Report of the President's Commission on the Assassination of President John F. Kennedy

Oswald’s Job Search Through the Dallas Employment Commission

Even before Oswald moved to Dallas, his acquaintances were helping him look for work there. George De Mohrenschildt directed him to Dallas financial consultant Samuel B. Ballen, but no employment resulted. George Bouhe recommended that he go to the Texas Employment Commission in Dallas, and Anna Meller had her husband ask Mrs. Helen Cunningham, a counselor in the clerical and sales division of the Dallas office, to help. Oswald first came to the commission’s office on October 9; he was reluctant to accept industrial employment and was placed in the clerical category and assigned to Mrs. Cunningham. He expressed an interest in writing, and aptitude test results forwarded from the Fort Worth office suggested clerical and writing potential. His application noted “outstanding verbal-clerical potential,” and he demonstrated ability in many skilled and semi-skilled jobs, with some indication he could do college work. Cunningham gave him three special tests—for general clerical work, insurance claims examining, and drafting—on which he scored high. The application noted he had no driver’s license and described him as “well-groomed and spoken, business suit, alert replies—expresses self extremely well.” Oswald told Cunningham he hoped to qualify for responsible junior executive employment through a college work-study program but that this would have to wait because of his immediate financial responsibilities.

CAPÍTULO II. With the assistance of Agent in Charge Sorrels of the

Chapter II, compiled with the assistance of Agent in Charge Sorrels of the FBI, documents Lee Harvey Oswald’s life in Dallas from October 1962 through April 1963, covering his employment, living arrangements, marital difficulties, political activities, social relationships, and the attempted assassination of General Edwin Walker.

Oswald’s Photoprint Trainee Employment at Jaggars-Chiles-Stovall

Mrs. Cunningham of the Texas Employment Commission classified Oswald for clerical work but sought any available position due to his financial need. After an unsuccessful referral to an architect, she sent him to Jaggars-Chiles-Stovall Co., a graphic arts firm, on October 11 in response to a call from John Graef, head of the photographic department, who needed a photoprint trainee. Oswald impressed Graef and was selected over other applicants, beginning work the following day on a 40-hour week at approximately $1.35 per hour, with take-home pay ranging from $49 to $74 weekly. Marina reported that he enjoyed his work.

Early Dallas Living Arrangements and Marina’s Secret Baptism

Oswald moved into the Dallas YMCA on October 15, paying $2.25 per night, and used the Taylors’ address and telephone as a contact point. He also rented post office box 2915 under his own name and filed a change-of-address form. On October 16, Mrs. Hall brought Marina and baby June to Dallas to have June baptized. Marina did this secretly because Oswald opposed baptism, though he showed little disturbance upon learning of it.

Mrs. Hall’s Accident and Temporary Oswalds Separation

Two days after the baptism, Mrs. Hall was hospitalized following an automobile accident and remained there until October 26, with Marina staying at the Hall house during her absence. Mrs. Max Clark and Alexander Kleinlerer checked on Marina. After leaving the YMCA on October 19, Oswald moved to an unknown room or apartment in Dallas, though he likely spent several weekends with Marina at the Hall house.

Oswalds’ Reunion and Move to Elsbeth Street Apartment

Four days after Mrs. Hall returned from the hospital, she departed for New York. By her return, Marina had moved to a three-room apartment at 604 Elsbeth Street that Oswald had rented on November 3 for $68 monthly plus utilities, with a $5 deposit. The Taylors helped the Oswalds move their belongings with a rented trailer, and Kleinlerer assisted.

Marital Conflict and Marina’s Temporary Stays with Acquaintances

Soon after reuniting, marital difficulties resumed. Kleinlerer witnessed Oswald slap Marina over an unzipped dress during the move. The couple argued about his prohibition of her smoking and about his misrepresentation of her nationality to the landlady as Czechoslovakian. Oswald discouraged others from teaching Marina English, and he continued to beat her. When George De Mohrenschildt criticized his conduct, Oswald replied, “It is my business.” Marina’s husband became increasingly nervous and irritable, and she admitted some fault for provoking him.