Lizzie Borden Society Forum

A query of MysteryReader's on another thread got me thinking. If there was a big sale of Lizzie's possessions at Maplecroft after she died, would you guys attend, (time-travelling) and if you did, what would you grab? I would look through her book collection and if there was anything I fancied I would buy a volume or two, preferably with her signature on the title page!

Her books and her papers! Oh and I have a fondness for purses so I'd look at those.

I've never seen a photo of Lizzie with a handbag (as we call purses in Australia) but she loved clothes and liked being fashionable, so I expect she had some.

I wouldn't mind a diamond ring if they were auctioning any off!

Curryong wrote:I've never seen a photo of Lizzie with a handbag (as we call purses in Australia) but she loved clothes and liked being fashionable, so I expect she had some.

Some call them a handbag, here, too. I don't think that I have either but you're right- she had to have had at least 1 or 2 since she was so fashionable.

the house..............

Aamartin wrote:the house..............

Didn't think of that!

Yes! But with or without whatever furniture we could get? And even in the 1920's I don't think we'd be able to afford the house. Maybe if we all clubbed together!

Her bed....

Curryong wrote:I've never seen a photo of Lizzie with a handbag ....

Because Lizzie didn't use to use a hatchet, even a miniature one! Ahahaha... :-)

Me too I am curious to know something of her library... and, did Lizzie play the piano? I don't recall if I had read something about this. I would like to know what music Lizzie loved more.

Aamartin wrote:the house..............

You have a dream, big guy!

I think Lizzie took piano lessons late in life, it was in a thread that discussed her and Emma's life after the murders. She would have wanted to be considered cultured, so I'm sure she would have had a piano.

As for her bed, I have a sort of feeling Lizzie would have had a very luxurious bed in her room.

Curryong wrote:Yes! But with or without whatever furniture we could get? And even in the 1920's I don't think we'd be able to afford the house. Maybe if we all clubbed together!

If it wasn't in such horrible shape now and not over priced for the condition it is in, I would consider buying it and moving to FR and seeing if I could turn it into a B&B. Somehow partner with the Lizzie B&B and sell packages-- one night there, one night at Maplecroft-- the complete Lizzie Borden experience.

Aa,

That is something to consider. Maybe make an offer? If the owner is wanting to sell, you might be able to get it for a song. Then sign up at Angie's List for reputable men/women who would help you put it back together.

It would be a wonderful project, but didn't it fail as a B+B when that was tried, years ago?

It fizzled or failed-- I am not sure what. But if done right-- it could at least sustain itself. I am not so interested in making a huge profit.

Yes, you're quite right. Maplecroft needs love and attention, and the right owners with some entrepreneurial spirit.

Why not a museum? There isn't a real museum about Lizzie, Borden case and Victorian Fall River, right?

I would actually be more interested in spending a night at Maplecroft than the house on 2nd street....

Didn't Lizzie have a dog and other pets? Wonder whether her servants/ friends took over their care after Lizzie's demise? I know she used to feed squirrels too, who apparently would come right up to her.

Aamartin wrote:

Curryong wrote:Yes! But with or without whatever furniture we could get? And even in the 1920's I don't think we'd be able to afford the house. Maybe if we all clubbed together!

If it wasn't in such horrible shape now and not over priced for the condition it is in, I would consider buying it and moving to FR and seeing if I could turn it into a B&B. Somehow partner with the Lizzie B&B and sell packages-- one night there, one night at Maplecroft-- the complete Lizzie Borden experience.

Anthony,
I saw that it was priced at 600,000+ but was appraised for a little over 300,000+. You could always low ball your offer- it's not worth the 600 K and it's in need of some repair. You can turn it into a B&B and I"ll come work for you

Oh me too, if the Us gvt gives me work visa.

Franz wrote:Oh me too, if the Us gvt gives me work visa.

I don't see why they wouldn't. Now, only to find some people with deep enough pockets.

MysteryReader wrote:

Aamartin wrote:

Curryong wrote:Yes! But with or without whatever furniture we could get? And even in the 1920's I don't think we'd be able to afford the house. Maybe if we all clubbed together!

If it wasn't in such horrible shape now and not over priced for the condition it is in, I would consider buying it and moving to FR and seeing if I could turn it into a B&B. Somehow partner with the Lizzie B&B and sell packages-- one night there, one night at Maplecroft-- the complete Lizzie Borden experience.

Anthony,
I saw that it was priced at 600,000+ but was appraised for a little over 300,000+. You could always low ball your offer- it's not worth the 600 K and it's in need of some repair. You can turn it into a B&B and I"ll come work for you

IMO-- $300K is a more reasonable price considering the money one would have to spend in order to repair/restore it. I am talking the linen ceilings, the missing fireplace, the entire house back to as close as it was when Lizzie lived there as possible.

Yes, $300,000 sounds more than enough if you factor in other costs. I don't know how long the seller has been waiting but surely if he's looking for a Lizzieite with discerning taste, who would also be prepared to pay double what the house is worth for the privilege of owning it, he'll be waiting a long time. In the meantime, of course, the house deteriorates, sadly.

Bobo, NancyDrew's aunt bought a bed, perhaps from Maplecroft, in the 1970's. She posted about it in the thread 'The House'.

Her china, silver, stemware, table linens.

Love the topic....

I too would love the china and silverware but I've got a feeling that even in the 1920's you would need VERY deep pockets.