LBVML: Were there any other records you would have liked to have included in Past and Present but were unable to obtain?

Yes, there was some information I would have liked to include in Lizzie Borden: Past & Present, particularly on  Bridget Sullivan. There was a question of confidentiality and other legal restrictions. I also wanted to find a photograph of Helen Leighton and people who worked for Lizzie after the trial. I later obtained a photograph of Helen Leighton and much more information on Mary Boucher, her family and a postcard sent to Mary's son. I am always in search of a photograph of Nellie Miller, who worked as a maid for Lizzie and Ernest Terry, Lizzie's chauffeur.

LBVML: You are among an ever-growing group of Borden scholars who believe Lizzie Borden to have been a lesbian. Did you use this idea of her purely as a devise of fiction, or do you believe that Lizzie's murderous rage stems from her shame?

Not shame. I would certainly never suggest that any lesbian should be ashamed of her sexual preference. This is something quite else. Her stepmother calls her "Monster! Unnatural thing." If I may quote from the novel: "She immediately rejected this deformed image of herself, blind anger rising to dispel it, suffocating rage surfacing to encompass and engulf the hopelessness of her secret passion, the chance discovery by this woman who stood quaking now against the closed door to the guest room, the fearsome threat of revelation to her father, the unfairness and stupidity of not being allowed to live her own life as she CHOSE to live it!" Aside from that being some damn fine writing (he said modestly,) it certainly doesn't speak of shame. If anything, it's a cry for understanding. It's a woman pleading for the freedom to be herself.

 LBVML: You lived in the house for many years as curator. Did you ever observe any spiritual manifestations, or were any reported to you by a guest?

I hate to disappoint people, but I can honestly say that I never experienced anything of the paranormal realm at the house. My personal feeling is that the house is not haunted.

LBVML: Do you have a personal theory of the Borden crime? Whodunnit?

I have to say I have no theory of my own. I'm quite satisfied with the mystery remaining a mystery. In fact, I think that what draws me to these classic unsolved crimes like Jack and Lizzie and Mary Rogers is their essential unknowability. I've always been struck by the fact that there's no real direct evidence against Lizzie, yet the psychology of the family dynamic certainly suggests that she did it.

How did you become interested in the case of Lizzie Borden?

Back in 1976, it was about 11:30 at night and I was alone watching The Legend of Lizzie Borden. The ending surprised me so much, I had to sleep with a light on, if I slept at all. After that I did a little research and found some newspaper information that I could use to edit and prepare a monologue for my acting class.

As I played Lizzie, it was the first time I was able to really feel the character. The director and other actors could feel it also and I think it changed the way I approached acting. I continued to use the monologue for auditions and showcases.