Bobbie and World's Creepiest Destinations!

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 11:08 am

How appropriate!

Our Bobbie will be at the Borden B&B tonight and at 9 PM EDST, on the Travel Channel, will be shown (again!) "World's Creepiest Destinations."

Note that the Borden B&B is listed as #1, so will show at the end of the hour.

Don't get too creeped out, Bobbie!

shakiboo · Post by **shakiboo** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 12:37 pm

Have a great time Bobbie!! And don't forget to take lot's of pictures!!!

NESpinster · Post by **NESpinster** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 8:48 pm

That is so cool (and yes--so appropriate for Friday the 13th LOL!)

Thanks for telling us--I was planning to tape "Most Haunted" tonight on Travel Channel and "Creepiest Destinations" is being repeated at midnight--so I'll be sure to keep the cameras (or videotape!) rolling!!

Thanks again for the reminder--I never get tired of hearing about our Lizzie and seeing the old house!!!

Shelley · Post by **Shelley** » Sat Apr 14, 2007 7:22 pm

Bobbie and Co. arrived a tad late, but all in one piece, and was most welcome indeed. I will leave the story to be told by Bobbie herself, but will just say we all crept up to bed after much midnight madness around town by 3 a.m. and a good time was had by all with three days more to go! I think Bobbie just may be "modeling " half of Rock Street Painted Ladies when she returns home

50 degrees and beautiful today but another Nor'ester and gale force winds of 40 mph expected tomorrow.

Harry · Post by **Harry** » Sat Apr 14, 2007 11:35 pm

Have LOTS of fun Bobbie! Don't solve the murders though. The forum will empty out.

Shelley will take good care of you and your party.

Hope the weather doesn't turn too bad and you can get to see Fall River as well as the house.

Shelley · Post by **Shelley** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 1:30 pm

The gang survived one of the worst Nor'easters on record last night (and so did the house)- gusts up to 55 MPH and torrential rains and coastal flooding. The old bus station lot across the street is a real mudpit today with more rain on the way- but it has not dampened our spirits!

shakiboo · Post by **shakiboo** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 2:27 pm

Glad to hear everyone and the house made it through safely!!! Thought about you all when I watched the weather yesterday morning! Poor Bobbie! Left a Blizzard behind and ran into a Nor'easter!!! Hope there's better weather ahead!!!

Shelley · Post by **Shelley** » Tue Apr 17, 2007 5:02 pm

No relief in sight as the temps plunged to 39 degrees at 3 p.m. in Fall River this afternoon with a constant raw wind and relentless freezing rain . Bobbie should just be getting airborne out of Providence as I type this- with suitcases bulging with goodies and hopefully many great memories. Tomorrow the weather is expected to do a major turnaround and be perfectly delightful- naturally!

I like to apologize for such foul Yankee weather as our long-distance visitors endured by saying we enjoyed "atmospheric gloom" on the outside but many warm "fuzzies" on the inside.

Never have so few crammed so much into so little time. I suspect Bobbie will need a vacation to recuperate after the vacation. Still, there 's nothing like the first trip to Fall River for Lizziephiles .

Jeff · Post by **Jeff** » Wed Apr 18, 2007 8:17 am

I accompanied Bobbie and friends for a good portion of their trip.
I stayed at Lizzies on saturday night and we all headed to the Newport mansions in the morning. We survived the storm down there. After the mansions we tried to find a restaurant and most were closed , but one diner felt sorry for us and stayed open for us to eat and get warm.
On Monday I showed them Lizzies Swansea farm and showed them some
more people at Oak Grove and took a lot of pictures.
Other than the weather I think they had a very good time!!!

bobarth · Post by **bobarth** » Wed Apr 18, 2007 12:10 pm

Just a quick note to let you know we made it back home safe and sound. One more final trip to the airport in a few hours to take Barb to the airport. I am running on sensory overload and lack of sleep. All the new theories you hear while there makes sleep so hard, I just laid awake and ran theories through my head all night long.

Absolutely have to get some work out and then will give you all the juicy details. Was a charmed vacation and the house seems to attract some of the nicest people I have ever met. All of the new englanders I met were just the greatest people. There is nothing creepy at Lizzies unless you want there to be something creepy. The time at Lizzies was four of some of the best days of my life. I cant thank Lee-Ann, Shelley, Cemetery Jeff and everyone else enough for making a dream come true. Will try and get some pictures posted and permission to post them. We all look a little wind swept and probably wont have a hair in place so if I can get permission to post will get some pictures up. I will be rambling on about this trip for a long long time and am sure you will all get sick of hearing about it.

I did get to hold an original Porter. (Be still my beating heart.)

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Wed Apr 18, 2007 2:00 pm

YAY! We'll be waiting!

Glad you are safe and sound!

shakiboo · Post by **shakiboo** » Wed Apr 18, 2007 2:32 pm

Glad you had a great time!! The only sick I intend to be is GREEN with envy!! So, tell it all, every little bit!! and Pictures, pictures pictures!!! lol

Shelley · Post by **Shelley** » Wed Apr 18, 2007 7:38 pm

Glad to hear you all got back safe- it was a stormy night to be flying. Had to laugh when you mentioned "Cemetery Jeff"- that's the way I refer to him when I am speaking to others. Jeff- I hope this will not scar you for life! It just seems we spend so much time in Oak Grove. I was sorry to miss out on seeing Wixon's tombstone as I had not been able to find it but now I know it is near the Stafford Mill stone I may have a chance.

Looking forward to seeing your photos Bobbie- if I am in any of them, remember you promised to photoshop 40 pounds and 20 years off

Sure was hard to go back to the boring old job today. Rain and blustery winds are still hanging on but the weekend should see temps nearly 60. The daffodils have dared to peek out today.

bobarth · Post by **bobarth** » Wed Apr 18, 2007 11:53 pm

Shelley- Was looking at the photos today and took one of you from the side and could hardly see you. And I think the hatchet takes off, at the very least, 15 years.

shakiboo - Surely you didnt think a little thing like hurricane force wind would slow us down now did ya? That was so sweet for you to worry but seriously we did the Newport ocean drive and watched the breakers after touring "The Breakers" during the storm. It was great and quite dramatic I might add. Maybe Barb might like to add to this story seeings that she was driving.

Harry - Unfortunately there was no case closure with this visit, however I do hope to return and get er solved next time.

I gotta compress them all but in lieu of pictures I have a little Borden bedtime story.

Its my story, (as near as I know) and I am sticking to it!!!!

Pulling off the much- anticipated exit 6 at Fall River we were instantly greeted by a nice man in a car that had pretty flashing lights, he welcomed us to town

and explained break-down lanes to us. Especially that part about driving in them. With that done we got out the trusty dusty camcorder and taped seeing the house for the very first time, which might make some long for a box of Depends.......

I am fairly sure that it was me that was hyperventilating, but that was one carful of happy people hooting and hollering that we were at "Lizzies" at long last. With ear to ear grins we entered the house. I immediately had to touch the same handrail the Bordens had used, what an overwhelming feeling to actually be there. First thing was getting on the seventh step and looking under the guest room bed. Those steps are narrow and turn and I always found myself always having to look down when going up and down those steps. For me to turn and look would have been unnatural. But then again, I am a big Klutz so no real big clue solved here. But the really cool thing is you get to do these experiments, as much as you want day or night. Everyone speaks Borden and everyone wants to play. It was fun to do the voices in the sitting room experiment, pretending to be Lizzie in her room - sick. While two people converse until it gets so loud it "disturbs you" and you must shut the door. Actually it is quite loud, depending of course upon ones idea of "disturb"

While getting the layout and the dynamics of the house the line from the song "Daytripper" by the Beatles kept repeating in my head "It took me so long to find out, but I found out" It is really quite the experience and an absolute must for any Lizzite. One thing about the guest bed room I never knew was that behind the bed is the fireplace mantel. Never knew that was back there. So naturally I must poke and prod to see what is what. Got to poking around in there much to the back and somewhat left of center and moved a loose brick which exposed an obscure panel and latch which I opened and there was the hatchet, all bloody with the intitials JVM crudely marked in the handle. It was immediately sent away for testing. Alright I am kidding about the hatchet but there really is a fireplace mantle back there.

I am starting to sound like an infocommercial and I am so sleep deprived, so the rest on cemeteries, Newport Mansions and the piers during a Nor'Easter. Or as Jeff so patiently taught us how to say " Nah Eastah" Scar Jeff? He spend several days with us, I am worried about complete corruption. He was so sweet please let me know that we did not ruin him totally. Ghost hunters at Lizzies, seances, pretty houses, nocturnal wanderings and all the rest will save for later.

SteveS. · Post by **SteveS.** » Thu Apr 19, 2007 12:30 am

I am enjoying reading your posts bobarth and eagerly anticipate more stories and pictures of your trip. I am glad you had a good time. I am starting to really feel nostalgic and homesick about my hometown I think a trip back home is going to be forthcomming. I don't miss the New England weather but I do miss Fall River and the rest of Southern New England and it's unique charm and I especialy miss my family and friends back home. It's been 2 years since I've been back and reading your posts and as always Shelley's posts and pictures is always the highlight of my day.

BaAz5 · Post by **BaAz5** » Thu Apr 19, 2007 11:25 am

Hello all, had a wonderful time in Fall River. Lots of traveling to get there and lots of bad weather. Bobbie has been telling you about our trip so I'll tell you the a little funny. When we got to the house we walked around the outside and the first words out of Bobbie's mouth were "it looks just like my model".
We met some wonderful people, I felt so comfortable in the house it was like going home. I feel like I know every inch of the place, at times it would hit me why we came there and I would feel a bit depressed but I still had a great time. We spent two nights in Lizzie's room and two nights in the "guest" room. The first night in the guest room I slept on the side of the bed near the murder scene, walking over there and sitting on the bed I realized that I had just walked over the place that Abby had laid and had a strange feeling come over me. But I was so tired it didn't seem to bother me after that since I went right to sleep.

Shelly, thank you so much for your time. You are a wonderful person and I am so glad that I got to meet you in person.

I could go on and on about all that we did but I'll leave most of the chatting with Bobbie, unless I can think of more tidbits about the trip that she has forgotten.

One thing I do know is that the trip did not satisfy my hunger for Lizzie, I want to know more about the murders and Fall River. I will be reading anything I can get my hands on, and be busy doing research on Fall River it's self.

Hey Jeff, also glad I got to meet you. You are a great guy and a great tour guide. Thanks for all the fun.

Shelley · Post by **Shelley** » Thu Apr 19, 2007 11:36 am

"I felt so comfortable in the house it was like going home".

So wonderfully put Barb- yes, odd as it may seem, after all the reading and viewing the house online-many people say it feels like home. Would that there had been so much fellowship, fun and goodwill back in 1892, things could have been very different. We find ourselves all saying, "I'll be back home about 10" or, referencing the house as home in conversation. It has become a home away from home for so many for many various reasons, but I'd like to think that we all become family in our common interest and our mutual pleasure in sharing the case and the house and even the city in the early morning or late night hours when the locals are tucked into their beds. There's something about rambling the old streets when not many are up and about, and the modern day noises are muted that makes one feel it might be 1892 and we are happening upon the scene as it may have unfolded on that day. After nine years there, the feeling has not ended and the new faces at the door only serve to rekindle the feeling of venturing back, once again, into the Past. Let's do it again someday soon.

BaAz5 · Post by **BaAz5** » Thu Apr 19, 2007 11:46 am

Oh Shelley that is so true, if only Lizzie and Emma had as much fun as we had. And at times it did feel like being sent back in time.

Harry · Post by **Harry** » Thu Apr 19, 2007 2:12 pm

Bobbie and BaAz5, glad to hear that you had a great time and the weather didn't ruin it for you. As Kat would say, Yay!

The weather reports sounded so bad and we even heard the Providence airport may have been closed.

Glad to see you got to Newport as well. It's simply beautiful there.

Can't wait for my next trip up.

Shelley · Post by **Shelley** » Thu Apr 19, 2007 2:21 pm

Actually the Providence airport did close, Harry! Poor Margaret had to take a bus back home. Will you be coming up in August, Harry? Hope to see you all sooner.

bobarth · Post by **bobarth** » Thu Apr 19, 2007 2:28 pm

Harry- We were taking Margaret to the airport at 4:30 AM and at 2 AM the wall back by security had blown over. So the airport was closed and they had police blocking the airport entrances. That was a wild and wooly ride to the airport. Lightposts were down, signs were bent and debris was strung out all over the highway.

bobarth · Post by **bobarth** » Thu Apr 19, 2007 3:28 pm

Me and Lizzie

bobarth · Post by **bobarth** » Thu Apr 19, 2007 10:03 pm

Shes looking rough and the shingles were a flappin in the wind during the storm. The last maple tree appears to be in the process of getting chopped into firewood. Oh how I would love to give it a coat of paint, that would spruce it right up.

bobarth · Post by **bobarth** » Thu Apr 19, 2007 10:12 pm

Reading Sarah Cornell's grave inscription.

bobarth · Post by **bobarth** » Thu Apr 19, 2007 10:25 pm

Pretty house, somewhere close to Maplecroft, I think, never quite sure as I was always lost.

Harry · Post by **Harry** » Thu Apr 19, 2007 10:41 pm

Shelley @ Thu Apr 19, 2007 3:21 pm wrote:Actually the Providence airport did close, Harry! Poor Margaret had to take a bus back home. Will you be coming up in August, Harry? Hope to see you all sooner.

Yes, will be coming up this year, probably sooner than August. Depends on a few things.

A bus? Wow, that's a trip in itself. Drat! That Providence airport is so convenient.

Shelley · Post by **Shelley** » Thu Apr 19, 2007 10:59 pm

The Amtrak is not so bad either actually and stops in Providence- then the bus to Fall River from there is a possibility. April and May, and October are the best times to come North I think- no tourists and divine weather, although this April has been one for the record books. Today the sun finally dared to shine and the thermometer hit 59 at 4 p.m. The forsythia came out, daffs opened, and in a few weeks the tulips will be out along with lilacs. Summers have been rather hot of late, especially August, but then maybe that is just the time to visit Second Street after all.

I wish we had had this nice weather for you last Thursday Bobbie- hard to believe a whole week has gone by already.

bobarth · Post by **bobarth** » Fri Apr 20, 2007 10:22 am

Yes it is hard to believe a whole week has gone by so soon. Hope I have enough memories to last me until I can get back.

BaAz5 · Post by **BaAz5** » Fri Apr 20, 2007 7:00 pm

Hello again, now that I am a little less zapped from jetlag I thought I'd post my view our the trip.
Driving up to the Borden house I experienced a feeling I can not discribe, I was that overwhelmed. When I got inside I met some of the most wonderful people, Shelley, LeeAnn, Faye and the guest that we got to meet. I knew that since Bobbie had been in contact with most everyone at the B&B we would be having some fun. I was not prepared to be treated like royalty (and that is how I felt). We spent the first night hanging out with Shelley and Faye. (The reinactment was, to die for, lol) Shelley spent a lot of time with us without ignoring the other guests. Faye, who was also a guest was amazing. She shared a lot of her knowledge and time with us, also took us around town and told us so many things about Fall River my head is still spinning. I started out being hooked on Lizzie and the murders, but thanks to Faye I now want to learn more about Fall River's history and the people. So again, Thank you Shelley, LeeAnn, Jeff and Faye for making me feel a part of Fall River.

theebmonique · Post by **theebmonique** » Fri Apr 20, 2007 8:03 pm

Faye...as in Faye M. ?

Tracy...

BaAz5 · Post by **BaAz5** » Fri Apr 20, 2007 9:06 pm

theebmonique
yes, it's Faye M, why?

theebmonique · Post by **theebmonique** » Fri Apr 20, 2007 9:37 pm

BaAz5,

I should probably not have posted my question in a public area of the forum. Please check your PM's.

Tracy...

theebmonique · Post by **theebmonique** » Fri Apr 20, 2007 9:42 pm

I am going to be the apology queen tonight. I am sorry...I forgot about the new post limits for PM's. If you'd like, email me at [email protected] and I will explain my position. I should have realized this is not a topic for public discussion.

Tracy...

Jeff · Post by **Jeff** » Sat Apr 21, 2007 8:07 am

Hi Barb
I had a blast meeting you and hanging out with you guys!!!
I had a lot of fun and I'm glad you enjoyed your Lizzie experience!
Just wish the weather was a bit nicer than what it was.
Next time you come back we'll all have to go back and see Mario and sandy in Newport LOL

Allen · Post by **Allen** » Sat Apr 21, 2007 8:07 am

bobarth @ Thu Apr 19, 2007 10:12 pm wrote:

Reading Sarah Cornell's grave inscription.

Just out of curiosity the name James appears to be inscribed near the top of the tombstone, about the second line down, what does this represent? I can make out "Jam" and then what appears to me to be a slightly more worn "es" after it. Or am I missreading it? Just curious as to the meaning of the inscription.

theebmonique · Post by **theebmonique** » Sat Apr 21, 2007 11:13 am

I think maybe it is because the line just above it says ...the daughter of...so the line is James...L(something) Cornell ? That's what it looks like to me...but I am not 100% sure.

Tracy...

BaAz5 · Post by **BaAz5** » Sat Apr 21, 2007 11:22 am

Hi Jeff, I had a great time too. Weather didn't bother me, just like Michigan in April, only been away from there for 6 yrs. still remember the rain and wind.

Maybe our next visit will be in sunny weather.

Allen · Post by **Allen** » Sat Apr 21, 2007 11:29 am

theebmonique @ Sat Apr 21, 2007 11:13 am wrote:I think maybe it is because the line just above it says ...the daughter of...so the line is James...L(something) Cornell ? That's what it looks like to me...but I am not 100% sure.

Tracy...

Thanks Tracy. I was having a hard time making out that top line. After your post I looked at the picture again more closely. It does look like it might say "daughter of" on the top line though it is very faint and is it hard to be 100% sure.

Harry · Post by **Harry** » Sat Apr 21, 2007 12:11 pm

I believe that it is an ampersand after James. And then follows the mother's name, which is very hard to read. Something like L--eretia?. Possibly Lucretia?

SteveS. · Post by **SteveS.** » Sat Apr 21, 2007 12:28 pm

My 2nd favorite past time besides the Lizzie Borden case was visiting old cemetaries around New England. I think both Theebonique and Harry are right. That was the distinct style and ettiquette of the 19th century to put "daughter of" or "son of" and the the father's and mother's name with a "&" in between the two. There are tons of small old cemetaries to visit in New England and for those interested in Fall River history theres the old North Burial Grounds in Fall River.

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Sat Apr 21, 2007 11:33 pm

Yes that's exactly how we were greeted at the House when we visited! Like "Royalty!" It's a wonderfully gracious welcome.
Glad you guys had a great time!

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Sat Apr 21, 2007 11:40 pm

From Fall River Outrage, David Richard Kasserman, 1986, pgs. 29-30- it says Sarah's mother was Lucretia Leffingwell - and James Cornell was her father. After James used up his wife's portion of her father's money he deserted her and their 3 children. Sarah had a brother James as well.
The section referenced says the union was short-lived.

SteveS. · Post by **SteveS.** » Sat Apr 21, 2007 11:50 pm

Does everyone know who Sarah Cornell was?

http://www.brown.edu/Facilities/Univers ... eryms.html

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Sun Apr 22, 2007 10:43 am

Thanks SteveS! That's useful!

SteveS. · Post by **SteveS.** » Sun Apr 22, 2007 12:24 pm

You are very welcome Kat. I just figured that some people might be following Bobbies Borden adventures and not know who Sarah Cornell is or the significance of her gravestone in Fall River's history.

bobarth · Post by **bobarth** » Mon Apr 23, 2007 10:05 am

Wow you guys have had fun with Sarah. Cant believe you could read the tombstone and that is exactly what it says on the gravestone. Which is terrible to read. The bottom portion says she died in her 31st year of age.

SteveS I would love to hear all your stories on Fall River if you would like to share. I have fallen in love with the place.

bobarth · Post by **bobarth** » Mon Apr 23, 2007 10:12 am

After reviewing pictures I have found that most of my pictures are of the cemetery. Yes I am a cemetery person. So here is another one

bobarth · Post by **bobarth** » Mon Apr 23, 2007 10:17 am

I am fairly sure that this is not Avon calling.

bobarth · Post by **bobarth** » Mon Apr 23, 2007 10:43 am

HEY WHO CLOSED THE GATES!!!!

Photo by Shelley

SteveS. · Post by **SteveS.** » Mon Apr 23, 2007 12:46 pm

A small link to Fall River from 1890

http://www.laferriere.us/Locations/Fall ... usetts.htm

Do we all know who the Shove's were? Original mill owners like the Bordens and the Durfees they not only have mills named after them but have their own street in Fall River also. If you happen upon Shove St. make sure you check out McGovern's restaurant,,,,excellent food and excellent view of Cook Pond.