Oswald’s Move to Dallas and Political Views
Oswald’s Move to Dallas and Political Views In early October 1962, Oswald quit his sheet metal job and moved the family to Dallas. The Oswalds had been connected to a group of Russian-speaking local residents who provided material support to the family out of sympathy for Marina and the child, but almost all of the group disliked Oswald. Despite being disillusioned with the Soviet government, Oswald was deeply committed to Marxist ideology, expressed disdain for U.S. democracy, capitalism, and American society, and criticized the Russian-speaking group for embracing American values and pursuing economic advancement.
Oswald’s Friendship with Ruth Paine
Oswald’s Friendship with Ruth Paine In February 1963, the Oswalds met Ruth Paine, a separated woman living in Irving, Texas (a Dallas suburb) with her two children. Paine, who was interested in the Russian language and sympathetic to Marina (who spoke no English and had limited funds), befriended Marina and visited her several times over the following two months.
Oswald’s Attempted Assassination of Edwin Walker
Oswald’s Attempted Assassination of Edwin Walker After losing his job at a photography firm on April 6, 1963, Oswald attempted to assassinate retired U.S. Army Major General Edwin A. Walker on April 10, using a rifle he had ordered by mail a month earlier under an assumed name. Marina learned of the attack when she found a note Oswald left with instructions for her if he did not return. The incident, combined with the family’s financial struggles, led Marina to urge Oswald to move to New Orleans to find work.
Oswald’s Relocation to New Orleans
Oswald’s Relocation to New Orleans Oswald departed for New Orleans on April 24, 1963. Unaware of the Walker shooting, Ruth Paine invited Marina and the baby to stay with her in Irving while Oswald looked for work. In early May, after Oswald notified Paine he had found a job, she drove Marina and the child to New Orleans to rejoin him.
Oswald’s Fair Play for Cuba Activities in New Orleans
Oswald’s Fair Play for Cuba Activities in New Orleans While in New Orleans, Oswald created a fictitious New Orleans chapter of the Fair Play for Cuba Committee, serving as its self-appointed secretary and inventing a fictional president, A.J. Hidell (the group’s only member). He was arrested on August 9, 1963, for a scuffle that occurred while he was distributing pro-Castro leaflets. The next day, he requested an FBI interview at the police station, provided false background information, and was evasive about his Fair Play for Cuba activities. Over the following two weeks, he appeared on local radio programs twice, claiming to be the committee’s New Orleans spokesperson.
Oswald’s Mexico City Trip and Failed Visa Applications
Oswald’s Mexico City Trip and Failed Visa Applications Oswald lost his job as a coffee processing machine greaser on July 19, 1963. In September, Ruth Paine traveled to New Orleans, and on September 23 drove Marina, the baby, and the family’s belongings back to Irving, where Marina (who was due to give birth in October) would stay until after the birth. Oswald remained behind ostensibly to find work, but instead took a bus to Mexico City, arriving September 27. He visited the Cuban and Soviet embassies seeking visas to travel to Cuba en route to the Soviet Union, but his efforts failed because Cuba would not grant a visa without a corresponding Soviet visa. He returned to Dallas, arriving October 3, 1963.
Oswald’s Return to Dallas and Employment at the Texas School Book Depository
Oswald’s Return to Dallas and Employment at the Texas School Book Depository After reuniting with his wife on October 4, Oswald decided to rent a room in Dallas and visit his family on weekends. He first stayed with Mrs. Bledsoe for a week, then rented a room on Beckley Avenue under the alias O.H. Lee on October 14. That same day, at a neighbor’s suggestion, Ruth Paine called the Texas School Book Depository to inquire about job openings, informed Oswald of the vacancy, and he was interviewed and hired the next day, starting work on October 16. His second daughter was born October 20. Through October and November, he followed a routine of weekend visits to Irving, riding with coworker Buell Wesley Frazier, who lived near the Paines. On November 15, he stayed in Dallas at his wife’s request (the Paine home was crowded for a birthday party). On November 18, the couple argued bitterly on the phone when Marina learned he was living under an assumed name. On November 21, Oswald told Frazier he was traveling to Irving to pick up curtain rods, surprising his wife and Paine, who thought he was returning to reconcile after their fight. That night, Paine noticed an unexpected light on in the garage (where the family’s belongings, including Oswald’s rifle, were stored). The next morning, Oswald left before his wife woke, leaving his wedding ring (a first) and $170 in his wallet behind. He carried a long, bulky package (which he claimed held curtain rods) to Frazier’s car, and entered the Depository building with the package after arriving at the parking lot.
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