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

Oswald’s Texas School Book Depository Hiring

On the Monday Oswald moved to North Beckley, Mrs. Paine mentioned the Oswalds’ financial and employment struggles to neighbor Linnie Mae Randle, who noted her brother Buell Wesley Frazier worked at the Texas School Book Depository and referenced a job opening. When Marina learned of the opening, she asked Mrs. Paine to inquire about the position. Mrs. Paine called Depository superintendent Roy S. Truly, who stated he would interview Oswald if he applied in person. Oswald called the Paine home that evening, was informed of the opportunity, interviewed with Truly the next day, and was hired for a temporary role. He began work Wednesday, October 16, filling book orders from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. for $1.25 per hour. Both Oswalds were pleased with the position, though Oswald still hoped to find better employment, kept to himself among coworkers, and performed his duties satisfactorily.

Oswald’s Early Depository Employment and Irving Trips

During his first week at the Depository, Oswald became acquainted with Frazier, and arranged to ride with him to Irving on weekends. On Friday, October 18, Frazier drove Oswald to the Paine home for his birthday, where Marina and Ruth Paine held a small celebration. On Sunday, Oswald stayed with his daughter June and the Paine children while Mrs. Paine drove Marina to Parkland Hospital, where she gave birth to the couple’s second daughter Rachel. Oswald visited Marina in the hospital that evening, stayed overnight in Irving, and returned to Dallas the next morning.