Report of John Carro (Carro Exhibit No. 1, 19 H 309-23)
Supplementary Facts and Explanations
Case # 23979
CHILD'S NAME---------------OSWALD, Lee Harvey, born 10/19/39, New
Orleans, La.
ADDRESS-----------------------825 East 179th Street, Apt. 3-C, Bx.
MOTHER:-----------------------Marguerite (CLAVERIE)
FATHER:-----------------------Lee Harvey.
NATURE OF PETITION:
DELINQUENT CHILD
Petitioner, James F. Brennan, Attendance Officer, D.O. 24, respectfully
alleges that on March 11, 1953 and prior thereto while residing at 825
East 179th Street, in that the petitioner alleges that the respondent
herein has been excessively absent from school as follows: 46 full days
and 8 half days from October 1, 1962 to January 15, 1953; further that
the said child has refused to register in P.S. #44, Bronx, since January
15th, 1963, when he moved into that school district and that he has not
attended school since that time; further that he is beyond the control of
his mother insofar as school attendance is concerned.
Court Action: 3/12/53 JUSTICE DELANY PRESIDING.
ATTENDANCE OFFICER, MOTHER BEFORE THE COURT.
MRS. OSWALD REPORTED THAT THE BOY REFUSED TO ATTEND COURT. WARRANT WAS
ISSUED TO BE EXECUTED ON 3/19/53.
3/19/53. WARRANT TO BE EXECUTED.
4/16/53. Court Action: JUSTICE DELANY PRESIDING. ATTENDANCE OFFICER,
MR. BRENNAN OF D.O. #24, MRS. OSWALD ON LEAVE BEFORE THE COURT. THE
HEARING WAS HELD. HIS HONOR MADE A FINDING OF SCHOOL TRUANT. LEE WAS
REMANDED TO YOUTH HOUSE UNTIL 5/7/53. FOR PSYCHIATRIC STUDY.
PREVIOUS COURT RECORD: None.
FAMILY HISTORY: Family history was related to the P.O. [Probation
Officer] by Mrs. Oswald who was interviewed in our office 4/21/53.
Mother, Marguerite Oswald nee Claverie, a widow, was born and raised in
New Orleans, La. where she obtained 2nd year high school education. Mrs.
Oswald is at present 45 years of age. She is of the Lutheran faith. In
1945, the family went to Fort Worth, Texas to live, and subsequently came
to N.Y.C. in August of 1952 where the family have resided since. Mrs.
Oswald stated that she came to NY at the invitation of her oldest son,
John, who is in the U.S. Coast Guards, stationed at S.I. N.Y. She and
Lee lived with John and his wife in their Manhattan apartment for about a
month, but moved out when some friction developed. At the present time,
Mrs. Oswald is employed at Martin' Dept. Store, Bklyn, NY earning $45 per
week. She works five days a week, being off on Weds and Sundays. The
hours are from 9:45 a.m. to 6 P.M. Mrs. Oswald states she generally
leaves home about 8:15 A.M. and returns at 7:15 P.M.
Father, Robert Lee Harvey, died in 1939 of a heart attack. Mr. Harvey
was born and raised in New Orleans, where he attained a high school
education. He died at the age of 45. At the time Mr. Harvey was an
insurance agent.
The Oswalds were married on 7/19/29. Out of this union, the first for
each party, were born three children. They are as follows:
John, 21 years of age, presently U.S. Coast Guards, stationed in S.I.
John is married and has one child. Family reside here in N.Y.C.
Robert, 19, presently in the U.S. Marine.
Lee, 13, presently before the Court.
Mrs. Oswald described the relationship with her son, Lee, as being a good
one. The boy is described as being no problem at home. According to the
mother there has been no institutionalization in the family and ethical
and moral standards in the home appear good. All members of the family
are in good health.
HOME AND NEIGHBORHOOD: Family reside in a residential area of the Bronx.
The neighborhood is one of middle-income family, having adequate housing.
Delinquency rate in this area is low. There are adequate recreational
facilities nearby.
CASE # 23979 -2- Oswald, Lee
HOME AND NEIGHBORHOOD (CONT.)
Mrs. Oswald occupies a three room furnished apartment consisting of one
bedroom, parlor and a kitchen. Lee sleeps in the bedroom and Mrs. Oswald
sleeps in a studio couch in the living room. PO was unable to visit the
home due to the fact that Mrs. Oswald is employed and no arrangements
could be made to visit the home. However, the A.O. had previously
visited the home and described it as being a clean and nicely furnished
home.
SCHOOL RECORD: Lee is registered at P.S. #117, class 7-10. This is the
school he last attended. Upon his arrival from Texas in Sept. the boy
attended a Protestant Parochial School and then transferred to P.S. #117,
Bx [Bronx]. At P.S. $47 the boy had a attendance of being absent 48 whole
days and two half days, from Oct. 1, 1952 to Jan. 15, 1953. The boy was
transferred at that time to P.S. #44 but he refused to attend. Lee has
not attended school since that time.
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATIONS: Lee is a Lutheran. He was baptized at the
Trinity Lutheran Church at New Orleans, La., in Nov. 1939. They has not
made his Communion nor Confirmation. Mrs. Oswald indicated that she and
Lee do not go to Sunday Service, as they have been in N.Y. a short time
and do not known any churches or congregations nearby.
LEISURE TIME ACTIVITIES AND SPECIAL INTERESTS:
Lee was interviewed by the PO 4/23/53. The boy indicated that he does
not belong to any organized group or part taking in any organized
activity. The boy states that he generally gets up at 9 A.M. and watches
TV and reads magazines until 3-4 P.M., in the afternoon. He indicated
that he did not know anybody and hence did not go out to play. The boy
states that he seldom goes out and stays home most of the time. The only
occasion for his going downstairs is when he goes down on errands but not
to play. He indicated that he formerly collected stamps. He was a
football fan. The boy states he used to have a hobby of molding clay,
collecting stamps but he does not do so anymore. He is a football fan,
likes horse back riding. The boy states, "I like to be by myself and do
things by myself."
MENTAL AND PHYSICAL CONDITION:
Lee is a boy of average height and weight. The boy had a normal birth
and had the usual childhood illnesses which consisted of the measles,
chicken pox, mumps and whooping cough. The boy had a mastoid operation
when he was 5 years of age. There is no history of enuresis. Lee has
never been involved in any serious accidents xx nor has he had any
serious illnesses. They boy impressed the PO of a boy of normal mental
and physical development.
PETITIONER'S STATEMENT: "see Nature of Petition."
CHILD'S VERSION AND ATTITUDE: Lee, quiet boy was interviewed by the P.O.
He is a boy of average height and weight. Lee was pleasant and friendly
though withdrawn to himself. During the interview the boy's expression
was one of indifference. He had more or less of a blank expression
registered little enthusiasm nor emotions. When questioned, he generally
answers affirmatively by saying "I guess so. He tried to evade an
impression of unconcern as to what had taken place.
The boy admitted the allegations of the petition. When questioned
regarding his staying out of school, the boy states, "it take up too much
of my time. I could be doing other things, playing around and looking at
magazines. He further indicated, "I don't like school. It's too hard to
do, I am not able to do the work."
Lee told the P.O. he did not like the teachers, the school nor the
children in school. He stated, "I like myself." When P.O. inquired as
to his relationship with his mother, the boy stated, "well I've got to
live with her. I guess I love her."
The boy told the P.O. that he had too much difficulty making friends and
hence he likes to be to himself. He indicated that he had more fun being
alone.
The P.O. observed that the boy is somewhat shallow and seems to be
immature to have little capacity for comprehension.
OSWALD, Lee -3- #23979
CHILD'S VERSION AND ATTITUDE: (CONT.)
Lee indicated that he would like to go into the service when he is 18.
He told the P.O. that he has two brothers in the service, but he does not
miss them. The boy stats that he liked school in Texas but as he got
older he found that he had other things he wanted to do. The boy would
not enumerate other things he had to do except that he had a lot of
things. Questioned as to his aim in life in what he wanted to do, the
boy replied, "I want to let me xxxx go home and be by myself. P.O.
inquired of Lee, as to whether he would return home, whether he would
attend school. The boy replied, "I have a choice between going to school
here between going to school or in an institution. 'Does it matter?
O.K., I go to school here. Lee stated that while he liked Youth House he
miss the freedom of doing what he wanted. He indicated that he did not
miss his mother.
The P.O. discussed living in N.Y. with Lee. Lee indicated that he found
N.Y. all right to live in. He indicated that it was immaterial to him as
to where he live.
P.O. noticed that this boy seems to have no drive, no ambition, he seems
to be content with merely just living. In our discussion with the boy,
nothing seem to register with him.
PARENTAL VERSION AND ATTITUDE: Mrs. Oswald was interviewed by the P.O.
on this date. Mrs. Oswald impressed the PO xxx as an intelligent,
well-meaning middle-aged woman, good education and background.
It is Mrs. Oswald's belief that the boy's difficulty stems from the fact
that the had not been able to meet the changes in his environment. She
describes him as always being a "loner". He would generally play alone
and if boys joined him he would play with them. At school he was captain
of the baseball team. In Texas, she states, the family had a home with a
yard, a dog, and the boy would get along fine. Here in N.Y. family
occupy an apartment and there is nothing for the boy to do. Mrs. Oswald
described the boy as introvert, the boy who has difficulty in making
friendships as he made no effort to initiate any. Generally Lee waited
for the children to make overtures to him. Regarding the boy's school
attendance, the mother stated that eh was always an average student in
school. He likes school and seem to attend regularly. The mother feels
that the boy moving to a different community and being placed in the
midst of different nationalities and crowded apartment conditions, has
had an adverse effect on the boy, that he has retreated into a shell.
Mrs. Oswald indicated she recognizes the boy's problem but there's little
she can do. She mentioned to the P.O. that the family formerly had their
own car, their own home and that the boy had two brothers at home to play
with. Mother indicated that she has a home in Texas, which she plans to
sell. At present she is in no financial condition to return to Texas.
The boy has no other family there to whom he can go.
Mrs. Oswald believes the present attitude of indifference and lack of
concern is one of defiant. She attributes his behavior to that of xxx
adolescent behavior or growing up pains. The mother point out that when
the boy first came here, she lived on Grand Concourse and the boy had
difficulty in getting along with other children because of his manner and
custom, that his mode of dress was different and he had a different
accent. The boy at the time dressed a great deal in "jeans" levies where
as the other boys in the neighborhood seems to be more or less better
dressed. This seem to have had some sort of affect upon the boy.
Mrs. Oswald indicated that while she realized that the boy had little
family life at home, that she is unable to give him adequate supervision,
she would not want the boy place. She would prefer to have the child
remain home. However, should the situation arise where she believe that
placement seems absolutely necessary, she indicated that she would
cooperate with any plan that the court may have.
SOCIAL AGENCY RECORD: Oswald, Marguerite (Claverie) & James-John Youth
House 4/21/53 Marguerite and Lee (int. son Lee) Community Service
Society, Family Div. #219055 1/16/53
OSWALD LEE -4- #23979
EVALUATION AND RECOMMENDATION:
Lee Oswald, 13 year old boy of the Lutheran faith, is before the court
for the first time. The boy had admitted the allegations of the
petition. According to the boy, he is not attending school as he feels
that he has many more important things to do. Aside from this, he has
indicated that he does not like his teachers, his classmates nor the
school. The boy has expressed a desire to be left alone.
The boy, the P.O.'s observed, is a friendly, likable boy, who portrays
very little emotions. Reaction to the present situation was one of
indifference. The mother, while she seems a well meaning intelligent
woman is unable to give Lee adequate supervision, due to her long working
hours. Much of Lee's difficulty seems to stem from his inability to
adapt himself to the change of environment and the change of the
economical status of the family. The record reveals the family was of
means, having had their own home in Corning Texas, seemingly a full
family life thus Lee had had has two brother living with them. Coming to
N.Y.C., and moving into a crowded area, without his brothers, amongst
varied groups, who dressed and spoke different from the boy Lee has been
unable to find acceptance and has retreated into a shell wherein he
prefers to confines of his apartment to that of dealing with other
children.
The P.O. feels that this is a dangerous situation for the boy to isolate
himself from other social contacts with children his age. The matter has
been discussed with his mother. The possibility of returning to Texas or
Louisiana was discussed with the mother, but she is unable to do so do to
her present financial condition. While Mrs. Oswald is opposed to
placement, she feels that she would go along with it if it seems
absolutely necessary.
The P.O. feels that we are dealing with a boy who feels a great deal of
insecurity and the need for acceptance. As it does not seem that this
can be done with the boy remaining at home but it was felt that perhaps
placement in an institution where these needs can be met would be
beneficial at this time. However, recommendation is being held in
abeyance pending the receipt of the psychiatric examination.
ALL OF WHICH IS RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:
JOHN CARRO
PROBATION OFFICER
JC:cms 5/1/53-5/1/53
SUMMARY FOR P.O.'S REPORT PSYCHIATRIC DONE ON 5/1/53.
"This 13 year old well built boy has superior mental resources and
functions only slightly below his capacity level in spite of chronic
truancy from school which brought him into Youth House. No finding of
neurological impairment or psychotic mental changes could be made. Lee
had to be diagnosed as "personality pattern disturbance with schizoid
features and passive aggressive tendencies." Lee has to be seen as an
emotionally, quite disturbed youngster who suffers the impact of really
existing emotional isolation and deprivation, lack of affection absence
of family and life and rejection by a self involved and conflicted
mother. Although Lee denies that he is in need of any other form of help
other "remedial" one, we gained the definite impression that Lee can be
reached through contact with an understanding and very patient
psychotherapist and if he could be drawn at the same time into group
psychotherapy. We arrive therefore at the recommendation that he should
be placed on probation under the condition that he seek help and guidance
through contact with a child guidance clinic, where he should be treated
preferably by a male psychiatrist who could substitute, to a certain
degree at least, for the lack of a father figure. At the same time, his
mother should be urged to seek psychotherapeutic guidance through contact
with a family agency. If this plan does not work out
OSWALD, Lee Harvey -5- #23979
SUMMARY (CONT.)
favorably and Lee cannot cooperate in this treatment plane on an
out-patient basis, removal from the home and placement could be resorted
to at a later date, but it is our definite impression that treatment on
probation should be tried out before the stricture and therefore possibly
more harmful placement approach is applied to the case of this boy. The
Big Brother Movement could be undoubtedly of tremendous value in this
case and Lee should be urged to join the organized group activities of
his community, such such as provided by the PAL or YMCA of his
neighborhood."
s/s Renatus Hartogs, M.D. Ph. d.
Senior Psychiatrist.
5/7/53. COURT ACTION: Justice McClancy presiding. Boy and his mother
before the court P.O. reported on the case. Justice McClancy reviewing
the record at some length and reading the Psychiatric report, Justice
McClancy continued the boy on parole to 9/24/53. His Honor advised the
boy that he was to return to school as soon as possible to attend school
regularly. Mr. Brennan the A.O. is to return the case to court should
the boy fail to do so. Justice McClancy requested that a referral be
made to Community Service Society for possible work at their therapeutic
treatment for this boy.
Lee was paroled to 9/24/53. Later the P.O. phoned the C.S.S. and spoke
to Mrs. Olga Benjamin regarding the possibility of referring the boy to
that agency. Mrs. Benjamin indicated that the CSS has a long waiting
list. She felt the situation is one which is acute and requires a great
deal of attention and skill. Mrs. Benjamin indicated she would discuss
this matter with Mrs. Carver Hall, who will contact the P.O. In the
meantime she suggested that we contact the Salvation Army to see whether
they could possibly provide the facilities in the treatment that this boy
needs.
P.O. later interviewed the mother and boy and advised Mrs. Oswald that a
referral would be made to a Family Agency and that she is to keep these
appointments when she is notified. Both mother and boy promised to
cooperate.
J. Carro, P.O. (cms)
5/7/53: P.O. contacted Mrs. Olga Benjamin, Social Worker of C.S.S.,
regarding possible referral of Lee to their agency. Mrs. Benjamin
indicated that they have a long waiting list and that the situation
requires a great deal of attention and skill. She indicated that Mrs.
Oswald has been seen by them on 1/53 when the case was explored as it was
referred to them by the Federation of Protestant Welfare agencies. An
appointment was made for Mrs. Oswald for 1/30/53, which she did not keep.
No further contacts have been had with this family. Mrs. Benjamin
recommended that we contact the Salvation Army which she felt might be in
a better position to meet this boy's needs at this time.
J. Carro, P.O. (es)
6/4/53: P.O. contacted Mr. Wilcox, Social Worker, Salvation Army,
regarding possible acceptance of the case. Mr. Wilcox promised to call
back.
J. Carro, P.O. (es)
9/8/53: Material returned from Salvation Army rejecting the boy as the
Salvation Army feels that they cannot offer any useful service to the
boy. Salvation Army indicates that the boy, has pointed out in the
psychiatric report, is severely disturbed and would need direct
psychiatric treatment in a Child Guidance Institution. This is a service
they cannot offer.
J. Carro, P.O. (es)
9/24/53: Mrs. Oswald telephoned on this date, to state that she would be
unable to appear in court. She pointed out that she felt that there is
no necessity for her to return to court as the boy has made a marvelous
adjustment. Lee returned to school on May 7th and had a very good
attendance record thereafter. At the present time he is in the 9th grade
at P.S. 44 and recently had the honor of being elected class president.
The P.O. spoke to her in terms of having the boy attend our Treatment
Clinic, as Intake is now
OSWALD, Lee Harvey -6- #23979
9/24/53: . . . (continued)
open and the P.O. felt that this boy could benefit from the group therapy
that they would be able to offer. Mrs. Oswald appeared very resistant to
this plan and her attitude was such that reflected another unwillingness
to enter x into any sort of arrangement at this time. She indicated that
the boy seems to be doing well and would like to have him left alone as
she feels that our stepping into the picture at this point would have a
harmful effect. P.O. advised Mrs. Oswald that we would continue the boy
under the supervision of the court for a period longer to see how he
adjusts.
J. Carro, P.O. (es)
COURT ACTION 9/24/53: Justice Fogarty presiding. No appearance. P.O.
reported on the case. His Honor continued the boy on parole to 10/29/53
for progress report.
J. Carro, P.O. (es)
10/21/53: Progress which was requested on 10/16/53 from P.S. 44 received
on this date. Boy indicates that since the term commenced he has been
present in school 21 3/2 days and absent 1- 3/2 days. His conduct is
described as unsatisfactory. The school reports that the child has shown
no improvement. Mrs. Oswald does not cooperate with the school
authorities. She did not answer to a summons to come to school about her
son's welfare. ("During the past 2 weeks practically every subject
teacher has complained to me about the boy's behavior. He has
consistently refused to salute the flag during early morning exercises.
In many rooms he has done no work whatsoever. He spends most of his time
sailing paper planes around the room. When we spoke to him about his
behavior, his attitude was belligerent. I offered to help him he brushed
out with, "I don't need anybody's help.") (Signed) H. Rosen, Teacher)
J. Carro, P.O.
In view of the above report, P.O. discussed the situation with
supervisor, who felt that placement this time may have to be
contemplated.
J. Carro, P.O.
10/29/53: Mrs. Oswald telephone on this date, stating that she would not
be able to appear in court. She had the keys to her job and would have
to be there. She indicated she would be able to come to court on some
other day if notified by P.O.
J. Carro, P.O.
10/29/53: COURT ACTION: Case on School Part Calendar. Justice Sicher
presiding. No appearance. P.O. reported on the case. Judge Sicher
continued the boy on parole to 11/19/53 for placement plan and directed
P.O. to make a referral to Berkshire Industrial Farm. If Berkshire farm
is not available to take the boy, Judge Sicher gave permission to the
court to refer the boy to Children's Village.
Parents to be notified to appear 11/19/53
J. Carro, P.O.
11/19/53: P.O. contacted Mr. Rosen of P.S. 44. Mr. Rosen indicated that
since Mrs. Oswald's visit to the school to discuss the situation with
them. Lee has been getting along very well in school. The boy is now
saluting the flag and he is showing a great deal of improvement. Mr.
Rosen stated that he is no longer a behavior problem in the school.
J. Carro, P.O.
11/19/53: COURT ACTION: Justice Sicher presiding. Case on School Part
Calendar. Mrs. Oswald and her son, Lee, and counselor Nielson appeared
before the court. His Honor
OSWALD, Lee Harvey -7- #23979
11/19/53: COURT ACTION (CONT.):
to Mr. Nielson and Mrs. Oswald, the function of the court. Mr. Nielson
indicated that Mrs. Oswald desired to have Lee discharged from
supervision of the court, as she felt that they boy was presently no
problem at this time and that she was capable of coping the child.
Judge Sicher talked to the mother and counselor at some length and
advised them that Lee was a child who was in need of treatment, as the
reports of the examination made on the boy seem to bear out; and hence,
would not consider discharging the boy at that time. The mother was
opposed to referral of the boy to any other agency.
His Honor counseled talked to the mother at some length and advised her
that it would be for the best interest of Lee to have her cooperate with
any plans that the court might have to offer at this time. Judge Sicher
instructed P.O. to refer the boy to the court treatment clinic and to
make a reference to the Protestant Big Brother, Case was paroled to
1/25/54 for a report on that date.
J. Carro, P.O.
1/5/54: Mrs. Oswald telephone P.O. this date. Mr. Dunn, P.O. talked to
her in the absence of Mr. Carro, who was on vacation. She stated she
wished to speak with P.O. concerning the fact that she had to leave the
city. After a long discussion with her and not receiving definite
information, P.O. advised her to be at court to see Mr. Carro 1/11/54
with Lee and if needed, the case could be passed on. Mrs. Oswald agreed
to do so.
In the afternoon, Mr. Groetz of the Protestant Big Brothers called at the
office regarding the same matter. He indicated that he would telephone on
the morning of 1/11. Mr. Groetz indicated that he believes the mother is
anxious and willing and has found her most cooperative. P.O. discussed
did not find any chronological sheet which must have been made out for
clinic but is not with the papers they returned.
T.P. Dunn, P.O. for
J. Carro, P.O. (rl) D.2/1
12/21/53: Material on Lee Oswald returned from Court Clinic this date. A
letter was attached indicating that the family's lawyer to inform us that
the family is moving to New Jersey. (Material filed in case record.)
1/26/54: Mrs. Barnes, A.O., phone this date to indicate she had received
a letter from Mrs. Oswald indicating that she had left and taken Lee with
her to in New Orleans, La.
Mr. Groetz, Protestant Big Brother, also phoned P.O. this date to inquire
as to whether or not Mrs. Oswald had contacted P.O. as to her plans to
move to New Orleans; she had indicated she wished to discuss the
situation over with P.O.
J. Carro, P.O. (rl) D.2/1
1/28/54: COURT ACTION: Justice Polier presiding. A.O. present only.
P.O. reported on the case, Mrs. Barnes A.O. showed the court a letter
from Mrs. Oswald indicating she was leaving for La. Justice Polier
adjourned the case to 3/11/54 for report by the as to the whereabouts of
the boy and his mother.
J. Carro, P.O. (rl) D.2/1
Tr.2/5
Lee H. Oswald -8- #23979
3/11/54: COURT ACTION: Justice Delany. No appearance. Attendance
Officer, Mrs. Barnes, P.O. before the court. Mrs. Barnes reports that
reply from contact with New Orleans, La. received indicates that they
have no information as to the whereabouts of the family. A former assoc.
thinks the family may be living in California. Justice Delany
discharged the case on this date since Lee is no longer in our
jurisdiction.
J. Carro, P.O. (es)
Carro Exhibit No. 1, 19 H 309-23
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