Monday’s Fall River Herald News will feature an article by Deborah Allard about the new Lizzie Borden letter I found locally and its possible significance.
I told the curator to expect some visitors!
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New Lizzie Borden Letter Discovered
Monday, May 10th, 2010
A new and unknown Lizzie Borden letter has been discovered by Stefani Koorey (that’s me!), tucked away in an Historical Society’s archive located outside of Boston, MA.
The letter may prove significant, not only because it possibly refers to a significant event in her life, but in view of the fact that Lizzie Borden letters are as rare as can be. At last count, there are but five letters, one letter fragment, and two notes that have come to light.
You can read all about this new find in the latest issue of The Hatchet.
The Hatchet: A Journal of Lizzie Borden & Victorian Studies is ONLINE
Monday, May 10th, 2010
The Winter 2009 issue of The Hatchet: A Journal of Lizzie Borden & Victorian Studies has FINALLY been placed ONLINE for your reading pleasure. If your web browser does not load the new page, don’t forget to hit your browser’s refresh button to make it seek out the new uploaded version of the web site. Thank you for your patience!
Subscribers can download your copy immediately or view a slideshow of the magazine at this address.
TO SUBSCRIBE: you can subscribe to The Hatchet for only $15 for all three online issues. That will entitle you to all issues from 2009, including this one!
If you would like to purchase a hard copy in print of this issue, you will have to wait a while longer as it goes through its printing process. I will update you when the print copy is available.
I am sure all of our authors would appreciate any feedback by you, the readers. Please stop by the Lizzie Borden Society Forum and give you comments!
If you have forgotten or misplaced your login info, please email me at peartreepress@mac.com and I will resend it to you.
Happy reading!
Stefani Koorey
Editor and Publisher
The Hatchet: A Journal of Lizzie Borden & Victorian Studies
Lizzie Borden Story
Sunday, May 2nd, 2010It is fanciful, to be sure, with factual inaccuracies, but I really enjoyed the narration and the visuals, which are superior. I love the stamp idea. So all in all, an excellent video. And it just gets better and better as you watch it. Highly recommended.
It is titled “Tragedy in Fall River,” by Stephen Rumbaugh, Narration by Gillian Marsham Hill.
The People Vs. Lizzie Borden
Friday, April 2nd, 2010Last year, the Warner Robins Little Theatre in Warner Rogers, GA, produced a new play about Lizzie Borden, titled “Murder Americana: The People vs. Lizzie Borden.”
From the images of the production, one can see an amazing set and wonderful costumes and lighting. The show “looks” wonderful. I hope it was well received and enjoyed packed houses!
Please read the history of the WRLT here.
Here is a synopsis of their show from their site:
They have post a large collection of images from their production at this link.
Lizzie Borden FAIL
Friday, April 2nd, 2010
It happens a lot—people writing about the Borden murders of 1892 (note the date) and getting it wrong. Not just partly wrong, but terribly wrong. Another case popped up today at Associated content.
I cannot begin to dissect the errors here, for not only are there factual mistakes, but the narrative is supremely disjointed. It ping-pongs around in time and thought, making the reading of the piece quite grueling.
So how does this happen? One theory is that writers Google Lizzie Borden and take the most sensational pieces and repeat misconceptions and errors. They do not understand that most of what they read on the internet is incorrect. They don’t source their facts, or know how to authenticate a site’s credentials. So they end up repeating someone else’s bad research.
Another reason why there might be so many incorrect web postings is that instead of doing any research at all, some writers make stuff up! Seriously! I have written some web authors asking for sources, politely, because I am always open to new research, and if they have made some discovery about the history of the case or of Lizzie herself, I am interested. Either I don’t get a response from the author/editor or they reply and tell me to go pound sand. It is difficult to suggest to authors that they have problems with their work. One has to be incredibly tactful and polite so as not to come off as arrogant or mean. I strive to be nice in my suggestions and when I ask for sources. Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t take kindly to criticism. Instead, they would rather their work be wrong. I guess.
I took graduate level courses in research methodologies and principles in English, History, and Theatre for my Ph.D. I publish and edit The Hatchet: A Journal of Lizzie Borden and Victorian Studies, now in its seventh year of publication. I am fairly confident in my expertise in the area of research. So when I see such badly done non-fiction essays on a topic I happen to be an authority on, I feel peevish.
This blog is not about trashing anyone. But it is about correcting the record. And for what it is worth, you should not believe everything you read. You should check your sources. Confirm facts for yourself. Question authority. And check the bona fides of the author. Just a thought.
Lizzie the Movie wraps
Monday, March 29th, 2010
An interview with actor Corbin Bernsen (of LA LAW fame) was just posted on Fangoria.com. In it, Bernsen talks about his part as Dr. Fredricks in the new horror flick “Lizzie the Movie.”
Here is a link to the film’s official website.
Besides Bernsen, the film also sports Gary Busey as the Old Man.
Synopsis:
On August 4th, 1892, Andrew Jackson Borden and Abby Durfee Borden were brutally murdered with an old household hatchet. The blows of the murder weapon were so violent and numerous that their faces and skulls were unrecognizably disfigured. Although acquitted, it is common knowledge that the daughter, Lizzie Borden, is responsible for this savage evil act.
The present day Lizzy Allen suffers from an extreme case of childhood amnesia which not only lays dark her childhood memories but also her relationship or lack there of, of her parents themselves.When Lizzie discovers the news of her father’s death she inherits the house she once lived in…and therefore a new place to live.
But as she begins to settle in she starts to get a glimpse of her childhood memories along with clues as to what really happened in the Borden household in 1892. We follow Lizzy’s journey as she attempts to distinguish between the two and strives to reach her own sanity and happiness while doing so.
Lizzie Borden and Monsterquest
Sunday, March 28th, 2010Monsterquest, a History Channel series, did an investigation into the Lizzie Borden house in 2008. It has recently been added to YouTube in several segments. Here it is for your viewing pleasure.
Lizzie Borden Lizbits: Who was Billy Borden
Friday, March 26th, 2010Ken Souza, the former editor of the Lizzie Borden Quarterly, explains Arnold Brown’s theory that the illegitimate son of Andrew Borden did the killings. As told in Brown’s Lizzie Borden the Truth, the Legend, the Final Chapter.
And then, there is this choice tidbit from Jules Ryckebusch about DNA. Hmmm. Never heard that one before!
30 Odd Minutes Meets Lizzie Borden
Thursday, March 11th, 2010I have to say I watch this web-only show. I keep up with each episode and find it fresh and interesting. 30 Odd Minutes is the brainchild of Jeff Belanger. He is interested in all things paranormal and has created a great informal interview show that is well worth watching. His cohorts and coworkers include Matt Moniz, Rob Bailey, Andrew Lake, Andy White, and Sarah Samways. Check out their bios here, and don’t forget to mouse over the pictures for a laff.
30 Odd Minutes has produced a show on the Lizzie Borden house.
Here is their description:
Episode 27 – “Live” from Lizzie Borden’s
In Episode 27 we come to you “Live” from the haunted Lizzie Borden house in Fall River, Massachusetts. Okay, not totally “live” because we filmed the episode about a week before it aired. Nobody does a documentary like the 30 Odd Minutes crew! And Lizzie Borden is no different. Just like our studio show we do the whole thing live, straight-through, in one take. You get a tour of the house, learn about some of the history, hear from the manager, Lee Ann, and learn from our special guests: EVP specialist, Mike Markowicz, and the host of Spooky Southcoast Radio, Tim Weisberg. You just don’t know what will happen during this show. Do we uncover evidence of the paranormal or just a prank? Tune in to find out! If the truth is out there… 30 Odd Minutes will find it… but only by sheer accident.
Enjoy!
Lizzie Borden Collection from Bloody Rare
Monday, March 8th, 2010
Bloody Rare Books has had a placeholder for a long while where their Lizzie Borden Collection was one day supposed to go. Well that day has finally arrived and I am happy to say that the site is spectacular!
With research and writing by Richard Behrens, of “Lizzie Borden: Girl Detective” and GardenBay Films (which produces the Lizzie Mini films), this section of the rare book store site is jam-packed with Lizzie info, including a most excellent retelling of the trial of Lizzie Borden.
Bloody Rare indicates that their Lizzie Borden inventory will be uploaded soon. I can’t wait!
Students Study Lizzie Borden
Monday, March 8th, 2010Some students at Waltham High School (MA) have put together a short video on the Lizzie Borden case. It is a straight retelling of the story, with a strong emphasis on Lizzie’s probable guilt.
The students cite their sources at the end of the show, but get many of the facts of the case incorrect. Can you spot their mistakes? Comment on your findings below.
Lizzie Borden and Craigslist
Friday, January 15th, 2010
I found this on Craigslist.org. Interesting place to advertise a lecture! I must remember this avenue of marketing!
I have seen Chris’ presentation when he presented it in Tiverton, RI, at the public library. He filled the room and there was standing room only. If you are in the Charlestown area you should see this presentation.
Here is a link to the Charlestown Library.
And here is a link to the event.
1/25: Lizzie Borden The Mystery Continues Lecture Slideshow Presentation (Charlestown Branch Library)
Date: 2010-01-15, 10:44AM EST
Reply to: event-mzbpm-1553784865@craigslist.org
Monday, Jan 25 7:00pm to 8:00pm
Charlestown Branch Library
179 Main St., Boston, MA, 02129
617) 242-1248
This presentation is a one hour slide lecture by history teacher, Chris Daley, with photographs of the major players in the case as well as locations both from the time of the murders and how they appear today.
This program is free. Please call 617 242 12148 for more information.
Lizzie Borden Parallel Lives Tidbit Posted
Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009
Another little tidbit from Parallel Lives: A Social History of Lizzie A. Borden and Her Fall River was posted online today at the website for the Fall River Historical Society.
And a lovely Christmas present it is!
Also: the Historical Society has released a statement regarding the book’s scheduled publication!
I have seen the cover of this book and it is going to be a first class production.
Print Version of The Hatchet is Online
Friday, December 18th, 2009
For those who like to hold their Hatchets in their hands, the print version (hard copy) of the latest issue is available for order!
You can grab yours here. Only $14.99 for 86 pages of great scholarship, humor, and excellent analysis!
