August 4th, 2007

Bob Gutowski · Post by **Bob Gutowski** » Fri Aug 03, 2007 3:49 pm

I've got multiple obligations which will keep me away from the computer tomorrow, so I wanted to offer all of you best wishes on this important and grave occasion.

I suggest you all go out and depress a friend thoroughly tonight!

1bigsteve · Post by **1bigsteve** » Sat Aug 04, 2007 11:49 pm

115 years ago today! I can't believe it. It seem's like yesterday.

I don't knpow why, Bob, but I've had the urge all day to sharpen my hatchets. I don't know why since I don't have anything to cut.

I wonder if people, like us, will be talking about this case in another 115 years from now? Will it have been solved? After all they're still looking for Joan of Arc's armour and that's been 600 years. Maybe mysteries like the Borden case never die.

-1bigsteve (o:

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Sun Aug 05, 2007 1:51 am

Oh that's right! You are collecting hatchet-heads-that-have-no-hadles! Wait'll Bob G. hears about that hobby!

1bigsteve · Post by **1bigsteve** » Sun Aug 05, 2007 9:48 am

Yea, I'm getting a bit weired. Actually one of the heads had a handle in it but it wasn't the original. I've bought handles but haven't gotten around to setting them all yet.

I took the hatchet with the handle to a hardware store to find a new handle for it. I then went to a book store next door. I put the hatchet on the counter to get my wallet out and the sales lady about come unglued when she spotted it. "Oh my Gawd, what's that!?" What was funny to me was watching her regain her composure. Poor lady. She's probably still shaking.

-1bigsteve (o:

Yooper · Post by **Yooper** » Sun Aug 05, 2007 10:36 am

1bigsteve @ Sun Aug 05, 2007 8:48 am wrote:Yea, I'm getting a bit weired. Actually one of the heads had a handle in it but it wasn't the original. I've bought handles but haven't gotten around to setting them all yet.

I took the hatchet with the handle to a hardware store to find a new handle for it. I then went to a book store next door. I put the hatchet on the counter to get my wallet out and the sales lady about come unglued when she spotted it. "Oh my Gawd, what's that!?" What was funny to me was watching her regain her composure. Poor lady. She's probably still shaking.

-1bigsteve (o:

Darn good thing you didn't buy a chain saw at the hardware store...

1bigsteve · Post by **1bigsteve** » Sun Aug 05, 2007 11:08 am

Bring a chain saw into a book store and crack it on. I bet that would clear the building! Walk into an area with a mask on and a shirt that say's, "I've got the bubonic plague. Please stay back." No one would ever ask you for a quarter.

Have any of you ladies ever dressed up for a party as Lizzie Borden with a hatchet? 115th year. Now's your chance.

-1bigsteve (o:

Shelley · Post by **Shelley** » Mon Aug 06, 2007 9:44 am

Bob G- I looked for you in the throng on Saturday. Did you manage to make it to the house? I should add that there are some photos of the day at the blog link below. It always managed to be the most humid day of the year on the 4th of August.

darthvader · Post by **darthvader** » Mon Aug 06, 2007 10:28 am

1bigsteve @ Sat Aug 04, 2007 9:49 pm wrote: I wonder if people, like us, will be talking about this case in another 115 years from now? Will it have been solved?

I think a movie about the case, like Titanic might spur talk for years to come. As far as it being solved, I do not think so. Unless somebody is able to uncover written proof I am not sure how you could ever prove who did it.

Bob Gutowski · Post by **Bob Gutowski** » Mon Aug 06, 2007 11:40 am

Hi, Shelley! No, we vacationed a week earlier this year and didn't get to stop in Fall River at all :(

Trust me, if I'd've been there, we would've spoken!

Shelley · Post by **Shelley** » Mon Aug 06, 2007 10:59 pm

Am glad I did not miss you Bob- it was literally PACKED at the house from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. this year with a sold out sign on the street. I was afraid I did not see you in the seething throng. Last year I spent a lot of time on my face as Abby but this year I got to see every single face in the crowd which was really nice. Even the cheeky little boy who crowed, "I know ya did it Miz Lizzie- now where's the hatchet!"- KIDS nowadays! Next year there is talk of a marquee tent on the lawn with some outside entertainment while waiting for the tour to commence- reservations required.

snokkums · Post by **snokkums** » Sun Aug 12, 2007 4:13 am

We should have had day old mutton for breakfast. Happy belated aniversary!

kfactor · Post by **kfactor** » Mon Aug 13, 2007 8:24 pm

I am overdue in posting this because I've been away, but I want to acknowledge the hard work that went into the "mourning" event at my 92 Second St. on Aug. 4

First, I'll add that my stay on Aug. 3-4 was just wonderful!!! I made some new friends, got Shelley's tour, wandered around the house by myself, and helped out with the mourning accessories for the 4th. I enjoyed being in Bridget's room way up on the 3rd. floor [shadow=darkblue]all by myself.
[/shadow]
Shelley, you are amazing. Your hospitality, your knowledge and your willingness to share all that you know seem endless. And, you remain cheerful even in the midst of chaos - a true superhero!

I observed that everyone involved in the 4th "festivities" were completely dedicated to making the event a memorable experience for all - down to the smallest details. From Faye sharing her vast Borden knowledge with guests at the front steps, to the sheet-covered "corpses", to Emily pouring lemonade in the basement, it was such an impressive effort. And of course, the cast, dressed in 1892 clothing in the heat and humidity were simply hilarious. Performing for 300 people under those circumstances was no small feat. All who took part deserve many, many thanks.

So, for all who were not there, be assured that Aug. 4th was a memorable event. It is not to be missed next year, I am sure!!

Shelley · Post by **Shelley** » Mon Aug 13, 2007 8:43 pm

Thanks K! And thank you for pitching in to make it all a success from manning the broom in the basement, to helping the gang stay sane- yes, it was a wild few days, and that is the case every year. If only we had had the weather Saturday that we got on Sunday- but for some strange reason every August 4th in my memory has been humid beyond belief. We are still in recovery!

Last night we had film critic Rex Reed at the house, and he sure loves the Borden case. He enjoyed hearing about our big doings at the house last week and looked at some of our press clippings. I wrote a bit on the blog about it. Always something happening at the house!

kfactor · Post by **kfactor** » Mon Aug 13, 2007 8:56 pm

Rex Reed? Excellent. Wasn't he on one of those "Hollywood Squares" type game shows for years? I bet he was a riot...

Shelley · Post by **Shelley** » Mon Aug 13, 2007 9:00 pm

I was a little worried when I heard he was coming as his acid pen critiques are his trademark ( I have been reading them since I was 17)- and I was fearful he might be as "fearsome" in person- but he is one of the nicest guys you could ever meet, and full of fun stories about Hollywood and actors. Yes, he did Hollywood Squares and some other game shows on the side, some cameos in movies, wrote for the NY Observer, and lives at the Dakota. Fascinating man- so knowledgeable on so many topics. Another great fringe benefit of working at the house- meeting fascinating people who "love Lizzie" too.

More about Rex http://www.nyfcc.com/members.php?member=22

Shelley · Post by **Shelley** » Wed Aug 15, 2007 12:14 am

Lee Ann just sent over some photos she took of Alan Donnes
( commentator and comedian) and Rex Reed on that sofa. Both of the guys were very intense about the case and well-read on Lizzie and the case, and went home with more books from the giftshop. These were taken at 9 in the morning after carousing until 3 a.m. Nobody should be as witty as these two were so early in the morning, my brain was still wooly! Normally nobody would see me looking like something the cat dragged in without make-up- but I'm among friends here... and it was all worth it! After the photo we went to Oak Grove, and toured some city sites.

Few can resist

Angel · Post by **Angel** » Wed Aug 15, 2007 10:59 am

Shelley, how lucky to have met and spent time with Rex Reed. I imagine he is quite a hoot to be around. He is very funny.

Shelley · Post by **Shelley** » Wed Aug 15, 2007 11:05 am

Yes, he is a hoot- and knows everybody in the entertainment business. I was prepared for an old cynical curmudgeon and was delighted to find a witty, funny, and charming fellow. I enjoyed talking to him about his New York home, the Dakota, and all his famous neighbors. But mostly, he just fit right in with the other guests and could not get enough about Lizzie. Afterwards, he went to Concord to see the Little Women house. His favorite version was the one with Elizabeth Taylor and June Allyson.

shakiboo · Post by **shakiboo** » Wed Aug 15, 2007 3:58 pm

What other celebs have visited? If you don't mind my asking......

kfactor · Post by **kfactor** » Wed Aug 15, 2007 10:53 pm

Great Pics!!! How great that they are both so interested in Lizzie. Who would have thought??
And, you look great, Shelley

Shelley · Post by **Shelley** » Wed Aug 15, 2007 11:46 pm

Thanks! Dave Quigley has more celeb stories than I do, but I understand Patricia Neal, Heather Locklear, Rick Zambora, Mickey Rooney, Meatloaf and Aerosmith have all popped by. Mickey would not go in the house. And of course- Agnes de Mille.