• Hyman Lubinsky, friend of the defense

    August 10, 2009 /

    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.

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  • Just in Time for August 4th

    August 3, 2009 /

    murderHot off the press in time for the anniversary of the Borden murders tomorrow comes Eric Ethier’s offering from Stackpole Books. (www.stackpolebooks.com) ISBN-10: 0-8117-3563-X

    The tradepaper book concentrates on Massachusetts true crimes including : Lizzie Borden, Sacco & Vanzetti, The Brink’s Job, The Boston Strangler, The Robin Benedict Murder, Big Dan’s Rape Case, and the Stuart Murder Case.

    Ethier lives in Rhode Island and is a freelance history writer. His articles have appeared in American History, Civil War Times and America in WWII. The 112 -page book is a well-organized, captivating page-turner and a must-read for all true crime fans.

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  • Uncle John’s return for lunch

    August 1, 2009 /

    John V. Morse, Lizzie’s mother’s brother, had spent the night before the murders at the Borden’s house in the guestroom where Abby Borden would be hacked to bits the following day.  Although John had a good alibi for the times of both killings, he was an early and favorite suspect.  John had some training as a butcher, and was a jack of all trades around a farm.  Some think he knew about, or was an accomplice to the deeds, although no motive seems clearly apparent.  He also received no money or property after Lizzie was acquitted in June 1893.

    Joe Radza, an eighth grade teacher from Warren, Ohio will be playing the role of Uncle John Morse this year on August 4th at the Borden house for the annual re-enactments. Uncle John’s behavior when he returned for lunch has always seemed peculiar to students of the case. John bypassed the growing crowds by the Borden’s gate and went into the back yard by the barn and picked up and consumed several pears before ambling slowly up the side steps and going inside to see what was going on.  He had a reputation as a peculiar old guy in his boater and old gray suit and string tie.  Did he know more than he confided to the police?

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  • August 4th is coming soon!

    July 27, 2009 /

     

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    Preparations go into full swing this week as the house performing troupe, The Pear Essential Players, dons their fake beards and leg ‘ o mutton sleeves to bring history alive once more.  Performing only once a year, on the anniversary of the murders of Andrew and Abby Borden, the players come from many states and cities to re-enact the details of the day in 1892.  Performances will take place on the hour and tickets may be purchased for each timed performance in the gift barn behind the house at 92 Second Street.  This year’s cast featured 13 key characters from the well-known story. To learn more about the cast, visit their web blog at http://pearessentialproductions.wordpress.com/

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  • July 19th- Happy Birthday Lizzie Borden

    July 19, 2009 /

    Officially now time to wish Lizzie a Happy 149th. Bouquet from an unknown admirer arrived at 92 Second Street shown below in the dining room. Her favorite pansies were blooming in her garden, but to resident black house mascot Max, July 19th is just another day.

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    Maxpansies

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  • Lizzie Borden’s Favorite Hymn

    July 11, 2009 /

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    Sung by Vida Turner at Lizzie’s private wake, many seem to find meaning in Lizzie’s requested and favorite hymn. Rev. Cleveland from the Church of the Ascension on Rock St. gave the prayers to a select few employees.  Miss Turner received a check for her services and was told not to repeat where she had been.  This version is from a period hymnal and the text is the text Lizzie would have known.  Do you see any hidden significance? Try it at home on your piano.

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  • The return of Lizzie Borden Live & The Mutton Eaters

    July 1, 2009 /

    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

    June 21, 2009 /

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    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. 

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    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.

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    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

    June 18, 2009 /

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    (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

    June 18, 2009 /

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    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!

    June 15, 2009 /

    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

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    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

    May 27, 2009 /

    Lizziedover1The Eagle Performing Arts Center

    35 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
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