Rebello on Rebello:
I was born in Fall River, Massachusetts. I graduated from Dalbec Barber College in Boston, Curry College in Milton, Massachusetts (BA), and Lesley University, in Cambridge, Massachusetts (M. Sp Ed). Most recently, I graduated from the Massachusetts General Hospital Reading Disabilities Unit (Boston) with a certification in working with dyslexic children. I have been a professional barber for many years. For 34 years, I have worked in special education with adults and children with special needs. I am a learning disabilities specialist in a public school. I evaluate and work with children with learning disabilities, including children with dyslexia, consult with classroom teachers and administrations, and have published several texts for the school department.

I enjoy reading and researching various topics such as the history of Fall River, Fall River's local artists in the 1800's (especially women artists), and special education topics (to keep current in my field). I spend my free time going to used books stores, antiques shops, and traveling to New York and Boston.

I worked on Lizzie Borden: Past & Present for six years and was able to publish the book with the support and assistance of many people. The book was significantly enhanced with the suggestions and additional research of William Pavao, educator and curator at the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast. With his unique inquisitiveness and respect of history, Bill persuaded me to add much more to the book than I really wanted. I always tell people that he was responsible for adding 200 pages to my book. Regardless, his suggestions really enhanced the book.

Bill and I also wrote the tour currently used at the Lizzie Borden Bed and Breakfast. I have also assisted Bill Pavao in documenting and reorganizing displays at the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast. I have authored several articles for the Lizzie Borden Quarterly. Hopefully, I will find time to publish more on the Borden case in the LBQ, possibly another book on Lizzie Borden, the History of Fall River, and the Fall River artist of the 1800's.

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LBVML: How and when did you first become interested in the Borden murders of 1892?
 
I have always had an interest in the Borden case as I heard and read about it from a very young age. We in Fall River all knew the rhyme and Borden case. I used to walk by Maplecroft every day when I walked to and from high school. Lizzie Borden was never discussed in school nor do I recall any reports or projects on the Borden case. Nellie Miller, who had worked for Lizzie and her sister Jane Miller attended the same church as I did in Fall River. At age 16, I remember asking Nellie to tell me about Lizzie Borden. Her reply, given with a sweet elderly smile was, "Leonard, you need to mind your own business." Later, I went to the library and asked the librarian to see the Porter book buried on the lower shelf in a glass bookcase in the reference room. I was told I could not see it or read it as I was too young and I didn't have a need to read about Lizzie Borden. By the time I returned home, the librarian called my mother to tell her what I wanted to read. Need I say what my mother's reply was that day! I also delivered newspapers to Lizzie's cousin Grace Hartley Howe, but never knew it was Lizzie's cousin until I did the research for Lizzie Borden: Past & Present. Mrs. Howe, by the way, was a good tipper and always pleasant.

LBVML: Your book, Lizzie Borden: Past and Present, is considered the definitive reference work on the case. How did you come to write this work, why did you decide to self-publish, and is there a second printing in the works?

It pleases me to know that you think highly of Lizzie Borden: Past & Present. Many people have made similar comments and felt the book contributed to the Borden case in a positive way. I had no intention of publishing a book on Lizzie. It all began when I was researching the Fall River artists in the 1800's at the Fall River Historical Society. Many people came to the society seeking information on Lizzie and the Borden case. Every day I would tell them what I knew based on what I have read over the years. I was amazed with the number of people interested in the case. The idea to research Lizzie came as I began to search information to make sure that the information I was telling the tourist was correct. I started to sound out and question like Bill Pavao, the historian and curator at the Borden house who would later add 200 important pages to Lizzie Borden: Past & Present. How do we know Lizzie was 5'4"?  How can you document what happened to Alice Borden? How could I demonstrate Andrew's movements the morning of August 4th? As I researched more, I discovered that there were many errors of fact in books on the Borden case. I could not rely upon books. In 1985 I had taken a course ar UMass Dartmouth on Lizzie Borden. It was Dr. Betty Mitchell who taught us how to use primary and secondary sources to document. document and document what we wrote on the Borden case. You could not write anything unless you had a source or something to document what you said or wrote. It really forces you to think. I later applied that standard to research the Borden case. Then came the computer whereby I could store, arrange and change information as I gathered more research. I wanted to give the reading public information based on fact or show a pattern or possibilities that an event could or could not have happened. I wanted to present photographs, maps, profiles of all major characters- who were they and what happened to them? How was Lizzie and women portrayed in newspapers. The intent was to provide information. I did not want to write a theory book.
 
Of course, the advantage I did have over many authors was being here in Fall River, and access to libraries, especially the Fall River Public Library, cemeteries, and historical societies, particularly the Providence Historical Society. I was able to just jump in my car and go off researching. Every trip was an adventure.
 
I had several publishers interested in the book, but their agreement to publish comes with their control of your work. Their suggestions to me were all positive with some negative ones, but I could not agree to their demands or changes. I therefore decided to publish the book myself. I had the control. Marketing,  targeting readers and selling as many books as fast as you can seems to take over the creative process of writing and getting information out. I was not about to let that happen.
 
The book did quite well here and abroad. There are few copies remaining of Lizzie Borden: Past & Present. Right now I have not decided about a second printing.

LBVML: Were there any other records you would have liked to have included in Past and Present but were unable to obtain?

Yes, there was some information I would have liked to include in Lizzie Borden: Past & Present, particularly on  Bridget Sullivan. There was a question of confidentiality and other legal restrictions. I also wanted to find a photograph of Helen Leighton and people who worked for Lizzie after the trial. I later obtained a photograph of Helen Leighton and much more information on Mary Boucher, her family and a postcard sent to Mary's son. I am always in search of a photograph of Nellie Miller, who worked as a maid for Lizzie and Ernest Terry, Lizzie's chauffeur.

Bill Pavao has this great sense of presenting people of the past as that- human beings who at one time had feelings, thoughts and ideas. Wasn't his Abby Borden article in the Lizzie Borden Quarterly magnificent? You could just reach out and love Abby after Bill got done with her.

LBVML: What, if anything, do you think is contained in the sealed Robinson files?

I have not a clue as to what is in the Robinson files. However, rest assured, everything we ever wanted to know about the Borden case is there---even the full text of the inquest. I do believe that Robinson files will become available at the urging of the Robinson firm to the court to appoint a special commission to oversee the documents.

LBVML: What sources were used to assist in the restoration of the B&B to its 1892 state?

A variety of sources were used to recreate the Borden home that included a detailed reading of newspaper accounts, inquest testimony, preliminary hearing testimony and trial testimony, photographs, books to date clothing, furniture, lamps, bedspreads, table linens, period frames, and other accessories. Keep in mind that Bill Pavao, curator at the Borden House, and I did not have any involvement in the major reconstruction of the interior. It was later when we were asked to document what was in the house and write the tour. Again, Bill would tell me constantly, "Len, how do we know that the Bordens had or did not have horses?" I admire Bill for forcing me to document and demonstrate what is and what can be invented. You should have been with us when we finally discovered the Whitehead house on Fourth Street. I had one view and Bill had another. Together, we managed to document the Whitehead house. It's quite a thrill when you finally discover what you tried to prove or document.The other difficulty was trying to do a bed and breakfast and a museum. It was Ron Evan's (one of the owner's of the Borden house) intent to have guests enjoy the house, but yet he did not want it to appear as a museum. This is what Bill and I have tried to accomplish. The most difficult part of recreating any period event or home is finding the right items and documents to show what things were like and how people lived. Shelly, a friend and tour guide at the house, was also an invaluable source of information on the Victorian period, especially women's clothing, kitchen furnishing and furniture. Shelly and I antique frequently. However, funding is limited and this puts a damper on what we can purchase.
 
Keep in mind that not all people in Fall River lived liked the wealthy Bordens, Braytons or Durfees. In fact, less than 2% of Fall River's population really enjoyed the comforts of a beautiful and spacious Victoria home with a staff of servants.This is for people who want to perceive that the Victorians were all beautiful, wealthy, charming, well dressed, and well-mannered. I think some historians get lost in the period and forget how it really was for many Victorians.The Bordens on Second Street lived comfortably, but not as his wealthy relatives did on "the hill." However, they lived quite well when compared to the mill workers and the working class. Hopefully, there will be a day whereby the house can be restored to its original interior: the wallpaper, the kitchen. lighting fixtures, and carpeting. Although the house is not 100% accurate for the 1890's, it's opened to the public. This house had been closed to the public for years. Bill and I always enjoy walking through the house when its empty and just thinking and visualizing what the Borden house was like and what really happened on August 4, 1892. I have met many people from all over the world and have listened to all their exciting and sometimes unusual theories.

LBVML: Emma is such an enigmatic figure. Is there any information about her which you can share that you might have found in your research?

I am hoping to do an article for the Lizzie Borden Quarterly on Emma and the reported interview she gave to the newspaper. There are are tidbits of information about Emma that I would not put in print. This information still would not solve the crime.

LBVML: After all the gossip, news articles, and interviews with Lizzie's contemporaries or their descendants, are you satisfied that Lizzie was or was not a shoplifter?

Yes, I am satisfied that Lizzie was a shoplifter, especially as many of these rumors began with women who knew Lizzie. I have been told that there are bills paid by Andrew Borden at the Fall River Historical Society for items taken by Lizzie. You may want to speak to Michael Martins.

LBVML: Do you have a confident opinion on whether the murder weapon was ever found?

I have always had a suspicion that the weapon is in the walls of the Borden house. Reality tells me that the weapon at the Fall River Historical Society may very well be the real hatchet.

LBVML: Do you have plans for any future books on the case or perhaps a supplement to Past and Present?

I have given thought to writing a narrative on the Borden case with Bill Pavao. Few people have the sense of history that Bill has - objective, fair and well documented. So, I'd have to sway Bill to do the book. I think it can be done and done well. I do have additional information, photographs and  ideas that would add to Lizzie Borden: Past & Present. Perhaps this will be done in the near future. I'd also like to write a book on the Fall River artist as I have much of the research completed and filed away. I may do several artists or focus on a single artist.

LBVML: Do you think the mystery will ever be solved?

I don't think the case will ever be solved unless something new appears in terms of evidence.

LBVML: After moving to Maplecroft, did Lizzie maintain any relationship with any of her old friends and neighbors? If not, were there ever any meetings accidental or otherwise that you know of?

I am convinced that Lizzie formed new friendships and maintained some old ones.

LBVML: Do you know who the guests that Abby was expecting on Monday, August 8?

No, I do not know who Abby Borden was expecting that Monday.

LBVML: Do you think there is a specific reason why the murders happened when they did, on that particular day?

Again, I have no reason as to why the murders occurred on August 4th. Why a Thursday? Did Lizzie or murderer or murderers know the police were on their annual outing?

LBVML: How would you rate the performance of the police during the immediate investigation of the murders?

Several factors are needed to be considered before we decide if the police did or did not investigate the murders as well as they could or should have. We need to put aside our preconceived ideas of how we today would solve a murder. Keep in mind the time- 1892, Victorian period, the Borden name, level of education and experience of the police force, political and social influences, the brutality of the murders, money influences, newspaper accounts, and the gender of the person being charged with the crime. Yes, errors were made, but the police  sure learned quickly when Bertha Manchester was found axed to death in Fall River just before Lizzie was to go to trial. The police got everyone out of the house and allowed no one in or out. The newspapers commented on the handling of the Manchester case by the police department.

LBVML: Why do you think that Lizzie was given a grand tour of Europe but Emma was not?

We do not know if Emma was offered a Grand Tour. Michael Martins, curator at the Fall River Historical Society says Emma attended a female seminary. It would be great if we could document where the female seminary was located. Perhaps there are records we could view and learn more about Emma Borden. Lizzie was not sent away to school nor do we know if Andrew offered to do so. Imagine, Lizzie home alone while Emma was off to the female seminary!

LBVML: Do you think there is any other evidence related to the case "out there" (private collections, files, attics, etc.) waiting to be revealed or discovered?

Yes, I do believe there is much more evidence, perhaps documents, photographs, and clues out there in offices, public and private libraries, and private collections that will surface and provide more information. Uncovering them and researching takes time, patience and a significant amount of networking with people and families. I am convinced that the Robinson papers will, in due time, be handed  to and controlled by a special commission appointed by the court to oversee the documents and its relevancy to history. I know there are letters, documents and photographs in private collections written by jurors and others closely associated with the Borden case that have passed down to family members, but have yet to surface. Asking families to release information is oftentimes difficult for a variety of reasons.

LBVML: After Andrew Borden's death there was an article we call: *Lizzie's Jailhouse Interview*. The article claims information comes from a real estate agent.

Casebook of Family and Crime, Joyce Williams, et.al., eds, pg. 133, from the NEW YORK RECORDER, September 20, 1892:
" The reason the house was without such conveniences was that the girls desired Mr. Borden not to make improvements, because he was talking of moving up 'on the hill.'  Fall River's aristocracy live 'on the hill,' and Mr. Borden had declared to real estate agents that he was looking for a house in that section and that, although he would just as soon live in the old house, the girls desired to move and he wanted to gratify them."

It has been claimed that Andrew had bought Maplecroft, not the Borden Girls, and that since he already held the property it was convenient for the girls to move there, when they inherited. This was the understanding as to how the Borden girls acquired #306 French Street, during a discussion on 2 topics: It was claimed that Andrew, being in banking circles got inside info on good deals

The question is: Do you know anything about this "deal"? Is this plausible or true? It's not covered in your book.

I have read the article about Lizzie and Emma not wanting to make improvements in the house and that Mr. Borden was looking for a house "on the hill." Again, did this interview take place? If it did take place, were liberties taken by the interviewer? I had heard the rumor that Andrew Borden purchased Maplecroft. I have researched the deed to the property on French Street, tax records and records at city hall and could not find any record(s) to substantiate that claim. I do not agree Andrew made a deal as he didn't strike me as a "dealing man." Lizzie and Emma signed documents when they purchased Maplecroft. Copies of the signed deed is available. This rumor or deal was not addressed in my book as I felt it could not be substantiated. I agree that Lizzie had every intention of moving to the Highlands and she took time in planning that move very carefully from the time she joined Central Congregational Church. Lizzie wanted out of Second Street and "up on the hill."