That Whacky Lizzie Borden!

15 Points Per Correct Answer - No time limit  

1. The "Lizzie Borden Legend" is fraught with misinformation and misconceptions about what actually happened inside the Borden residence on that hot August day in Fall River, Massachusetts in 1892. Top on the list is the common belief that an axe was used to kill Lizzie's father, Andrew Borden and her stepmother, Abby. In fact, another sharp object was used to kill the Bordens. What was it? A meat cleaver A hatchet A butcher knife An antique broadsword

2. Lizzie Borden hailed from a respected, upstanding family, but the stories that friends and family shared with police during the murder investigation indicated that Lizzie was a very unusual person. One unusual thing about her was the way in which she allegedly responded to the continuous meowing of a visiting family member's pet cat. What did Lizzie supposedly do to the crying cat? Cut out its tongue. Take it to the police station. Kill it. Sell it.

3. Lizzie Borden's family had an Irish maid named Bridget, also known as "Maggie", who was questioned about the murders of Andrew and Abby Borden, but not considered a suspect. Still, some historians who believe that Lizzie really did kill her parents also think that Bridget may have played a role as well. One reason for this is that, after her acquittal, Lizzie allegedly paid for Bridget to relocate and start a new life. Where did Bridget supposedly relocate? Canada Ireland Oregon Texas

4. Shortly after the murders of her parents, Lizzie Borden was questioned by a police detective who asked her what she had been doing on that fateful morning. Lizzie responded by describing several activities. Which of the following activities did she NOT include in that morning's itinerary? Sketching a still life. Sewing linings for handkerchiefs. Reading magazines. Looking for sinkers for fish lures.

5. After she was acquitted of the murders of her father and stepmother, Lizzie Borden used her inheritance money to do something that she had been asking her father to do for years. What did Lizzie do with the money her murdered parents left behind? Took a trip to France. Threw a huge bash. Opened a dress shop. Moved to a nicer house.

6. Like most middle class women in 19th century America, Lizzie Borden didn't work outside the home. However, she did have a non-paying "job" involving children. In what capacity did Lizzie Borden work with local kids before being charged and subsequently acquitted of double patricide? Tutored poor kids in reading. Taught Sunday School. Played piano for a girls' chorus. Hosted "Orphans' Day Out' picnics.

7. Lizzie Borden had a noted aversion to her stepmother, Abbie Borden, In fact, following the murders of Abby and her father, Andrew, Lizzie responded very tellingly to a comment made by one of the local policemen investigating the crime. When he referred to Abbie Borden as her "mother", what did Lizzie say? She's not my mother. My mother died a long time ago. I wouldn't call her that. Don't cheapen the word!.

8. At her inquest, Lizzie Borden answered endless questions about her relationship with her stepmother, her father's will and the clothes she was wearing on the day of the infamous murders. What did she say she was wearing on the fateful day? Black crinoline dress. Green linen skirt and white silk blouse. Brown plaid cotton skirt and white cotton blouse. India silk skirt and navy blue blouse.

9. The case against Lizzie Borden was largely circumstantial, which was a definite factor in her eventual acquittal. But prosecutors did come up with some incriminating evidence against her, such as the fact that she attempted to buy a certain kind of poison only days before the murders of her parents. What potentially lethal substance did Lizzie attempt to buy? Answer: (Two words, 11 letters. First word starts with P.)

10. Following her death in 1927, Lizzie Borden's will revealed that she had left all of her money to a specific charity. What kind of charity benefited from the death of the infamous Lizzie Andrew Borden? Orphanage Animal shelter Old folks home Veterans' home