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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: Just Plain Lizzie

LizClipz Coming Soon!

29 Sunday Dec 2019

Posted by Shelley in "Lizbits", "Lizzie Folks", August 4th, Borden Family, Case Personalities, Fall River, Fall River families, Fall River Now and Then, In the News, Just Plain Lizzie, Lizzie in Print, Newspaper Coverage

≈ 3 Comments

Beginning on January 1st, W&W will begin featuring fascinating short clippings from the Fall River papers and other newspapers from 1892 through the present which concern Lizzie herself or the endless parade of personalities involved in the case. They will remain accessible here in a sort of clippings archive. There is much to be learned from these small snippets in print!

Fall River Globe, June 1892

Dressing Miss Lizzie Paper Dolls at Jules Antiques in R.I.

19 Wednesday Jun 2019

Posted by Shelley in "Lizbits", In the Marketplace, In the News, Just Plain Lizzie, Lizzie Borden in the Marketplace, Lizzie in Print, Things to Do

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Signing party with Q & A and refreshments, July 13th, Saturday 12 -4 p.m. Jules Antiques and General Store, Rt. 138 in Richmond, R.I. (Exit 3 East off 95). Copies of Dressing Miss Lizzie are now available exclusively in Rhode Island at Jules! Miss Lizzie is getting out of town this summer!

Yes! Even the props are for sale at Jules Antiques!

Hollister Press launches Lizzie paper dolls

30 Thursday May 2019

Posted by Shelley in "Lizbits", "Lizziewear", In the Marketplace, Just Plain Lizzie, Newspaper Coverage

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Dressing Miss Lizzie, which is a paper doll book featuring Lizzie’s garments described in newspapers of 1892 -1893 is now available through Hollisterpress.com as well as at the Second St. Borden home and the Fall River Historical Society if you live near Fall River. The Fall River Herald News recently featured a story about the new publication. https://www.heraldnews.com/news/20190524/lizzie-borden-paper-dolls-depict-story-through-clothing

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historical-society-doll

New Lizzie Flick headed for the big screen

29 Thursday Oct 2015

Posted by Shelley in "Lizbits", Just Plain Lizzie, On Screen, Stop the Press

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This is GREAT news. We have high hopes for this one with Hanks at the helm!

http://variety.com/2015/film/news/kristen-stewart-chloe-sevigny-lizzie-borden-movie-1201629091/

kristen-stewart-chloe-sevigny

Maplecroft Sold!! A new B&B coming to Fall River

21 Friday Nov 2014

Posted by Shelley in "Lizbits", If Walls Could Talk, Just Plain Lizzie, Maplecroft

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Maplecroft Sold

MaplecroftpaintedFor many summers the For Sale sign has been up in front of the famous address on French Street, Lizzie Borden’s beloved and last home.  Over the past few weeks, an interested buyer has made trips to Fall River and at last the house, owned for many years by Robert Dube, has transferred ownership.  The Fall River Herald News broke the story this afternoon at this link.  http://www.heraldnews.com/article/20141121/NEWS/141128850

The house will operate as a Bed & Breakfast and it looks like exciting times ahead for the old Queen Anne house. The photo above was taken recently after a fresh coat of cream-colored paint was applied. The new owners should be taking possession after the holidays.  The house did operate briefly as a B&B some years ago. It will be fun to watch what the months ahead will bring.

Legend of Lizzie Borden Finally Available on DVD

10 Friday Oct 2014

Posted by Shelley in "Lizbits", Just Plain Lizzie, Lizzie Borden in the Marketplace, Lizzie T.V., Stop the Press, Video Lizzie

≈ 1 Comment

After years of watching grainy old VHS tape, the long-awaited DVD version of the Legend of Lizzie Borden with Elizabeth Montgomery is available through Amazon.com! Get ‘em while they’re hot! The 1975 version of the Borden tale is the best thing to date on film.   http://www.amazon.com/Legend-Lizzie-Borden-Elizabeth-Montgomery/dp/B00HZVX14O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412913687&sr=8-1&keywords=Lizzie+Borden

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Fall River Historical Society to debut a new photo of Maplecroft interior

22 Tuesday Apr 2014

Posted by Shelley in "Lizbits", Borden House Interiors, Borden Spaces and Places, If Walls Could Talk, In the News, Just Plain Lizzie, Maplecroft

≈ 1 Comment

The FRHS announced an exciting donation to the Borden archive today.  The following appears on the FRHS Facebook page and is very exciting.  How can we wait until August 4th?

maplecroft seal“Lizzie Borden’s home: Extremely rare photograph discovered! Lizzie Borden had this green and gilt “Maplecroft” seal made for use on her correspondence — a rare example of her personal style during her years in that residence. Now we are excited to report that a truly unique photograph taken inside the French street mansion while Lizzie lived there has been given to the FRHS! It’s the only suchphoto ever to have surfaced, and anyone with an interest in Lizzie will find it fascinating. For the first time, we have a partial but revealing glimpse of the interior of her home. And the subject of the photo – something Lizzie apparently cherished — helps to debunk one of the biggest myths perpetuated about her.

Donated by a descendant of Lizzie’s personal maid, Ida S. Carlson, the photo came to us with impeccable provenance. Lizzie hired a professional photographer to capture the compelling image and had it mounted in an ornate frame, and around 1899 she gave it to Ida, who displayed the treasured piece in her home until her death, at which time it was acquired by a relative.

The photo will make its debut at the FRHS at a special exhibit opening on August 4, 2014, where it will join a collection of other recently acquired Borden-related items of note. Mark your calendar, and be sure to come and take our informative tour about the life and trial of Lizzie Borden!”  (Posted April 22, Facebook).

 

Providence Journal Launches Six-Part Serial for the 120th Anniversary of Lizzie’s Acquittal

23 Sunday Jun 2013

Posted by Shelley in "Lizbits", August 4th, Borden Family, Fall River, Fall River Historical Society, House & Testimonies, If Walls Could Talk, Just Plain Lizzie, Lizpix, Lizzie in Print, Newspaper Coverage, Read All ABout It, Stop the Press, Video Lizzie, YouTube Lizzie

≈ 1 Comment

ProjoA much-anticipated series debuted today in the Sunday Providence Journal. ” Projo” writer Paul Davis certainly did his homework for this six-part article which runs all week and features some new, never-before-published information. The writing is crisp, accurate and thought-provoking and highlights trial coverage from 1893 Providence Journals.  Lizziephiles will be over the moon with the expansive coverage.  If you cannot obtain a hard copy of the paper, read all about it at the newspaper online link.

http://www.providencejournal.com/topics/special-reports/lizzie-borden-anniversary/content/20130621-part-one-to-me-i-see-nothing-but-the-densest-of-shadows.ece

A short trailer was put up on Saturday night to heighten anticipation.

http://m.providencejournal.com/projo/db_/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=DDG8ZlUp

A promotional online video is also on the Projo site and Youtube which features Warps and Wefts writer, Shelley Dziedzic who made a tour with Journal reporter Paul Davis in May.  The tour encompassed all things “Lizzie” in and around Fall River and a jaunt to the New Bedford courthouse to visit the scene where the 1893 trial unfolded.

October and Lizzie Borden Go Together Like Peanut Butter and Jelly

23 Tuesday Oct 2012

Posted by Shelley in "Lizbits", Borden Family, Halloween Lizzie Borden, Just Plain Lizzie, Uncategorized

≈ 1 Comment

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.

Jury photo up for auction

13 Thursday Sep 2012

Posted by Shelley in "Lizbits", Famous Massachusetts Cases, Just Plain Lizzie, New Bedford

≈ 2 Comments

Swann Auction Galleries in New York is selling an oversized original photograph of the jury that acquited Lizzie Borden. It’s Lot 207 in the October 2, 2012 sale. Estimate is $800.00-$1,200.00. John O’Neil New Bedford, MA 1893 -photographer.  The photo below is the one familiar to most and was given as a parting gift to Lizzie after her acquittal.

Post mortem photographs on display for the first time

03 Friday Aug 2012

Posted by Shelley in "Lizbits", After the Trial, August 4th, Borden Family, Borden Spaces and Places, Case Personalities, Ephemera, Fall River, Fall River Historical Society, In the News, Just Plain Lizzie, Lizzie in Print, Museums & Exhibits, Potpourri, Stop the Press, The Victims, True Crime, Victorian True Crime

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http://www.heraldnews.com/newsletter/x1225366721/New-and-never-before-seen-Borden-items-post-mortem-pictures-on-exhibit-at-Historical-Society 

The Fall River Historical Society special August-4-Sept 30 exhibit will display, for the first time, the post mortem photographs of Abby and Andrew Borden.  Other rare and never-displayed items from the trial and trial lawyers will be on exhibit.

A Weekend with Lizzie Borden Not to Be Missed

01 Wednesday Aug 2012

Posted by Shelley in "Lizbits", "Lizzie Folks", August 4th, Borden Family, Borden Spaces and Places, Crime Scene, Fall River, Fall River Historical Society, Famous Massachusetts Cases, Famous Victorians, Just Plain Lizzie, On stage, Pear Essential Players, Potpourri, Second Street Happenings, Victorian True Crime, Victoriana

≈ 1 Comment

For those who cannot get enough of the Borden Case, this will be a four-star weekend featuring the annual dramatization at the house on Second Street ( tickets on sale now at the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast) and a VERY special exhibit which opens on August 4th and runs through September 30th at the Fall River Historical Society. For Letterboxers, a special letterbox will be hidden in Fall River to mark the 120th anniversary of the historic crime. Atlasquest.com will have the clue, so bring your stamp and notepad, an inkpad is provided in the box. To see the clue type Fall River, MA in the locator box at the Atlasquest.com site. Got Lizzie?  And how!

Remembering June 1st

02 Saturday Jun 2012

Posted by Shelley in "Lizbits", Borden Family, Fall River, Just Plain Lizzie

≈ 1 Comment

Under a nearly-full moon and windy night, the guests from the Lizzie Borden B&B Museum visited Lizzie’s grave on the 85th anniversary of her death at Maplecroft. A marigold had been planted along with a vase of cut flowers, several small pebbles and a geranium were at the headstone.

Along Plymouth Avenue, Sonic Nova and Millbillyart.com have painted median flower boxes, including one decorated with a familiar lady.

 

 

Famed Biographer Charles Higham dies leaving unfinished Lizzie manuscript

30 Wednesday May 2012

Posted by Shelley in "Lizbits", In the News, Just Plain Lizzie, Lizzie in Print

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Charles Higham

 

http://www.smh.com.au/national/obituaries/a-scourge-of-hollywood-and-nazis-20120506-1y6sb.html

Celebrated author, biographer and renaissance man, Charles Higham has died at the age of 81. He will probably be best remembered for his sometimes scathing biographies of world figures and celebrities. Two years ago Mr. Higham called to discuss his current project, a theory book on the Borden case.  He thought he had come up with something new and exciting.  His thought was that Emma and John Morse were thick in the plot to do away with the Bordens.  I suggested he come to Fall River to get a better perspective on the crime scene, the city, and the circumstances. He adamantly refused to consider a trip, which is unfortunate.  He also seemed dismayed that this idea of Morse and Emma was far from being a new theory.  He never called again and the manuscript remained dormant on the shelf.  Was he discouraged that he had not solved the crime?  One wonders if his manuscript will now ever be published.

http://www.smh.com.au/national/obituaries/a-scourge-of-hollywood-and-nazis-20120506-1y6sb.html

Muttoneaters return to Fall River

21 Monday May 2012

Posted by Shelley in "Lizbits", "Lizzie Folks", "Lizziewear", 1890 fashion, Borden Spaces and Places, Borden-related gravesites, Fairhaven, Fall River, Fall River families, Fall River Now and Then, Just Plain Lizzie, Maplecroft, Museums & Exhibits, Mutton Eaters Online, Oak Grove Cemetery, Parallel Lives, Potpourri, Second Street Happenings

≈ 4 Comments

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Muttoneaters, Second Street Irregulars

This past weekend the cordial society of armchair sleuths returned to #92 Second Street for the annual flocking of the Second Street Irregulars (Muttoneaters) for a jam-packed tour of many Borden-related sites around the area. Friday morning the group of 16 visited the Fall River Historical Society to bestow the yearly awards upon the recent publication by Michael Martins and Dennis Binette, Parallel Lives. The flock enjoyed a coffee hour, tour and photo session in the beautiful Victorian garden before heading off to Fairhaven for a picnic at Fort Phoenix and a city tour given by Chris Richards who was dressed to impress!

Chris fired off a vintage rifle, explained how teeth were extracted, limbs were amputated and the life and activities of a wartime barber-dentist-surgeon, a role he re-enacts in costume with a local history group at Fort Phoenix annually.  Afterward the Muttoneaters toured city hall and learned about Mark Twain’s dedication speech given on the stage there, visited the locales of the homes in which Helen Brownell stayed (Emma Borden’s alibi), and visited the beautiful Millicent Library where a letterbox was found in a very special place inside. (see Atlasquest.com for clues!) The group then returned to Fall River for a pizza party and presentations on the Villisca murders of 1912 and discussions on Andrew Jennings, one of the attorneys for Lizzie whose journals they saw at the historical society earlier.

Andrew Jennings’ journal and newspaper clipping collection

Saturday was a busy day which began with a trip to Oak Grove Cemetery to see the room in which the Bordens were autopsied on August 11, 1892, and to inspect the interior of the holding tomb used to house the coffins of the Bordens both before and after the heads were removed by Dr. Dolan.

The morning concluded with a very special visit to Maplecroft and a great tour by Mr. Bob Dube who conducted the group through every room of the three-storied home and explained what was original to Lizzie’s tenure there. This was a very special and much-appreciated opportunity as the house is currently for sale with the future owner still unknown.

On the “piazza” at Maplecroft in the spot where the recently published photo of Lizzie and her dog appeared in Parallel Lives.

Poppy garden at Maplecroft

After lunch the Muttoneaters visited the Animal Rescue League of Fall River, an annual stop, to bring dog and cat treats and a special 1927 newspaper detailing Lizzie and Emma Borden’s donation to this worthy cause, bequeathed in their wills.

The afternoon brought a real surprise when the group was invited to visit the cellar of the Lodowick Borden (also known as Dr. Kelly’s) home next door to the Borden house on Second Street to view the chimney and cellar where in 1848 Eliza Darling Borden threw three of her children in a cistern and then committed suicide behind the chimney.  Beautiful cabinetry with little drawers and cupboards were added much later when the Kellys moved to the house in 1891 and are still intact. The room was most likely used then as Dr. Kelly’s home office.

Muttoneaters flocked to June Street to pose on the porch of Andrew J. Jennings house which must have one of the best views of the Taunton River in Fall River.

Saturday evening concluded with a visit from the “Women’s Christian Temperence Union” with Muttoneaters dressed as Mrs. Brayton, Carrie Nation and Mother Willard, followed by a Sunday-style chicken Gospel bird dinner and many hours of animated conversation about the famous Borden case. As always, nobody wanted to leave on Sunday morning and the planning begins again for next year’s adventures.

The “Lizzie News” Round-Up

06 Tuesday Mar 2012

Posted by Shelley in "Lizbits", "Lizzie Folks", After the Trial, Borden Spaces and Places, Case Personalities, Fall River, Fall River families, Fall River Historical Society, Fall River Now and Then, In the Marketplace, In the News, Just Plain Lizzie, Lizzie in Print, Newspaper Coverage, Parallel Lives, Second Street Happenings, Stop the Press, The Lawyers

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So much has been happening in the Borden sphere of late that you need a program to keep up.  Not all has been happy news, but most has been cause for celebration.

1. The Central Congregational Church: Things are looking grim for Lizzie’s old church on Rock Street with hopes high yet for a reprieve once again. http://www.heraldnews.com/news/x962233671/Fall-Rivers-former-Central-Congregational-faces-wrecking-ball

2. HBO Mini Series  The much-anticipated four-hour series starring Chloe Sevigny and backed by Tom Hanks’ Playtone Productions is still simmering on the back burner.  Hopefully when Miss Sevigny wraps her latest project, this fresh take on the Borden saga will get cookin’!

3. Donation of Andrew Jennings’ private notes and journal to the Fall River Historical Society was the exciting news this past weekend as the famous “hip bath collection” yielded one more treasure which was turned over to the historical society. http://www.heraldnews.com/news/x1785609188/Handwritten-journals-from-Lizzie-Borden-lawyer-donated-to-FRHS

4. Parallel Lives is recognized at New England Book Fair http://www.heraldnews.com/news/x570348962/Parallel-Lives-book-on-Lizzie-Borden-wins-honorable-mention

5. Coming Soon!  Fall River Revisited by Stefani Koorey.  Preorder now at http://www.amazon.com/dp/0738576840/ref=tsm_1_fb_lk

6. The Dead Files visit in January to the Borden house should be airing March 16th at 10 p.m. on the Travel Channel.  Check the website for schedule and more on hosts, Amy and Steve. http://www.travelchannel.com/tv-shows/the-dead-files

Tatyana’s Graphic Design

30 Monday Jan 2012

Posted by Shelley in "Lizbits", Borden Family, Borden House Interiors, Borden Spaces and Places, Crime Scene, Just Plain Lizzie, Lizpix, Potpourri, Strange Lizzies

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Tatyana Jula, a Philadelphia graphic designer and illustrator made a visit to the Borden house in October, opting for the day tour, but not quite brave enough to spend the night. She has captured her unique vision of Miss Lizzie as a hospitable  “innkeeper” of a bed and breakfast, a mix of gracious charm with wicked intent! (images used with permission)

To see how these designs were created step by step, and to order a poster visit these links http://tatyanahjula.com/post-itsngs/lizzie-borden-bed-breakfast/ To order on paper or canvas http://society6.com/tatjula/Lizzie-Borden-Bed-amp-Breakfast_Print

Visit Tatyana’s web site for more travel posters, postcard and travel art. http://tatyanahjula.com/

Lizzie Borden’s Boston Bull Terriers

20 Friday Jan 2012

Posted by Shelley in "Lizbits", Just Plain Lizzie, Lizpix, Maplecroft, Victoriana

≈ 3 Comments

Since the publication of this 1916 photograph in the Fall River Herald, there has been much discussion about every detail shown in the picture, from furnishings to Lizzie’s dress, and the little dog she is holding.  Boston Bull Terriers were admitted to the Kennel Club in 1893, and looked quite different from the familiar black and white version seen today.  Some were even brindle-colored.  Lizzie would have three in her lifetime, and the one she holds here is more reflective of the Victorian version of the breed.  For more about this fascinating topic for the animal-loving W&W readers, visit this link http://www.victorianbostonbulldog.com/breed-history.html

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Lizzie Borden Warps and Wefts

Lizzie Borden Warps and Wefts

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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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