Older Brothers’ Departures and 1952 New York Move
John returned to high school in January 1949 while working part time, and entered the Coast Guard early in 1950. Robert left school soon after, worked full time, and contributed most of his earnings to the family; he returned to school in 1951-52, and after completing his junior year, joined the Marines in July 1952. In August, Mrs. Oswald and Lee moved to New York, where John was living with his wife and baby in an apartment at 325 East 92d Street belonging to John’s mother-in-law. Mrs. Oswald explained she did not want Lee alone while she worked, and moved to New York because she had family there.
New York Family Conflict and Bronx Relocation
The New York visit began well, with John taking leave to show Lee the city, including the Museum of Natural History and a Staten Island ferry ride. The atmosphere soured as Mrs. Oswald quarreled frequently with John’s wife, contributed nothing toward her and Lee’s support, and was seen by John’s wife as setting Lee against her. The visit ended when Lee threatened Mrs. Pic with a pocket knife during a quarrel, and Lee also hit his mother, permanently destroying his good relationship with John. Mrs. Oswald and Lee moved to a one-room basement apartment at 1455 Sheridan Avenue in the Bronx; he had been enrolled at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran School but was withdrawn on September 26 after irregular attendance and enrolled at Public School 117 four days later. After moves to 825 East 179th Street and various jobs including Martin’s Department Store and a hosiery chain, Lee was registered at Public School 117 until January 16, 1953, having been present only 15 full and 2 half days out of 64, receiving failing grades in most courses.
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