Linnie Mae Randle Job Suggestion
Linnie Mae Randle told Paine that the Texas School Book Depository might need additional order fillers because Randle's brother had recently been hired there.
JFK assassination · permanent subject timeline
The building identified by the Warren Commission as Oswald's firing position. This page combines historical context with 145 matching records drawn directly from the Kennedy Assassination History archive.
Historical context
The Texas School Book Depository stood at Elm and Houston Streets overlooking the presidential motorcade's path. Lee Harvey Oswald worked in the building, and investigators recovered a rifle and cartridge cases from its upper floors.
The Depository became the principal crime scene in the official case against Oswald. Witness observations, the rifle, the sixth-floor sniper's nest and employee movements were all examined in detail by investigators.
Archive records
The records below are selected from the 1,932-record JFK assassination archive and are rendered as static HTML in chronological order.
Linnie Mae Randle Job Suggestion
Linnie Mae Randle told Paine that the Texas School Book Depository might need additional order fillers because Randle's brother had recently been hired there.
Oswald Told of Job Interview
When Oswald telephoned that evening, Paine told him that Roy Truly had agreed to interview him at the Texas School Book Depository.
Ruth Paine Telephone Call
Ruth Paine telephoned the Texas School Book Depository on October 14 and spoke with Roy Truly about possible employment for Lee Harvey Oswald.
Telephone Call to Roy Truly
Paine telephoned the Texas School Book Depository and spoke with superintendent Roy Truly about possible employment for Oswald.
Depository Job Interview
Roy Truly interviewed Oswald at the Texas School Book Depository on October 15, 1963, and hired him as a temporary order filler.
Order Filler Hiring
Truly hired Oswald as an order filler after interviewing him at the Texas School Book Depository.
Oswald Employment Interview
Truly interviewed Lee Harvey Oswald at the Texas School Book Depository on October 15 after Ruth Paine had telephoned about possible work.
Texas School Book Depository
Oswald is hired by Roy Truly at Texas School Book Depository..
Depository Employment Begins
Oswald began work at the Texas School Book Depository on October 16, 1963, filling customer book orders for $1.25 an hour.
Texas School Book Depository
Through Ruth Paine Oswald found a job filling book orders at the Texas School Book Depository, where he started work on October 16..
First Floor Work Access
Truly's description of Oswald's duties established that Oswald regularly worked on the first floor of the Texas School Book Depository.
Sixth Floor Work Access
Truly stated that Oswald went to the sixth floor many times each day to obtain books required for customer orders.
Depository Employment Given to FBI
Paine told the FBI that Oswald worked at the Texas School Book Depository and that he visited his family in Irving on weekends.
Texas School Book Depository
James Patrick Hosty, Jr visits Ruth Paine & learns Oswalds address & job at the Texas School Book Depository.
Rifle Bag in Texas School Book Depository
One Texas School Book Depository employee, Jack Dougherty, saw Oswald arrive inside the Texas School Book Depository, he claimed that Oswald had nothing in his hands..
Rifle Bag in Texas School Book Depository
Oswald asked Buell Wesley Frazier for a ride to Irving to collect curtain rods; the next morning he returned to Dallas with Frazier carrying a long paper bag.
Rifle Bag in Texas School Book Depository
Linnie Mae Randle, Fraziers sister, sees Oswald at their house before their journey to the Texas School Book Depository..
Texas School Book Depository
One Texas School Book Depository employee, Jack Dougherty, saw Oswald arrive inside the Texas School Book Depository, he claimed that Oswald had nothing in his hands..
Texas School Book Depository
Linnie Mae Randle, Fraziers sister, sees Oswald at their house before their journey to the Texas School Book Depository..
Baker Confronts Oswald
When Baker challenged Oswald on the second floor, Truly identified Oswald as an employee of the Texas School Book Depository.
Carton Prints Processed
Day's crime-scene work included processing cartons around the southeast sixth-floor window for latent fingerprints and palmprints.
Cartridge Cases Photographed
Day photographed the three cartridge cases in their original sixth-floor positions before investigators moved or collected them.
Depository Departure
The Warren Commission concluded that Oswald left the Texas School Book Depository at approximately 12:33 p.m., before police sealed the building.
Depository Employee Records
Truly assisted investigators with employment information concerning Oswald and other Texas School Book Depository workers.
Depository Employment Mentioned to Revill
During the basement exchange, Hosty said the FBI had known of Oswald's employment at the Texas School Book Depository.
Depository Entry with Baker
Immediately after the shooting, Truly entered the Texas School Book Depository with Dallas motorcycle officer Marrion Baker.
Depository Investigation Command
Fritz arrived shortly before 1:00 p.m. and took charge of the Dallas Police homicide investigation inside the Texas School Book Depository.
House Select Committee on Assassinations (HSCA)
Gonzalez was in President Kennedy's motorcade, he recalled rolling down the window as his car neared the Texas School Book Depository, then hearing three shots during the assassination.
Live Cartridge Ejected from Rifle
While Lieutenant J. C. Day held the recovered rifle by its stock, Fritz opened the bolt and ejected the live cartridge remaining in the weapon.
Missing Depository Employee Report
Roy Truly told Fritz that warehouse employee Lee Harvey Oswald was missing and supplied his name, address, and general description.
Morning Work Supervision
Truly was at work in the Texas School Book Depository on November 22 while Oswald and other employees performed their normal duties before the motorcade arrived.
Motorcade Route
Howard Brennan said he heard a shot from above while watching the motorcade and then saw a rifleman firing from a sixth-floor corner window of the Depository.
Motorcade Route
Arrives at about 12:23 p.m., and while waiting for the motorcade, he looked up and saw a man appear at an open window at the southeast corner of the sixth floor, 120 feet (37 m) from Brennan, and observed him leave the window "a couple
Motorcade Viewing
Truly went outside the Texas School Book Depository to watch President Kennedy's motorcade pass through Dealey Plaza.
Oswald Absence Report
Truly reported Oswald's unexplained absence to Dallas police during the early investigation at the Texas School Book Depository.
Paper Bag Examined
Day examined the long handmade paper bag found near the southeast sixth-floor window and preserved it as evidence from the suspected firing position.
Rifle Discovery Confirmed
Weitzman was with Boone when the concealed rifle was discovered and left the weapon untouched while Dallas Police crime-scene personnel were summoned.
Rifle Identification Recorded
Fritz and Lieutenant Day examined the recovered weapon as its serial number C2766 and 6.5-millimeter Italian markings were recorded.
Rifle Located Among Cartons
Boone discovered the scoped bolt-action rifle between rows of boxes near the northwest stairway at approximately 1:22 p.m.
Rifle Photographed in Place
Day documented the rifle where it lay between cartons before officers lifted the weapon from its concealed position.
Rifle Scene Supervision
Fritz supervised the examination of the rifle after officers found it concealed among boxes on the sixth floor and waited for photographs before it was handled.
Rifle Surface Checked for Prints
Day examined the bolt knob and wooden stock for usable fingerprints before handling the rifle and determined that those surfaces yielded no identifiable prints.
Shipping Paper Sample Marked
Studebaker marked the paper and tape samples collected from the first-floor shipping department to preserve their source identification.
Sixth Floor Givens Encounter
Charles Givens testified that he saw Oswald on the sixth floor around 11:55 a.m. on November 22, carrying a clipboard.
Sniper's Nest Evidence Preservation
After cartridge cases were located near the southeast sixth-floor window, Fritz ordered that nothing be moved until crime-scene technicians photographed and examined the area.
Sniper's Nest Guarded
After finding the cartridge cases, Mooney remained at the sixth-floor position to prevent the evidence from being disturbed before crime-scene technicians arrived.
Sniper's Nest Photographic Record
Studebaker helped create the photographic record of the sixth-floor firing area, including the cartons and surrounding crime scene.
Snipers Nest
Alyea ducked back into the sixth floor and witnessed the discovery of the "snipers nest".
Snipers Nest
Detective Studebaker failed to photograph the arrangement of cartons at the "scene of the crime," he failed also to photograph a long paper sack, said to have been found on the floor in the south-east corner, within which Lee Oswald purportedly carried a Mannlicher-Carcano rifle The record states that the paper sack was allegedly used to carry the rifle into the Texas School Book Depository.
Snipers Nest
On the other hand, it is noteworthy that Tom Alyea has no recollection of the paper sack. If it had been there, he is certain that he would have recorded its presence on film.
Snipers Nest
This record states: "The west end of the barricade was closed by a row of boxes that extended to the front wall.
Snipers Nest
This record states: Alyeas description of the arrangement of cartons around the southeast window on the sixth floor is significantly different from what is seen in photographs showing the late-afternoon "snipers nest" and the official "snipers nest." According to Alyea.
Snipers Nest
The record suggests that Studebaker may not have photographed the paper sack because it was not present...
Snipers Nest
This record states: To the right of the double casement window."
Snipers Nest
Tom Alyea, newsreel photographer for WFAA-TV Dallas, was present in the TSBD during the search by the police. Although ordered by an officer in plain clothes to take no photographs and to return to the first floor, Mr.
Snipers Nest
Detective Studebaker failed to photograph the arrangement of cartons at the "scene of the crime," he failed also to photograph a long paper sack, said to have been found on the floor in the south-east corner, within which Lee Oswald purportedly carried a Mannlicher-Carcano rifle
Snipers Nest
It is possible that Studebakers failure to photograph the paper sack was not because of incompetence, but because it was not there..
Snipers Nest
On the other hand, it is noteworthy that Tom Alyea has no recollection of the paper sack. If it had been there, he is certain that he would have recorded its presence on film.
Snipers Nest
The record states that the paper sack was allegedly used to carry the rifle into the Texas School Book Depository.
Texas School Book Depository
Although ordered by an officer in plain clothes to take no photographs and to return to the first floor, Mr. Alyea ducked back into the sixth floor and witnessed the discovery of the "snipers nest".
Texas School Book Depository
Tom Alyea, newsreel photographer for WFAA-TV Dallas, was present in the TSBD during the search by the police.
Texas School Book Depository
WFAA-TV cameraman Tom Alyea is on the 6th floor of the Depository photographing the recovery Oswalds rifle.
Texas School Book Depository
A 6.5 x 52 mm Italian Carcano M91/38 bolt-action rifle is found on the 6th floor of the Texas Book Depository by Deputy Constable Seymour Weitzman and Deputy Sheriff Eugene Boone soon after the assassination..
Texas School Book Depository
Howard Brennan said he heard a shot from above while watching the motorcade and then saw a rifleman firing from a sixth-floor corner window of the Depository.
Texas School Book Depository
Officer who first sees Oswalds rifle behind some boxes on the 6th floor of the Texas School Book Depository..
Three Cartridge Cases Discovered
Mooney located three empty cartridge cases near the southeast sixth-floor window and recognized the surrounding cartons as a probable firing position.
Wrapping Paper Samples Collected
Day directed collection of paper and tape samples from the Depository shipping area so they could be compared with the long paper bag.
Dealey Plaza Visit
Ruby said he visited Dealey Plaza on November 23, viewed memorial wreaths, and spoke with a police officer about the Texas School Book Depository.
Grassy Knoll
At the moment of the assassination, Bowers was operating the Union Terminal Companys two-story interlocking tower, overlooking the parking lot just north of the grassy knoll and west of the Texas School Book Depository.
Grassy Knoll
Ochus Campbell, the vicepresident of the Texas School Book Depository Company, was standing with Roy Truly on the north side of Elm Street, about 30 feet from the front entrance to the Texas School Book Depository.
Texas School Book Depository
Lee Bowers was working in the Union Terminal tower during the assassination, with an unobstructed view toward the parking area, concrete pergola and stockade fence behind the grassy knoll.
Texas School Book Depository
Ochus Campbell, the vicepresident of the Texas School Book Depository Company, was standing with Roy Truly on the north side of Elm Street, about 30 feet from the front entrance to the Texas School Book Depository.
Texas School Book Depository
The witness stated that three gunshots seemed to come from overhead in the Depository and that plaster dust fell from the ceiling.
Texas School Book Depository
The witness stated that three gunshots seemed to come from overhead in the Depository and that plaster dust fell from the ceiling.
Texas School Book Depository
The witness stated that three gunshots seemed to come from overhead in the Depository and that plaster dust fell from the ceiling.
Triple Underpass
At the moment of the assassination Bowers was operating the Union Terminal Companys two-story interlocking tower overlooking the parking lot just north of the grassy knoll and west of the Texas School Book Depository..
Assassination Investigation Cooperation
Truly cooperated with federal and local investigators examining Oswald's employment, movements, and access within the Texas School Book Depository.
Daily Sixth Floor Trips
Truly later testified that Oswald had occasion to visit the sixth floor repeatedly during an ordinary working day.
Oswald Work Routine Statement
Truly described Oswald's normal work routine and his regular access to the sixth floor when investigators reconstructed events inside the Depository.
Grassy Knoll
Buell Wesley Frazier, Billy Lovelady and Otis Williams, standing on the Depository steps, said the shots came from the general direction of the grassy knoll.
Grassy Knoll
Norma Jean Lollis Hill testified that she saw a man running from near the Depository toward the picket-fence area and then joined others moving toward the grassy knoll.
Grassy Knoll
Emmett Hudson, the only man identified out of the three standing on the steps leading up to the fence on the grassy knoll, claimed that all the shots came from the general direction of the Texas School Book Depository..
Grassy Knoll
Buell Wesley Frazier, Billy Lovelady and Otis Williams, standing on the Depository steps, said the shots came from the general direction of the grassy knoll.
Grassy Knoll
Thought that the shots had come from the grassy knoll, despite already having seen a man in the southwest window of the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository, holding a gun..
Grassy Knoll
Buell Wesley Frazier, Billy Lovelady and Otis Williams, standing on the Depository steps, said the shots came from the general direction of the grassy knoll.
Magic Bullet
Posits that a single bullet, known as "Warren Commission Exhibit 399" (also known as "CE399"), caused all of the non-fatal wounds in both President Kennedy and Texas Governor John Connally. A one-inch-long copper-jacketed lead-core 6.5-millimeter rifle bullet fired from the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository passed through Kennedys neck and Connallys chest wrist and embedded itself in the Governors thigh..
Motorcade Route
Victoria Adams was watching the motorcade from a window on the fourth floor of the Texas School Book Depository.
Rifle Bag in Texas School Book Depository
Buell Wesley Frazier had given Oswald a lift to work on the morning of the assassination.
Rifle Bag in Texas School Book Depository
Frazier also claims that the bag Oswald had carried was a standard grocery store bag rather than a handmade package like the one that the Dallas police brought out of the Texas School Book Depository.
Rifle Bag in Texas School Book Depository
Later states on two occasions that the bag he saw was much too short to have contained the rifle, even in its disassembled state.
Rifle Bag in Texas School Book Depository
There is no credible evidence that Oswald brought a rifle into the Texas School Book Depository himself. Either he had at least one accomplice, or the rifle was brought into the building without his knowledge.
Rifle Bag in Texas School Book Depository
Frazier and Randle described Oswald’s paper bag as too short to contain the rifle and different from the package later reported The paper bag was reported as having been The paper bag was reported as having been found on the sixth floor.
Rifle Bag in Texas School Book Depository
This record states: And was not the same type as the package supposedly The paper bag was reported as having been The paper bag was reported as having been found on the sixth floor.
Rifle Bag in Texas School Book Depository
The record argues that either Oswald had an accomplice or the rifle was brought into the building without his knowledge.
Rifle Bag in Texas School Book Depository
The record argues that there was no credible evidence that Oswald personally brought a rifle into the Texas School Book Depository.
Rifle Bag in Texas School Book Depository
The record interprets Frazier’s and Randle’s accounts as indicating that Oswald’s paper bag was too small to contain the rifle.
Texas School Book Depository
Victoria Adams was watching the motorcade from a window on the fourth floor of the Texas School Book Depository.
Texas School Book Depository
Buell Wesley Frazier, Billy Lovelady and Otis Williams, standing on the Depository steps, said the shots came from the general direction of the grassy knoll.
Texas School Book Depository
There is no credible evidence that Oswald brought a rifle into the Texas School Book Depository himself. Either he had at least one accomplice, or the rifle was brought into the building without his knowledge.
Texas School Book Depository
Frazier and Randle described Oswald’s paper bag as too short to contain the rifle and different from the package later reported The paper bag was reported as having been The paper bag was reported as having been found on the sixth floor.
Texas School Book Depository
The paper bag was reported as having been The paper bag was reported as having been found on the sixth floor.
Texas School Book Depository
Norma Jean Lollis Hill testified that she saw a man running from near the Depository toward the picket-fence area and then joined others moving toward the grassy knoll.
Texas School Book Depository
Emmett Hudson, the only man identified out of the three standing on the steps leading up to the fence on the grassy knoll, claimed that all the shots came from the general direction of the Texas School Book Depository..
Texas School Book Depository
Buell Wesley Frazier, Billy Lovelady and Otis Williams, standing on the Depository steps, said the shots came from the general direction of the grassy knoll.
Texas School Book Depository
This record states: And was not the same type as the package supposedly The paper bag was reported as having been The paper bag was reported as having been found on the sixth floor.
Texas School Book Depository
The record argues that either Oswald had an accomplice or the rifle was brought into the building without his knowledge.
Texas School Book Depository
The record argues that there was no credible evidence that Oswald personally brought a rifle into the Texas School Book Depository.
Texas School Book Depository
The record interprets Frazier’s and Randle’s accounts as indicating that Oswald’s paper bag was too small to contain the rifle.
Texas School Book Depository
Thought that the shots had come from the grassy knoll, despite already having seen a man in the southwest window of the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository, holding a gun..
Texas School Book Depository
A one-inch-long copper-jacketed lead-core 6.5-millimeter rifle bullet fired from the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository passed through Kennedys neck and Connallys chest wrist and embedded itself in the Governors thigh..
Texas School Book Depository
Buell Wesley Frazier, Billy Lovelady and Otis Williams, standing on the Depository steps, said the shots came from the general direction of the grassy knoll.
Warehouse Superintendent
Roy Truly served as superintendent of the Texas School Book Depository and supervised employees working throughout the building.
Warren Commission
Norma Jean Lollis Hill testified that she saw a man running from near the Depository toward the picket-fence area and then joined others moving toward the grassy knoll.
Oswald Employment Testimony
Truly testified about hiring Oswald and described the duties Oswald performed as an order filler at the Texas School Book Depository.
Sixth Floor Access Testimony
Truly testified that Oswald routinely went to the sixth floor many times each day while collecting books for customer orders.
Stairway Timing Test
Commission investigators used timing tests involving Truly and Baker to compare their ascent with a possible descent by Oswald from the sixth floor.
Employee Fingerprinting Objection
An FBI memorandum recorded that Truly objected to a proposal to fingerprint all Texas School Book Depository employees during the continuing investigation.
Texas School Book Depository Inspection
Warren and other commission members traveled to Dallas and inspected locations connected with the assassination, including the Texas School Book Depository.
House Select Committee on Assassinations (HSCA)
The HSCA also concluded that both bullets were fired by Oswald from the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository.
Texas School Book Depository
The HSCA Report in 1979 agrees with the Warren Report's conclusion that two bullets caused all of President Kennedy's and Governor Connallys injuries, The HSCA also concluded that both bullets were fired by Oswald from the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository.
Warren Commission
The HSCA Report in 1979 agrees with the Warren Report's conclusion that two bullets caused all of President Kennedy's and Governor Connally's injuries, The HSCA also concluded that both bullets were fired by Oswald from the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository..
Testimony
Victoria Adams was watching the motorcade from a window on the fourth floor of the Texas School Book Depository.
Testimony
Carolyn Arnold gives evidence concerning activity inside the Texas School Book Depository before the shooting.
Testimony
The Dallas motorcycle officer testifies about encountering Oswald inside the Texas School Book Depository after the shooting.
Testimony
Howard Leslie Brennan testifies about seeing a man in the sixth-floor window of the Texas School Book Depository and about his later identification concerns.
Testimony
Amos Lee Euins testifies about seeing a rifle or gunman in an upper window of the Texas School Book Depository.
Testimony
Buell Wesley Frazier, Billy Lovelady and Otis Williams, three men who were standing on the front steps of the Texas School Book Depository, directly underneath the supposed sniper's nest, claimed that all the shots came from the general direction of the grassy knoll
Testimony
Frazier also claims that the bag Oswald had carried was a standard grocery store bag rather than a handmade package like the one that the Dallas police brought out of the Texas School Book Depository.
Testimony
There is no credible evidence that Oswald brought a rifle into the Texas School Book Depository himself. Either he had at least one accomplice, or the rifle was brought into the building without his knowledge.
Testimony
Whether or not Oswald had actually claimed to be carrying curtain rods, Frazier's and Randle's accounts demonstrate that Oswald had not been carrying a rifle: the paper bag he was holding was much too small, and was not the same type as the package supposedly The paper bag was reported as having been The paper bag was reported as having been found on the sixth floor.
Testimony
Emmett Hudson, the only man identified out of the three standing on the steps leading up to the fence on the grassy knoll, claimed that all the shots came from the general direction of the Texas School Book Depository..
Testimony
James Jarman Jr testifies about his position in the Texas School Book Depository during the presidential motorcade.
Testimony
Buell Wesley Frazier, Billy Lovelady and Otis Williams, three men who were standing on the front steps of the Texas School Book Depository, directly underneath the supposed sniper's nest, claimed that all the shots came from the general direction of the grassy knoll
Testimony
Harold Norman testifies about hearing shots and shell impacts from the floor above him in the Texas School Book Depository.
Testimony
Thought that the shots had come from the grassy knoll, despite already having seen a man in the southwest window of the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository, holding a gun..
Testimony
Bonnie Ray Williams testifies about being on the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository before the assassination.
Testimony
Buell Wesley Frazier, Billy Lovelady and Otis Williams, three men who were standing on the front steps of the Texas School Book Depository, directly underneath the supposed sniper's nest, claimed that all the shots came from the general direction of the grassy knoll
Warren Commission Testimony
Danny G. Arce was listed in Warren Commission Appendix 5 as employee, texas school book depository; testimony was presented to the Commission in Vol. VI, p. 363.
Warren Commission Testimony
Doris Burns was listed in Warren Commission Appendix 5 as employee, texas school book depository; testimony was presented to the Commission in Vol. VI, p. 397.
Warren Commission Testimony
Jack Charles Cason was listed in Warren Commission Appendix 5 as president, texas school book depository; testimony was presented to the Commission in Vol. VII, p. 379.
Magic Bullet
A one-inch-long copper-jacketed lead-core 6.5-millimeter rifle bullet fired from the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository passed through Kennedys neck and Connallys chest wrist and embedded itself in the Governors thigh..
Badge Man
Labels this image Badge Man because the image shows what may appear to be a uniformed police officer wearing dark clothing and his police patrolmans metal badge. Gary Mack, the longtime curator and archivist for The 6th Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza (the former Texas School Book Depository) first claimed to discover the "Badge Man" image
Texas School Book Depository
Gary Mack, the longtime curator and archivist for The 6th Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza (the former Texas School Book Depository) first claimed to discover the "Badge Man" image
Magic Bullet
Myers uses a close-up examination of the Zapruder film to justify the "single bullet theory". Myers animation finds that the bullet wounds were consistent with JFKs and Connallys positions at the time of shooting, and that by following the bullets trajectory backwards could be found to have originated from the Texas School Book Depository..
Texas School Book Depository
Myers animation finds that the bullet wounds were consistent with JFKs and Connallys positions at the time of shooting, and that by following the bullets trajectory backwards could be found to have originated from the Texas School Book Depository..
Editorial provenance
Compiled and edited by Kennedy Assassination History.
Historical context is editorial material; the chronology is generated from the site's structured JFK assassination records.
Last reviewed: September 2026.
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