Fall River
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Fall River Rising Photo Exhibit Opens
Good things happening in the city. Read the article here: http://www.heraldnews.com/entertainment/x2141119034/Fall-River-featured-in-photo-exhibit
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New domains for old friends
Oak Grove Cemetery has a new domain for its Friends group at
http://friendsofoakgrovecemetery.org/
Fall River Painted Ladies is now at
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Sale at the Abbey Grille, Lizzie’s old church
Bidding was brisk today as the sale of equipment from the former Abbey Grille and Culinary Institute was put on the block. Everything from cookie sheets to the handsome 6 foot fountain in the courtyard was up for grabs-even the liquor license. The Fall River Herald News has the full story http://www.heraldnews.com/business/x737364449/Abbeys-assets-sold-off-piece-by-piece
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The return of Lizzie Borden Live & The Mutton Eaters
July 1st is getting mighty close to the big week in Fall River when Jill Dalton reprises her smash hit from June 20th- Lizzie Borden Live. Also making a “comeback” will be the irrepressible Mutton Eaters on hand to add a bit of period dash to the streets of Fall River, the Borden’s house on Second St. and the trolleys. The Mutton Eaters are an armchair sleuth group devoted to Borden research and interpreting the roles of key historical characters in the case. It will be a big week for the little troupe as Tuesday August 4th will be the re-enactments at the house where it all began as the Lizzie Borden Bed and Breakfast Museum marks the anniversary of the famous crime. Lizzie Borden Live will once again sparkle at the new -old Eagle on Friday and Saturday, August 7&8. Get your tickets early!
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The Eagle Reopens and Lizzie Comes Home
What a wonderful day for Fall River with the newly- renovated Eagle’s building reopening as an arts and events center and the Fall River performance of Lizzie Borden Live. Fittingly, on the anniversary of Lizzie’s return to Fall River triumphant from her acquittal in the New Bedford court, Jill Dalton brings Lizzie home again.
The old Eagle restaurant, built to look like the interior of the elegant Fall River Line boats was the perfect venue for small stage theatre and Lizzie Borden Live in particular, which has an intimate rapport between actor and audience.
The Mayor and many other city officials were in attendence to support the event as well as the Mutton Eaters in costume as Borden-related characters who manned the trolleys, served hors d’oeuvres and chatted with playgoers.
The period architecture, polished and restored interiors and wonderful food by White’s restaurant were enjoyed by excited guests mingling on the mezzanine with special Lizzie cocktails created for the evening. Miss Dalton delivered an impeccable performance, filled with nuance and subtlety- richness and texture, which ran the gamut of emotions. At times the audience forgot to breathe, at times bursting forth with laughter and applause at little comments which Fall Riverites appreciated especially, as most are familiar with the Borden story.
All too soon it was over, the audience was thrust back into 2009. But for 80 magical minutes the Past came alive once more as we were all treated to a new perspective on Miss Lizzie Borden and her life at Maplecroft, and Fall River opened a new door to a brighter future for the arts in the city. Come August, the Eagle will once again host Lizzie Borden Live during the second week of August. Best wishes to the Eagle as they begin a bright new future, and continued success to Lizzie Borden Live, and Miss Dalton, wherever she and Miss Lizzie play. Orchids and kudos to the Donovan family for bringing back a real treasure on North Main Street and to Miss Dalton for revitalizing a Fall River legend of a different sort!
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Fall River Spirit on Lizzie Play at the Eagle
(photo by Rick Snizek-Fall River Spirit)
An excellent article in the Spirit proclaims the importance of bringing back “downtown” Fall River as a place for weekend fine dining and entertainment, citing the upcoming Lizzie Borden Live production as an important step in revitalizing Main St. To see the entire article click on this link http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090618/PUB03/906180393
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Lizzie Borden Live to return in August
As more seating is installed at the old Eagle restaurant on North Main Street to accommodate the sell-out crowd for Saturday night, plans have already been finalized for an encore performance in August. The play, written and starring Jill Dalton has been performed to wide acclaim in NJ, NY, RI and Arizona, and is at long last playing to the place where it all began- Fall River, Massachusetts. The Saturday event will begin with trolley rides circulating among area restaurants and Lizzie sites, a special Lizzie cocktail will be featured, and when the doors to the Eagle open at 6:30, a light buffet and passed hor d’oeuvre supper will be served by the Mutton Eaters (a costumed Borden history society). Here is a portion of the Mutton Eaters’ Saturday night cast release from their website:
“The old Eagle restaurant has been beautifully converted for the occasion and a flock of Mutton Eaters will descend to be on hand to meet and greet playgoers in the lobby. Dr. Dolan has a new derby hat for the occasion and Mrs. Borden will be circulating with a tray of hors d’oeuvres and tips for flaky pie crust! Alice Russell, Bridget Sullivan, Emma Borden and Mrs. Churchill will have something to say about everything, and undertaker, Mr. Winward will be glancing over the crowd for prospective future business! Best news of all- Miss Lizzie Borden Live will be returning in August- that all-important month!!”
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Miz Liz-home again!
Today’s Fall River Herald offered two articles about the upcoming weekend performance of Lizzie Borden Live at the former Eagle restaurant. The Mutton Eaters, armchair sleuths devoted to the study of the Borden case, will be on hand in costume as characters from the Past to mingle with guests and assist on trolley tours.
http://www.heraldnews.com/news/x2122537493/Mutton-Eaters-have-a-taste-for-history
For more news about Lizzie Borden Live and Saturday’s activities click on this link http://www.heraldnews.com/news/x702342820/Downtown-to-host-dinner-drinks-and-a-murder
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Welcome Home Miss Lizzie
The Eagle Performing Arts Center35 North Main Street
Second Floor
Lizzie Borden is coming back home to Fall River on the 116th anniversary of her acquittal in New Bedford Superior Court this June 20th. New York writer and actress, Jill Dalton, resurrects the spirit of Fall River’s most infamous character in a chilling, solo performance entitled,
Lizzie Borden Live
“I wanted to give Lizzie a voice to tell her own story following her day in court,” stated Ms. Dalton. “That’s something she was not able to do when she was doped up on morphine during her famous murder trial.”Lizzie Andrew Borden was found innocent in a court of law, but judged guilty in the court of public opinion. She was condemned by society and shunned in her hometown. Ms. Dalton powerfully evokes Lizzie’s emotional turmoil and psychic trauma. She wrote the play from Lizzie’s point of view so that “the audience can hear her side of the story for the first time.”The legend comes to life with humor, empathy and insight when Lizzie steps on stage at the Eagle Performing Arts Center on 35 North Main Street at 8 PM on Saturday, June 20th. This production, sponsored by the Luso American Gallery of Antiquities, is funded in part by grants from the John and Abigail Adams Program of the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Four Cities Collaborative of the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism.“In addition to this state support, the Mayor’s Office and the Arts Uniting Fall River collaborative have participated in the planning and promotion of this community event and fundraiser,” noted LAGOA curator, Stephen L. Cabral. “Our organization is committed to promoting the arts, preserving our cultural history and providing scholarship funds for promising students. Lizzie Borden Live will help support these goals.”Jill Dalton is an award winning New York actress with a long list of television and theatre credits. She has appeared in Law and Order, Law and Order: Criminal Intent, As the World Turns, All my Children, One Life to Live and Saturday Night Live. The East Lynne Theater Company in Cape May, New Jersey commissioned this play, which opened to standing ovations from the audience and critics alike. Ms. Dalton won the 2007 Jacoby Award for her portrayal in Lizzie Borden Live. This dramatic crime thriller is set 13 years after the double murder at Maplecroft, the Highlands mansion Lizzie bought with money inherited from her father. According to the Red Rock News of Sedona, Arizona:“Dalton gives a compelling performance capturing the humanity, humor, irony and sadness of a woman who had time to reflect on horrific events. She enacts a Lizzie that has never been portrayed anywhere in stage, screen or literature. ”Fall River native son, Jack McCullough, is the director of the show, which has toured New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Arizona. Mr. McCullough, a graduate of the Trinity Repertory Conservatory in Providence, RI, has also made his mark on stage and screen, but prefers to work behind the scenes of Lizizie Borden Live. Jack has envisioned this homecoming since the play first opened. He insists that this production will make the audience think twice.“We are very excited about performing on stage in the heart
of Lizzie’s old neighborhood. Jill and Lizzie have a compelling
story to tell. People come to see Lizzie expecting to find a monster and instead they discover themselves.”
Check your calendar and order your $40 tickets from LAGOA, Inc. by calling 508-673-6624. Seating is limited to 160 so make your reservations now. The doors of the Eagle Performing Arts Center will open at 6:30 PM. Harpist, Judy Mitchell will set the musical tone for the night, and members of the Mutton Eaters, dressed in period garb, will greet and engage the guests at the light buffet and cash bar prior to the show.Lizzie Borden Live challenges the audience to rethink the legend that is Lizzie Borden. Think you know her? Think again!Stephen L. Cabral, Ph.D.
Curator/President
Luso American Gallery of Antiquities, Inc. (LAGOA)
484 Highland Avenue, Fall River, MA 02720
Tel. 508-673-6624
www.lagoagallery.org -
House of Secrets
One by one, over the years, the homes on Second Street between Spring and Borden streets have been demolished. Miraculously the Andrew Borden house has survived as well as the neighboring house to the south. Emma and Lizzie’s good friend Alice Russell had lived in this unpreposing cape-style home and thus became well-acquainted with the Bordens. Alice was a key witness at Lizzie’s trial, stayed with the family for some days after the murders, and testified about Lizzie burning a dress in the kitchen woodstove the day after the funerals of Abby and Andrew Borden.
On the day of the murders, Mrs. Caroline Kelly, wife of pediatrician Dr. Michael Kelly,(new occupants to the house next door) saw Andrew Borden trying to enter his home around 10:45. She was on her way to the dentist and was probably the last non-family member to see Andrew Borden alive. Most Borden historians still refer to the house as the “Kelly House”.
Several decades before the Borden murders, a Mrs. Ladowick Borden, depressed and at wits’ end, threw three children in the old cistern at this house. The two young boys died, but her daughter survived. Mrs. Ladowick Borden went upstairs and slit her throat with her husband’s straight razor. Who knows why. This is a house with dark secrets and tragedy to rival that of #92 Second Street. And today the two houses of death and horror remain-sole survivors of the wrecker’s ball. The Kelly house is for sale-for anyone who wants a house with a history.
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A banner year for Mass. Superior Court
2009 markes the 150th anniversary for the Massachusetts Superior courts.
Many events and displays are on tap for the year . Of particular interest is this notation on their web site“Lizzie Borden, Redux ~ Multiple dates and locations
New Bedford Superior Courthouse ~ September 24
Fall River Superior Courthouse ~ October 22
Taunton Superior Courthouse ~ November 19
Ms. Borden was acquitted of the murder of her father
and mother and no other suspect was ever identified.
The trial, which took place in 1893 in the New Bedford
Superior Court, continues to interest and intrigue the
public. Not a re-enactment but in a mock trial, Ms.
Borden will be tried again with two lawyers serving as
team prosecutors and two lawyers as team defense. The
audience will vote a verdict.”
To see a listing of all the big doings for the year visit http://www.mass.gov/courts/press/summary-of-events.pdf
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The new face of Second Street
It’s been a rough winter in Fall River with plenty of ice and snow as the familiar name in the photo below will testify.
But work on the new court house continues slowly. The building looms over South Main Street and the back of the building dominates Second Street just across from the Borden house. At one time the twin spires of St. Anne’s and the single steeple of St. Mary’s were the landmarks easily spotted from the Braga Bridge top-now the court house steals all the thunder.
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Halloween at Lizzie’s 2008
The weather was perfect for trick or treaters and this year there was quite a crowd. One little boy, about 18 months old decided he wanted to stay at #92 and had to be picked up by Dad to continue the trick or treating around the neighborhood. The diningroom was alive with rodents and wormy apples, vultures and other creepy things, including a coffin on the table. Only one plastic hatchet was stolen from the jack o’ lantern pumpkinhead on the doorsteps( whose name is always Charles after original house owner Charles Trafton). Guests enjoyed a seance well into the wee hours. Neither Houdini nor Andrew Borden showed up! The group photo was the only photo of the night which came out rather eerily on the camera. Already the house is booking for NEXT Halloween!
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Lizzie Expos
After the success of the 1992 conference at BCC, some of the organizers including Jules Rykebusch and Ken Souza wanted to repeat a smaller version of the gathering every year on the first weekend in August. So the Lizzie Expos were conceived and sponsored by the Down Under Cafe. The image above is from the 1994 Expo and details some of the events. This was also the year the mannequin of Lizzie (which held a pear and was in the entry of the Down Under) was kidnapped. A reward was offered and she returned mysteriously by the second day. The Herald featured the tale on the front page. She is shown below with Ed Thibault.
Carriage rides and city tours were part of the fun. Here are some of the city guides in costume and in character as 1892 Fall Riverites on the way to Maplecroft.
The Sweet Nightingales sang songs of the 1890’s at the old Central Congregational Church. This stage area in the photo below is now part of the Abbey Grille restaurant downstairs. The song being performed here is You Can’t Chop Your Pappa Up in Massachusetts! By 1996 #92 Second Street had opened, and the Expos were no more-but they were fun while they lasted!
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Preservation Society announces Christmas House Tour
Victorian Holiday House Tour
Save the date for 2008:
Saturday, Dec. 13, Weather Day Sunday, Dec. 14thTickets may be purchased at the New Boston Bakery.
(Below are scenes from the popular Victorian house tours of 2006 and 2007)
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There was this hole . . .
Night shot taken on August 15, 2008
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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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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.
