Sherry Chapmanby Sherry Chapman
First published in Fall, 2009, Volume 6, Issue 2, The Hatchet: Journal of Lizzie Borden Studies.
Dear Abby,
What are you getting your husband for Christmas? He is on my Christmas list too, and I do not wish to duplicate a gift. —AJB, City of Fall River
Dear ABJ,
Oh, if I told you it would spoil the surprise and he would know he is getting a new pair of gloves. Sorry.
Dear Abby,
I do not know what to do with my hair for my wedding. I have long hair. I cannot decide if I should have an elaborate style done in a shoppe or if I should keep it simple. Perhaps I could put it up in a bun myself. It may be best cut off in a short fashion. What do you think a bride today should do? —Caroline Pelletier, Borden Street
Dear Caroline,
A woman’s hair is her crowning glory. Of course go to the hairdresser’s and have it done as beautifully as they can. Why, if I ever had my hair chopped off, I would just die!
Dear Abby,
I write you before. I own Hung Lee’s Chinese restaurant you and Mister Borden come to. He no understand about leaving a tip. So I try again last week. This time I make sure I say a tip of money, because last time he just give me advice to no play with matches. He say to me, “A tip of money? For what?” I say for taking order and bringing food to table. He say, “Would you have taken the order and brought the food anyway?” I tell him yes. He say if I was going to start charging him for that, then he can just go back to our kitchen and get it himself. Abby, your husband one of the most influential men in Fall River. If he start leaving tip, and he very wise with his spending, others will. I understand if you cannot help. Even if you cannot, writing to you somehow bring me big business. Be nice if that happen again. You must bring me good luck! —Hung Lee, Hung Lee’s Chinese, 804 New Boston Road, Fall River, Noon – 9 pm Monday thru Sunday, Pepper Steak – One dollar, Egg Rolls – 3 cents, Specials every Friday and Saturday. Freshest seafood. Bring in this paper for half off one meal when four or more dine. Best Chinese this side of Taunton River.
Dear Mr. Lee,
Mr. Borden and I must think ahead to our Golden Years. Every penny does matter. But you are such a good waiter and well, Hung, also proficient in getting all that food to our table that it would seem to me you deserve something extra after our meal. I will personally appeal to Mr. Borden about your concern.
Dear Abby,
Have you ever been to Chicago? —Raymond Huling, Providence, Rhode Island
Dear Huling,
Yes. My husband attended some business meetings years ago, while our youngest, Lizzie, and I visited museums and places of interest. She said I really belonged in the stockyard and urged me to go but, honestly, I have no talent for business like Mr. Borden has.
Dear Abby,
I am writing to see how your shoulder is. I have come by several times and there was no one home, though I could almost swear I saw “someone”—a white—bearded man—peeking out. No matter. How is the shoulder? —Your neighbor, physician and friend, Dr. Bowen
Dear Dr. Bowen,
My shoulder is fine now. Thank you for checking on me. I probably would not have been in pain so long if I had not waited to come see you. I should have taken Lizzie up on her kind offer to pop my arm out of its socket. I didn’t even know how she knew I was having trouble with it. (PS: My husband read this and said to tell you he will not pay for your letter as a medical expense. I apologize for his words.)
Dear Abby,
I heard talk down at the police station that Mr. Borden has locks on his bedroom door to keep daughter, Lizzie, out. Why? —George Allen, FRPD
Dear Mr. Allen,
The locks are not Andrew’s to keep Lizzie out. To prevent unnecessary gossip, you are forcing me to say that they are my locks to keep Andrew in.
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