Mondo Lizzie Borden

It has been confirmed. Sort of. Maybe. Well, you decide.

“Intrepid Reporter” informs us that we finally have photographic evidence that Lizzie Borden has made it into the Wax Museum of Serial Killers. Not that there was an election or anything. And since she was not a serial killer, it sort of makes us wonder if the blogger who posted the info had the name of the museum correct.

However, in an article online, RoadsideAmerica.com, names the location as the Criminals Hall of Fame Wax Museum.

And where is this high class exhibition? Why Niagra Falls, Ontario, Canada, of course!

Posted today on AmericanHeritage.com Did Lizzie Borden Take an Ax . . . ? Published today for the anniversary of Lizzie’s acquittal. They have a couple of facts wrong: Abby was 64 (not 65), Abby was struck 19 times (not 20), and Porter’s book was published in 1893. Overall, a pretty good job! For those of you keeping track: the birth and death dates for these folks are:

Andrew: September 13, 1822 — August 4, 1892
Abby: January 21, 1828 — August 4, 1892
Lizzie: July 19, 1860 — June 1, 1927
Emma: March 1, 1851 — June 10, 1927

And the number of hacks?

Andrew: 10
Abby: 19

Let’s keep it straight people!

Some eBay sales for your consideration:

1. 1954, 1938 Hurricane Picture Books Fall River, MA. There are two 1938 hurricane books and one of Hurricane Carol 1954. All are in very good condition except for some wear along the binding. Nice find at a starting bid of only $9.99. But note that shipping info contradicts itself. In auction ad says ships by media mail, but shipping info added by seller says Priority only. Also, seller does not take paypal, so you have to pay extra for a money order. I would contact seller if interested and ask for the details.
2. Villisca - Living with a Mystery DVD, True Crime/Murder. I bought mine two weeks ago and just viewed it. I recommend this DVD. The filmmakers did a wonderful job telling this very interesting story. Includes some video extras, one portion of which is a section on Lizzie Borden, with interviews with Michael Martins and Ken Souza. One small disappointment, there no crime scene images included in the film. After studying the Borden case for years, I know how much case info can be gleaned from actual images of victims. There is none of that here. BuyItNow for only $23. On the Villisca: Living with the Mystery website it is $26.99.
3. Loveliness Eliz S. Phelps- Owned by Lizzie Borden, 1900. This seller claims this book was owned by Lizzie Borden and given to her and Emma by the author. As with any Borden owned items for sale, I suggest writing the seller for the provenance.

This book on Anti-vivisection of animals for scientific purposes was owned by Lizzy Borden who was a New England spinster who was tried for the brutal axe murders of her father and stepmother in the late 19th century. Although she was acquitted, she has remained a notorious figure, and dispute over whether she was guilty continues to this day. It is “Loveliness” by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps (Ward), 1900, Houghton Mifflin & Company, Boston. The book is inscribed: “To Miss Borden (probably her sister Emma) and Miss L. A. Borden, from the author.” There is an air of irony involved in that one of the most notorious murderers in US history was passionate about the suffering of animals. . . . This book was about one of Lizzie’s passions the anti-vivisection of animals for scientific purposes. It’s a story about a beloved Yorkshire terrier who is stolen and sent to a medical lab. Of course he is rescued in the nick of time in this 1899 plea of antivivisectionists.

4. 1893 Glass Hatchet Chicago World’s Fair. This one has a double Lizzie connection. First, it is a glass hatchet. Nuf said there. Second, this is a commemorative from the Columbia Exposition of 1893 in Chicago, an event that Lizzie Borden herself attended after her acquittal. Nice price at $19.99 for an item that is 113 years old.
5. Don’t fall for this balony. Living Dead Dolls-Minis-series 2 -Lizzie Borden for only $2.99! Wow you might say. Don’t touch this one. Note the shipping price: $12.00!. Ripoff.