Every summer around this time, the owner of Lizzie Borden’s Maplecroft, puts the house on the market, perhaps hoping to entice some Borden enthusiast to buy the home. And this year is no different.
Here is the house today. The phone number, if you are interested in learning the price or making a bid, is 508 673-8088.
Let us all know what the owner tells you. Post your info here!!
A copy of the new book by A. Cheree Carlson, published by the University of Illinois Press that includes a chapter on the Lizzie Borden case of 1892, arrived on Friday and I read the Borden chapter.
The book is titled The Crimes of Womanhood: Defining Femininity in a Court of Law.
The chapter in question is titled: “Womanhood An Asset and Liability: Lizzie Andrew Borden”
This book is a work of scholarship, yet it is not dense or full of academic jargon. It is immensely readable, and I look forward to reading the other chapters as well (Elizabeth Parsons Ware Packard, Mary Harris, Mary Todd Lincoln, and Madame Restell).
Carlson’s take on the Borden case is well reasoned. She investigates the use of gender in the trial itself, used by both the prosecution and defense, to argue their case for and against the guilt of the accused, one Lizzie Andrew Borden.
A few of the facts of the case are incorrect, but that rehash does not affect the overall argument posed by Carlson.
The author posits that the prosecution tried to use Lizzie’s gender against her. Lizzie’s lousy relationship with her stepmother, her seeming stoic behavior after the discovery of the bodies, her unfeeling response, now famous, that Abby was not her mother, but her stepmother (her true mother having died when Lizzie was 2), all work to make Lizzie less than the ideal woman, a person who, instead, has an unnatural mother/daughter connection, and thus, perhaps, is then capable of the crimes since she is so unfeeling about Abby.
Carlson then shows how the defense turned that argument on its ear and proved, or presented evidence to the fact, that Lizzie had a warm and close relationship to her father. In her daughterly duty to her dad, her charity and church work, Lizzie exemplified the ideal of womanhood, and thus was incapable of such heinous actions.
Carlson also delves into class as well as gender and, without giving away the story, makes an interesting argument for a way of reading the Lizzie Borden case in a new light.
I recommend this book.
Today was the first summer day without rain so far this season. The Fall River History Club had the good fortune of having Fall River historian Bill Goncalo lead us on a tour of Interlachen, the former home of Spencer Borden, that juts out into the North Watuppa Pond, and the Cook-Borden ice house.
A slideshow of the tour is here for your viewing pleasure.
Arts United Fall River and the First Congregational Church Present:
FRIDAY NIGHT FLICKS!
FREE!
Classic Comedies from Hollywood’s Golden Era
Every Friday night through July EXCEPT July 3rd.
Each film is introduced by Stefani Koorey, Ph.D., who presents a short, entertaining talk about the movie and its context within the fascinating history of American filmmaking.
First Congregational Church
Fellowship Hall
282 Rock Street
Fall River, MA
Please enter through the Cherry Street door.
June 26: ARSENIC AND OLD LACE (1944)
July 10: DUCK SOUP (1933)
July 17: SULLIVAN’S TRAVELS (1941)
July 24: SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN (1952)
July 31: MR SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON (1939)
Phone: 508-672-5862
A new book by A. Cheree Carlson was published by the University of Illinois Press, in December of last year, that includes a chapter on the Lizzie Borden case of 1892.
The Crimes of Womanhood: Defining Femininity in a Court of Law.
This book has seven chapters, and one entire one is devoted to Lizzie. Chapter six is titled: “Womanhood An Asset and Liability: Lizzie Andrew Borden”
Here is the review and product description from amazon.com
Review
“This enjoyable and readable book adds significantly to our understanding of the construction and embodiment of gender during the 1860s through the 1920s. A nuanced, complex mosaic of public conversations about gender.” Martha Watson, author of Lives of Their Own: Rhetorical Dimensions in Autobiographies of Women Activists “Written in a lively style and full of insightful analysis, The Crimes of Womanhood offers an important contribution to rhetorical scholarship. The book will make an excellent addition to courses exploring the intersections of rhetoric, gender, and/or the law in the U.S. I look forward to using it.” Sara Hayden, professor of communication studies, University of Montana “A provocative read. Carlson illustrates the ways that historical legal narratives–presented as factual, neutral, and objective–were, indeed, highly rhetorical and highly gendered. Her call for a rhetorical reframing of our narratives regarding women, both within the legal realm and outside it, is nothing less than call for expanding our cultural repertoire of the possibilities for successful femininity.” Cindy L. Griffin, co-editor of Feminist Rhetorical Theories: A ReaderProduct Description
Cultural views of femininity exerted a powerful influence on the courtroom arguments used to defend or condemn notable women on trial in nineteenth-century and early-twentieth-century America. A. Cheree Carlson analyzes the colorful rhetorical strategies employed by lawyers and reporters in the trials of several women of varying historical stature, from the insanity trials of Mary Todd Lincoln and Lizzie Borden’s trial for the brutal slaying of her father and stepmother, to lesser-known trials involving insanity, infidelity, murder, abortion, and interracial marriage. Carlson reveals clearly just how narrow was the line that women had to walk, since the same womanly virtues that were expected of them–passivity, frailty, and purity–could be turned against them at any time. With gripping retellings and incisive analysis, this book will appeal to historians, rhetoricians, feminist researchers, and anyone who enjoys courtroom drama.
I have seen it all—portraits of women being passed off as Lizzie Borden who obviously are NOT Lizzie Borden. They have been advertised for years and I have quite a collection.
Today, on eBay, is the best of the worst. Here is what this person considers to be Lizzie Borden AND her father Andrew.
“Infamous” accused axe murderer “Lizzie Borden” EXTREMELY RARE Studio Portrait Just found and identified is what we have to offer you.
Stuck to the back of the cardboard matting of her portrait was another portrait from the same studio with identical cardboard matting. We believe this to be her father “Andrew Borden” whom Lizzie was accused of murdering alongside her mother as well. She was subsequently acquitted of both murders and till this day remains one of the most infamous and hanous homicides in American History.
THE STUDIO PORTRAIT OF THE “INFAMOUS” LIZZIE BORDEN WAS DISCOVERED ATTACHED TO WITH WHAT WE BELIEVE IS TO BE AN EARLY PORTRAIT OF HER FATHER.
And yours for a starting bid of $2,800!
Oh, and note how the photos were taken in Germany. Perhaps they have a Lizzie and Andrew Borden there too!
Today, the Fall River Herald News published an OUR VIEW opinion column endorsing Every House Has A Story.
So far, the feedback has been very positive to this city-wide initiative, supported not only by the Preservation Society of Fall River, Arts United Fall River, Save Our Neighborhoods, and the city of Fall River (and the Mayor’s office).
The Massachusetts Foundation for the Humanities is looking at this as a pilot program for other cities in the Commonwealth!
OUR VIEW: If these walls could talk, 06-21-09
The Herald News
Posted Jun 21, 2009 @ 12:00 AM
How often do we find ourselves examining our surroundings and wondering what discoveries we could make and lessons we could learn “if only these walls could talk?”History is everywhere, especially in Fall River, an old mill city with many homes and factories more than 100 years old. Personal stories are written all over the walls of closely packed triple-decker tenements and sprawling stone-and-brick mill buildings — stories just waiting to be told. Now, thanks to a new community-based Web site, those walls are coming to life, promising to impart the kind of wisdom and advice for future prosperity that only history can provide.
“Every House has a Story” was born out of local historian Stephanie Koorey’s curiosity about the history of her own home, which, she discovered, was once owned by Fall River’s most notorious resident, Lizzie Borden. Every house, Koorey figured, has an equally fascinating story to tell; one that should be shared with the masses. Now it can be on http://everyhousehasastory.org.
The Wikipedia-like Web site allows anyone to contribute his or her own personal property tale. The Web site also provides a quick tutorial on how to research one’s own home and provides resources to research house deeds, architectural styles and chain of ownership, among other pieces of information.
The organizers hope the community embraces Every House has a Story and the site eventually features hundreds of stories detailing the history of the city’s homes, and telling the story of the city itself. The program is as community-oriented as it gets, offering Fall Riverites the chance not only to tell of their own place in the city’s history, but to detail the stories of those who helped make Fall River what it is, helping contribute to and sustain the fabric of the community. It can involve homeowners, politicians, even students. Every House has a Story is partnering with B.M.C. Durfee High School, which is allowing work on the Web site as part of its summer reading program.
Young and old are encouraged to become amateur sleuths, examining property records, census figures and newspaper clippings, and exploring every nook and cranny of one’s own home. The Web site provides an invaluable educational experience, expanding one’s knowledge of local history, architecture, demographics, even politics and governance. It also encourages residents to become more resourceful and curious, keys to learning and progressing. Who knows what fascinating discoveries are waiting to be found?
Such community pride as Koorey has obviously achieved can be difficult to find. No, Fall River is not a perfect city. It has more than its fair share of crime, poverty and pollution. It has a high unemployment rate and low educational attainment compared to more affluent cities in the commonwealth. But few communities can boast the cultural diversity, fascinating history and potential that can be found in the Spindle City. In a way, Fall River is a reflection of what America once was. It is not a rich city — financially, anyway — but is made up of hardworking, blue-collar people with diverse backgrounds who take pride in an honest day’s work and making a small contribution to society. There is honor in such a life.
“I think a sense of place is important to loving where you live,” Koorey said. “If people start realizing their connection to the city, then we won’t take it for granted.”
Every House has a Story helps Fall River reflect on its colorful past and find that honor once again.
I introduced the Mayor of Fall River today at a press conference held by the Preservation Society of Fall River, Arts United, Save Our Neighborhoods, and the City of Fall River. He was gracious with his complements of our new initiative titled “Every House Has A Story,” where citizens and interested parties can participate in recording and preserving the stories of their homes in Fall River.
The website is EveryHouseHasAStory.org and we invite people who have lived in the city, but may not even live here now, to log in, create an account, and post your history of your house.
“Every House Has A Story,” is a program to inspire children and adults of all ages to expand their pride in their city, with its rich cultural diversity and history—whether they live in a Victorian mansion in the Highlands or a three-decker up the Flint.
An article appears in Friday’s Herald News, which was posted online tonight.
Cameron Munson, center
In the most recent issue of The Hatchet, I conducted an extensive interview with wunderkind filmmaker Cameron Munson, who was in post-production for his short independent film, Bordenia.
He graciously sent me a copy of the 21-minute film and I watched it the day before yesterday.
I have to say I was immensely impressed by the high production value of this film. From the first frame, you can tell you are watching a well done movie. One can sense the craftsmanship from the titles onward. Of particular note is the fabulous lighting. Mood and tone are perfectly set by the way in which color and intensity is executed.
The story is quite unusual and you never know what is going to happen next. With a minute to go until the end, I had no idea where Munson would leave us.
The film is not a retelling of the Borden case, yet the characters are named after the true people from Fall River. The situation is only somewhat similar, and the film is placed in modern times. Bordenia is definitely an art film with this layer of Borden overtones, both subtle and direct.
I think what Munson is doing is taking us from the known to the unknown, using location and situation to really tell a different kind of story. The movie was filmed in Intercourse, PA, which looks nothing like Fall River, yet the titles claim that that is where we are. I believe this to be intentional bluffing, and I really like that quality of the film. We know something about this story in our deepest psyches, so we are familiar with its themes. And yet, this isn’t Lizzie Borden nor is it really Fall River. It is some place cold where pain and tragedy reside.
The film has stayed with me, even after a day has passed, and, perhaps because the film is so short, I have strong memories of each scene.
When I watch a movie or read a book, I turn off the critic in me, and let the author/filmmaker do to me what they will. I give them the benefit of the doubt, always, that everything I see and hear was on purpose. I assume that the final product is a planned and decided work and all of it is intended to be as it is presented to me. That way, I can ride roller coaster and enjoy my experience as would anyone who may watch it later. I immerse myself, I guess you could say, in the story.
That said, I would like to say I sincerely appreciate what Munson is doing here. I know his vision is a remarkable thing, and his film exceeded my expectations in every way. Cameron Munson is going to be a name to reckon with in the future, no doubt. His film is unique and his Lizzie Borden, portrayed by actress Sarah Ann Corkum, is fabulous. She has a memorable face (an important asset in film) and her talent is quite evident in every scene. I liked the performances of everyone in the movie, but I must say the camera really ate up Corkum. It is clear to me she is going to go far.
I hope you one day get to see this film. Right now, I think, it is on the festival circuit, seeking awards and distribution.
It happened yet again! Another person said to me that people in Fall River couldn’t afford to pay $40 to see a play in the city. Fall River has become, for some, a punching bag that negative people use to vent their discontent. Some folks, apparently, simply can’t imagine that culture and art and music and history can thrive here. These same individuals don’t understand or see that Fall River is on the rise.
Of course, I jumped into that argument and let them know that they were mistaken, that there are loads of folks here who can “afford” the show, who feel good about attending an event that is a fundraiser for a local art group, who want a fun night out, and who will enjoy a great play about one of the city’s former and most famous citizens.
Just as they were insisting, really insisting, that they were right and I was naive, the word came in that Lizzie Borden Live had sold out! I was triumphant in winning this battle and expected the person to be surprised and a little happy for the show and the city. On the contrary, they humphed a few times and muttered that it was a fluke, and that it couldn’t happen again in a million years.
Talk about someone who needs an attitude adjustment!
Take that all those who feel like this city is so full of poor, uneducated, uncultured people that it cannot support good theatre. Take that to all who talk about Fall River as a lost soul who will never realize her magnificence. Take that to all who live far away and judge this place without mercy. Fall River is a city that will achieve its potential . . . one house, one art exhibit, one election, one person, one play, one day, at a time.
Well, not officially. But in the seventh grade in the Gifted and Talented program at Belmont Middle School in New Hampshire recently they did. The students opened a civil case and held a mock trial. Students participated as jurors and audience members.
What a great idea!
Here’s the skinny:
A hung jury was declared Friday during the civil case against Lizzie Borden after jurors could not come to an unanimous vote.
Borden has been dead for some 82 years but the seventh grade students in the Gifted and Talented program at Belmont Middle School re-opened a civil case during a mock trial that took place at the Laconia District Court with students participating as jurors and audience members.
For the past three months, the students have been compiling evidence and rehearsing their presentation of the civil case against Lizzie Borden who was acquitted in a criminal case for the murders of her father and stepmother.
The mock trial was part of their study of the Constitution, which applies to the Fifth Amendment and the Double Jeopardy law.
Gifted and Talented teacher Laura Dwyer said she feels that civics is one area in the school curriculum that does not receive much attention and programs such as the mock trial give the students a real-life experience of the courtroom.
“The mock trial program is important. It reminds them of their civic duty and always makes them aware of their civic responsibility,” said Dwyer. “When they get into the court like this, it becomes real.”
Dwyer believes civics should be reinforced in the schools and, if started in the elementary schools, it can have a lasting impression for students.During the students’ case study, they canalized the case and met with the author of “Lizzie Borden Took An Axe, or Did She?” by Annette M. Holba to discuss details of the case. In addition, students traveled to Fall River, Mass., to visit the Lizzie Borden Inn where the actual murders took place to gather evidence as part of their trial. Students spent the night in Fall River and the next day were greeted by a historian and lawyer who gave a bit of history about the criminal case as well as helping them to analyze clues during their visit.
Acting as the judge in the civil case on Friday was Attorney Sally O’Brien, the corporate counsel for New Hampshire Ball Bearings and an adjunct professor at Franklin Pierce Law Center.
“I think the students did a really great job,” said O’Brien. “They took this case and wrote it from a criminal case to a civil case and that’s hard to do.”
O’Brien said that many of the students throughout the years that have been involved with the competition have gone onto law school and she believes the program is a great way to introduce young students into civics.
“It’s just really fulfilling to see students start here and go to law school,” said O’Brien. “The students know they can do this and it’s huge.”
Throughout the mock trial, O’Brien gave the students advice on how to go through proceedings in a courtroom. Students called witnesses to the stand and integrated them as if they sworn in under a real justice.
A jury comprising a few students and Shaker Regional School District Superintendent Michael Cozort sat in the courtroom as the details were revealed. After the jury went into deliberation, they came back and a hung jury was announced.
“If I get the students involved at this level, then when they get to the high school they’ll call for government and civics in education,” Dwyer said.
Today, from 3:30 p.m. until 6 p.m., WSAR radio in Fall River became one big Lizzie Borden lovefest. The Hurricane (Mike Herron) called me yesterday and asked me to participate in the program to touch upon the history of the case for thirty minutes. Then when Jack McCullough and Jill Dalton came in at 4, he asked me to stay.
It was a really wonderful interview and I think that Jill and Jack expressed their art quite well. Their love of this story and the show they have put their heart and soul into is evident. I never tire of hearing of their process, and Jill is especially lucid when talking about her vision and the story of the development of the show. All of this is as fascinating as the play itself!
“Mamma Ewe” Shelley Dziedzic and her Mutton Eaters was discussed at length in glowing terms, and the idea of her group dressing in period attire and helping at the event was very well received. The callers were very excited to hear that this was going to be part of the evening’s festivities.
There were phone calls from the city as well as distant states! One caller complained that the residents of the city of Fall River might find the ticket price of $40 out of their budget, as, she said, that is a lot of money for someone who lives in Fall RIver. . . .
Both myself and the Hurricane came down hard on this person as first of all, the $40 includes food and a trolley ride, plus the show, and secondly, Fall River is not on welfare! We can afford the ticket price here, thank you very much. It was quite an insult.
Other than that, it was a great time had by all. Now will the Hurricane get that Andrew Borden outfit he is asking for . . . . he plans to arrive at the show dressed as the old man, and promises to promote the show further.
Tickets are still available, but are going fast. Please visit LizzieBordenLive.com for tickets!
Saturday, June 20, 2009. Trolley service begins at 5 p.m. in the parking lot of The Eagle Performing Arts Center, 35 N. Main Street, Fall River, MA. Appetizers are served at 6:30 and the show begins at 8 p.m.
On Tuesday, June 16, actress and playwright Jill Dalton and director Jack McCullough will appear on WSAR radio to talk about their work on Lizzie Borden Live and their successful efforts to bring the show to Fall River.
Jill wrote and stars in the play and has developed a special affinity with Lizzie Borden, an historical “character” that she felt compelled to write about. With Fall River native Jack McCullough’s directorial vision, the show has evolved into a phenomenal production of Lizzie’s later life, after sister Emma has left her.
I have been invited to be on the radio as well, in the half hour before the team speaks about the show, discussing the history of the case and the fascination that Lizzie inspires worldwide.
Mike Herron (“The Hurricane”) will be conducting the interviews on his Hurricane’s Highway Home show.
There is a listen live link on the radio station’s site. My browser does not recognize it as a working media button, but I use a mac. Perhaps your computers, if a PC, will have better luck. Listen in! The radio show starts at 3:30 p.m.
More pieces by Marc Dion have popped up online tonight, advertising Lizzie Borden Live, which plays this weekend, on Saturday, June 20, the anniversary of Lizzie Borden’s acquittal.
That makes three in one paper for Tuesday’s print copy! How exciting!
Here is a link to all three articles:
Play Pulls Back the Curtain on Lizzie’s Post-Trial Life
Mutton Eaters Have a Taste for History
A Night of Dinner, Drinks, and Murder
Coolbeans! Shelley Dziedzic’s group, The Royal Order of the MuttonEaters, of which I am a proud award recipient, has scored it big with a marvelous article in the Herald News!
The Mutton Eaters will be assisting the production of Lizzie Borden Live this Saturday in Fall River, all the while dressed in period costume. Tickets are still available, and it is a must see play!
By the way, visit Shelley’s blog for a fine time!
