in the hayloft for some time doing various things when someone must have murdered her father in the sitting room.  She claims to have come inside after hearing a noise, putting her hat down, then discovering Mr. Borden dead on the sofa.

hyman4Mr. Lubinsky, whose command of English was poor, was somewhat muddled on the stand, changing his times and needing patient explanations.  Naturally the defense for Lizzie was delighted to make the most of Lubinsky’s tale as it seemed to back up Lizzie’s own version of events and supported the story she had been in the barn.  Mr. Lubinsky, however never said the woman he saw in the very narrow alley between the Churchill house and the Borden side door was wearing any hat.  Congratualtions and kudos to Lizzie B&B guest Joe from Ohio (who played the role of John Morse on August 4th at the house) for his discovery of the Lubinsky monument in Hebrew Cemetery, Fall River. Mr. Lubinsky came from a large family and there are several other Lubinskys in the Hebrew Cemetery.

hymanl3

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Articles

  • Bence & the Prussic Acid
  • Visit to Maplecroft
  • Abby’s Sisters
  • Another Side of Lizzie Borden
  • Articles
  • Borden Funerals
  • Bowen’s Preliminary
  • Brownells of Fairhaven
  • Dr. Bowen
  • Dr. Kelly
  • Dressing Miss Lizzie Fashions
  • Grand Tour
  • LizClipz
  • Lizzie’s Horses
  • Lizzie’s School Days
  • Murder in the Well
  • Nance O’Neil
  • Officer Medley
  • Services
  • Site Policies
  • The Borden Monument
  • The Elegant Augusta Tripp
  • The Real William Moody- A Muttoneater Quest
  • Victorian Fashion
  • W&W’s Writer
Warps-The threads which run lengthwise in a woven fabric, crossed at right angles to the weft. Wefts-The horizontal threads interlaced through the warp in a woven fabric. In 1876, Fall River had 1/6th of all New England cotton capacity and one-half of all print cloth production. The "Spindle City" as it became known, was second in the world to only Manchester, England.

Carved In Maplecroft’s Mantel

And old time friends and twilight plays, And starry nights and sunny days. Come trooping up the misty ways, When my fires burn low.

Lizzie and those pigeons

Lizzie's Inquest Testimony

Q. Can you tell of the killing of any animal? Or any other operation that would lead to their being cast there, with blood on them?
A. No sir. He killed some pigeons in the barn last May or June.
Q. What with?
A. I don't know, but I thought he wrung their necks.
Q. What made you think so?
A. I think he said so.
Q. Did anything else make you think so?
A. All but three or four had their heads on. That is what made me think so.
Q. Did all of them come into the house?
A. I think so.
Q. Those that came into the house were all headless?
A. Two or three had them on.
Q. Were any with their heads off?
A. Yes sir.
Q. Cut off or twisted off?
A. I don't know which.
Q. How did they look?
A. I don't know, their heads were gone, that is all.
Q. Did you tell anybody they looked as though they were twisted off?
A. I don't remember whether I did or not. The skin, I think, was very tender. I said, "Why are these heads off?" I think I remember of telling somebody that he said they twisted off.
Q. Did they look as if they were cut off?
A. I don't know. I did not look at that particularly.
Q. Is there anything else besides that that would lead, in your opinion so far as you can remember, to the finding of instruments in the cellar with blood on them?
A. I know of nothing else that was done.

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