Lee Harvey Oswald Rooming House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lee Harvey Oswald Rooming House |
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| General information | |
| Location | 1026 N. Beckley Avenue, Dallas, Texas |
| Coordinates | 32°45′20″N 96°49′22″W / 32.7556672°N 96.822885°W |
| Construction started | 1935 |
The house at 1026 N. Beckley Avenue is in the Oak Cliff area of Dallas, Texas. This house was a temporary home for Lee Harvey Oswald. He lived here when U.S. President John F. Kennedy was shot in November 1963. Oswald rented a room for $8 a week starting on October 14, 1963. He used the name O.H. Lee. The house is about 2 miles from the Texas School Book Depository. This is where Oswald started working on October 16.
A Look at the House's History
The house was built in 1935. Gladys Johnson bought this three-bedroom home in 1943. Today, it is part of the Lake Cliff historic district.
Gladys Johnson's granddaughter, Patricia Hall, has worked to preserve the house. She restored Oswald's bedroom to how it looked. The living room also looks like it did in 1963. This is where Johnson's housekeeper, Earlene Roberts, was interviewed after the shooting. Since 2009, Patricia Hall has opened the house for tours. It is now known as the Oswald Rooming House Museum.
What Happened on November 22, 1963?
Lee Harvey Oswald rented a small room in the Johnson house. He paid $8 each week. He stayed there on weeknights. On weekends, he went to Irving to be with his wife and children.
On November 22, 1963, a very sad event happened. President John F. Kennedy was shot in Dallas. Oswald returned to his room at the house right after this event. He had been working at the Texas School Book Depository.
According to the housekeeper, Earlene Roberts, Oswald came into the house quickly. He grabbed a jacket and left on foot a few minutes later. Earlene told him about the news of President Kennedy. Oswald did not say anything back to her.
Shortly after leaving the house, Oswald was approached by Dallas Police officer J.D. Tippit. This was less than a mile from the house. After a brief exchange, Officer Tippit was shot and killed. A short time later, Oswald was arrested at the Texas Theatre.
Related Places to Learn More
- Ruth Paine Home, this is the house in Irving where Oswald stayed the night before the shooting with his wife.
