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

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.