My guess is that if there were a living bloodline relative of Lizzie or Emma Borden, Barbara Walters would be interviewing that person on Investigative Discovery’s new show, “American Scandals”, produced by Lincoln Square Productions. The biggest and most popular branch of The Discovery Channel, Investigation Discovery has many cousins, such as Deadly Women where our Miss Lizzie has been featured.

But Barbara’s fort’ is in the interview of the subject or those who are significantly relevant to the subject. So we have Kato Kaelin on OJ; John Ramsey on his son, Burke; Mark David Chapman on John Lennon and – well, you get the idea. (see article)

It’s been 40 years since those of us old enough to remember the first broadcast of Paramount’s Made-for- TV movie, The Legend of Lizzie Borden starring Elizabeth Montgomery.  Ever since, we’ve been waiting for another feature length, theatrical release.   Recently, there was a fluttering of hopeful excitement concerning the prospect of an Indie film, Defending Lizzie, based on Karen Poulsen’s play – but that project is now on hold pending funding.

As of yesterday we have learned that there are “talks” and “negotiations” of a possible feature length film.  Let the speculative salivating begin.   You can read about it  HERE.   

But you can track the rapid fire news releases HERE, being sure to click “News” on the menu bar for all the latest reportings.

It is already getting funny. The script hasn’t even been written but the speculations are running amuck. This bit has Lizzie and Bridget being lovers- a plot line surely to draw the male audience demographic of 13 to 90. (snort, chuckle, snort).  I can see the promos now.

Like amoeba, the trending multiples begin and, like the whisper game, each reporting has a new smattering of embellishments, twists, misinformation and well….it’s a phriggin’ circus is what it is.

I say it’s best to keep your drool inside your mouth until the project has at least been green-lighted or contracts written.  It is one thing to be in negotiations or talks about a project and quite another for that project to be in pre-production.  I’ll keep a dry mouth until the latter commences.

Meanwhile, let’s ponder Chloe playing a modern day Lizzie…...

REPOSTED

Lizzie, Emma, Andrew and William

And let us not forget this JibJab goodie from a couple years ago:

It’s A Wonderful Life With the Bordens

(click text above to begin video)

NOTE:    I HAD THE ORIGINAL LETTER IMAGED BELOW IN MY ‘LIZZIE BORDEN ” COLLECTION FOR YEARS.  I TOOK IT ON ONE OF MY TRIPS TO FALL RIVER AND HAD THE FALL RIVER HISTORICAL SOCIETY PHOTOCOPY EACH PAGE FOR THEIR COLLECTION.   EXCERPTS OF THIS LETTER NOW APPEAR IN THE FALL RIVER HISTORICAL SOCIETY’S BOOK, PARALLEL LIVES – A SOCIAL HISTORY OF LIZZIE A. BORDEN AND HER FALL RIVER.   

LATER, I SOLD THE ORIGINAL LETTER ON EBAY (AND I’M STILL SMILING).

(THIS POST WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON THIS BLOG PAGE OVER A DECADE AGO BUT WARRANTS A NEW ISSUE).

When Lizzie Borden was in her teens and early 20′s she did attend parties with her contemporaries. She may have attended a party not unlike the one described in the handwritten letter below by Florence Borden, daughter of Spencer Borden. Flushed with the excitement of the evening’s events, the 15 year old Florence wrote “November 30, 1896″ at the top of the letter, but the postmark shows when it was mailed the next day, “December 1, 1895″.

Shortly after acquiring this letter for my collection, I took it with me on my next visit to Fall River and left a photocopy for Fall River Historical Society Curator Michael Martins to help me identify those named within the letter. He wrote a 9-page response and I include the first two pages here to save me time (and space) in providing background and identification particulars of a few mentioned:  (Click on all images for larger view)

Note:  Parker Hooper (born 1877) was the son of  William S. and Isabella Hooper who resided on French Street, three houses east from Lizzie.

Bertha Borden (born 1882) was the 15 year old daughter of Jerome Cook Borden & Emma Borden.  Jerome was Lizzie’s cousin who supported her during her Trial.

Young Florence is clearly thrilled with the costumes and those attending.  Her letter reflects an almost giddiness in her descriptions.  She lived in one of the two grandest homes in Fall River:  Interlachen

……and she spent that night with Marion Osborne at the other grand house:   the Carr-Osborne House

One generation behind Lizzie, these young ladies and gentlemen were the sons and daughters of Fall River’s elite society on “The Hill”.  And while they were only around 8-12 years old when the Borden murder case exploded upon the Fall River scene, they would know of Lizzie all their lives.   (Most would live long enough to have read Edmund Pearson, Edward Radin and even a fellow B.M.C. Durfee High School graduate, Victoria Lincoln.)

It would be less than two years after this party that Lizzie would be trumpeted again on the front pages:   the Tilden-Thurber shoplifting incident.   An oh, how these fine, cultured young people must have gossiped about that at other parties.

Note:  Florence doesn’t tell us if any of the ladies came dressed as Lizzie Borden with a hatchet sewed onto their skirt.  That would have been shockingly inappropriate.  Never would have happened.  But today?  Hell yes.

Another letter written by Lizzie Borden was pictured and posted in the Frances Willard House and Museum website  today.  The letter is written to “Frances Willard and Lady Henry” according to the website.

The letter appears to be written July 23, 1893 (Lizzie was acquitted on June 20, 1893).

“Frances Willard was a radical social progressive who stood out against gender inequality and fought to give a voice to society’s disenfranchised.  She exposed the inherent hypocrisies of the status quo and forever changed accepted societal norms.

Willard forged a prototype for community organization and social reform that transformed our cultural landscape. The basis of our modern social welfare policies can be found in the initiatives fomented by Willard. Her life’s work is an example of what can be done when one is devoted to a cause.  Her ability to work hard and to mobilize others to work hard is a model of personal determination and amazing leadership skills.  To this day, Frances Willard continues to be “re-discovered” as the prototype of the modern, forward-thinking woman.”

This could be a letter expressing her gratitude for her  support.  It would seem Frances Willard may have championed Lizzie’s cause much as Mary A. Livermore, American journalist and womens’ rights advocate had done.  If simply a thank you letter, I find it interesting it is rather lengthy.

Four days earlier, Lizzie had turned 33 on July 19th, the same day the Fall River Weekly News reported Lizzie won a trip to the Chicago World’s Fair via a coupon write-in from the public.  (Lizzie kindly rejected the award.)   On the same date as the letter, July 23, 1893, and as reported in the Chicago Daily Tribune, Lizzie Borden was escorted to church by Dr. Bowen and Mrs. Holmes.

In any event, let us hope the Museum will sell – and the Fall River Historical Society will buy – this letter as they are the most logical and appropriate repository to archive this document with her other known letters.

Since improved images of a letter written to Frances Willard dated July 23, 1893, have been posted on the Frances Willard House Museum website, I can provide a translation.

Frances Elizabeth Caroline Willard (1839-1898) was an American educator, temperance reformer, and women’s suffragist. Her influence was instrumental in the passage of the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution.

My translation is as follows:

Fall River
July 23 – 1893

My Dear Friend

I can hardly
tell you how much
comfort and joy
your letter gave me.

I thank you and
Lady Henry Somerset
from my heart for
the love and trust
you give me.
I appreciate it all

the more as you
did not know
me yet still had
faith in me.
We have again
offered a reward
but are
_____ Ex. Gov. Robinson
did not deem it
____ to increase
the amount.
We have little hope
of our finding the
guilty one after so
long a time has
elapsed.
I hope some time
you and Lady
Henry Somerset
may come to America
and that we may
visit face to face.
With sincere regards
to you both, I am
yours in loving hands

Lizzie A. Borden

Lady Henry Somerset

I decided to take Lizzie Borden with me to Hawaii this year.  Aside from bringing the most inappropriate clothing and a few surprising missteps in behavior, she was a most agreeable travel companion.

I usually stay on the more touristy side of the Big Island, Kona, but this year opted for Hilo – the only place in the entire State that is still representative of old time Hawaii.

From the balcony of our hotel room we had a view of the cruise ships harbored in the distance.

Lizzie so enjoyed watching them sailing in and out and told me of her voyage on the Grand Tour in 1890.

  I was surprised at her exploratory nature at my friend’s 5 acre estate just north of Hilo.

“Lizzie get down from there, you’ll hurt yourself.”

“That’s better.”

One day we drove straight across the middle of the island on the new between the two volcanoes.

Lizzie was in awe of its beautiful terrain.

We lunched in Kailua Kona.

We visited the old stone church across from the Queen’s Palace…….

….where Lizzie suddenly became distressed that no one was in the pews.  I had to remind her it was Thursday.

At one point she even climbed aboard the display of the ship on which the missionaries sailed from Boston in the 1870’s.

Lizzie loved the many beaches and when she asked “Will we see more up the roadway?” , I answered “Since we’re on an island, I’d be saying Yes.”

At the famous Rainbow Falls.

“Lizzie, you’re too far out…..come in closer to shore.”

“Thank you.”

Sunrise.

Moonrise.

Always conscious of her deportment, I was surprised on one occasion having to say:  “Lizzie, get up off the table, you’re embarrassing yourself.”

But in all fairness, this is what occurred a little earlier.

Aside from that misstep, the trip was amazing for both Lizzie and myself.   I may even take her next year.

Aloha and Mahalo.

Time to revisit Maplecrof – Lizzie Borden’s home for the entire second half of her life.  She had great pride in this house which she nurtured, maintained, and coveted  as if it were the child she never had.

Former owner, Bob Dube and current owner Kristee Bates – Fall River Herald News photo

House was purchased on November 21, 2014 by Twilight Enterprises (actually Howard and Kristee).

While its been written and often stated that Lizzie and her sister moved into a mansion on The Hill, the Charles M. Allen house was not a mansion.  Newport had mansions –  Fall River had stately Victorian homes.  “Maplecroft” was purchased in November 2014.

The house even has its own Facebook Page.  (A webpage by the new owner is being developed and you can set up a Google alert to stay current.  It’s aptly named “Lizzie Borden’s Maplecroft.”)

The Fall River Herald News ran this article on early discoveries Kristee made of her renovation endeavors.

Last year, Kristee sent me fragments of the original wall paper and drapes from Lizzie’s front bedroom which I framed and show here:

Lizzie seems to have favored the darker colors, unlike her dining room paper shown below.

There are attempts to identify and acquire books Lizzie owned  which, when signed by her, can cost several thousand dollars.  Copies on display in Maplecroft would most certainly lack the “oooohh” and “aaahhh”  factor as only things that really belonged to her will deliver satisfaction to visitors.  For example, having a tour guide correctly state: “And this is the bed that Lizzie Borden died in.”

The house – as a tourist attraction – will have to be furnished with exquisite and tasteful furniture, fixtures, and other appointments that Lizzie herself would have purchased. Such acquisitions will be costly and difficult to find or otherwise acquire, however, will grant great credit to the new owners if achieved.  I wish them the best of success in these endeavors and look forward to their progress.

Photo by Deborah Allard, Fall River Herald News

It’s been over a month since the Facebook page “Lizzie Borden’s Maplecroft” has revealed an update of the renovation progress or information on planned opening date for tours.

It is still most likely the residence where Lizzie lived the entire second half of her life will NOT be operated as a Bed & Breakfast as first indicated by Kristee Bates.   

While curators Rebello and Pavao have been on the hunt for furniture, fixtures and artifacts associated with the home during the period Lizzie lived there (1893-1927), they have yet to discover and acquire items with the “Wow” factor, such as the bed in which Lizzie died. 

Unlike 92 Second Street, the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast Museum, where the murders of Andrew and Abby Borden took place on August 4, 1892, there is not one fixed date of historical significance at 306 French Street.  Lizzie lived there for 35 years but only 12 with her sister, Emma (1893-1905).  So will the furnishings depict that period or post Emma?  Will it depict furnishings and artifacts of the elderly Lizzie?  Styles in home decor differed greatly from the mid and late 1890’s as cultural shifts in society changed from the Edwardian era to World War I to the Jazz Age.  Definitely a curating – let alone a seek and obtain – challenge.

One of the basic tenants of marketing an event is to build excitement.  If the event is to draw attention and excitement about a future tourist attraction, titillating “teasers”  are essential.  No doubt whenever the opening, there will be significant local interest.  Local media reporting will feed into the regional news, but with ongoing good marketing appeal would extend to national and international interest.   And our treasured Lizzie Borden and her story is not landlocked within our own shores.

Early on in Ms. Bates renovation endeavors she sent me nearly a dozen short videos of her sweat equity.  From the “steeple” room where she plans (planned?) to have “tarot card readings”, to the 3rd floor (attic, i.e., servant’s quarters), to kitchen, to basement, to enclosed porch “where I’ll serve tea and crumpets” these videos show exactly what was being done and explained by Kristee herself.    IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE THESE VIDEOS, EMAIL ME AND I’LL SEND THEM TO YOU.

There are those who do not think “Maplecroft” will open to the public at all.   Perhaps it will be a seasonal thing and for tours only.   Whatever the use it should be marketed effectively.  The Lizzie Borden B&B Museum is self-marketing – Maplecroft is not.

Prepare yourself for another grossly fictitious telling of the Lizzie Borden story – this one showing her as having a lesbian affair with the maid, Bridget Sullivan.  Read about it HERE.

Aside from the two female stars, everyone else now attached to the project are pretty much unknowns.  Sadly, the work of the Director tells us a lot about the genre and qualilty of this yet to be produced film.

When, oh, when will we ever have a true depiction of this most compelling case?

Sigh.  And so it goes.

Meanwhile, enjoy this “Then and Now” image depicting the Sitting Room at the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast Museum in Fall River.

photo credit Joey Razda

Click HERE

RECYCLED POST  FROM FEBRUARY, 2014 – DVD’S STILL AVAILABLE.

(RECYCLED POST from July 2014)

Lizzie’s motivation and the trigger to the murders can be found here. As the August 4th date approaches and all things Lizzie resurface and regurgitate, you may enjoy using this source as a focal point and research reference.

TIMELINE EXCERPT

July 10, 1892 Morse again visits Bordens. AJB asks Morse if he knows of man to run Swansea farm. (CI 96)
July 11, 1892 Union laborers in Fall River celebrate new 58-hour workweek with giant parade.
July 18, 1892 Emma and Lizzie deed back house on Ferry Street to Andrew and receive $2,500 each. (LR556)
July 19, 1892 Lizzie’s 32nd Birthday.
July 20, 1892 Grover Cleveland passes thru FR enroute to NYC for Democratic Convention. (VVII-326)
July 20, 1892 Lizzie supposedly sees a stranger at the back door when she returns from being out that evening.
July 21, 1892 Lizzie & Emma leave Fall River; Emma stopping at Fairhaven to visit the Brownell’s.
July 21, 1892 Lizzie travels to New Bedford, staying with Mrs. Poole and her daughter at 20 Madison Street.
July 23, 1892 Lizzie went on street alone (New Bedford) to buy some dress goods (gone from rooming house 30 minutes). (WS31)
July 25, 1892 AJB writes letter to Morse to wait about getting a man to run his farm. (CI98)
July 25, 1892 Lizzie visits the girls at Marion at Dr. Handy’s cottage.
July 26, 1892 Lizzie, Mrs. Poole & Mrs. Poole’s daughter ride to Westport to visit Mrs. Cyrus Tripp (old schoolmate).
July 26, 1892 Lizzie takes train from Westport to New Bedford to connect with Fall River.
July 30, 1892 Fall River Board of Health reports 90 deaths due to extreme heat, 65 are children under age 5. (VVII-331)
July 31, 1892 Bridget prepares first serving of the infamous mutton.
August 2, 1892 Andrews tells associate there is “trouble” in the Borden household.
August 2, 1892 Swordfish is served for supper and served again warmed over for dinner.
August 2, 1892 Andrew and Abby vomit during the night.

August 3, 1892
THE DAY BEFORE THE MURDERS

8:00 am Abby goes across street to Dr. Bowen; tells him she fears she’s been poisoned.
Dr. Bowen crosses street to check on the Bordens; Lizzie dashes upstairs; Andrew rebuffs his unsolicited visit.
10:00-11:30 am Lizzie attempts to buy prussic acid from Eli Bence at Smith’s pharmacy on Columbia Street. (PH310)
12:00 Noon Lizzie joins Andrew and Abby for the noontime meal in the dining room.
12:35 am Uncle John Vinnicum Morse leaves by train from New Bedford for Fall River. (CI98)
1:30 pm John Morse walks from train station & arrives at Borden house; Bridget lets him in front door.
2:00-4:00 pm John Morse and Andrew talk in Sitting Room; Lizzie hears their conversation. (TT141)
4:00 pm John Morse hires horse and wagon at Kirby’s Stable and drives to Swansea in late afternoon. (CI 99)
7:00 pm Lizzie visits Alice Russell in the early evening, states her fear “something will happen”.
8:45 pm Morse returns from Swansea, talks in sitting room with Andrew and Abby. (CI99)
9:00 pm Lizzie returns from Alice Russell’s and goes upstairs to her room without speaking to father or uncle.
9:15 pm Abby Borden retires to bed.
10:00 pm Andrew and Morse retire to bed. (CI 00)

August 4, 1892
THE DAY OF THE MURDERS

(Note: Times given are based on various testimonies taken primarily from the Preliminary Hearing held August 25-September 1st, 1892, and are approximated as close as possible).

6:15 am Bridget goes downstairs, gets coal and wood in cellar to start fire in kitchen stove, and takes in milk.
6:20 am Morse goes downstairs to Sitting Room.
6:30 am Abby comes downstairs, gives orders for breakfast to Bridget
6:40-6:50 am Andrew goes downstairs, empties slops, picks up pears and goes to barn.
6:45 am Bridget opens side (back) door for iceman.
7:00 am Bordens and Morse have breakfast in Dining Room. (Lizzie is still upstairs).
7:15 am Bridget sees Morse for first time at breakfast table.
7:30 am Bridget eats her breakfast, and then clears dishes.
7:45-8:45 Morse and Andrew talk in Sitting Room; Abby sits with them a short while8:30 am Morse sees Abby go into the front hall.
8:45 am Andrew lets Morse out side door, invites him back for dinner.
8:45 am Morse leaves for Post Office and then to visit niece at Daniel Emery’s #4 Weybosset Street.
8:45-9:00 am Andrew goes back upstairs and returns wearing collar and tie, goes to sitting room
8:45-9:00 am Abby tells Bridget to wash windows, inside and out.
8:45-8:50 am Lizzie comes down and enters kitchen
8:45-9:00 am Bridget goes outside to vomit.
9:00 am Andrew leaves the house.
9:00 am Bridget returns, does not see Lizzie, sees Abby dusting in dining room, does not see Andrew.
9:00 am Abby goes up to guest room.
9:00-9:30 am Bridget cleans away breakfast dishes in kitchen.
9:00-10:00 am Abby Borden dies from blows to the head with a sharp instrument.
9:30 am Abraham G. Hart, Treasurer of Union Savings Bank, talks to Andrew at Bank.
9:30 am Morse arrives at #4 Weybosset Street to visit his niece and nephew.
9:30 am Bridget gets brush from cellar for washing windows
9:30 am Lizzie appears at back door as Bridget goes towards barn; Bridget tells Lizzie she need not lock door.
9:30-10:05 Andrew visits banks.
9:45 am John P. Burrill, Cashier, talks to Andrew at National Union Bank.
9:40 am Morse arrives at the Emery’s on Weybosset Street.
9:55 am Everett Cook talks to Andrew at First National Bank.
9:30-10:20 am Bridget washes outside windows, stops to talk to “Kelly girl” at south side fence.

10:00-10:30 am Mrs. Churchill sees Bridget outside washing NE windows.
10:20 am Bridget re-enters house from side door, commences to wash inside windows.
10:29 am Jonathan Clegg (fixed time by City Hall clock) stated Andrew left his shop heading home. (TT173)

10:15-10:30 am Andrew stops to talk to Jonathan Clegg, picks up old lock; Southard Miller (at Whitehead’s Market) sees AJB turn onto Spring St; Mary Gallagher sees AJB at corner of South Main & Spring; Lizzie Gray sees AJB turning north on Second Street. (WS10, 43)
10:30-10:40 am Joseph Shortsleeves sees Andrew.
10:40 am James Mather sees Andrew leave shop (fixes time by City Hall clock)
10:30-10:40 am Mrs. Kelly observes Andrew going to his front door.
10:30-10:40 am Andrew Borden can’t get in side door, fumbles with key at front door, and let in by Bridget
10:30-10:40 am Bridget hears Lizzie laugh on the stairs as she says “pshaw” fumbling with inside triple locks.
10:45 am Mary Chase, residing over Wade’s store, sees man on Borden fence taking pears. (WS45)
10:35-10:45 am Bridget sees Lizzie go into Dining Room and speak “low” to her father.
10:35-10:45 am Andrew goes upstairs to his bedroom and returns in a few minutes, going to Sitting Room sofa.
10:45 am Mary Chase, residing over Wade’s store, sees man on Borden fence taking pears. (WS45)
10:45-10:55 am Lizzie puts ironing board on dining room table as Bridget finishes last window in the dining room
10:45-10:55 am Lizzie asks Bridget in kitchen if she’s going out, tells her of note to Abby & sale at Sargeants.
10:50-10:55 Mark Chase observes man with open buggy parked just beyond tree in front of Borden house.
10:55–10:58 am Bridget goes up to her room in attic and lies down on her bed. (WS3)
10:55-11:10 am Andrew Borden dies from blows to the head with a sharp instrument.
11:00 am Addie Churchill leaves her house for Hudner’s grocery store on South Main. (WS8)
11:00 am Bridget hears City Hall clock chime 11:00.
11:05-11:10 am Hyman Lubinsky drives his horse cart past the Borden house. (TT1423)
11:10 am Lizzie hollers to Bridget to come down, “Someone has killed father”. (TT244)
11:10-11:12 am Lizzie sends Bridget to get Dr. Bowen. (TT245)
11:10-11:13 am Bridget rushes back across the street from Bowen’s, tells Lizzie he’s not at home. (TT245)
11:10-11:13 am Lizzie asks Bridget if she knows where Alice Russell lives and tells her to go get her. (TT245)
11:10-11:13 am Bridget grabs her hat & shawl from kitchen entry way and rushes to Alice Russell’s. (TT245)
11:10-11:13 am Mrs. Churchill observes Bridget crossing street, notices a distressed Lizzie and calls out. (PH281-282)
11:10-11:14 am Mrs. Churchill to side door, speaks briefly, and then crosses street looking for a doctor. (PH283)
11:12-11:14 am John Cunningham sees Mrs. Churchill talking to others then uses phone ay Gorman’s paint shop to call Police.
11:15 am Marshall Hilliard receives call from news dealer Cunningham about disturbance at Borden house.
11:15 am Marshall Hilliard orders Officer Allen to go to Borden house. (Allen notes exact time on office wall clock).
11:16 – 11:20 am Mrs. Churchill returns from giving the alarm. (PH284)
11:16 – 11:20 am Dr. Bowen pulls up in his carriage, met by his wife, rushes over to Borden’s. (PH 273)
11:16-11:20 am John Cunningham checks outside cellar door in Borden back yard, finds it locked.
11:18-11:20 am Dr. Bowen arrives at Borden house, sees Andrew, asks for sheet; alone with Lizzie for approx. one minute.
11:20 am Office Allen arrives at Bordens, met at door by Dr. Bowen. Sees Lizzie sitting alone at kitchen table.
11:20–11:21 am Allen sees Andrews’s body at same time Alice Russell and Mrs. Churchill come in. (Where was Bridget?)
11:20-11:22 am Allen checks front door and notes it bolted from inside, checks closets in dining room and kitchen.
11:20 am Morse departs Daniel Emery’s on Weybosset Street, takes a streetcar back to the Borden’s.
11-22-11:23 am Officer Allen leaves house to return to station, Bowen goes out with him. Allen has Sawyer guard back door.
11:23-11:33 am Dr. Bowen returns home, checks rail timetable, goes to telegram Emma, and stops at Baker’s Drug store.
Telegram is time stamped at 11:32. (PH274)
11:25 am Off. Patrick Doherty, at Bedford & Second, notes City Hall clock time enroute to Station. (T589)
11:23-11:30 am Lizzie asks to check for Mrs. Borden; Bridget & Mrs. Churchill go upstairs, discover body. (PH29-30)
11:40 am Bowen returns to Borden house. Churchill tells him they’ve discovered Abby upstairs. (TT322)
11:34 am Bridget fetches Doctor Bowen’s wife, Phoebe. (T250)
11:35-11:40 am Officer Patrick Doherty & Deputy Sheriff Wixon arrive at house, see Manning sitting on steps, met at back
door by Dr. Bowen, who lets them in. (T447)
11:35-11:40 am Francis Wixon and Dr. Bowen check Andrew’s pockets and remove watch.
11:35-11:40 Officer Doherty questions Lizzie who tells him she heard a “scraping” noise.
11:35-11:40 am Officer Doherty views Abby’s body with Dr. Bowen, pulls bed out to view her better. (PH330)
11:35-11:45 am Morse arrives at Borden house, first going to back yard.
11:37 am Officer Mullaly arrives.
11:39-11:40 am Officer Medley arrives at 92 Second Street. (T686)
11:42 am Doherty moves bed out 3 feet to view Mrs. Borden. (PH330)
11:44 am Doherty runs to Undertaker Gorman’s shop around corner and phones Marshall Hilliard. (PH331)
11:45 am Doherty returns; Officers Mullaly. Allen, Denny, and Mr. Medley arrive
11:45 am Dr. Dolan arrives, sees bodies.
11:45 am Morse talks to Sawyer at side door, later testifies he heard of murders from Bridget.
11:45-11:50 am Morse sees Andrew’s body, then goes upstairs and sees Abby’s body.
11:50 am Morse speaks to Lizzie as she lays on lounge in dining room.
11:50 am Asst. Marshall Fleet arrives; sees bodies; talks to Lizzie in her room w/Rev. Buck, says “…she’s not my mother, she’s my stepmother” (PH354)
11:50 am Morse goes out to back yard and stays outside most of the afternoon.
11:50 am –Noon Deputy Sheriff Wixon climbs back fence and talks to workmen sawing wood in Chagnon yard. (TT452)
11:50-Noon Doherty, Fleet and Medley accompany Bridget to cellar where she shows them hatchet in box on shelf.
12:15-12:20 am Officer Harrington arrives at the Borden house. (WS6)
12:25 am Officer Harrington interviews Lizzie in her bedroom (she wears pink wrapper). (WS6)
12:45 am Marshall Hillliard & Officers Doherty & Connors drive carriage to Andrew’s upper farm in Swansea.
3:30 pm Crime scene photographs are taken of Andrew & Abby.
3:40 pm Emma leaves on New Bedford train for Weir Junction to return to Fall River. (CI107)
4:00 pm Stomachs of Andrew and Abby removed and sealed.
5:00 pm Emma returns from Fairhaven and arrives at the Borden house. (TT1550)
5:00-5:30 pm State Detective George F. Seaver arrives from Taunton. (PH453)
5:30 pm Dr. Dolan “delivers” bodies of Andrew and Abby to Undertaker James Winward. (PH388)
6:00 pm Alice leaves 92 Second Street to return home for supper. (CI149)
8:45 pm Officer Joseph Hyde, observing from a northwest outside window, sees Lizzie & Alice go down cellar.
Key:
ASPI, II, III = The Phillips History of Fall River
AB = Arnold Brown
Beasley = David Beasley, McKee Rankin & Heyday of American Theatre
CI = Coroner’s Inquest
D-C = The Democrat & Chronicle Newspaper
DK = David Kent, Forty Whacks
ER = Edward Radin
ES = The Evening Standard (New Bedford)
Fenner = History of Fall River
FREN = Fall River Evening News
FRHN = Fall River Herald News
FRI = A Fall River Incident
KP = Knowlton Papers
KPC = Knowlton-Pearson Correspondence
LR = Leonard Rebello, Lizzie Borden Past and Present
NYT = New York Times
PH = Preliminary Hearing
TT = Superior Court Trial Transcript
VL = Victoria Lincoln, A Private Disgrace
VVI = Victorian Vistas, Volume I
VVII = Victorian Vistas, Volume II
VVIII = Victorian Vistas, Volume III
WP = Washington Post
WS = Witness Statements

Coming this September, here’s author Christine Verstraete‘s sneak peek into the plot line:

“Every family has its secrets…

One hot August morning in 1892, Lizzie Borden picked up an axe and murdered her father and stepmother. Newspapers claim she did it for the oldest of reasons: family conflicts, jealousy and greed. But what if her parents were already dead? What if Lizzie slaughtered them because they’d become zombies?

WS = Witness Statements (Fall River Police Dept.)

CI = Coroner’s Inquest (Second Distrct Court, Fall River)

PH = Preliminary Hearing (Second District Court, Fall River)

TT = Trial Testimony – Superior Court (New Bedford)

LR =  Lizzie Borden Past & Present (Len Rebello)

VV = Victorian Vistas – 3 Volumes (Philip T. Silvia, Jr.)

May 9-10, 1892	Painting of Borden house begins by John W. Grouard; Lizzie selects “drab” color.                           (LR32)
May/June 1892	Andrew kills pigeons roosting in the barn.  Morse visits end of June.
June 30, 1892	Morse spent 1 day at Borden’s; takes Butcher Davis daughter &Emma for ride.                                (CI 96)
July 10, 1892	Morse again visits Bordens.  AJB asks Morse if  he knows of manto run Swansea farm.                  (CI 96)
July 11, 1892	Union laborers in Fall River celebrate new 58-hour workweek with giant parade.
July 18, 1892	Emma and Lizzie deed back house on Ferry Street to Andrew and receive $2,500 each.                   (LR556)
July 19, 1892	Lizzie’s 32nd Birthday.
July 20, 1892	Grover Cleveland passes thru FR enroute to NYC for Democratic Convention.                             (VVII-326)
July 20, 1892	Lizzie supposedly sees a stranger at the back door when she returns from being out that evening.
July 21, 1892	Lizzie & Emma leave Fall River; Emma stopping at Fairhaven to visit the Brownell’s.
July 21, 1892	Lizzie travels to New Bedford, staying with Mrs. Poole and her daughter at 20 Madison Street.
July 23, 1892	Lizzie went on street alone (New Bedford) to buy some dress goods (gone from rooming house 30 minutes).    (WS31)
July 25, 1892	AJB writes letter to Morse to wait about getting a man to run his farm.                                              (CI98)
July 25, 1892	Lizzie visits the girls at Marion at Dr. Handy’s cottage.
July 26, 1892	Lizzie, Mrs. Poole & Mrs. Poole’s daughter ride to Westport to visit Mrs. Cyrus Tripp (old schoolmate).
July 26, 1892	Lizzie takes train from Westport to New Bedford to connect with Fall River.
July 30, 1892	Fall River Board of Health reports 90 deaths due to extreme heat, 65 are children under age 5.    (VVII-331)
July 31, 1892	Bridget prepares first serving of the infamous mutton.
August 2, 1892	Andrews tells associate there is “trouble” in the Borden household.
August 2, 1892	Swordfish is served for supper and served again warmed over for dinner.
August 2, 1892	Andrew and Abby vomit during the night.
August 3, 1892	THE DAY BEFORE THE MURDERS
8:00 am	Abby goes across street to Dr. Bowen; tells him she fears she’s been poisoned.
9:00am approx.	Dr. Bowen crosses street to check on the Bordens; Lizzie dashes upstairs; Andrew rebuffs his unsolicited visit.
10:00-11:30 am	Lizzie attempts to buy prussic acid from Eli Bence at Smith’s pharmacy on  Columbia Street.          (PH310)
12:00 Noon	Lizzie joins Andrew and Abby for the noontime meal in the dining room.
12:35 am	Uncle John Vinnicum Morse leaves by train from New Bedford for Fall River.                                (CI98)
1:30 pm	John Morse walks from train station & arrives at Borden house; Bridget lets him in front door.
2:00-4:00 pm	John Morse and Andrew talk in Sitting Room; Lizzie hears their conversation.                                 (TT141)
4:00 pm	John Morse hires horse and wagon at Kirby’s Stable and drives to Swansea in late afternoon.          (CI 99)
7:00 pm	Lizzie visits Alice Russell in the early evening, states her fear “something will happen”.
8:45 pm	Morse returns from Swansea, talks in sitting room with Andrew and Abby.                                 (CI99)
9:00 pm	Lizzie returns from Alice Russell’s and goes upstairs to her room without speaking to father or uncle.
9:15 pm	Abby Borden retires to bed.
10:00 pm	Andrew and Morse retire to bed.                  (CI 00)

August 4, 1892	THE DAY OF THE MURDERS  (Note: Times given are based on various testimonies taken primarily from the Preliminary Hearing  held  August 25-September 1st, 1892, and  are approximated as close as possible).
6:15 am	Bridget goes downstairs, gets coal and wood in cellar to start fire in kitchen stove, and takes in milk.
6:20 am	Morse goes downstairs to Sitting Room.
6:30 am	Abby comes downstairs, gives orders for breakfast to Bridget
6:40-6:50 am	Andrew goes downstairs, empties slops, picks up pears and goes to barn.
6:45 am	Bridget opens side (back) door for iceman.
7:00 am	Bordens and Morse have breakfast in Dining Room.  (Lizzie is still upstairs).
7:45-8:45	Morse and Andrew talk in Sitting Room; Abby sits with them a short while before beginning to dust.
8:30 am	Morse sees Abby go into the front hall.
8:45 am	Andrew lets Morse out side door, invites him back for dinner.
8:45 am	Morse leaves for Post Office and then to visit niece at Daniel Emery’s #4 Weybosset Street.
8:45-9:00 am	Andrew goes back upstairs and returns wearing collar and tie, goes to sitting room
8:45-9:00 am	Abby tells Bridget to wash windows, inside and out.
8:45-8:50 am	Lizzie comes down and enters kitchen
8:45-9:00 am	Bridget goes outside to vomit.
9:00 am	Andrew leaves the house.
9:00 am	Bridget returns, does not see Lizzie, sees Abby dusting in dining room, does not see Andrew.
9:00 am	Abby goes up to guest room.
9:00-9:30 am	Bridget cleans away breakfast dishes in kitchen.
9:00-10:00 am	Abby Borden dies from blows to the head with a sharp instrument.
9:30 am	Abraham G. Hart, Treasurer of Union Savings Bank, talks to Andrew at Bank.
9:30 am	Morse arrives at #4 Weybosset Street to visit his niece and nephew.
9:30 am	Bridget gets brush from cellar for washing windows
9:30 am	Lizzie appears at back door as Bridget goes towards barn; Bridget tells Lizzie she need not lock door.
9:30-10:05	Andrew visits banks.
9:45 am	John P. Burrill, Cashier, talks to Andrew at National Union Bank.
9:40 am	Morse arrives at the Emery’s on Weybosset Street.
9:55 am	Everett Cook talks to Andrew at First National Bank.
9:30-10:20 am	Bridget washes outside windows, stops to talk to “Kelly girl” at south side fence.
10:00-10:30 am	Mrs. Churchill sees Bridget outside washing NE windows.
10:20 am	Bridget re-enters house from side door, commences to wash inside windows.
10:29 am	Jonathan Clegg (fixed time by City Hall clock) stated Andrew left his shop heading home.                (TT173)
10:30-10:40 am	Joseph Shortsleeves sees Andrew.
10:40 am	James Mather sees Andrew leave shop (fixes time by City Hall clock)
10:30-10:40 am	Mrs. Kelly observes Andrew going to his front door.
10:30-10:40 am	Andrew Borden can’t get in side door, fumbles with key at front door, and let in by Bridget
10:30-10:40 am	Bridget hears Lizzie laugh on the stairs as she says “pshaw” fumbling with inside triple locks.
10:45 am
10:35-10:45 am	Bridget sees Lizzie go into Dining Room and speak “low” to her father.
10:35-10:45 am	Andrew goes upstairs to his bedroom and returns in a few minutes, going to Sitting Room sofa.
10:45 am	Mary Chase, residing over Wade’s store, sees man on Borden fence taking pears.                              (WS45)
10:45-10:55 am	Lizzie puts ironing board on dining room table as Bridget finishes last window in the dining room
10:45-10:55 am	Lizzie asks Bridget in kitchen if she’s going out, tells her of note to Abby & sale at Sargeants.
10:50-10:55	Mark Chase observes man with open buggy parked just beyond tree in front of Borden house.
10:55–10:58 am	Bridget goes up to her attic room to rest before preparing noon meal.
11:00 am	Addie Churchill leaves her house for Hudner’s grocery store on South Main.                                         (WS8)
11:00 am	Bridget hears City Hall clock chime 11:00.
11:05-11:10 am	Lizzie hollars to come quick.
11:10-11:12 am	Lizzie sends Bridget to get Dr. Bowen.                                                                                                (TT245)
11:10-11:13 am	Bridget rushes back across the street from Bowen’s, tells Lizzie he’s not at home.                           (TT245)
11:10-11:13 am	Lizzie asks Bridget if she knows where Alice Russell lives and tells her to go get her.                     (TT245)
11:10-11:13 am	Bridget grabs her hat & shawl from kitchen entry way and rushes to Alice Russell’s.                       (TT245)
11:10-11:13 am	Mrs. Churchill observes Bridget crossing street, notices a distressed Lizzie and calls out.           (PH281-282)
11:10-11:14 am	Mrs. Churchill to side door, speaks briefly, and then crosses street looking for a doctor.             (PH283)
11:12-11:14 am	John Cunningham sees Mrs. Churchill talking to others then uses phone ay Gorman’s paint shop to call Police.
11:15 am	Marshall Hilliard receives call from news dealer Cunningham about disturbance at Borden house.
11:15 am	Marshall Hilliard orders Officer Allen to go to Borden house. (Allen notes exact time on office wall clock).
11:16 – 11:20 am	Mrs. Churchill returns from giving the alarm.                                                                                     (PH284)
11:16 – 11:20 am	Dr. Bowen pulls up in his carriage, met by his wife, rushes over to Borden’s.                                  (PH 273)
11:16-11:20 am	John Cunningham checks outside cellar door in Borden back yard, finds it locked.
11:18-11:20 am	Dr. Bowen arrives at Borden house, sees Andrew, asks for sheet; alone with Lizzie for approx. one minute.
11:20 am	Office Allen arrives at Bordens, met at door by Dr. Bowen.  Sees Lizzie sitting alone at kitchen table.
11:20–11:21 am	Allen sees Andrews’s body at same time Alice Russell and Mrs. Churchill come in.  (Where was Bridget?)
11:20-11:22 am	Allen checks front door and notes it bolted from inside, checks closets in dining room and kitchen.
11:20 am	Morse departs Daniel Emery’s on Weybosset Street, takes a streetcar back to the Borden’s.
11-22-11:23 am	Officer Allen leaves house to return to station, Bowen goes out with him. Allen has Sawyer guard back door.
11:23-11:33 am	Dr. Bowen returns home, checks rail timetable, goes to telegram Emma, and stops at Baker’s Drug store.Telegram is time stamped at 11:32.                                                                                                    (PH274)
11:25 am
11:23-11:30 am
11:40 am	Bowen returns to Borden house.   Churchill tells him they’ve discovered Abby upstairs.                (TT322)
11:34 am	Bridget fetches Doctor Bowen’s wife, Phoebe.                                                                                 (T250)
11:35-11:40 am	Officer Patrick Doherty & Deputy Sheriff Wixon arrive at house, see Manning sitting on steps, met at backdoor by Dr. Bowen, who lets them   Begin search..                                                                                               (T447)
11:35-11:40 am	Francis Wixon and Dr. Bowen check Andrew’s pockets and remove watch.
11:35-11:40	Officer Doherty questions Lizzie who tells him she heard a “scraping” noise.
11:35-11:40 am	Officer Doherty views Abby’s body with Dr. Bowen,  pulls bed out to view her better.                 (PH330)
11:35-11:45 am	Morse arrives at Borden house, first going to back yard.
11:37 am	Officer Mullaly arrives.
11:39-11:40 am	Officer Medley arrives at 92 Second Street.                                                                                        (T686)
11:42 am	Doherty moves bed out 3 feet to view Mrs. Borden.                                                                           (PH330)
11:44 am	Doherty runs to Undertaker Gorman’s shop around corner and phones Marshall Hilliard.                (PH331)
11:45 am	Doherty returns; Officers Mullaly. Allen, Denny, and Mr. Medley arrive
11:45 am	Dr. Dolan arrives, sees bodies.
11:45 am	Morse talks to Sawyer at side door, later testifies he heard of murders from Bridget.
11:45-11:50 am	Morse sees Andrew’s body, then goes upstairs and sees Abby’s body.
11:50 am	Morse speaks to Lizzie as she lays on lounge in dining room.
11:50 am	Asst. Marshall Fleet arrives; sees bodies; talks to Lizzie in her room w/Rev. Buck, says “…she’s not my mother, she’s my  stepmother”                                                                                                             (PH354)
11:50 am	Morse goes out to back yard and stays outside most of the afternoon.
11:50 am –Noon	Deputy Sheriff Wixon climbs back fence and talks to workmen sawing wood in Chagnon yard.      (TT452)
11:50-Noon	Doherty, Fleet and Medley accompany Bridget to cellar where she shows them hatchet in box on shelf.
12:15-12:20 am	Officer Harrington arrives at the Borden house.                                                                                    (WS6)
12:25 am	Officer Harrington interviews Lizzie in her bedroom (she wears pink wrapper).                                 (WS6)
12:45 am	Marshall Hillliard & Officers Doherty & Connors drive carriage to Andrew’s upper farm in Swansea.
3:30 pm	Crime scene photographs are taken of Andrew & Abby.
3:40 pm	Emma leaves on New Bedford train for Weir Junction to return to Fall River.                                   (CI107)
4:00 pm	Stomachs of Andrew and Abby removed and sealed.
5:00 pm	Emma returns from Fairhaven and arrives at the Borden house.                                                         (TT1550)
5:00-5:30 pm	State Detective George F. Seaver arrives from Taunton.                                                                     (PH453)
5:30 pm	Dr. Dolan “delivers” bodies of Andrew and Abby to Undertaker James Winward.                             (PH388)
6:00 pm	Alice leaves 92 Second Street to return home for supper.                                                                    (CI149)
	8::45 pm   Officer Joseph Hyde, observing from a northwest outside window, sees Lizzie & Alice go down cellar.       The above is an extract from my Fall River/Lizzie Borden Historic Timeline 1620 – 2005.available in digital format ($10).  If interested contact me at phayemuss@gmail.com.