Interlachen Interiors

by Stefani Koorey

First published in August/September, 2007, Volume 4, Issue 3, The Hatchet: Journal of Lizzie Borden Studies.

These ten images are rare. For the most part, they have never before been published. They represent a portfolio of the interior of Spencer Borden’s Interlachen, the “Big House” as he loved to call it. They come to us from a small collection of Spencer Borden materials housed at the Fall River Historical Society and were only recently acquired. Five of the images are of the downstairs area and the remainder are from the second floor. 

They show a Victorian sense of decor, with wallpaper adorning the ceilings and lush Oriental carpets covering every floor. 

Besides a few furniture pieces, these images are all that remain to remind us of this magnificent Fall River home. The house was demolished in the 1930s by the City of Fall River. 

All images are courtesy of the Fall River Historical Society.

Spencer Borden’s home on Interlachen. Courtesy of the Fall River Historical Society.

Effie and Spencer Borden. Courtesy of the Fall River Historical Society.

The “Big House” seen from the North Watuppa

The front entrance of Spencer Borden’s home on Interlachen. Courtesy of the Fall River Historical Society.

The foyer or receiving room of Spencer Borden’s home on Interlachen. Courtesy of the Fall River Historical Society.

Another view of the foyer or receiving room. Courtesy of the Fall River Historical Society.

Formal dining room to the right of main entrance. Courtesy of the Fall River Historical Society.

The grand living room on the first floor. Courtesy of the Fall River Historical Society.

Upstairs, another sitting room or study. Courtesy of the Fall River Historical Society.

Sitting room or study on the second floor just off the stairs. Courtesy of the Fall River Historical Society.

Another view of the sitting room or study on the second floor just off the stairs. Courtesy of the Fall River Historical Society.

Effie Borden’s room. Note the family photographs adorning the mantle and the English style furniture in contrast to the modern looking wall to wall rug. Courtesy of the Fall River Historical Society.

Spencer Borden Jr's house. Courtesy of the Fall River Historical Society.

Spencer Borden. Courtesy of the Fall River Historical Society.

The Bell Tower at Interlachen. Courtesy of the Fall River Historical Society.