Forum Title: LIZZIE BORDEN SOCIETY
Topic Area: Fall River and Its Environs
Topic Name: Fall River Visitors

1. "Fall River Visitors"
Posted by Kat on Sep-27th-02 at 4:08 AM

Recently, this spring and summer, some of our members (Known  & maybe some "unknown?")  have visited Fall River, and 92 Second Street.
I would like to know if any visited the area of Maplecroft and how does it look, as of summer 2002?


2. "Has Anyone Seen Maplecroft Lately?"
Posted by Kat on Sep-28th-02 at 3:33 AM
In response to Message #1.

Fall River Pilgrims...what's the news on the Maplecroft site?


3. "Re: Has Anyone Seen Maplecroft Lately?"
Posted by Kashesan on Sep-28th-02 at 11:56 AM
In response to Message #2.

Going within the next week or so-want to make sure the FRHS and the B&B are open. At Maplecroft I plan to hang around suspiciously, and be generally annoying.

(Message last edited Sep-28th-02  11:58 AM.)


4. "A PLAN"
Posted by Kat on Sep-28th-02 at 2:59 PM
In response to Message #3.

OK folks...
What we need is a plan:

HOW do we get Kash/Nance INSIDE Maplecroft?
All  legal suggestions entertained...


5. "Re: A PLAN"
Posted by kimberly on Sep-28th-02 at 5:02 PM
In response to Message #4.

How about the truth? 'I'm giving a lecture on Lizzie & I would
love to see where she ironed her handkerchiefs', or spent
her golden years. Crying & begging might work, it has never
helped me any, but that is a whole nudder ballgame.


6. "Re: A PLAN"
Posted by harry on Sep-28th-02 at 6:39 PM
In response to Message #4.

Lie.  Tell them your father and step-mother were brutally slain and you're looking at houses on the Hill.

Worked once, may again. 


7. "Re: A PLAN"
Posted by Kat on Sep-28th-02 at 7:17 PM
In response to Message #6.

How about a combination of the two...
Then she swoons upon the front steps and needs to come inside for a drink of water...


8. "Re: A PLAN"
Posted by Stefani on Sep-28th-02 at 11:07 PM
In response to Message #7.

The owner, Dube, is a notary right? Go there to get something notarized, which at least lets you into the front porch. Then swoon. Ask to use the bathroom!!! Then snoop. Oh, don't forget to take your spy camera and get good shots! This tape will self destruct in five seconds . . . . . good luck Agent Kash.


9. "Re: A PLAN"
Posted by Susan on Sep-29th-02 at 2:04 PM
In response to Message #8.

Ohmigawd!  This is too funny! 


10. " A PLAN"
Posted by Kat on Sep-29th-02 at 10:24 PM
In response to Message #8.

If you're going to use the *bathroom excuse* don't neglect to check the medicine cabinet!


11. "Re:  A PLAN"
Posted by kimberly on Sep-30th-02 at 5:26 AM
In response to Message #10.

And if you get that far don't forget to take a picture
of Lizzie's hard earned bathtub.


12. "Re:  A PLAN"
Posted by kashesan on Sep-30th-02 at 7:02 AM
In response to Message #11.

(sigh) Would love to visit Maplesauce and see the whole place-but alas I don't have the personality to knock on Notorious Notery Public Dube's door unannounced. If I were he, I wouldn't appreciate it, and I'm sure Our Lizzie wouldn't either. Especially in her case, I'd have the door slammed in my face faster than you could say "Jehovah's Witness"


13. "Re:  A PLAN"
Posted by rays on Sep-30th-02 at 5:57 PM
In response to Message #12.

Your library should have a book on detective skills. Ever watch "The Agency" for tips?

Bring along a document (bill of sale?) that needs a notarized signature. Then strike up a friendly conversation. "I heard Lizzie used to live on this street." Best if you know something about the person's hobby and background.


14. "Re:  A PLAN"
Posted by kimberly on Sep-30th-02 at 7:14 PM
In response to Message #12.

I'm sure a lot of his business is from Lizzie fans, would anyone
choose to live in a famous house if they didn't enjoy the
attention? I would love to get to go visit Fall River & if I
did I'd spring for the extra to get something notarized there,
even if I didn't get to pilfer around it would be fun to just
step inside. Just think your whatever was notarized in Lizzie's
beloved Maplesauce er, Maplecroft.


15. "Re:  A PLAN"
Posted by Edisto on Sep-30th-02 at 9:16 PM
In response to Message #12.

Nor do I have the personality to try to work my way into Maplecroft by hook or crook.  However, I've heard tell that Mr. Dube can sometimes be talked into a personal tour of his premises if he's approached right.  I think a frontal attack might be best.  I haven't visited Maplecroft.  When I was last in Fall River, it was supposedly about to open ("fixin' to" as we say down south), and I assumed I'd be able to book a room there in the near future.  Alas, that didn't happen. I have thought of writing a nice letter to Mr. Dube and asking if he would give me a brief tour in exchange for a contribution to his preservation fund.  (If he doesn't have a preservation fund, he needs one!)  The worst that could happen is that he would say no.


16. "Re:  A PLAN"
Posted by Susan on Oct-1st-02 at 3:09 AM
In response to Message #15.

Oh, if only I lived on the east coast still!  I have that kind of personality that I can strike up a conversation with total strangers and possibly work my way into Maplecroft.  Maybe its a Leo thing?  Or, maybe its just me?  Just the thought of being able to worm my way into Lizzie's personal sanctuary would give me the drive, I would go prepared for anything!  Something to be notarized, wearing something lowcut, etc., you get the picture! 


17. "Re:  A PLAN"
Posted by Kat on Oct-1st-02 at 3:15 AM
In response to Message #15.

To approach him with a frontal attack, do we have to be left handed?

He is also a public fire adjuster, whatever that is...ask him if he will please adjust your fire...and try to look like Jessica Rabbit...


18. "Re:  A PLAN"
Posted by kashesan on Oct-1st-02 at 6:55 AM
In response to Message #16.

I'm a Leo too Susan!-its my overdeveloped lioness pride that keeps me from knocking on a strangers door (even Maplesauce)and asking for anything.(Hmmph! Where's the Red Carpet, Dube? You're entertaing royalty!!) As for me wearing something lowcut to weasel my way into a mans home...lets just say its not my style. (any guys caught sneaking a peek at these cannons is likely to regret it)


19. "Re:  A PLAN"
Posted by Susan on Oct-1st-02 at 11:40 AM
In response to Message #18.

  I understand, Kashesan!  I think I'm more of a housecat than a true lioness, but, she does come out at times!  Oh boy, doe she!  Case in point, a group of friends and I just went to Six Flags Magic Mountain this last Saturday.  My brother(my twin) and I were talking to everyone in line, our friends were astonished, we were laughing and carrying on like we knew these people forever.

Anyhoo, you're a writer, Kashesan, correct?  Use your writing abilities to write Dube and explain your situation, I'm sure you can put your point across without baring your cannons! 


20. "Re:  A PLAN"
Posted by Susan on Oct-1st-02 at 11:43 AM
In response to Message #18.

  I understand, Kashesan!  I think I'm more of a housecat than a true lioness, but, she does come out at times!  Oh boy, does she!  Case in point, a group of friends and I just went to Six Flags Magic Mountain this last Saturday.  My brother(my twin) and I were talking to everyone in line, our friends were astonished, we were laughing and carrying on like we knew these people forever.

Anyhoo, you're a writer, Kashesan, correct?  Use your writing abilities to write Dube and explain your situation, I'm sure you can put your point across without baring your cannons! 


21. "Re:  A PLAN"
Posted by Susan on Oct-1st-02 at 11:45 AM
In response to Message #18.

  I understand, Kashesan!  I think I'm more of a housecat than a true lioness, but, she does come out at times!  Oh boy, does she!  Case in point, a group of friends and I just went to Six Flags Magic Mountain this last Saturday.  My brother(my twin) and I were talking to everyone in line, our friends were astonished, we were laughing and carrying on like we knew these people forever.

Anyhoo, you're a writer, Kashesan, correct?  Use your writing abilities to write Dube and explain your situation, I'm sure you can put your point across without baring your cannons! 


22. "Re:  A PLAN"
Posted by kimberly on Oct-1st-02 at 12:48 PM
In response to Message #21.

You are doing it again! Only three this time!


23. "Re:  A PLAN"
Posted by Kashesan on Oct-1st-02 at 12:54 PM
In response to Message #21.

Hmm. I don't think I could even get through a letter without berating him for the shape the place is in. Mabe the Maplecroft Restoration Fund is a good angle-would Lizzie ever have imagined that 92 Second would be the money-generating showplace while 306 French (7 French?) lapsed into disrepair?


24. "Re:  A PLAN"
Posted by dnslilly on Oct-1st-02 at 3:22 PM
In response to Message #23.

I plan to reveal my plan (no cannons involved here, sorry) this evening at home....


David...FR or bust (no cannons they said!)


25. "Re:  A PLAN"
Posted by dnslilly on Oct-1st-02 at 3:24 PM
In response to Message #24.

btw, I'm Aries...speculate away.

David


26. "Re:  A PLAN"
Posted by dnslilly on Oct-1st-02 at 8:26 PM
In response to Message #25.

This is partially thought out & partially off the top of my head as I type- you can decide which ideas/passages are which:

I would have to do some research about the rest of the Borden family, memorize some names and details, become a raconteur wanting to see where Lizzie (to whom I am kin) lived her life after the trial, as there seems to be little knowledge of it amongst living relatives or written down by deceased ones.  Let the man know how much I'd appreciate being able to take a look around, even though it's bound to have changed at least a little since the mid 1920's.  He sympathizes, understands and lets us in.  The camcorder has been recording since we walked up to the door, cradled in my hand as I walk normally with both arms down, filming, as shaky and awkward as it might be...better than not getting inside.

What I would actually do - what I have time for - is less involved.  Like my friend and yours, Ms. Susan, I have no problem talking with complete strangers as if I've known them 150 years; depending on their body & facial language & the chemistry I sense between said stranger and me. But I can walk up, camcorder rolling inconspicuously, to the door and knock.  What I would say to the person that answers, not even I would know that until that moment.

David...who is preparing to drive from the Louisville area to see a house where two people were hacked to death 100+ years ago.  more interesting than Disneyland(for me)


27. "Re:  A PLAN"
Posted by Edisto on Oct-1st-02 at 8:34 PM
In response to Message #26.

Oh, I hope you will share with us exactly how you are related to Lizzie.  Most of the people who drop by these boards and say they are her kin turn out to be charlatans.  I hope we have a genuine one at last.


28. "Re:  A PLAN"
Posted by Susan on Oct-1st-02 at 8:56 PM
In response to Message #27.

Yes, please, do tell!  An Aries, hmmm, us Leos and Aries are supposed to get on fabulously!  Good luck, I hope you get into Maplecroft!  What an exciting day that would be! 


29. "Re:  A PLAN"
Posted by dnslilly on Oct-2nd-02 at 8:29 AM
In response to Message #28.

Let me explain...that phrase "(to whom I am related)" was meant to be a fictious part of the Plan to get inside Maplecroft...I am not actually related to Lizzie but part of my "plan" would be to tell the owner of it that I am.  sorry, I thought you'd catch that due to the keyword "raconteur."

til next time...

David


30. "Re:  A PLAN"
Posted by kashesan on Oct-2nd-02 at 8:40 AM
In response to Message #29.

Best of luck, but I think they'll spot you 'relatives' comin' a mile away...


31. "Re:  A PLAN"
Posted by Susan on Oct-2nd-02 at 11:42 AM
In response to Message #29.

Oops, okay, we're on the same page now.  I wonder how many Lizzie "relatives" show up at Maplecroft and the Lizzie Borden B&B?  How about saying that you're Andrew Jenning's relative or Knowlton's, thats a bit different, but, they may have heard them all by now? 


32. "Re:  A PLAN"
Posted by KASHESAN on Oct-2nd-02 at 2:16 PM
In response to Message #31.

How about you're a descendant from the original owners of Tilden and Thurber's and that you've had a complaint against a shoplifter filed. No wait! No wait! Nance O'Neil was your great aunt and she left her purse there the night of the Emma-routing shin-dig; could Dube please look around for it?? (check behind the potted plant,Aunt Nance was known to tinkle behind them if the beer was flowing and the bathrooms were all occupied..)


33. "Re:  A PLAN"
Posted by william on Oct-2nd-02 at 5:15 PM
In response to Message #26.

The following is excerpted from Alexander Woollcott's introduction to the "Murderer's Companion," authored by William Roughead;

". . . or consider the case of Robert Benchley and the Maid of Fall River.  When the formidable Miss Borden settled down to enjoy the considerable fortune which came to her as the result of the unexpected (to them) deaths of her father and stepmother - - the evidence did tend to suggest that Miss Lizzie had taken an axe to them - her neighbors dedicated her to a pensive isolation. No cards were ever left at Miss Lizzie's door, but as the years went by, Fall River gossip did insist that her autumnal favors were occasionally lavished on a stray Western Union Messenger or delivery boy.  In the hope of having something to remember in his old age, Mr. Benchley, who was younger and more spirited in those days, disguised himself with a brown paper parcel, went to Fall River and loitered all day around the Borden house (Maplecroft). Nothing came of it, he says, but if he had gone in, Mr. Roughead would gladly have waited outside all night just to hear what happened."

If any Bordenian would care to duplicate Mr. Benchley's experiment, please be advised that I have a large collection of brown paper bags I am reserving for just such a purpose.  I will be happy to mail a bag to anyone enclosing a SASE. Will supply bag with added mouth and eye holes to enhance the disguise, if so requested.


34. "Re:  A PLAN"
Posted by Kat on Oct-2nd-02 at 6:53 PM
In response to Message #33.

Thanks for the great quote, William.
It's so cool to know these famous men were ready & willing to hang around outside Lizbeth's house as well!

Kash/Nance or Dave, you can choose between this *model* or one of a reindeer:

You could carry a package of pears to deliver!
OOPS!  I'm time-traveling again...

(Message last edited Oct-2nd-02  6:56 PM.)


35. "Re:  A PLAN"
Posted by dnslilly on Oct-2nd-02 at 7:58 PM
In response to Message #33.

Alexander Woollcott's<<<

That's it!!  We'll build a small campfire in the backyard of the murder house, get naked & roast potatoes...any time I see Woollcott's name I think of the Marx Bros., who did that very thing in someone's office, around the fireplace.  I read everything I could find on them in the mid 70's.  strange thing for a HS kid to be pursuing? oh well.
of course if I videotape that we'll all look sort of greenish. ;-p

could just lie down in the backyard in daylight and ear pears until the cops come to drag me away. I wish that damned barn was still there.

David






 

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