An Open Letter to Fall River

by Michael Brimbau

First published in November/December, 2008, Volume 5, Issue 4, The Hatchet: Journal of Lizzie Borden Studies.

If something is “wrong” and no one objects, is it still wrong? 

Case in point—Charlton Memorial Hospital, or as it is legally organized, Southcoast Hospital Group. If this conglomerate continues to dismantle neighborhoods, demolish residential and historical property, and no one complains, does that make their actions right? 

It was “wrong” when Charlton Memorial Hospital demolished the last remnants of the Small Brothers Mfg. Company on Hillside Street. Small Brothers was an old band and rope mill that stood between Prospect and Maple Streets early this century. The only surviving building was just demolished several weeks ago by Charlton Memorial to add to its parking.

To give you a little history of the immediate area: most of the Small Brothers Manufacturing Company was demolished many years ago. Corrigan Mental Health Center now sits where part of the Small Brothers complex once stood.  The operation continued south to Maple Street and north along a portion of Hillside Street and up to Prospect Street.  Almost no one in Fall River realizes that such a place ever existed. Even many Fall River historians are not aware that such a large operation as the Small Brothers rope factory stood almost in the heart of the Highlands. Was it wrong to demolish it? With the destruction of this last structure, all examples and tangible proof of Small Brothers’ existence was conveniently and quietly erased. 

With total disregard for history, this valuable and wonderful three story brick mill building was expunged. Does wiping out a city’s history for the sake of a parking lot make intellectual sense? Some may argue that “historical property” does not compare to “health care.” But, is this not more about greed, a license to expand at will, at all costs? They demolished an “historical” building that houses people to replace it with a “tar” parking lot to house motor vehicles. Has this hospital not destroyed enough of the Highland neighborhood? If it has run out of room, why does not Charlton Memorial relocate with room to expand?

But wait, it does not stop there. Charlton Memorial Hospital has now purchased two more buildings, both on Hillside Street, both triple deckers. Are we to assume that they need more hospital rooms for patients? Don’t count on it. These two buildings will soon both be kissing the wrecking ball in the name of health care, or should I rephrase, in the name of doing business.

A little history about one of these three deckers (this one better described as a two decker with a loft apartment). Number 18 Hillside Street was built in 1889 in what has become known as the Bracketed Style, with straightforward roof lines on two planes, small overhangs, and simple ornate brackets or corbels as decorations. The brackets along the roof line on number 18 Hillside Street were removed some time ago, but the ones over the front windows are still in place. 

By its virtual design and age, this property should be designated as historical. But, this little building has much more historical significance than its simple age or architectural motif.  Number 18 Hillside Street was the home of Alice Russell between 1909 and 1929. Alice Russell was an important witness in the Lizzie Borden saga. It was believed that there was not enough evidence to indict Lizzie Borden until the Grand Jury gave ear to Alice Russell’s testimony.  

It was the confession of Miss Russell to the Grand Jury that she witnessed Lizzie Borden burning a dress in the kitchen stove just a couple of days after the murders. Without this testimony, without Alice Russell, Lizzie Borden may have never been tried. It was Miss Russell’s testimony that placed a shadow over Lizzie Borden’s innocence and introduced doubt instrumental in moving the Grand Jury to take action. 

Alice Russell can probably be considered one of Lizzie’s best friends.  After sending the maid to look for a doctor, it was Alice Russell who Lizzie sent for minutes after the murder of her father. It was Alice Russell who stayed in the house that murder night to comfort Lizzie and her sister Emma. And, it is Charlton Memorial Hospital that has poised itself ready and able to wipe out part of that history and replace it with a parking lot. What is to prevent them from purchasing the entire block, which is likely to happen?

There is no disputing that number 18 Hillside Street holds historical value in more ways than one. I personally have been on a couple of touring excursions where this house is part of the historical tour of Fall River, along with Maplecroft, Lizzie’s residence at 306 French Street, the Second Street house, and a host of countless other vital places of historical interest. To deny the importance of 18 Hillside Street, along with the Small Brothers Mfg. Co., is to deny history—and to deny history is to deny the past, and to deny the past spells only failure and displays ignorance for the city that does so.

But, who cares you may ask? That’s a fair question. Fall River’s past is being wiped clean every day. If fire does not destroy it someone will demolish it. Very few here care. 

I care. The failure of city politicians to protect the historical integrity of Fall River appears common practice here. Giving Charlton Memorial and others carte blanche to continue to destroy our historical past without careful study or concern is foolish, mindless, and just plain criminal. It’s a shame that a community the size of Fall River sanctions such practices without complaint, or lacks the foresight and common sense to recognize the danger of ignoring the past.  I may be the only protestor here. Perhaps there is not much I can do to stop the expansion of Charlton Memorial. But, at the very least, I can make people aware.  

What action the Herald News takes is up to the paper. But, in this age, and with what we know about the importance of preservation, it is wrong to let Charlton destroy any more historical property. That being said, it is just as wrong to remain silent on this vital and consequential issue.  

I have now brought this into the light and I say, “yes it is wrong.” The Herald may officially consider itself informed. As the town crier, the Herald must speak to this issue. It is the right thing to do. To remain silent is to acquiesce to the status quo. Thus, through inaction, we assist those who dare dismantle our past and the city we love. 

Michael Brimbau

Fall River, MA