Mondo Lizzie Borden

In the Monday, August 23, issue of the Fall River Herald News, a story will appear that states that the owners of the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast have successfully trademarked the name Lizzie Borden as it relates to merchandise bearing her name.

SNIP: The trademark will cover items sold by the Lizzie Borden & Breakfast, such as key chains, mugs and clothing from being duplicated and sold in other venues. Woods said it will give customers confidence that products bearing the “Lizzie Borden” name were quality made and come from Fall River.

Woods said he couldn’t comment right now on how he might defend the trademark with local businesses, such as The Fall River Historical Society or others, who may be selling Lizzie Borden merchandise.

Here is a link to the story.

I guess I need to run out and trademark a couple of historical figures myself, before they are scooped up!

Tonight’s performance of Lizzie Borden Live in Fall River, MA, at the Eagle Performing Arts Center, was a grand success.

The audience sat in complete silence as they devoured every syllable of this remarkable play. They cheered as the play ended, many there tonight repeat attendees from the last run of the show in Fall River in June.

Lizzie Borden Live is being performed only one more time this season in Fall River. Saturday night at 8 p.m, August 22, 2009.

Tickets can be purchased at the door and through LizzieBordenLive.com.

See you at the theatre!

The old Abbey Grille, the former Central Congregational Church, where Lizzie Borden went to practice her faith, was sold today at auction. The first bidder only offered $20,000. The Millennium bankbcp, the holder of the foreclosure, then stepped forward and purchased the structure for $250,000.

The sale of the building, instead of it staying in foreclosure mode, means that the city of Fall River can now recoup the back taxes owed and the lien holders can collect their monies due.

We do not know what the bank plans to do with the building. Estimates to fix the steeple are at $800,000, and $600,000 to pull the steeple down.

One hopes that the cost of demolition of such a structure will stave off any rash decisions.

The story of the sale is here in the Herald News.

From Wednesday’s Herald News.

Abbey Grill auction is back on
By Staff reports
GateHouse News Service
Posted Aug 18, 2009 @ 08:12 PM
Fall River —

For the third time this year the foreclosed Abbey Grill hits the auction block Thursday at 1 p.m.

“It’s still scheduled,” a clerk of the law firm handling the mortgage for Millennium bcpbank said Tuesday.

But cost associated with the 134-year-old former church buildings and 160-foot high damaged brick steeple, along with the millions owed to the bank and government, may prove too hefty a price for bidders.

“Whoever buys this is going to have to spend a lot of money,” Building Inspection Director Joseph Biszko said.

Biszko said he’s had discussions with Mayor Robert Correia on the possibility the bank’s problem could become the city’s.

“We don’t want to end up with it,” Biszko said. “But we’ve planned for that possibility. … If everybody walks away, it’s ours.”

Local developer Jerry Donovan, who last year bought the nearby historic Eagle Restaurant as a performing arts center/museum, expressed skepticism a sale would happen.

“I don’t think there’s much of an interest at that amount of money,” Donovan, who’d considered a bid, said of the outstanding mortgage, estimated repairs and back taxes. . . .

The rest of the story is here.

Click here for tickets!

The third edition of the popular and provocative Literary Hatchet is now available for sale in hard copy at only $8.00.

Support new fiction and poetry! Buy your copy today!

Please visit the sale site to purchase a copy or two or four or twelve.

Of course, the journal is also available for free as a digital download here.

From the editor’s remarks:

Welcome to 2009 and the third issue of The Literary Hatchet. Reviews have been more than positive and our authors are grateful for your patronage. This is a free magazine, so please share it with your friends and family around the globe.

In this issue, we are honored to publish three poems by the great Ada Jill Schneider, award-winning author of Behind the Pictures I Hang, Fine Lines and Other Wrinkles, and The Museum of My Mother. I have met Ada, shared poetry at her poetry club, and basked in the gentle goodness she brings to the world. I know you will enjoy her work as much as I do.

In addition to Ada’s work, we offer you some lovely pieces by two of my favorite poets—Michael Brimbau and Kat Koorey. Both of these substantial artists astound me in the breadth and scope of their talents. I am pleased to present them again to you here.

For short stories, nothing beats a work by David Marshall James. In this issue, he gifts us with two of his works—both related to the subject matter of Lizzie Borden, but in very different ways.

Readers of The Hatchet: Lizzie Borden’s Journal of Murder, Mystery & Victorian History will recognize regular contributor Eugene Hosey on these pages as well. Eugene’s short stories, while dark and brooding, always surprise me. They are a perfect companion to a thundering rainy day.

We are planning to have another issue out before the year is over, and submissions are being accepted now. Please send your short stories, poetry, humor, and artwork to peartreepress@mac.com.

Stefani Koorey

publisher/executive editor
stefani koorey

production/design
stefani koorey

design consultant
michael brimbau

contributing writers
ada jill schneider
kat koorey
david marshall james
eugene hosey
michael brimbau
aurora lewis
larry allen
stefani koorey
grim k. de evil
julia fisher
mark sashine
kathleen a. carbone

A new privately published Lizzie Borden book is for sale exclusively through the Fall River Historical Society.

I Did It! as recorded by Donel Fattibene.

From the back cover: “Donel (Davis) Fattibene grew up in Fall River, Massachusetts. She graduated from Bristol Community College with a degree in Journalism. After working as an administrative assistant in Providence, RI, she received her Real Estate license six years ago. Over the years she’s written short stories for her grandchildren, Alan, AJ and Ava and some entertaining who-dun-its. She resides in Swansea, MA. with her husband, Jody and two dogs, Sofie and Sam. I DID IT, is Donel’s first attempt at publishing one of her stories. Hopefully, there will be more.”

Price is $9.95.

Hey, it must be nearly the 4th of August. Know how I can tell? Maplecroft is for sale once again. Seems like every year at this time, the current owner of Lizzie Borden’s home following her acquittal for the murder of her father Andrew and her stepmother Abby puts the place up for sale.

If you have any further details, such as an asking price, don’t hesitate to let me know!

The phone number, if you are interested in learning the price or making a bid, is 508 673-8088.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 2009

LIZZIE BORDEN LIVE
Winner best actress: JACOBY AWARD

Back by popular demand. LIZZIE BORDEN LIVE is returning to The Eagle Performing Arts Center, 35 North Main Street, Fall River, MA for two performances in August. Friday the 21st at 8:00 p.m. and Saturday the 22nd at 8:00 p.m.. 117 years ago on these dates Lizzie Borden was sitting in the Taunton County Jail, where she resided for 10 months, awaiting trial. Tickets ($30). Purchase on line here (click on Schedule page) or at the door.

Lizzie Borden Live debuted in Fall River at the Eagle in June to a sold out house. Ms. Dalton said, “We are thrilled to finally bring Lizzie Borden Live to Fall River and the response was overwhelming.” Jerry Donovan, who recently restored the Eagle, said “The play and its sell-out mark the beginning of a new era in the city.” Mayor Robert Correla praised the play saying it was powerful and exceptionally performed. Bristol County District Attorney Sam Sutter, who attended the play with his wife Dottie. Said, “If she was innocent, that was an incredible price to pay. If she was guilty, she got what she deserved. But it raises aspects and a side of this story I never had considered.”

“Jill Dalton, who plays Lizzie and wrote the play stunned audience members with her delivery, which featured many laughs, many somber notes and a compelling tragedy.” Ric Oliveira, O Jornal

On a hot August morning the bodies of Andrew Borden and his wife were found bludgeoned to death. Their youngest daughter, Lizzie, became the only suspect. Innocent in a court of law. Guilty in the court of public opinion. Condemned by society. The legend comes to life with humor and insight as the real Lizzie steps on stage.

“Dalton is nothing less than superb in her depiction of the character, as her Lizzie is alternating sweet, innocent, witty and savagely murderous. The audience is left to decide which Lizzie is the real one.” Ed Wismer, Cape May Star Wave

Jill Dalton, (writer/performer) an award winning New York actress with a long list of television and theatre credits, was commissioned by the East Lynne Theater Company in Cape May, N.J. to write the play where it had a successful five week run garnering praise and standing ovations from audiences and critics alike. Ms Dalton won the 2007 Jacoby Award for her portrayal of Lizzie in Lizzie Borden Live. Ms. Dalton wants the audience to decide for themselves if Lizzie Borden was guilty of killing her father and step-mother on August 4, 1892.

The true crime thriller is set 13 years after the double murder in Maplecroft, the mansion Lizzie bought with money inherited from her father. “Dalton gives a compelling performance enacting the humanity, humor, irony and sadness of a woman who’s had time to reflect on horrific events.” Susan Johnson, Red Rock News

Jack McCullough, (director) born in Fall River, said, “We had to get down to the very marrow of the bone, otherwise there’s no point in telling the story. People come to see Lizzie expecting to see a monster and instead they find themselves.”

Haunting the performance is music written by Emmy winning and Tony nominated orchestrator and composer Larry Hochman, who created his original pieces based on the script and his personal observations during rehearsals.

Dalton’s credits include: Law and Order, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Rachel Getting Married, Veronika Decides to Die (2009), Wall Street, Another World, All My Children, One Life to Live, As The World Turns and Saturday Night Live. Ms. Dalton was also a stand up comic for several years and won the Mary Jo Comedy Show Award for stand-up comedy in NYC.

McCullough, a graduate of the Trinity Repertory Conservatory in Providence, R.I., also directed another of Dalton’s solo plays, My Life in the Trenches, most recently at the Kitchen Theatre in Ithaca, NY and at the Ensemble Studio Theatre, the International Midtown Theatre Festival NYC, the One Festival and the 78th Street Theatre Lab in NYC. As an actor he appeared in Third Watch, Desperate Measures, The Observer, Osmosis Jones, Spenser: for Hire, Mr. North and Providence.

Seating is limited to 150. The doors of the Eagle will open at 7:00 PM. Prior to the performance there will be a cash bar and members of the Mutton Eaters, dressed in period garb, will meet and greet the guests.

Lizzie Borden Live challenges the audience to rethink the legend that is Lizzie Borden. Think you know her? Think again!

The Eagle Performing Arts Center
35 N. Main Street
Fall River, MA 02723

Tickets ($30). Available here (click on Schedule page) and (CASH ONLY) at the door.

Press contact: Jack McCullough (917) 806-3243 or lizziebordenlive@gmail.com

The 3rd issue of The Literary Hatchet, a free online magazine that contains provocative short stories, brief fiction, uncommon poetry and prose, and drollery that frightens and surprises, is online TODAY!

Please visit The Literary Hatchet to download your free copy. A print copy will be available soon!

From the editor’s remarks:

Welcome to 2009 and the third issue of The Literary Hatchet. Reviews have been more than positive and our authors are grateful for your patronage. This is a free magazine, so please share it with your friends and family around the globe.

In this issue, we are honored to publish three poems by the great Ada Jill Schneider, award-winning author of Behind the Pictures I Hang, Fine Lines and Other Wrinkles, and The Museum of My Mother. I have met Ada, shared poetry at her poetry club, and basked in the gentle goodness she brings to the world. I know you will enjoy her work as much as I do.

In addition to Ada’s work, we offer you some lovely pieces by two of my favorite poets—Michael Brimbau and Kat Koorey. Both of these substantial artists astound me in the breadth and scope of their talents. I am pleased to present them again to you here.

For short stories, nothing beats a work by David Marshall James. In this issue, he gifts us with two of his works—both related to the subject matter of Lizzie Borden, but in very different ways.

Readers of The Hatchet: Lizzie Borden’s Journal of Murder, Mystery & Victorian History will recognize regular contributor Eugene Hosey on these pages as well. Eugene’s short stories, while dark and brooding, always surprise me. They are a perfect companion to a thundering rainy day.

We are planning to have another issue out before the year is over, and submissions are being accepted now. Please send your short stories, poetry, humor, and artwork to peartreepress@mac.com.

Stefani Koorey

publisher/executive editor
stefani koorey

production/design
stefani koorey

design consultant
michael brimbau

contributing writers
ada jill schneider
kat koorey
david marshall james
eugene hosey
michael brimbau
aurora lewis
larry allen
stefani koorey
grim k. de evil
julia fisher
mark sashine
kathleen a. carbone

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.

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: