A THIRTY YEARS FOLLOWING THE JFK ASSassination, Lee Harvey Oswald‘s name will live on forever. Norman Mailer is one of the most recent writers to venture into the realm of conspiracies; his book “Oswald’s Tale: An American Mystery” is set for release next month. The 33-year-old daughter of Lee Harvey Oswald, June Oswald Porter, has also experienced constants in her life because to the assassination. When she was younger, she went grocery shopping with her mother Marina and sister Rachel in front of onlookers and finger-pointing; as they navigated the aisles, whispered comments sprang up all around them like wildfires. Marina Oswald made sure June and Rachel were always well-groomed, regardless of the little task at hand, and even though the family wasn’t always wealthy, because she understood that she and her kids may become the center of attention at any time. “She never knew when we’d run into someone, and she didn’t want us to look like poor white trash,” June explains simply.
June adopted her stepfather Kenneth Porter’s last name when she started public school. Kenneth Porter wed Marina in 1965. However, maintaining her anonymity came at an odd cost, as June had to deal with numerous insensitive mentions of her mother, father, and relatives. Even well-intentioned remarks might include hidden jabs. For example, when a male coworker made a comment about June looking like “a young Marina Oswald,” he quickly apologized and said he “didn’t mean to insult her” by using the controversial term.
Still, in multiple interviews during the previous year, she claimed to be happy. She also says she had a “pretty happy” childhood, mostly because of her stepfather. Regarding her own marriage, which ended in 1992, June is more reserved. Since the events of November 22, 1963, the Oswald ladies, Marina, now 53, June, and Rachel, 31, have been pursued by an eccentric group of assassination cultists. She has remained cautious of her privacy, keeping her and her sons, who are 6 and 3 years old, apart from them. June still goes by her marital name in business, but she has asked that it not be written.
She is advocating for the release of all assassination-related documents despite privacy concerns. “We have to get the Government to move before it’s too late.”
What do you think of Norman Mailer’s most recent book?A: Although I haven’t read the conclusions, I did begin the book, so I can’t comment on that. I was captivated by Mailer’s writing; she is such a talented writer. He starts with my family in the first chapter and goes all the way back to my great-grandmother in Russia. Given that my mother was illegitimate, you know, this is information about my mother’s side of the family that I would not have known about. It’s similar like discovering a family album you were unaware
I can say that I have a lot of enthusiasm for the book’s concept. He may be the first writer-researcher to interview Russian government sources, thus there is an opportunity to provide fresh perspective to the topic from a field that hasn’t been meaningfully investigated in-depth.
How much have you kept up with the various conspiracy theories?A: I’ve only recently begun to get involved with all of that, primarily in an effort to get the records released.
At the conclusion of the Bush Administration, a measure was passed requiring all government agencies to search their files for any information pertaining to the assassination and to make it public, unless they believed there were national security or other problems to consider. According to the law, if they held that opinion, the records had to be given to the Assassination Records Review Board, who would then examine them and decide whether to approve, reveal the information in its entirety, or only in part.
Q: You’ve maintained a somewhat quiet profile throughout the years. Why have you begun to voice your opinions?A number of falsehoods were published in relation to Gerald Posner’s book “Case Closed,” I should say. They also managed to get my mother on television for a live interview, even though her English is still not very good, and they asked her specific questions regarding this book. It had not been read by her. I thought they were manipulating her, making her appear silly.
I had previously sent a letter to President Clinton requesting that he name the review board established by the Bush law to examine and make public the assassination records. I offered a lot of help. Having received no reaction, I wondered if I would have to make the public announcement. I decided I really wanted to refute after this interview went so terribly and my mother appeared.
The fact that the review board was ultimately sworn in last year must cheer you, I suppose. A: Yes, it excites me as well. They met in Washington in April of last year. Additionally, there have been public hearings in Boston, Dallas, and that location.
Q: How does your identity seem right now? It seems that not many people know that you are the daughter of Lee Oswald. A: Both yes and no. These days, Mom writes articles that she doesn’t care to disclose to me, and occasionally my name appears. Growing up, we never went by my stepfather’s name—Porter—even though we were never formally adopted. Based on one of those articles, my secretary at my previous work was able to piece together the details. She made a copy and placed it on each employee’s desk.
I definitely didn’t want to be the talk of the entire building. After gathering about ten of my employees, I replied, “Yes, that is me in the article. Obviously, if I’d wanted to share that I would have told everyone a long time ago. I don’t think it’s relevant to anything we do here and I appreciate you keeping it to yourself.”
My primary worry was that my home location and phone number were known to those in the office, and I didn’t want The National Enquirer to find out. Q: Give me an example of what you would consider harassment. A: When I was pregnant with my first child, a lady acquired my phone number and contacted me in the middle of the night. I have two little children and am divorced. I didn’t want others to harass the kids. “June Oswald?” she said, something that surprises you when you first wake up. And she replied, “Yes?” And she replied, “I’m so-and-so, and I just want you to know that I’ve written a song about you — and your child. And I’m gonna be in Dallas, and I want to sing it to you.”
I answered, ‘I really don’t get involved in that, but thank you. If someone is weird enough to seek you out in the first place, you want to avoid upsetting them, so you attempt to be kind.
Mom, Rachel, and I have always been watched, called, and interested by everything around us by this little gang. He was fascinated by the fact that I was his first serious relationship. He found me. When we were together, he would say things like how much he wanted babies because “that would be the blood of Lee Harvey Oswald that was flowing through the kids.”
He wanted me to move to Boston with him after that. Since I was Lee Harvey Oswald’s daughter, his parents wouldn’t even allow us to remain in their house when I moved all the way up there. They claimed that their home’s worth would decrease.
Then I learn that he has been researching assassinations, quote-unquote. I therefore decided to back him. That being said, Priscilla Johnson McMillan, the author of my mother’s book, was the only person I knew up there. We spent the summertime living with her.
My partner used to slip into Priscilla’s basement and peruse through all of her old documents. Back then, he sold a story for an absurd sum of money; I believe it was $25,000. I don’t remember which night he said, “I’m gonna sell an article to Penthouse or Playboy,” but it was about your mother, and I’m confident that she had a sexual relationship with Priscilla. That’s how I eventually woke up. Simply leave.
A: Tell me about your upbringing in the years following the assassination. Though you were only a child at the time, do you remember any unrest in the home?A: I don’t really remember those early years. I’m aware that some individuals can recall things clearly as if they were yesterday, but I can’t even recall yesterday.
It is indeed a memory that our phones were bugged. Every time you picked up the phone, you could hear that other click because we always had this terrible connection. This was prior to the sophistication of wiretapping. I could be wrong and it’s still tapped.
Mom was always too careful to protect us. We never used the Oswald name, and it was only mentioned when reporters called the residence. November was always a big thing because there was a lot of stress in the house. Mom used to smoke constantly. Whenever reporters approached, she would say, “Shhhh, go into the other room.”
When did you learn the truth about your father and his murder?A situation has arisen wherein Mom had old mail boxes out. Following the assassination, we received money from people because Mom was young, had two tiny children, and didn’t understand the language.
She was reading when those crates fell, so I assume she decided it was time to notify us. After sitting us down with my stepbrother, she began to explain who our father was—that it wasn’t Kenneth—as well as the identity and actions of Lee. All I can recall is that I cried a lot because Mom was sobbing.
What was your age back then?A: I guess it would have been first grade. They then go on to tell the tale of how, out of the blue, I suddenly jumped up in front of the entire class and declared, “My father shot the President.” However, I can’t recall that.
My next real memory is from second grade. We have been examining the Presidents. The apartments’ walls were adorned with portraits of the Presidents. When we arrived to President Kennedy’s office, I was instructed to proceed across the hall. I took a seat in a time-out room across the hall.
What was your reaction to being singled out?A: I recall planning how I would run for class president and win during that time-out! I therefore never saw it as a major drawback or anything.
Rachel had an alternative sentiment. It has always made her feel very heavy. Kenneth didn’t seem like her father to her. She desired for Lee to be a saint, thus she wanted to know Lee. I mean, I was happy with my dad, so I never really felt the need to get close to Lee or act like a daughter to him. Q: It’s obvious that you call him “Lee.” A: That’s what I’ve always called him. My father, Kenneth Porter, is the man I grew up with and who supported my mother, Rachel, and me. Q: Would it matter to you if scientific evidence proved Lee Oswald was or wasn’t involved?A: It would have an impact on how justice is perceived to be done. I would feel better if it turns out that Lee was not involved in the assassination, as many things that have been said and done against my family have been based on false impressions of what he did or did not
But you have to realize that there’s more to this than just his involvement in the assassination—you also need to consider his role in our family. I am aware that Lee wasn’t a good man when I knew him. He wasn’t a particularly good father or spouse. He assaulted my mom. We were occasionally without milk to drink. We were either adopted by others or lived in subpar housing. I view Lee in those terms, so that’s why I can seem detached or emotionless about it. Q: I take it you’ve seen the video of Lee getting shot by Jack Ruby. When you notice it, are you able to keep the same distance?A: I was really angry when I first watched it, but the movie you’re watching has very little to do with you as a person, to the point where it almost seems unreal.
The main thing bothering me is that Lee was never able to share his tale. After the arrest, he attempted to, but it was dismissed by all. I would have preferred that he had his day in court. Q: What is your current opinion of what actually transpired in Dealey Plaza?A: I have never made a firm statement in public. Many assassination enthusiasts have examined all the technical evidence and other materials available, and even they disagree on the events that transpired. Q: However, are you at ease with the notion that Lee Oswald was involved in some way?A: Based on the people he was hanging out with in New Orleans, I believe there is circumstantial evidence that suggests he may have been involved. Q: Did you ever take the so-called assassination tour? Well, you know, just because you’re hanging out with a crazy group doesn’t mean they couldn’t have set him up, and he might not have known what was happening that day.A: Not till lately, no. I drove up to the residence I had shared with Lee, his boarding house, the still-standing residence Mom had shared with Lee, the route of the motorcade, and the spot where the bullets struck. Q: What was your reaction to that?A: It was — peculiar. I didn’t cry or do anything like that. It was just a little unsettling. Q: You must have experienced a lot of strange things growing up. A: I recall Rachel’s dance from seventh grade. The little boy she was going with was going to the dance, and his parents were going to come get her.
While we are all waiting, a car pulls up in the driveway, and Mom dashes outside to welcome the parents—a guy and a woman—who have a camera. She exclaims, “Oh, you’re gonna take pictures! Great!” and extends a warm greeting. They respond, “Oh, we can take pictures? That’s great!”
The youngster and his mom are in the other car when it drives up. The National Enquirer was the first vehicle. However, it was hilarious since Mom spoke with them for— well, no one seemed to notice that the date wasn’t there!
Rachel worked the Texas Chili Parlor in Austin as a means of support while attending college. She was a waitress, and it’s directly across from the Capitol. She discovered a tour book that mentioned the Texas Chili Parlor and said that Lee Harvey Oswald’s daughter was employed there. She thus turned into somewhat of a tourist attraction. Q: It doesn’t sound like you had an easy childhood. A: Mom kept us together. She possessed some strength. I’m not sure if I could have handled it and maintained my sanity—having two young children, being illiterate, being pitifully impoverished, and having everyone in the nation criticize and, in certain circumstances, despise you. Despite my strength, I’m not sure whether I could have maintained composure. However, she did. She composed herself for us. Q: Did any of these cause problems in your marriage?A: Not at all. My spouse didn’t give a damn. But because I go out a lot, I still struggle with that. I’m never sure if I should disclose my past to someone or not. I generally confess to individuals how frequently I see them. And here’s why: It might come up at any moment. Q: Have you seen the “Seinfeld” episode where they get spat on at the ballpark? A: The “second spitter,” correct? It was hilarious. Q: How would you respond if someone asked you today who your father is? Who do you truly consider to be your father?A: I’m Kenneth. I do, however, refer to Lee as my father. However, dad is still dad.
Furthermore, it’s not Lee’s responsibility that Jack Ruby killed him. He isn’t here for me, and I don’t blame him. He battered my mother, and I do hold him accountable for not being a good father or provider. I have to say that it was great to hear that your father used to play with me all the time, as some people have phoned and said, “I knew your father and he really loved you.” I make an effort to put things out of my mind.
Do you think you’ll regret informing your kids later in life?A: Indeed, I do. I first began to wonder about whether I had an obligation to notify them. How do I inform them? And I know I’m being a little aloof about it, so how can I tell them? Do I have to show it more compassion? I want them to know why I’m treating it with such matter-of-factness. Look, I’m quite serious about a lot of things in my, you only worry about genealogy. Both my mother and Lee were adopted. I’ve been curious about my children’s futures. Will they follow in the footsteps of some unknown ancestor? Many genetic traits that are inborn in your children are beyond your control. Q: How is the relationship with your mother doing these days?A: She started doing things that she didn’t tell us about, so the last two years have been quite stressful. Suddenly, I hear about it or see it on TV. For example, she didn’t notify me or Rachel beforehand about a movie she did. I believe that the strains placed on her over the past few years have negatively impacted both her physical and mental well-being. Q: After all this time?A: The significant anniversary, the 30th, played a part. They wanted Mom to do a lot of things before that, and as she gets older and tries to make up for some of the mistakes she might have made inadvertently—like saying in public that Lee did it—she has become more and more active in the process. I’ve never seen her behave that way; it seems like she ought to take on a more activist role, and it’s having a negative impact on your relationship with her.A: It has experienced some strain. One day, Mom said I was ashamed of who I was. That isn’t accurate, in my opinion. Not that I’m ashamed; rather, I want to be remembered as June Oswald and not as “the daughter of Lee Harvey Oswald.”
Do you and Rachel have a lot of arguments about this?A: In agreement. Only recently, yeah, but definitely. With the exception of these kinds of situations, we are really close.
Look, this is how things differ. When we went to see “J.F.K.” in progress, someone told us, “Your father was a hero.” Rachel, of course, would like to think so. Rachel was enthralled with what she heard. She became engrossed because she yearned for this sense of identity with her father so much.
I wasn’t comfortable with that. Even if they could somehow establish his innocence, he would still be considered a martyr rather than a hero. Rachel has to be reminded that this is the same father who mistreated our mother and failed to provide for his kids. As I think of Lee most of the time, I tell her, “Rachel, for all we know, we could have been living in the streets.”
Regarding his precise involvement in the assassination, that will have to be determined by God’s judgment.
