The Centennial, The Expos, The Re-creations

Shelley · Post by **Shelley** » Wed Nov 15, 2006 10:00 am

There was no greater expectation and excitement imaginable than the opening of the house on August 5, 1996 for Borden followers, but the centennial "Century of Fascination" at BCC campus comes awfully close. I wondered how many here attended and if anyone has photos or memories to share? I drove back and forth every day from Connecticut, trying not to miss a moment. The news force was out in numbers, with video cameras from the major television stations, independent film companies were shooting documentaries- as far away as from Chicago. Lizzie was the toast of the town that week. So great was the enthusiasm that in 1993, 94 and 95 Lizzie "Expos" were attempted to supply the continued need for All Things Lizzie after the great centennial in 1992.

There has been nothing in the city since 1995 of this nature, and I think we are DUE for something pretty soon.

Every August 4th the house offers a "re-creation" script with costumed characters. Each year is a little different. I have participated in this effort since 1998, with repeating performances every 30 minutes from 11- 4 p.m. When Martha owned the house we did this 8 times a day for 2 days- and yes, it does get tiring

I have found a few photos of different people playing the famous roles. Some years we have an Uncle John, Mrs. Churchill and Alice Russell. Guests seem to really enjoy interacting with the Bordens. This photo below is from the Centennial trolley tours of Fall River- I was a trolley guide for some of them. It was a challenge getting these trollies around the narrow turns of Oak Grove.

Shelley · Post by **Shelley** » Wed Nov 15, 2006 10:03 am

August 4, 2003
Sally McGinn as Abby, Ed Thibault as Andrew and Alison as Bridget.

Shelley · Post by **Shelley** » Wed Nov 15, 2006 10:06 am

Intrepid B&B chef Dave Quigley as Uncle John and Lizzie in the corner.

I just realized tulips and forsythia are out of season for August! Uh-oh- somebody call the props manager!

RayS · Post by **RayS** » Thu Nov 16, 2006 1:33 pm

Shelley @ Wed Nov 15, 2006 11:06 am wrote:Intrepid B&B chef Dave Quigley as Uncle John and Lizzie in the corner.
I just realized tulips and forsythia are out of season for August! Uh-oh- somebody call the props manager!

My question is: did the Borden even have flowers for decoration like that? Was it just an upper class style?
I can believe Lizzie & Emma at Maplecroft doing that.

Shelley · Post by **Shelley** » Thu Nov 16, 2006 2:09 pm

The Bordens had red roses and wisteria which is mentioned in Rebello- and on the farm there may have been flowers. The flowers in the photo above however are out of season for August. There's no reason not to suspect there may have been other flowers at #92 the girls might have arranged.

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Fri Nov 17, 2006 12:52 am

Thank you for the wonderful pictures, Shelley!

(BTW: remember ray, you will end up on your post page as saying: "Intrepid B&B chef Dave Quigley as Uncle John..." etc. if you use QUOTE feature.
Maybe you want to sound like that?)

Shelley · Post by **Shelley** » Fri Nov 17, 2006 7:51 am

I just noticed that the "Family" is at the wrong end of the dining table, but I think that happened for photo purposes. Am digging around for a few pix from the BBC presentations and plays. I forgot to mention the Fall River Historical Society has done two "History Underfoot" presentations in Oak Grove. Recently Abby Borden made an appearance graveside. Three years ago I did my swansong as Lizzie at the plot (portraying her after she moved into Maplecroft). The cemetery tour featured about a dozen Fall River celebrities from artist Mary Macomber and Dunning to Louis Howe.

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Sat Nov 18, 2006 4:38 am

Yes that was in the paper- Harry would know- or Mark A.
I think a newsitem was posted?

ravenways · Post by **ravenways** » Sat Nov 18, 2006 12:58 pm

Hi Shelley!
Yes, I was at the conference. I played the role of Lizzie/Bridget in the BCC student theater production of Blood Relations. Unfortunately the only memorabilia I have would not be of any interest to anyone here, I don't think. I have my script with all of my notes scribbled in it, and I might have a picture or two floating around somewhere. If anyone has pics from the show or other stuff I would LOVE to know about it. Most of the stuff I had was lost when my basement flooded several years ago.

Lolly

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Sat Nov 18, 2006 7:20 pm

Is this you?
viewtopic.php?t=2421&postdays=0&postorder=asc&&start=0

ravenways · Post by **ravenways** » Sat Nov 25, 2006 12:02 pm

Not me! My costume for the play consisted of a beautiful dark green skirt and a black blouse with a peplum on it. But thanks for trying! I believe the folks in that picture are from the production that Little Theater put on. I can't remember the name of it.

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Sat Nov 25, 2006 11:54 pm

Wow! Another Lizzie! Are you mentioned in the thread about other Lizzies that Shelley has going? Any photo?
~~~~~
I read about that trolley bus tour- there was trouble after because they had not made arrangements for the handicapped who had given prior notice they were coming.
At least, that was what the newspaper stated.