The LIZZIE BORDEN Lecture Series

mbhenty · Post by **mbhenty** » Mon Sep 14, 2009 8:55 pm

Just got back from attending the THE LIZZIE BORDEN LECTURE SERIES with the first speaker in a 7 week lecture series at Bristol Community College.

The first speaker, which spoke tonight, was of course Stefani Koorey.

Like always, Miss Koorey's talk was stimulating, informative and fun.

The basis of the talk was busting myths, lies and fabrications about Lizzie over the past 115 years. A talk right up my alley. A talk which spoke to the Lizzie Borden which I have often tried to describe.

This was one of the most successful talks Stefani has done, speaking to an "overly" full house. Every seat in the house was taken with people sitting and standing in the aisle. That's over 125 people!

I was happy for her.

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Now, I have been one who has always promulgated the fact that we don't know who the real Sexual Lizzie was, why she never married, had a known boy friend, etc.

Thus, many still think (and I am not arguing that they are wrong or right) that Lizzie was Lesbian. Some chose to believe it. Some chose not to. Both are right. Both are wrong. UNTIL tonight when..........................Stefani announced that proof exists, in the way of letters, that Lizzie Borden was romantically involved or in communique' with a love interest.......A MAN.

These letters are in the hands of Lizzie's "Pen Pal" lover's family's and has been authenticated by an expert and Borden Scholar.

Sadly, they choose to keep them private, since it may and will reflect on their family.

Some day that may change. But for now we can only hope.

How about that.

augusta · Post by **augusta** » Tue Sep 15, 2009 11:23 am

That's an incredible find! I guess if his family wants it private, she can't post who it is, huh?

A hint? Just the intials. And maybe the last name.

Stefani's lectures are fabulous! I'm sorry I couldn't be there for this one.

Shelley · Post by **Shelley** » Tue Sep 15, 2009 11:42 am

Ah, then I am happy that Lizzie had a little romance in her life. Good.

SteveS. · Post by **SteveS.** » Tue Sep 15, 2009 3:11 pm

I thought it was a known fact that she was running around with Dr. Dolan? I have seen pictures.

Shelley · Post by **Shelley** » Tue Sep 15, 2009 3:43 pm

Uh-OH! Not to mention that story about Dr. Bowen taking her off to church- alone! Maybe Lizzie had a thing for medical men!

JoAnne · Post by **JoAnne** » Tue Sep 15, 2009 4:34 pm

Was this communique only by letters . By this I mean do any of the letters imply a more personal association. Also did this transpire before or after the murders ?

mbhenty · Post by **mbhenty** » Tue Sep 15, 2009 9:24 pm

Of course little is disclosed, nothing is reveled, just that these letters exist.

As it stands now, I am not even allowed to mention who it was that came up with this information, except to say that she/he is very competent and one of the most authoritative experts of the Borden case.

I have known that these letters existed for quite some time, but have been told to keep it confidential, so I have..........until now.

Thus, little is known apart from the fact that letters do exist.

Were these letters written before or after the murders????? We don't know, I don't know, and the person who does will not tell. Respect for the family is of utmost importance and I can fully understand it.

So, for now we must settle for the simple fact that romance via U.S MAIL existed between Lizzie and a man.

These lectures are a great premiere and kick off for the upcoming publication PARALLEL LIVES.

The next lecture which will occur next Monday, September 21st. Bonnie Mendes, Director of the Somerset Public Library will give a reading right out of PARALLEL LIVES. The entire Lecture will be about the book.

spidis · Post by **spidis** » Wed Sep 16, 2009 1:08 pm

If I had such letters in my possession, I would share them with Borden enthusiasts UNLESS they depicted my ancestor in a negative light such as a murderer or an accessory to murder. Maybe the legend of Lizzie having a secret boyfriend that committed the murders isn't too far from the truth??? Just thinking out loud and wondering about the content of the letters.

mbhenty · Post by **mbhenty** » Thu Sep 17, 2009 12:58 am

Yes, now choosing a name for a book can be tricky business.

This makes me wonder who or why people choose a particular title.

Thus, the title PARALLEL LIVES is a popular title used many times by others who have written books, movies and music.

Below is a couple of "other" PARALLEL LIVES, not to be confused with the great book that is about to be published.

mbhenty · Post by **mbhenty** » Thu Sep 17, 2009 1:03 am

Yes, and it is not only books, novels, poetry etc.

There are other art forms with the title Parallel Lives, including movies, music and plays. One of these is a play coming out next year.....called Parallel Lives.

interesting.....

mbhenty · Post by **mbhenty** » Thu Sep 17, 2009 1:05 am

NOT to over do it.....but here are a couple more.....

.

mbhenty · Post by **mbhenty** » Thu Sep 17, 2009 1:43 am

Yes, when you are inspired by a title, you just have to go with it.

xyjw · Post by **xyjw** » Thu Sep 17, 2009 8:50 am

Why not delete the names mentioned in the letters and just publish the content? Do they reveal why Lizzie and/or Emma never married? I am more curious about the why's rather than the who's. Paralell Lives is a perfect title for the upcoming book.

Stefani · Post by **Stefani** » Tue Sep 22, 2009 12:42 pm

Last night, Bonnie Mendes and Ann Rocket-Sperling presented a grand reading of Parallel Lives! New info on Lizzie's life was revealed for all to to hear. I saw Jeff in the audience, so maybe he can tell of his experiences too!

Here is an article about the news of the talk!

http://www.heraldnews.com/town_info/his ... at-lecture

(in the photo in the paper I am sitting over in the dark on the left, behind the large lectern, manning the computer presentation, which I also designed).

Shelley · Post by **Shelley** » Tue Sep 22, 2009 3:21 pm

Yes, I was waiting to see when the news of Lizzie's live-in companion Trudy would be posted! I am delighted to learn of her existence. Lizzie had some fun and a friend. I worked as a lady's companion to the last first class survivor of the Titanic, who passed away in Adams house in Fall River at the age of 103. It was a fun job and afforded many opportunities and a few luxuries. I almost got a trip to LoPrese Switzerland but at the last minute there was an airport terrorist crisis and we cancelled.

Good for Lizzie B.!

Stefani · Post by **Stefani** » Tue Sep 22, 2009 8:08 pm

Shelley, How did you come to find out about Trudy? Inquiring minds want to know!

Shelley · Post by **Shelley** » Wed Sep 23, 2009 1:07 am

Well, it was in the Herald which I read nearly every day! The posting of this coverage was 11:30 p.m. yesterday evening. I posted it on Warps and Wefts earlier today. Trudy and Luilie are both mentioned in the article. You posted the link to it yourself above and I wondered why nobody here had commented on it as of 4:21 p.m. when I finally did. Quite a story!

Stefani · Post by **Stefani** » Wed Sep 23, 2009 5:53 am

Oh, I see! Your first sentence totally led me to believe that you had known about it all along and were just waiting for it to be announced. My mistake. I thought you had discovered it and were now happy it was being released for all to hear.

Tina-Kate · Post by **Tina-Kate** » Wed Sep 23, 2009 9:14 am

Nance's real name was also Gertrude

Shelley · Post by **Shelley** » Wed Sep 23, 2009 9:30 am

Yes!! I also immediately thought of Gertrude Lamson! I bet Lizzie did too.