Mondo Lizzie Borden

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 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 Reader

Product 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!

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.

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!

Read all about it here!

By the way, visit Shelley’s blog for a fine time!

The Keeley Library has a grand collection of old yearbooks (Durfee Record) from Durfee High School. I spent some time in them and found some great images of Lizzie Borden case and peripheral folks when they were young.

Enjoy!

Head on over to Estsy.com, enter “Lizzie Borden” in the search box, and be fairly wowed by the over two dozen, original works inspired by Lizzie Borden.

Etsy is a site that calls itself an “online marketplace for buying & selling all things handmade.”

The work is amazing and very inventive!

You will find jewelry, sculpture, paintings, crafts, purses, and pins. They are whimsical and sometimes over the top, but original works all!

Here are some samples:

The folks at Top Hat Productions have done it again.

From the folks that brought you In Lizzie’s Hand, have produced another high quality magic trick that will astound!

With the popularity of television shows like CSI, The Mentalist, Medium and Cold Case File, crime solving is the latest fad. Let’s go back to 1892 and try to solve the Lizzie Borden Case!

THE RUSE:
Studies have explained that humans make terrible witnesses as they interpret what they think they see. It is believed by some that inanimate objects are also witnesses to crimes and can retain vibrations from the event. The mentalist will demonstrate this fact.

THE ROUTINE:
Five “suspect” envelopes are displayed along with the suspects from the Borden murders. Each photograph has a description of each person. The photographs are randomly placed in each envelope and are mixed up to make the choice completely random. The spectator selects one of the envelopes and looks inside to see the suspect. The envelopes are remixed.

Mentalist now introduces a skeleton key on a chain. He explains that this is Andrew Borden’s key which was discovered in the fireplace after the murders took place. The key is a witness to the crime. The key is help by the chain and is held over each suspect envelope. Suddenly, over one of the envelopes, the key begins to rise as if repelled by what is inside the envelope. Of course it is the selected suspect!

BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE:
The complete instructions include some other performance ideas. In fact, if you wish to lighten the routine and not use the Borden theme, we include “evidence” cards with photographs of weapons as seen in the Clue style board game so the key will discover the murder weapon. If you are a fan of Bizarre magic or wish to perform something a bit out of the ordinary, this is for you! There are some clever methods employed in this routine. No magnets or electronics used!

SOME HISTORY:
Back in 1979, Top Hat Productions came out with a trick called Ed Hill’s Skeleton Key. We have revisited this effect and improved the method, routine and set-up. This takes under a minute to set up and can be performed easily.

Performed by Bruce Kalver at the 2009 Blackpool Convention, everyone passing our booth wanted to see the key.

A very limited number of Borden Keys have been made. Order quickly!

Only $55.

A “photo” essay on the Lizzie Borden story appeared in the December, 1938, edition of Pic Magazine.

I blogged here about the Lizzie image in 2006, referring to the image of her as a “lipstick Lizzie.”

Here they are for your viewing pleasure! Click to enlarge.

Purchase your tickets here!

From the press release for Lizzie Borden Live—-

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 MuttonEaters, 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

Cowabunga!

The new book about Lizzie Borden and her Fall River being written by the curatorial staff at the Fall River Historical Society is going to change everything!

Everything we thought we knew about Miss Lizzie A. Borden, everything we have heard so far, read so far, seen so far, decided so far, is going to have to be revised. Parallel Lives is not only a highly entertaining exploration of Fall River’s turbulent history, but is a watershed treatise on one of America’s most enigmatic women.

For the very first time, we see the flesh and blood Lizzie Borden. She is now three-dimensional to us, with depth, and breadth, and length, and height. And the most remarkable thing about it all is that nobody who has written about her in the past has even come close to the real Lizzie. All those books, all those words, all those guesses and deductions and suppositions, all of them are going to be obsolete.

I can’t even recall a book that has done this type of work before—a book that takes a true historical person, an icon to masses, feared by some, and loathed by many more, and spins the story of their life so that the main character emerges as someone unexpected, someone who we have never met before, someone who has literally been made new.

You can throw away all of your other Lizzie Borden books when this one is published. You won’t need them anymore. In fact, you will mostly laugh at them and look back in wonder at how their authors have fallen short.