Opinions on the recent Hatchet articles

[augusta]

Oh ... when I took the protective wrap off of this issue I truly was in awe. It's a beautiful cover, front and back. I liked seeing that the back was Swansea's Town Hall. Next trip, I want to spend some time there. Just for pleasure.

I thought Dougoh's 'News & Views' was brilliant! I laughed out loud in several places, and that's rare that I do that. It's strange that he wrote on Porter, as this issue has the piece on 'Edmund Porter's Grave'. He didn't know that was coming out, either. I think his piece is essential to the magazine. Like good fiction can do, Doug's features make you feel as if you are back in 1892 in Fall River.

Harry's list of Second street dwellers (they didn't capitalize "street" back then) is great! On some entries, I was surprised to see he included where the person lived, if they had a business on Second street. A needed classic that people will be using as reference.

The photos and illustrations all thru this issue are probably the best yet. The pigeons on page 58! Of course we must have pigeons!

I was impressed by Michael Brimbau's drawing of the map on the same page. Very, very good. I liked his poem "Ice House". I felt this one, and I am no student of poetry. He is "assistant designer" of The Hatchet now? I would think Stef made the best choice in him. His photography is always soooo good.

I thought the poem "Lizzie" by Larry Allen was good. I found it very simple, which is good for those of us who are not knowledgeable in poetry other than Ogden Nash and limericks. "Midol" made it sparkle.

The styrofoamy slip covers the magazine comes in is great for tucking The Hatchet in between reads.

Gee, what to read first??? There is not one piece in this issue that I am not anxious to read. Totally great issue.

Please give to the Edwin Porter grave site fund.

[Tina-Kate]

Alas, I am waiting for my subscription renewal.

Soon, I hope!

[mbhenty]

''

[dinglefarb]

And thanks for the kind words regarding my poem "Lizzie". It was written a few years ago as kind of an introduction to the cast of characters at the house. There are many more where that came from and I hope you will soon be able to see them. Yes, simple always works for me. Poems should communicate...not confuse.

I think the postman must be enjoying my hard copy of The Hatchet. When he is finished, perhaps he will pass it along to me.
[/img]

[Michael]

The most-interesting Hatchet yet. That's my opinion. And that's really saying something! Fantastic job, everyone!

[Shelley]

Thanks Michael, you have no idea how hard it was locating a 1874 deckplan of the Scythia! But it was fun seeing Lizzie's cabin and the arrangement of it so near the diningroom and ladies' saloon-and it was also nice to know she had a porthole. I picture her peering out, her round face framed in the porthole, looking at the sunrise on the waves and the stars late at night.

[augusta]

The new title is a good idea. As someone pointed out to me, tho, she was questioning the wording "Lizzie Borden's Journal". She said that technically that's a possessive, meaning it's all from Lizzie Borden's journal. After looking at it closely, it did feel like it didn't read right, not solely because of my friend's comment. I know what you are trying to convey in the title, but I think it might need a little tweak. Maybe something as simple as "Lizzie Borden and Murder, Mystery and Victorian History".

I liked page 6, with odds and ends from Mondo Lizzie. It reminds us that it does exist and is a wonderful site. There is so much going on with the Forum, The Hatchet, and my own work that sometimes I forget there's a Mondo Lizzie.

The Forum thread is always interesting (page 7). The "Edinburgh" reference is interesting; I hadn't read it on the Forum. I think it shows what class the Forum has - that it's a serious site that really takes Lizzie on.

"Outspoken" is an essential, in my opinion. It shows us that people all over the world are still making references to Lizzie. The excerpts are fun to read.

"Buzz" (pages 8 & 9) was great! So many interesting, interesting things on there. Special thanks for the news on Melissa Allen's find of the origins of Lizzie's mantlepiece carving, "... when my fires burn low." I was one of many who tried to find it and never did. It would have been good to have given the URL or clews to reach it (category name, thread name). I think that was a major find and I would have liked to have seen it given its own article.

The bits on Victoriana magazine, the online Lizzie radio plays, and the fate of the Court-TV website were especially appreciated by me.

I think the name "The Internets" is confusing. It may be proper English, but most people say "The Internet" or "The Net" or the "World Wide Web". I am not clear on where to go for the Lizzie radio plays. If "Archive.org" means the Lizzie Andrew Borden website, it would have been good to have had that clarified. As a writer, I know I cannot assume everyone knows what certain things mean.

"The Bordens by Daylight" by Stef Koorey was great!! I loved the entire text - it was fascinating, your taking us with you on your quest. I thought the whole article was very exciting!

The photos - gee, what can I say? Incredible finds! A new Lizzie!! And a new John Morse! And probably a new Emma (I think it is her). To find the matching photo of Sarah Borden's to Andrew's - and your eye trained to zero in on Borden photos ... CONGRATULATIONS, Stefani! You've made your name in the history of Lizzie Borden, and I am so happy for you and Len Rebello and Carl at the Luther Museum.

mb: I haven't seen your poem, "Kiss me Sweet Laddie". My previous issue of The Hatchet is still unopened, I have been so busy. It does sound wonderful, tho, and I look forward to reading it. Yes, your poetry certainly does feel like it comes from your heart. That's why I like it so much. That's right - you have that incredible view of Maplecroft. And you can look over there and dream to your heart's content, then write great poems. I can't imagine the inspiration you must get from it.

Dinglefarb: That's good news. I'd love to see more of your poetry.

Shelley: Your article sounds incredible! I can't wait to get to it. I have always wondered about her Grand Tour and the ship. All I've ever seen on it was in L. Rebello's "Past & Present" - and that was a treat!

[augusta]

I was tempted to skip Kat Koorey's "Orrin Augustus Gardner" (pages 22-23) but knew I didn't know a thing about the Gardners, and I reminded myself that I never read an article by Kat that I didn't like. (Plus it probably would not be in 'The Hatchet' if it wasn't good.)

It did not disappoint. It was so good to see a photo of him, after all these years of coming across his name. I thought he was very good looking. His life was very interesting to read about. He did so many things - good things. It was too bad that he died as he did.

If he brought the news of Lizzie's death to Emma, it would be great to find someone had recorded her reaction. (You spoiled us, Stef.)

One question to Kat: On page 23, it says that Emma's "personal possessions would have been scattered over three states - her apartment at the Minden in Providence..." How could there have been any of her things left at the Minden? Usually people take every thing when they move out of an apartment.

Great job, Kat! Interesting, educational and you moved the piece right along with your seemingly easy writing style.

[augusta]

Preston Hicks Gardner, pages 24-25 by Kat Koorey
This Borden relative's story is even better than Orrin's. A couple new facts that have solved one of the Borden mysteries is in this! What an interesting man, accomplishing so much in his 90-year life span.

The photo of the fireplace at Riverby is fabulous! The caption says that this is the house Emma was waked at. It's good to see it!

I wonder if this picture was taken after Christmas one year. There looks like a lot of pine branches in the fireplace. There is a little (home made?) basket on the left atop the mantle; another similar one is in the fireplace. This one looks like it has maybe an angel on it? A really great piece, Kat! It adds much to the Borden story. THANK YOU.

[Kat]

Thank you, Sherry!

The photos of the photos (and the one of Riverby's fireplace) were taken and credited to Michael Brimbau, our own mbhenty. Having that picture there with Orrin and Preston was great design judgment by Stefani. I am always surprised by her flawless illustrations and layout.
(Those apothecary bottles as illustration to Denise Noes' article for example- superb!)

It's my understanding that Emma still kept her Providence apartment at The Minden, tho she did finally live full time in New Hampshire, in her last few years.

[augusta]

I read L. Rebello's article on Emma's 1913 interview with the Boston Post. I take it that the article he cites as questioning the interview's authenticity is a new find? I had not seen it before (but that doesn't mean much. ) I loved it! I always doubted that that interview ever took place. It was so out of character for Emma. I thought it was an article of importance. It's interesting to read that that was the only newspaper that denounced the interview. But it's a start. Maybe something else will turn up to negate it. I thought Mr. R's article was written without bias. That may not have been easy for some writers to do, it is such a controversial issue. Excellent, excellent job!

The page on Nielson Caplain was touching. It was good to see his family and to read about who he was. (I thought his wife was beautiful.) It's a loss for us Bordenites and Fall River lovers. He always wrote something interesting as well as pleasurable. I'm glad he had a long retirement and hope that his passing was peaceful.

Very nice Gardner photos, Michael B! I certainly agree with Kat - the design of the magazine is gorgeous. Yes, those apothecary jars were extremely well done. My daughter saw the pansies and oohed and aahed over those. So did I.

Kat, Oh! I hadn't known that Emma still kept her Minden apartment. Thanks for posting it. Gee, yes - her stuff could have gotten lost with yet another place she kept her things.

[augusta]

"Adventures of a Forlorn Maggie" by Richard Behrens (page 34) was hard to put down. At first, looking at the title, I thought it was about Bridget. But in this case, it is used as a common name for an Irish work girl. It has some great elements to it - Lizzie shoplifting; Lizzie and Andrew scenes together; true mystery; and Victorian speech. The story is very well constructed, the climax a good one, and the ending fit.

Just one question: In part 3, page 39 (1st paragraph) the word 'nearby' is written as "near-bye". 'Bye' being short for 'goodbye', I don't understand why it would be spelled like that in the Gilded Age. A rare typo?

Just one comment that made me wonder. Andrew is violent toward a guy in the story, and it made me think of him being raised a Quaker. Violence is not believed in, but I had to laugh when Andrew then kicked the man in the shins. I could picture that. And it sounds like something someone not used to violence would do - a child, maybe a really angry Quaker.

Thank you, Richard, for what I think is your best mystery yet.
And the pansies on the page are so beautiful.

Please give to the Edwin Porter grave marker fund.

[doug65oh]

Maybe the Quaker was just feeling his oats that day, augusta.

[Kat]

Well I read your comment at noon and burst out laughing and so I will tell you that now! I should have told you earlier-
But then I am a fan of a good PUN!

[doug65oh]

What can I say but that at times, insanity is a grand and glorious thing??

[Richard]

Thanks for your appreciation Augusta.

Alas, I think "near-bye" was a typo.

Interesting about Andrew and violence. Yes, he did puff up his chest about hanging Fleet-Footed Fleet, but it was more because the man sank his investment, and touching Andrew's money would be something that would bring out passion in him. I knew that Andrew couldn't truly be violent, so I opted to have him poke the guy in the eye and kick his shin like he didn't know HOW to be violent. I'm glad you picked up on that.

I'm reading the rest of the magazine myself this week and will comment.

[dinglefarb]

Finally got my copy of the latest Hatchet! The first shipment was lost in the mail. Just want to throw in my 22 cents on the Sarah photo/photos.
Look closely...could these be two different photos from the same session.
It seem that in the second and smaller version her lips are wider and more down-turned. Her head seems to tilt a bit more. Or perhaps the re-touching that goes on in making the larger version changed her a bit.
What do you think?

ANYWAY....IT IS AN EXCELLENT ISSUE OF THE HATCHET, TO SAY THE LEAST! CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL CONCERNED!

[Shelley]

I wondered the same thing- the collar on Sarah's dress is the same.

[augusta]

I enjoyed the interview "Murder Most Foul", with Professor Mauriello. I wonder why Morning Star refused to let him test for blood. That was the whole idea behind the show. It would be interesting if someone asked him if he could do it now.

I think the DNA was a good question. Personally I think it would still be there. They are all the time examining old stuff and getting DNA out of it.

It was great to ask him his opinion on Professor Starrs' wanting to exhume the Bordens. These two professors ought to get together and discuss maybe trying it again. Much better two professors believing it would do some good than just one.

Good questions! Some intriguing answers!

[Kat]

It looks like the bigger portrait of Sarah was cleaned up- drawn upon- somehow the wrinkles have been removed from Sarah's dress at the shoulder area and the "V" band accentuated and the pin and buttons highlighted. Otherwise they might be the same.
The *tilting* illusion could just be when an oval picture is set down not quite straight.
Interesting observation d.farb.

[Bob Gutowski]

Isn't "the Internets" a reference to the speech of our dear, beloved President, who called it thus in one press talk?

[augusta]

"Lizzie's Grand Tour" was an intriguing title of an article I couldn't wait to reach in the magazine. The graphics were fabulous! Just beautiful. And the few things that were factual about Lizzie and her trip were very interesting. However, most of the article was fictionalized - telling us how some things may have been done on some ships back then. From the title, I expected to read about Lizzie's Grand Tour - not what may have been.

There were very little factual bits about Lizzie directly. That was a disappointment. Coupled with the author's sometimes purple prose, it may have read better as a fictional piece.

It didn't help things when a major error was caught in the article saying that it was Lizzie who wanted to switch rooms with Emma because of Lizzie buying so many souvenirs for the wall.

One thing that was great, though, was on Lizzie's passport application. We have her hair as "light brown" and her eyes as "gray". I'm going to take that as truth, over the various journalists at her trial who called her hair anything from red to black.

Bob - I think that is where "Internets" comes from.

[Shelley]

Well, I am sorry you were so disappointed. Naturally, as no travel diary of Lizzie's has ever been found, one could only use other similar diaries of the experience of crossing. I have read a great many of those types of travel journals and have collected ocean liner memorablia for 30 years. All of the graphics come from my own collection except the deck plans. Obtaining the deckplans for the 1875 Scythia was a challenge and I thank collector Eric Sauder of Colorado for allowing me to use the one which was published in this article. Cunard Archives could not produce one. Unfortunately, a close up of Lizzie's cabin and deck were not included and would have been more exciting. I also thank John Maxtone-Graham, a respected authority and lecturer, author, and expert on nineteenth century travel at sea, and a personal friend of 25 years for his recommendations. I was very curious to see where Lizzie's cabin was and to me that was a real revelation to see her in an outside cabin with a porthole and a lower berth. To find the position of her room in relationship to the ladies' lounge and dining salon was another plus and to see how the other women in her party were probably disposed was also interesting.

I have ALWAYS been told- as speculation as we don't know for sure, that Lizzie, upon returning, had collected a great many souvenirs, prints, and the like during that 19 weeks . If you recall the newspaper article written by that lady reporter of Lizzie's bedroom, she makes pointed reference to a number of prints of foreign travels (cathedrals, madonna and such) which were hung and set out around Lizzie's new larger room.

I also found all except Miss Cox's passport applications, but the others from the Bordens and Braytons and Miss Ellen Shove, for some reason (probably space) were not published. I have not been able to prove or disprove Emma's trip to Scotland as no passport application has surfaced.

I won't apologize, either about my "purple prose"- it is merely the way I write, and have always written. And I don't plan to change that anytime soon. I suspect you may not enjoy Richard Behren's Lizzie Girl Detective either- as that is even more delightfully purple.

The practices and customs which were described on the ship are correct for the period and were most carefully researched and confirmed. I also would have thought the name of Lizzie's Captain would have been greeted with some interest. The article was as factual as the scant bit of documentation which exists permitted and I unearthed every morsel of that even before finding the passport material. The rest was fleshed out with accurate information which many have found of interest. I cannot make up things which are unknown about the particulars of her trip. The Liverpool landing dock is of that period and would have looked exactly like that on her arrival. I went to some pains and expense to locate and purchase that postcard, a vintage portrait of the ship, and a 1890 Delineator magazine with travel attire of the 1890s to get an idea what the party of ladies might have looked like onboard. Many of my scans of Cunard luggage tickets, menus, and ephemera did not make the editor's cut. There are four distinguished titles given as references at the end of the piece but other interviews and materials were used, including works on the Grand Tour and likely places Lizzie MAY have covered during those nineteen weeks. There is a great deal of factual material and graphics in this piece- more than has ever been assembled anywhere else on this topic.

I can take criticism, - when it is deserved, but frankly I find the above undeserved, harsh, and very unfair. You may well criticize the writing style, but there is nothing wrong or contrived about the content considering the limited material available on the topic-nor was the article touted as being a tell-all factual account about Lizzie's trip.

[Shelley]

I have posted the other passports and bits which did not make editor's cut in the Privy. And in passing, the submitted title for the article was- Grand Tour, and was designed as a showcase for the passports.

I was thinking last night about the story that Andrew was obliged to wire Lizzie more money as she had exhausted her purse in Europe. This story I obtained from Michael Martins back in 1993. I did not include this as I don't have any documentation, but if true, Andrew must have been boiling! I am not sure where I originally heard or read that Lizzie persuaded Emma to switch rooms to accommodate her burgeoning souvenir collection. Emma testifies that she and Lizzie switched rooms very shortly after Lizzie's return from her European tour. There is no documentation however of the WHY. What we know is how Lizzie decorated her larger room- which was described as having fancy portieres over the doorways, embroidered coverlet, curtained washing area, etc. and all manner of tasteful bric a brac and reminders of her brush with culture and travel. We also know space was at a premium in that house, with Emma and Lizzie niggling over a dress hook in a closet. It's not much of a stretch to see how this room switch may have come about. Eighteen years of living cramped in a glorified closet, and a trip to Europe living la dolce vita, sure would make most people fed up with cramped quarters- especially a lady who aspired to better circumstances

[Angel]

I liked it.

[Shelley]

Thanks! I have made a note to call Michael Martins to see if by chance any of the Braytons or Bordens may have left a diary or travel journal to the society, although, I would think any description of the 19 week tour would have been published by now. I would bet Lizzie wrote plenty of postcards to people back in FR and some of them may be around in attics in the city!

[Kat]

Trial
Emma
Q. The room that she occupied was the room directly over the

Page 1563 / i586

sitting room?
A. No, sir.

Q. Your sister Lizzie?
A. Oh, yes, sir.

Q. That is what I mean. And the room that you occupied was the room adjacent to it?
A. Yes, sir.

Q. You were much the older?
A. Yes, sir.

Q. Your room was very much smaller?
A. Yes, sir.

Q. Had you previously occupied a different room?
A. Yes, sir.

Q. Which room had you previously occupied?
A. My sister's room.

Q. Had you occupied it with her or had she occupied a different room?
A. She had occupied a different room.

Q. Which room had she occupied?
A. The one that I now have.

Q. When was the change made?
A. I don't know.

Q. How long ago, about?
A. I should think not more than two years.

Q. The room that you occupy was a room that had no exit excepting through her room?
A. No, sir.

Q. Was the change made at her request?
A. No, sir.

Q. At your own suggestion?
A. I offered it to her.

Q. Was it in consequence of anything said by her?
A. No, sir.

In response to:

Emma testifies that she and Lizzie switched rooms very shortly after Lizzie's return from her European tour. There is no documentation however of the WHY.

--Shelley partial

The room change timing is not quite established thru Emma's "testimony."
The trial was June 1893, and Emma said "not more than 2 years"- if she was recounting the change from the time of the murders is one thing- if she means from the time she is asked, in 1893, that is another. But Emma starts by saying she does not know. Just to be clear. I was called out on this very question by our William a long time ago!

[Kat]

I am not caught up yet with the Forum, as I was ill yesterday and today, and also my computer was verrry slow..
But I hope to read everything by tomorrow night.
Please pardon that this is my only post in 2 days. It caught my interest first.

[augusta]

Kat - It was not said in the article that, "Emma testifies that she and Lizzie switched rooms very shortly after Lizzie's return from her European tour. There is no documentation however as to the WHY." That was posted on this Forum thread.

The article said: "So many of these souvenirs did she bring back, that she was compelled to cajole Emma into trading rooms with her when she arrived back on Second Street."

[Shelley]

Well, to to put an end to this already old news about a relatively small blip on the radar, first, we don't have to speak as if I were not "in the room". I tried to recall where I first heard the story about the room switch and from whom. It was so long ago, nobody remembered. It was not Bill Pavao and it was not Len Rebello. I called to ask. The story about Lizzie running out of money in Europe came from Michael Martins. The room switch story may also have done. In any event, I was repeating something which I heard apparently from someone whose opinion I respected. Guess I got bum info. It happens sometimes- and from so-called Borden scholars as well.

Secondly, the room switch occured sometime after Lizzie's return from her trip (that according to Len). Could this have happened because Lizzie wanted more room for her stuff? Maybe. In a house where the girls were niggling over a blasted dresshook in a closet to the point of burning up a old ruined bedford cord dress over it... well, it is a likely possibility. Thirdly, this is not a cure for cancer here. It is a minor point and has nothing to do with solving the Borden murders. So, mea culpa- beat me with a stick. I am happy to write up a retraction of that sentence for the next Hatchet and be flailed publicly in The Lizzie Scholar Hall Of Shame. I too do not like to propagate incorrect historical information.

Sorry you did not like it Sherry, and I thank all of you who did and have said so publicly and privately. I write for the fun of it, and as a freelancer also for newspaper and journals, it is done for love of writing and friends, not cash. A kind word of appreciation here and there is reward enough- and the occasion bowl of kale soup at Roger's.

[Angel]

I appreciate you, Shelley.

[Shelley]

Thanks.

You know, just thinking about the testimony of Emma's above- she may well have said Lizzie did not ask for the room switch deliberately. It may have led people to think of Lizzie as greedy, bossy and difficult had Emma said, "Well, yes, Lizzie moaned and groaned about her crackerbox cell and all her doodads until I was ready to strangle her- so I offered to switch rooms to shut her up. Geez- I can't even find a place to hang up my dress with all her junk piled up sky high"

Emma was always ready to shine a good light on Sis it seems. Emma even put forward the notion that she was the one who had encouraged Lizzie to get rid of the paint-stained dress. So, when it is a relative involved, you have to wonder just how much of the real story you are getting, how much is coached by the attorneys, and how much is left out to protect someone.

[Kat]

My only response was what I would write in reply to anyone. It was not personal. I've been fact-checking this case for 4 years.
However, I will say that the use of the word "testimony" does throw weight behind what members post and so I checked testimony and that is what I posted.
I just am being clear.

[Shelley]

Nothing wrong with posting the testimony, Kat- it is the best source we have.

When Emma says it was not more than a couple of years ago the switch happened, (Lizzie is gone from June- Nov 1 1890), then about two years sounds right to me too. I took Emma's comment to mean in reference to the time of the murders in 1892, not the day of the trial in 1893. If someone asked me how long I have had my car, I would say -maybe 10 years or so, and round off the time in years. Emma may not have recalled the exact month herself, or she may not have wished to make an issue of it if she did recall all of the particulars, especially if they may have shown Lizzie in an unflattering light.

All we can do is deduce and make an educated guess about some of this case. Lizzie returns home after a gala tour, brings home all sorts of nice things, has spent 19 weeks with some of the city bluebloods, has seen fine homes and probably castles abroad. She has brought home prints and all the souvenirs dear to a girl's heart- but as you know, (those who have spent much time in the room Lizzie had from age 12-30), there is only one wall with any space on it in that glorified closet of a room.

Then, the next thing we know is that the sisters have switched rooms. Lizzie tarts up her new digs with velvet portieres, hangs up all her reminders of her brush with culture and travel (and the Victorians were great ones for showing off these sorts of proofs of worldliness and refinement ). Then she drapes a curtain around her wash stand, puts out an embroidered coverlet and makes the best of what she has, maybe thinking of other swanky bed chambers she has seen either on The Hill or on her tour. I will also believe she named her house and wanted it carved in the step for the same reason- she saw this done abroad and took a fancy to the notion of it.

What strikes me is that from 1872-1890 Lizzie seemed to be resigned to her tiny room as far as we know. It is not until she comes back from her trip, she suddenly now is NOT content with it and makes a change. Something had to spark that, and why would the elder sister after nearly 18 years with these sleeping arrangements one day come up and say "Lizzie, I want to give you the nice roomy bedroom". For every action there is a cause.
Too bad nobody asked Lizzie why she suddenly wanted to switch rooms. I often wondered if she wanted to spy on her father and listen to their night time conversations. With her headboard in that corner, you can hear everything in the Borden's bedroom. I often warn guests about that. So, you can probably dig around and come up with one or two possibilities, the simplest explanation is usually the best one, and is often the right one.

[Harry]

Just finished reading on-line the article on Lizzie's trip. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I liked especially the layout of the ship, Scythia. I tried for the longest time to find out more information on her and know how difficult it is. If you have a clearer copy of the cabin plan I would love to have one.

Short of finding Lizzie's diary (Oh, how we wish!) we can only take educated guesses at what she seen and where she went. No one knew who Lizzie Andrew Borden was in 1890 and her comings and goings went unrecorded.

About the swapping of the bedrooms, my foggy memory seems to recall (an author?) saying that Emma recognized her chances of attracting suitors was over and that the larger room should be given to Lizzie. I found that hard to reconcile with the Victorian era attitude of single men being invited to a ladies bedroom.

[Kat]

Well, you brought it up Har! I get to quote myself. As you said "an author?"
However, the point was not about inviting a man to a virgin's bedchamber. (Tsk Tsk you men!)

Anyway, an excerpt from my essay "Looking For Emma" in The Hatchet, page 10 (issue Feb/March 2006):

By now [1872], Emma had her own large bedroom in town in a single family home, a summer retreat in Swansea, an important last name, and Borden wealth finally to back it up. Things were improving, Lizzie was in high school and Emma turned twenty-one. There was still a chance she would make a match, even after such a slow start- but in her extended family history brides her age could easily become second wives. And hated stepmothers. Emma had a horror of that and it kept her home, quenching any spirit of adventure she may still have, although Lizzie teased her that a suitor would not just come knocking on her door; rather, she advised Emma to go out and look for her Prince Charming, before Andrew married her off. But Emma was shy and lacked a mother’s guidance in such matters. That shyness grew into an inability to show her true self or to share her innermost thoughts with anyone. This compromised any real intimacy with another human being- by habit, she was protecting her essence from any outside exploration. Eventually she would suffer from this sense of isolation. She had kept herself hidden for too long, and young womanhood’s promise withered into middle-aged stolid disapproval. She had been too narrowly focused on her livelier sister, and had sacrificed her own growth and expansion. But she was pleased with what she felt she had created, with no help from a disinterested Mrs. Borden. Her project had been Lizzie and Lizzie was her creature. Emma was content that Lizzie garnered the attention; that she upset the household in flamboyant ways; that she gained the status of a trip to Europe; that she kept Mrs. Borden always in her place; and Emma, at age thirty-nine, with nothing more in her future to hope for, rewarded Lizzie with the only thing she had left to give, her own large bedroom. At the giving of this, Emma effaced herself and committed to being part of the background, but also relinquished any responsibility for her own or her sister’s future.

Her creature was full-formed and had for several years now become independent of their boring home life, with wild expressions of her own personality inflicted on the inner family, and a softer side shown to the outside world- to friends and neighbors and board members, and those whom Lizzie wished to impress. Emma stayed at home, a product of her time and a prisoner of her own nature. Lizzie was of a more modern age, who bridled under their father’s domination and who wanted to “go and do and have.” Now Lizzie blazed the trail, and Emma would follow after. Emma would still be behind the scenes, but she would make the important decisions as a parent would for her child. It was enough.

[Shelley]

Harry, I put up a larger version of the deckplans in the Privy under Things which Didn't Make the Cut. The other passports are there too and Eli Bence's death certificate.

[Nadzieja]

Because of renovations downstairs, my reading time has almost diappeared, but when I picked up the new copy I just kept staring at Lizzie's picture. She looked like such a sweet kid, but to me also looked sad. I read the articles about the pictures and I must say I love that the two portraits are now together. Lizzie & Emma's mother was really pretty and she looked like she had quite a sense of humor that probably drove Andrew a little crazy at times, but that's probably why he married her. I also read Richard's story about The Adventures Of The Forlorn Maggie. I really enjoyed this story, I can just see Andrew being upset because he lost money on his investment. For some reason when Lizzie thought about one day she would have Emma's room a chill went down my spine. It sounds wierd but I could see her scheming for it and how she would get it. (I don't know the real reason why they switched so maybe that's why it hit me a bit strangely.) I really liked what Lizzie said at the end to Sarah---"We all do what we must do....at the exact time we do it" Good Job Richard keep writing those stories. Now, I can't wait to be able to sit down & read the rest of this, which I am hoping will be within the next few days. The rest of the articles look just so interesting.

[augusta]

Mary Elizabeth Naugle's "92 Seconds: The Second Street Sentinels" (pages 54 - 57) I thought was excellent. She takes the 'Birds' Eye View' of the Bordens' neighborhood of 1892 and gives us a tour of the surrounding properties. This could be dull and tedious, but with Mary's skill of entertaining us with her writing, she manages to include her own style and wit into the article.

She makes it easy to comprehend what was where. I think it is a classic piece - one that researchers may turn to often.

I don't recall reading that John Crowe was in his yard with his workers. I just did a study on him a couple weeks ago and don't recall him there.

There was another sentinel that morning - the niece of Mrs. Churchill was in the kitchen window directly across from the Borden house writing a letter, who never saw anyone either. She never officially testified.

It was very interesting to read of all these people all at once - so many of them! And it hit home with me that that was a lot of people. The text was very enjoyable and enlightening in the second half, as well, where we are told what everyone was doing at the time. Dr. Handy - that was funny. It's hard to believe that he had an excellent reputation, or so it's been printed. The photo of Second Street is especially good, as it has the front of the Kelly house included. A lovely, and important, article.

[augusta]

"The Cutting Room: Critical Notes on the Borden Legacy - The Value of Fall River's Private Disgrace: How to Read Victoria Lincoln" (pages 68-70) by Eugene Hosey gives us another outstanding article of his on a Lizzie book. This was a different one - 'The Value of FR's 'Private Disgrace'. Value? The title intrigues. I have vowed never to read this book again, because it is so full of non-truths, it confuses me later on. I'll recall something about Lizzie and believe in it, only to find out later it came from Lincoln's book and wasn't true. I love Lizzie fiction. I think it helps to give us a human angle to the Bordens and carries us back to 1892 more so than a non-fiction piece. But to call a piece "non-fiction" when there are so many things spun only from Lincoln's head I always thought was a a lousy trick. And she won an Edgar!

Eugene lays it right on the line. He points out several of her fictional areas and makes us aware that this is a largely fictional book. This will especially help those who have not read Lincoln's book yet and should help those of us who've read her taking her as gospel.

As usual, Eugene's writing is top notch. He is scholarly without being over our heads. I think he's a brilliant writer and perfect for this feature. I hope he continues to provide The Hatchet with his terrific insight and talent.

Please give to the Edwin Porter grave site fund.

[Kat]

Hi Augusta!
You wrote, in part:

There was another sentinel that morning - the niece of Mrs. Churchill was in the kitchen window directly across from the Borden house writing a letter, who never saw anyone either. She never officially testified.

Who is that, and what's her name, and the source? I don't recall about a letter-writer at the window. Thanks!

[Shelley]

Sounds like Addie (sometimes reported as Annie) Cheetham. I am guessing Estelle was a Buffinton before marrying Thomas.

[Kat]

OK, thanks- I find that in Prof Hoffman's Yesterday In Old Fall Rver, page 71. But if she didn't testify, where's the story come from?

(He says "most likely the niece of Adelaide Churchill.")

[augusta]

Kat - Addie Cheetham is in the Witness Statements. She is in, I think, two different entries.

[augusta]

"Denise Noe's Lizzie Whittlings - Medical and Forensic Science in the Borden Case" (pages 74 - 79) was excellent. I have always been a big fan of Denise's, since her LBQ days. I always think I'm gonna get a good read from her, and she's never let me down.

In this article, she covers the different medical/forensic areas having to do with the Borden case - what was available then and what is available today. I was glued to the magazine thru the whole piece. Terribly interesting. And well written. She writes extremely well, but she also manages to make it very readable for us laypeople, even tho the topic be complicated. I loved how she inserted a few bits of humor in her piece as well.

She answered a question I didn't know I had on the part about fingerprints. I had always gone around thinking, 'Oh, if they only had used fingerprinting!' But as Denise points out, even if they had most of the fingerprints in the house would have belonged to the people who inhabited it, which would tell us that an insider did it. She says that if there was a fingerprint from an outsider, we would have at least known an outsider did it.

That depends on where the fingerprint(s) of any outsider was, tho. Remember, Andrew had calls from business people at his home. And, would they have dusted the house so thoroughly that they could have found one fingerprint? And, conversely, would the dusting be so thorough that it could be said that there were no other non-family or invited-in friend print anywhere? Do they dust that thoroughly, through a whole house, today? I would vote yes.

The history and facts about fingerprinting were fascinating. It was the best explanation of bromo caffeine I've read. Tho the stomachs were tested for arsenic, it seems they were only looked at for corrosion. If that was the first dose of arsenic ever given, on Tuesday August 2, I don't think there would be any corrosion appearing at that point. Most of it was excreted through their "summer complaint" symptoms.

The "time of death" was good reading. I certainly agree with the digestion (and state of the victims' blood) timing the murders to about an hour and a half apart. But some argued then, and argue now, that you cannot fix the time of death. It must be true, it's been said by great legal minds past and present, but in the Bordens' case it looks pretty obvious they died about 90 minutes apart.

The article was very well-researched, as Denise always does well. I found it professional, interesting, informative and entertaining.

[augusta]

"Writer's Ink: Meet Hatchet Author - Leonard Rebello was so interesting! I loved hearing how he got interested in Lizzie, and especially the parts about how his book, "Past and Present", came to be. I like the questions. A fascinating read about a much appreciated man.

[Kat]

[Edit Here: Augusta, your posts weren't there when I made this reply...please excuse me]

Cheetham is not in the index to The Witness Statements, and I just did a Word Search of that document, and got no result.

Maybe it's spelled differently?
Anyone know?
So far I only find her in Hoffman.

I figured Mary used The Witness Statements for some of her stories of where people were and when, but she also did not include that person

[DJ]

I think many of Emma's statements at trial are suspect, that she fudged whenever possible, in the "It's difficult for me to remember," the "I'm not sure," "To the best of my recollection" Twilight Testimonial Zone for which politicians have such a deep affinity.
The prosecution was planning to put Lizzie's cabin mate on stand to speak of Lizzie's remarking on her "disagreeable household," or some such.
I don't think Emma wanted to draw attention to the Grand Tour. I believe all witnesses for the defense, particularly Emma, had been well-instructed by their attorneys (courtroom coached) to avoid certain topics, to hem and haw and remain just this side of committing perjury.
So, it could well be that the sisters switched rooms to accommodate Lizzie's newfound sense of living in luxe, along with the accoutrements of her tour.
Would Emma have admitted this at trial? I doubt it. The "Grand Tour" issue was too sticky a wicket. Just because she nixed the notion, doesn't mean it should be dismissed.
Now, if Alice Russell had corroborated this (Lizzie could have well informed her of the why's of the room switch), I'd believe it.
Just another small example of the many balls that the prosecution dropped in the case.

[Harry]

Miss Addie Cheetham is mentioned in Porter's The Fall River Tragedy, page 36:

"Miss Addie Cheetham lives with her mother and Mrs. Churchill with Mrs. Buffington. All these persons were about their own houses all of Thursday morning. Miss Cheetham sat writing a letter at 10 o'clock and at 10:55 went to the postoffice [sic]. She saw no one come out of the Borden house during the time she sat near the window fronting on the Borden lawn. She could hear the side door bang if it opened at all, but it did not, she says."

The 1892 City Directory does not list Addie but has an entry for what is apparently her mother:

"Cheetham, Estelle, widow of Thomas, boards 90 Second – p133"

However, not all residents are listed in the directories.

Mrs. Thomas Cheetham is listed as attending the funeral of the Bordens.

[Harry]

Duplicate posting.

This system is S_L_O_W lately!