Lizzie Borden Society Forum

When looking at the crime scene photos I always wondered what that was that was being reflected across from the mirror, well aside from the camera. So I cropped out just the reflection in the mirror, what can I say I like finding reasons to use my photoshop . Any idea what that is?

If I remember correctly, the piece of furniture to the left of the camera is a washstand where the pitcher and bowl would be on top. I think the chamber pot would go inside the little cabinet door in the front.

So where would this have actually been located in the room? To me it looks like it was sitting in the doorway, but that can't be right can it?

250
Preliminary
Morse
Q. When you went into that room Wednesday night, was the wash stand here on the south side of the spare room?
A. Yes Sir.

Q. And to the west of the door?
A. Yes Sir.

Q. Was there a table up here on the west side of the room?
A. Yes Sir.

Q. And the bureau was near the east corner?
A. Yes Sir.

Q. And the bed up against the east wall of the room?
A. Yes Sir.


The washstand normally stood on the wall the door to the room was on, and on the west side of the room- meaning near the street. It was probably moved to the doorway in order to take pictures or move the bed.

With reference to guest room furniture, these hidden drawers were typical of furniture in that era and the Civil War era. If the Borden guest room dresser had such a drawer, surely it was searched; surely Harrington who had worked for Andrew in the furniture business would know about it. But I post the image here before most guests at the B&B don't even know about this hidden drawer.

Yes I knew about the secret drawer. I believe the bureau in Lizzie's room has one also.

I think I remember these being talked about on my first tour/stay at the house. I thought most people knew about them...maybe not ?


Tracy...

There were so many of those secret drawers that people knew to look for them-- hence. Not so secret drawers!

Well I have gotten my answer to my question, and very quickly, about the picture. Thank you very much Susan and Kat. I have one of my questions concerning this case answered and no longer have to wonder about it. Let's see that's one down and.. well...five million or so to go? Thanks you two. As for the secret drawers they were explained during my tour as well. The question was raised as to whether or not Lizzie could have hidden the murder weapon in a secret drawer such as this. I think the opinion settled on was the same one expressed by Audrey.

oh pththt I had a bedroom set like that, HAD, now I will forever wonder if there was one of those drawers in mine

You're welcome, Allen, glad to help when I can. I hear you about having tons more questions, I usally get one answered and 5 more pop up in its place!

I have heard of secret drawers in Victorian furniture before, but, never heard anything about the Borden's guest room bureau as having one. Thats too cool! I wonder if it was such a common thing that they knew to look there and never mentioned it at all? Thanks for the pic, Miller.