Just Plain Lizzie
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Chad Mitchell Trio to visit Lizzie Borden house
You Can’t Chop Your Poppa Up in Massachusetts was a hit for the popular 1960’s folk group, and second only to “Lizzie Borden Took an Axe” as Borden -related tune most people know. Made popular in a Broadway production, Leonard Sillman’s New Faces of 1952 as the Fall River Hoedown, the single was released by the Chad Mitchell Trio in 1961. The trio will be visiting the Lizzie Borden house this week- should be great fun for everyone. Hopefully they will sing a chorus in the parlor where a copy of the sheet music has been on the piano since the house opened as a museum in 1996.
http://www.chadmitchelltrio.com/
Lyrics by Michael Brown
Yesterday in old Fall River, Mr. Andrew Borden died
And they got his daughter Lizzie on a charge of homicide
Some folks say she didn’t do it, and others say of course she did
But they all agree Miss Lizzie B. was a problem kind of kid‘Cause you can’t chop your papa up in Massachusetts
Not even if it’s planned as a surprise
No, you can’t chop your papa up in Massachusetts
You know how neighbors love to criticizeShe got him on the sofa where he’d gone to take a snooze
And I hope he went to heaven ’cause he wasn’t wearing shoes
Lizzie kinda rearranged him with a hatchet so they say
Then she got her mother in that same old-fashioned way!But you can’t chop your mama up in Massachusetts
Not even if you’re tired of her cuisine
No, you can’t chop your mama up in Massachusetts
You know it’s almost sure to cause a sceneWell, they really kept her hoppin’ on that busy afternoon
With both down- and up-stairs chopping while she hummed a ragtime tune
They really made her hustle and when all was said and done
She’d removed her mother’s bustle when she wasn’t wearing oneOh, you can’t chop your mama up in Massachusetts
And then blame all the damage on the mice
No, you can’t chop your mama up in Massachusetts
That kind of thing just isn’t very niceNow, it wasn’t done for pleasure and it wasn’t done for spite
And it wasn’t done because the lady wasn’t very bright
She’d always done the slightest thing that mom and papa bid
They said, “Lizzie, cut it out,” so that’s exactly what she didBut you can’t chop your papa up in Massachusetts
And then get dressed and go out for a walk
No, you can’t chop your papa up in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is a far cry from New YorkNo, you can’t chop your papa up in Massachusetts
Shut the door, and lock and latch it, here comes Lizzie with a brand new hatchet
Can’t chop your papa up in Massachusetts
Such a snob, I’ve heard it said, she met her pa and cut him dead
You can’t chop your papa up in Massachusetts
Jump like a fish, jump like a porpoise, all join hands and habeas corpus
Can’t chop your papa up in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is a far cry from New York -
Lizzie Borden: Now A Halloween Fixture
With Halloween soon upon us, haunted houses, haunted hayrides and other ghoulish attractions are busily preparing costumes and features. In recent years Lizzie Borden has become a fixture at many of these horror attractions. She is usually portrayed in black and red clothing with a large bloody axe swinging wildly, and covered in gore. Poor Lizzie. You can imagine what she would think of this portrayal. The Taunton Gazette, the publication from the city of her 10 month incarceration has published an article on Lakeville’s entry for Halloween 2010. http://www.tauntongazette.com/lifestyle/lifestyle_calendar/x861574152/Lakeville-Haunted-House-preparations-underwayHere are a few options available this year, this one titled a Lizzie Borden Wedding Dress from Amazon.com-and with a KNIFE.
Here’s a better -looking version available at http://www.retroscopefashions.com/lolita1.html
And here are a couple of Halloween Lizzies from 2009 (sorry the credits are unavailable)
To see this live-action Halloween prop, visit Dave and Tracy’s photobucket video of this tombstone’s “special feature”. http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v630/DaveNTracy/Lizzie%20Borden%20Tombstone/?action=view¤t=012-1.flv
There will be more.
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Lizzie Borden Perfume?
Just when you think everything has been done that can be done with the Borden case, along comes a new twist. We have Lizzie dolls, pins, magnets, teeshirts, bracelets, earrings, coffee mugs and shot glasses. There are books galore with more coming soon, paperdolls, collector cards, toy hatchets, and even Cat’s Meow has put out a wooden replica of the murder house on Second Street. And now- from ETSY, an online crafter’s catalogue, we have a Lizzie Borden perfume oil, in a limited edition, available only until November 2010. Have a look at the newest entry on the Lizzie market. Wonder what’s next?This “eau de murder” is described as:
“A waft of Mother’s garden blooms, Father’s unlit pipe, tiny roses on the parlor wallpaper, and a dusty wooden axe handle.”
http://www.etsy.com/listing/52051486/lizzie-inspired-perfume-oil-halloween
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Rebelo Lizzie Borden Documentary to air on PBS
The Borden case documentary shot by Ric Rebelo this past spring will be airing Saturday, October 30th at 7pm on Rhode Island PBS– the day before Halloween.
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Fall River Herald article for August 11
Not quite done with Lizzie and the Borden case yet? Here is the link to an article about what is yet to see, and news of a production opening soon about- Nance O’Neil!
http://www.heraldnews.com/entertainment/x839827959/Love-Lizzie-Youll-love-August
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Visit to Maplecroft
Cast members from the Pear Essential Players enjoyed a tour of Maplecroft on August 4th . An article about what they saw can be found above at the tab August Online A Visit to Maplecroftor
click on this link to go directly to the feature.
http://lizziebordenwarpsandwefts.com/august-online-a-visit-to-maplecroft/
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Who was new for August 4th ?
It was a big day at #92 for the cast of the Pear Essential Players as they turned in 10 performances of Lizzie Borden CSI. Tickets sold out and the gift shop was buzzing with activity from early morning until the end of the day when the evening check- ins arrived. All previous records were broken this year.
Rufus Hilliard Ray Mitchell
There were a few new faces this year in the cast including Ray Mitchell who portrayed city marshal Rufus Hilliard and bore an uncanny resemblance to his character! Michael Brooks took over the role of James Winward, Undertaker and was suitably grave and distinguished.
(photo courtesy of Lee Ann Wilber)
For the first time, the bed in the guest room was moved in order to reproduce a lesser-known photo of Abby Borden.
With a nod to Richard’s Behren’s new book, Lizzie Borden: Girl Detective, Kathryn Woods played Miss Nellie Drew, girl detective and interviewed Uncle John Morse.
Molly O’Brien took over as Miss Manning from the Fall River Herald and also had a few things to ask Uncle John.
photo courtesy of Lee Ann Wilber
The men in blue were out in force this year with Ben Rose reprising Detective Seaver, and new B&B museum employees Justin Dunne and Will Clawson playing Medley and Harrington. Mustaches were a key element in bringing the characters to life with Hilliard’s famous walrus mustache and Harrington’s “handlebar” stash adding much to the characterization.
Will Clawson Phil Harrington
Justin Dunne played a young officer William Medley. Medley would become Fall River’s first Chief of Police.
Justin Dunne Chief Medley
Many actors have played Andrew Borden over the years and this year B&B employee Logan Livesey had the tough task of staying perfectly still under the sheet.
Tomorrow: Set dressing the house, our cast regulars, and the cast trip to Maplecroft!
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Richard Behrens at the Fall River Public Library
Richard Behrens,author of Lizzie Borden, Girl Detective gave a reading at the Fall River Public Library on August 3rd. Some of the character actors from the Borden house museum’s Pear Essential Players came dressed 1892 style for the occasion.This year’s cast featured Kathryn Woods as Nellie Drew, budding girl detective and fan of Miss Lizzie’s sleuthing adventures!
Abby Borden (Shelley Dziedzic) on the arm of
Uncle John V. Morse (Joe Radza) at the library (photos by Jack Faria)
click on link to view video : Lizzie Borden, Girl Detective
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Got more Lizzie?
Dr. Handy’s cottage, Lizzie’s Marion fishing destination (courtesy of Sippican Historical Society).
If you were busy elsewhere on August 4th and missed the Lizzie tizzy of activities in Fall River, you can still catch a program on the famous case in Marion, MA. on August 19th at 7 p.m. Marion, the charming little fishing town where Lizzie had planned to try her famous line and sinkers, has a program in the old music hall which should keep the case followers delighted in August. http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100805/PUB01/8050377
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August 4th cast at Maplecroft
The cast enjoyed a great day at the Lizzie Borden Bed and Breakfast Museum as they, for the 14th year, adapted the facts of the case for performance to the public. Tickets were sold out well before the afternoon, with starting times on the half hour this year. An exit poll was given to the visitors and over 60 % of those who filled out the form decided Lizzie was the guilty party, with Uncle John Morse coming in a distant second. There was a drawing at the end of the day for a gift certificate to the popular B&B. Some of the cast is shown above after the day was ended, before being treated to a tour of all floors of Lizzie’s home on French St., Maplecroft. It was a big day for all things Lizzie with the new exhibit also debuting at the Fall River Historical Society. For more about the day visit the Fall River Herald site article http://www.heraldnews.com/news/x84685033/Fall-Rivers-infamous-Borden-murders-reenacted-on-118th-anniversary
More script details and cast photos coming soon!
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Lizzie Borden’s hymn
My Own Country (My Ain Countrie) was the hymn said to be that which Lizzie chose to be sung at her private wake in her home. Soprano Vida Turner was instructed to sing it, received her check and was told not to tell anyone what transpired on the day at Maplecroft. The hymn shown below, based on a poem text and in Robert Burnsian dialect, was found in a period hymnal called The White Ribbon Temperance Hymnal. The Borden household was a temperance home, and perhaps Lizzie first heard this hymn at a meeting of the Women’s Temperance Society. In Lizzie’s library mantel at Maplecroft, At Hame in My Ain Countrie is carved along with Scottish thistles. It’s hard to know for sure if Lizzie had this done, or it was already there when she bought the house. She indicated an admiration for things Scottish, so it is possible she was responsible for the carving.
“I am far from my home, and I’m weary after whiles,
for the longed for home -bringing and my Father’s welcome smiles”
is text which causes one pause! The “F” in Father is capitalized, thereby referring to God, but perhaps she was thinking of Andrew Borden! Try this on your piano. This was played at Maplecroft and sung, on August 4, 1992 for the centennial of the crimes.
I am far from my home, and I’m weary after whiles for the longed-for home-bringing and my Father’s welcome smiles,
But I’ll not be full content, until my eyes do see, the garden gate of heaven in my own country.
The earth is flecked with flowers, many tinted bright and gay,the birdies warble blithely, for the Father made them say.
But these sights and these sounds will as nothing to me be, when I hear the angels singing in my own country.
I’ve his good word of promise that some gladsome day the King, to his own royal palace his banished home will bring.
With eye and with heart running over we shall see,
The King in his beauty in our own country.
My sins have been many and my sorrows have been sore,
But they’ll never vex me nor be remembered more.
For his blood has made me white, and his hand shall dry my eye,
When he brings me home at last, to my own country.
He is faithful that has promised, and he’ll surely come again,
He’ll keep his tryst with me, at what hour I do not know,
But he bids me still to wait and yes, ready,
To go at any moment to my own country.
So I’m watching, yes, and singing of my home, as I wait,
For the sound of his footfall, this side the garden gate.
God give his grace to all, and who listens now to me,
that we may go in gladness to our own country.
To hear more hymns from the White Ribbon Hymnal of 1892, visit this link http://dig.lib.niu.edu/gildedage/songs/whiteribbon.html
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August 4th means Lizzie Borden in Demand!
Those interested in the Borden Case will have a week ahead chock-full of things to see and do. It has been a long time since the conference at Bristol Community College and many who are fascinated with the case and needing a good dose of Bordenalia are heading to Fall River this week to take in as much as possible. Great weather is predicted!THINGS TO SEE AND DO
1. The Fall River Public Library is hosting a book reading with author Richard Behrens, reading from his new book, Lizzie Borden, Girl Detective beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 3rd. Costumed cast from the annual Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast Museum August 4th performances, The Pear Essential Players, will attend in character with a few words to say about Wednesday, the 4th on Second Street.
2. The Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast will have daytime tours on the hour from 11 a.m. -3 p.m. on August 3rd. Don’t miss the gift shop! Advance tickets are on sale for August 4th performances of CSI Lizzie Borden. Richard Behrens will also be autographing his book on the 4th in the gift shop. A drawing will be held at the end of the day for a night’s stay for two at the house. Program GPS devices for 230 Second Street or 230 2nd Street. 
3. Oak Grove Cemetery has convenient black arrows on the pavement from the office gate to the Borden plot and is open from early morning until dark. Many other case personalities are buried in the historic Victorian cemetery.
4. The Fall River Historical Society will be open with a special augmented Borden exhibit, featuring some items which are generally not on display all the time This is a must-see on the list for visitors coming to Fall River for the day. The society can be found at the corner of Maple and Rock streets. There is also a great gift shop selling Lizzie Borden merchandise and books.
5. A little drive around the city in the late afternoon might be a great way to end the day. The Andrew Borden Building is still standing on the corner of Anawan St. and South Main, Lizzie’s little school can also be found in the South End on Morgan Street, and Maplecroft is convenient if you plan to see the cemetery as it is only a short drive from Prospect to French Street. There is much beautiful Victorian architecture to be seen on The Hill and some fantastic restaurants in which to sample the local cuisine for dinner at the end of your day. -
Cast for Annual Presentation at Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast Museum
Some of the cast will be appearing at the Fall River Public Library on Tuesday, August 3rd at 6:30 for a special reading by Richard Behrens from the new Lizzie Borden: Girl Detective! Tickets are presently on sale at the museum 508-675-7333. Advanced ticket purchase is suggested to avoid disappointment on the 4th. Tickets are usually sold out by noon. First performance at 10: 30 a.m.
Cast interviews and photos may be found at http://pearessentialproductions.org/
Lizzie Borden: Lorraine Gregoire
Detective Seaver Ben Rose
Abby Borden: Shelley Dziedzic
Andrew Borden: Logan Livesey
Bridget Sullivan Kathleen Troost-Cramer
Emma Borden: Barbara Morrissey
Addie Churchill: JoAnne Giovino
Alice Russell: Kristin Pepe
Uncle John: Joe Radza
Officer Medley: Justin Dunne
Miss Manning from the Herald: Molly O’Brien
“Cub reporter and Girl Detective” from the Herald, and Miss Manning’s assistant: Kathryn Woods
The Distinguished Undertaker Winward: Michael Brooks
Officer Harrington: Will Clawson
Marshal Hilliard; Ray Mitchell
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Book Signing August 4th
Richard Behrens, author of the new adventure stories of Lizzie Borden: Girl Detective will be signing copies of his book in the giftshop at the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast on August 4th from 10:30- 4 p.m.. Copies of the book will be on sale.
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Songs about Lizzie Borden
“You Can’t Chop Your Poppa Up in Massachusetts” is a well-known Lizzie tune but a few others have tackled the subject. Flotsam and Jetsam, a thrash metal band from Phoenix, on the 1986 album Doomsday for the Deceiver put their spin on the old story. You may just want to turn the volume down a little!
Lyrics
A young maiden with a demon in her soul,
A twisted mind with secrets to unfold.
An innocent face, a deceiving smile,
Under no suspicion, servant to Belial.The axe came down… Blood all around…
She lurks possessed, without a sound,
Butchers her Dam when no one is around.
The next day her Sire feels her wrath,
She has no remorse in her merciless bloodbath.She’s Miss Lizzy, she feels no pain
The axe came down
She’s Miss Lizzy, she strikes again,
The axe came down… Blood all aroundLizzy Borden took an axe, gave her mother forty whacks,
When she saw what she had done, she gave her father forty-one.Now before the jury with a solemn face,
These legendary murders… she left not a trace.
Lizzy found it so simple to take their lives,
Today she walks free… Axe by her side…She took an axe.
The Dubious Brothers are a very popular UK band, playing gigs for charity in a style which can only be called ecclectic. To sample a taste of their Lizzie tribute, “O, Mother Borden,” click on this link and scroll down to the song. Click the arrow for a few moments of the song, or download the entire selection. http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/thedubiousbrothers
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More Heavenly Portents
If the largest meteor on record was not interesting enough a fact, blazing through the sky on July 20, 1860, a total eclipse of the sun took place on July 18, 1860 and a rare alignment of the planets. In between these heavenly displays was born Lizzie Borden on July 19th. The likelihood of these circumstances being repeated are remote. The New York Times has this to say http://www.nytimes.com/1860/07/18/news/the-eclipse-of-to-day.html?pagewanted=1 The following is an excerpt:
”
The Eclipse of To-Day,
Published: July 18, 1860
“To-day occurs the most impressive of all celestial phenomena — a total Solar Eclipse! Not only is it total, lasting three entire and precious minutes, but the chief planets of our system — Venus, Mercury, Jupiter and Saturn, constellated around the sun — “assist” at the fete. Many a century will pass before the numbers which rule the stars shall bring about so rare a combination, and permit other eyes in other ages to contemplate a spectacle so magnificent.
In our latitudes, indeed, we are only favored with a partial obscuration, our portion of the planet falling not under the umbra, but the penumbra, of the moon: and to us this Eclipse will offer no higher interest than others already witnessed at various times during the present generation.
It is along the upper sides of our continent — from the mouth of the Columbia River across British America, Hudson’s Bay and Labrador — that the moon projects its black conical shadow, seventy miles wide. Athwart the Atlantic the umbra sweeps, passing over Northern Spain and Africa, and terminating near the borders of the Red Sea. Preparations for observing the grand phenomenon, accordingly, have been going on for months. . . . .”
A rare time for a singular person to come into the world indeed.
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Richard Behrens Reads from Lizzie Borden: Girl Detective
It was a charming June afternoon at the Fall River Historical Society when author Richard Behrens’s treated an appreciative audience to selections from his new book, Lizzie Borden: Girl Detective. The gardens were in bloom, lemonade and gingersnaps were on the sideboard, and spellbound fans of the latest Lizzie Borden fictional incarnation were held in rapt attention for a delightful interlude. Copies of the book may be found at the historical society or may be ordered through the website (link in right hand column). Thanks to Mondo Lizzie and Youtube for the following videos from this afternoon.
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What’s new this week?
Today’s Fall River Herald News has a wonderful article about New Jersey author Richard Behren’s book, Lizzie Borden: Girl Detective and the upcoming Saturday reading and booksigning http://www.heraldnews.com/newsnow/x1834540560/Historical-fantasy-novel-features-Lizzie-Borden-as-a-detective
photo credit: LeeAnn Wilber
Popular indy actress and fashion trend-setter, Chloe Sevigny strikes a familiar pose on the black sofa. Ms. Sevigny has family ties to Fall River and a great interest in the Borden case. Tuesday marked her second overnight visit to the house on Second Street.
Painting on #92 has come to a halt due to the weather. More scraping and primer touch -ups are in the future before color can be applied, hopefully next week. Costuming and casting have begun for the upcoming August 4th re-enactments. Busy days on Second Street.
