Sherry Chapmanby Sherry Chapman
First published in December/January, Volume 2, Issue 6 of The Hatchet: Journal of Lizzie Borden Studies.
Dear Abby,
I saw you in town recently and tried to get to the other side of the store to talk to you, but could not get through the crowd. Christmas shopping is hectic in Fall River, and this year was no different from any other. I just wanted to compliment you on the dress you were wearing and I don’t know but it’s new. Especially becoming was the bustle. I did not know the bigger ones were in style this winter. Good for you, Abby, to show folks that females of all ages can be attractive. — Hortense Taylor, New Boston Road, Fall River
Dear Hortense,
I don’t wear a bustle.
Dear Abby,
I am working on a paper at school on the subject of gas in Fall River. I tried to ring you, but I discovered you have no telephone. Mr. Borden, your husband, is known as a wealthy man. I was surprised to hear that your family does not have gas. I found it hard to believe. Is it true? — Christian Brockington, Fall River High School
Dear Christian,
Of course not. We are just like other families in Fall River – wealthy or not. It is all dependent on what my servant girl prepares for meals.
Dear Abby,
Christmas is coming and it’s so exciting! We all try to peek into wrapped packages and tiptoe around trying to find out what our presents are ahead of time. I’ve gotten quite a few secrets out of my family by saying, “I already know what you got me for Christmas. So and so told me.” And they get angry and blurt out what the present is (and usually hunts down the person I had no choice but to name). Tell us, Abby. Are there any presents from anyone you already know you’re getting? I think I shall go mad before the holiday is finally upon us! — H. Knowlton, Marion Summer Resident
Dear Mr. Knowlton,
It is a pleasure to hear from you in the form of a simple and decent letter. Yes, the season is wonderful but I’ve scarce time to enjoy it being so busy with my column here and … housework … and … church and all else that fills my jammed schedule. I did hear one smidgen, though. I overheard my step-daughter, Lizzie, reveal her gift to me. Like her father, she is so practical. She is going to give me wax – and quite a lot. I’ll have that dining room table glistening!
Dear Abby,
Quite a while ago I sent in for the John V. Morse Memory Course. I never received it – at least not that I recall. Could you please check and see if you have received my dime and order? Thank you, Abby. — George Potter
Dear Mr. Potter,
Why, your order is here in a drawer of my desk. I must have put it there and forgotten about it. I will personally see that Mr. Morse receives it and rushes the product to you. I need to take the course myself. As my girls always tell me, if my head was not attached to my shoulders I would lose it. (Then they laugh and say I still might … Oh, who can understand the young and their ways of today.)
Dear Abby,
Can you tell me what time it is? The clock in my paint store does not keep good time at all and can not be depended on. For the past year, I have simply opened the store after I’ve had my breakfast and closed the store at lamplight. I work mighty long hours in the summer. — Augustus Gorman, Fall River
Dear Mr. Gorman,
I would tell you it is time you got your clock replaced, but I have learned by my most economical husband that it is usually better to try to hang on to something and attempt to repair an item before rushing off to purchase a new one. I admire your common sense. It is 1:12 PM.
Dear Abby,
There are many in our fair city who are puzzled as to the marriage of Andrew Borden and yourself. How did the two of you, so seemingly opposite, become engaged? — The Fall River Planting, Weeding, Watering & Harvesting Club for Unmarried Ladies
Dear Girls,
It happened so quickly, I scarcely remember it myself. Mr. Borden would come to my home and walk me to church on Sundays. My life was pleasant enough, but I suppose I am like most women who desire to have their own home and children. Well, Mr. Borden came with two already so my work was done there, and I simply adored them. Young Emma, so quiet, and Baby Lizzie always cutting up and making us laugh. Mr. Borden was a Quaker but he attended the same church as I. He could have gone to Friends’ Church on North Main, but I do not know why he chose not to attend there. I think what really swept me off my feet was one sunny Spring day when Andrew looked at me and said, “Nothing is better for thee than me.”
This edition of ‘Dear Abby’ is sponsored by:
Wm. H. Ashley & Co.
New England’s First Dollar $tore
This week only:
Dresses – Bedford cords (slightly imperfect) – Just One Dollar!
Mis-matched shoes (uncommon sizes) – Just One Dollar!
Shirts (neck holes not provided)
Cotton rain gear and more!
Come shop at Ashley’s
Where you pay just a little fee
‘Cause we get all our stuff for free
