Neilson Caplainby Neilson Caplain
First published in November/December, 2006, Volume 3, Issue 4, The Hatchet: Journal of Lizzie Borden Studies.
October 27, 2006
Dear Hatchet:
Browsing in a recent issue of The Hatchet I came across the excellent article written by Michael Brimbau about the Fall River book stores. Oh, how many pleasurable hours I spent among the stacks of Taste of Honey and the Bookhaven!
The owner of Bookhaven, Ralph Roberts, is not only a lawyer but was mainly active in labor union activities. He is retired and now and lives nearby.
Jim Mckenna was a kindly gentleman, always patient and helpful. I bought from The Taste of Honey not only books but also real life postcards made by O.E. Dubois, a Fall River photographer.
Not mentioned by Mr. Brimbau, perhaps because they were of an earlier time (the 1960s), are two other Fall River book stores.
Leo Kon was at 28 Brightman Street, a dusty shop run by a feisty individual. My first purchase from Leo was in May 1962. It consisted of history books and other Fall River memorabilia. Actually Leo was a source more for the latter than for books.
The second store was operated by John Facchiano from his shoe repair shop 335 South Main Street. The shop still exists, operated by John’s son. In 1961, I bought a large consignment of Fall River books not individually priced. It included Porter’s Fall River Tragedy. I estimate the cost of that item was under ten dollars. Imagine that!
I found other good sources further afield: Goodspeeds in Boston, Tysons in Providence, and Parnassus in Yarmouthport on Cape Cod. I have no way of knowing if these establishments are still in existence.
Incidentally, some of your readers might be interested in Turnstiles, written In 2004 by Fall River author C.R. Boucher. It contains many references to Lizzie Borden, both in fact and in fantasy. I bought my copy from Baker Books, 139 South Main Street, Fall River, Massachusetts, 02720. Baker is a good source for books written by other Fall River talent.
Sincerely,
Neilson Caplain
