DALLAS (1947-63)
The Move to Dallas
During World War II, Ruby’s sister, Eva Grant, visited Dallas.[A16-232] Having operated a restaurant on the west coast and considering it a lucrative business, she arranged, near the end of 1945, to lease a building under construction in Dallas, which she ran as a nightclub.[A16-233] Part of the financing for this establishment, the Singapore Supper Club, was provided by her brothers. Jack Ruby, who apparently obtained the money from Earl Products, sent $1,100 as a downpayment on the lease, Earl contributed about $1,500, and Hyman paid for more than $2,000 worth of equipment.[A16-234]
Before she opened the Singapore in 1947, Eva Grant engaged in the sale of metal products.[A16-235] In that year she met Paul Roland Jones, who allegedly was seeking customers for iron pipe and whom she referred to Hyman Rubenstein.[A16-236] Jones had, at about that time, been convicted of attempting to bribe the newly elected sheriff of Dallas.[A16-237] On October 24, 1947, he was arrested for violating Federal narcotics statutes.[A16-238] Jack Ruby had visited Dallas early in 1947 to help Eva Grant manage the Singapore,[A16-239] and 5 days after Jones’ arrest, Jack and Hyman Rubenstein were interrogated in Chicago by agents of the Bureau of Narcotics.[A16-240] The brothers admitted knowing Jones but denied awareness of his connection with narcotics. During the 2 years in which Jones was appealing his conviction he and other criminals frequented the Singapore Club, then operated by Jack Ruby.[A16-241]
Intensive investigation to determine whether Jack Ruby was criminally or otherwise connected with Jones’ narcotics violation leads the Commission to conclude Ruby probably was not involved.[A16-242] A search of the files of the Bureau of Narcotics disclosed no record that either Hyman or Jack had been prosecuted by Federal authorities in 1947.[A16-243] Jack, Hyman, and Eva denied participating in any narcotics activities. Jones and his coconspirators also denied that Jack was a participant.[A16-244] One of Jones’ confederates reported after the shooting of Oswald that although Jones “propositioned” the two brothers concerning narcotics, they refused to participate.[A16-245] Moreover, when one of the conspirators was arrested with 48 pounds of raw opium in his possession, he implicated Jones and another person, both of whom were convicted, but he did not implicate Jack Ruby or his brother.[A16-246]
Late in 1947, Ruby established permanent residence in Dallas.[A16-247] Shortly after shooting Oswald, Ruby stated that he returned to Dallas at Eva Grant’s request, to help her operate the Singapore Supper Club.[A16-248] However, on December 21, 1963, he reported that although association with his sister had been the purpose of his initial visit to Dallas, he returned there because of the failure of his “merchandising deals” in Chicago.[A16-249] These factors, in conjunction with his separation from Earl Products,[A16-250] probably motivated Ruby’s move to Dallas.
A different reason has been given by Steve Guthrie, former sheriff of Dallas. Guthrie reported that shortly after his election as sheriff in July 1946, Paul Roland Jones, representing other Chicago criminals, offered him a substantial amount of money to permit them to move in and manage illegal activities in Dallas. Although he never met Ruby, Guthrie asserted that these criminals frequently mentioned that Ruby would operate a “fabulous” restaurant as a front for gambling activities.[A16-251]
Despite its source, the Commission finds it difficult to accept this report. A member of the Dallas Police Department, Lt. George E. Butler, who was present during virtually all the conversations between Guthrie and Jones and who performed considerable investigative work on the case, stated that Ruby was not involved in the bribery attempt and that he had not heard of Ruby until the investigation and trial of Jones had been completed. He explained that Ruby’s connection with the case stemmed from the fact that, as mentioned previously, Jones and other criminals frequented the Singapore Supper Club.[A16-252] And 22 recordings of the conversations between Guthrie, Butler, and Jones not only fail to mention Ruby, but indicate that Jones was to bring from outside the Dallas area only one confederate, who was not to be Jewish.[A16-253]
The Change of Name
Sometime in 1947, Jack Ruby’s brothers Earl and Sam, pursuant to a joint understanding, legally changed their names from Rubenstein to Ruby.[A16-254] Earl testified that he changed his name because everyone called him Ruby and because a former employer advised him that it was preferable not to use a “Jewish name” on mail orders for Earl Products.[A16-255]
On December 30, 1947, Jack changed his name to Jack L. Ruby by securing a decree from the 68th Judicial District Court of Dallas. His petition alleged that he sought the change because the name Rubenstein was misunderstood and too long and because he was “well known” as Jack L. Ruby.[A16-256] The Bureau of Narcotics report of his relationship with Paul Roland Jones indicates that as of October 29, 1947, Jack was known as Ruby;[A16-257] however, several persons in Dallas knew him as Rubenstein.[A16-258]
Nightclub Operations
Except for a brief period in about 1953, when Ruby managed the Ervay Theater, a motion picture house,[A16-259] the operation of nightclubs and dancehalls was his primary source of income, and his basic interest in life during the 16 years he spent in Dallas prior to shooting Lee Oswald. When Ruby first arrived in Dallas in 1947, he and Eva Grant jointly managed the Singapore Supper Club.[A16-260] Shortly thereafter, she returned to the west coast. Except for sporadic trips to Dallas, she remained there until 1959, leaving Ruby a power of attorney.[A16-261] Ruby, who had received $14,000 from the sale of his interest in Earl Products,[A16-262] invested a substantial amount in the club, which Mrs. Grant described as “too nice a club for that part of town.”[A16-263] Ruby changed the Singapore’s name to the Silver Spur Club. It was operated primarily as a dancehall, serving beer to its patrons.[A16-264] In about 1952, Ruby borrowed $3,700 from a friend, Ralph Paul, to purchase the Bob Wills Ranch House[A16-265] with Martin Gimpel, a former associate in the Spartan Novelty Co.[A16-266] The Ranch House was run as a western-type nightclub.[A16-267]
With two establishments to run, Ruby experienced substantial financial reversals in 1952. He abandoned his interest in the Ranch House and, on July 1, 1952, transferred the Silver Spur to Gimpel and Willie Epstein, who assumed some of its debts.[A16-268] Disappointed by these setbacks, Ruby stated that he had a “mental breakdown,” and “hibernated” in the Cotton Bowl Hotel in Dallas for 3 or 4 months, declining to see his friends.[A16-269] Still depressed, he then returned to Chicago, apparently intending to remain there permanently.[A16-270] However, he stayed only 6 weeks. Gimpel and Epstein were anxious to be rid of the Silver Spur and Ruby once again became its owner.[A16-271]
In 1953, Ruby obtained an interest in the Vegas Club, which he operated with Joe Bonds until September 1953.[A16-272] At that time he informed Irving Alkana, who had retained a prior ownership interest, that he was unable to meet his obligations with respect to the club. Alkana then assumed management of the Vegas until June 19, 1954, when, following numerous disagreements with him, he sold Ruby his interest.[A16-273]
Ruby still owned the Vegas Club at the time of his arrest on November 24, 1963. However, when Eva Grant returned from San Francisco in 1959, she assumed management of the club, receiving a salary but no ownership interest.[A16-274] The Vegas, which occasionally featured striptease acts,[A16-275] employed a dance band and served beer, wine, soft drinks, and some prepared foods.[A16-276]
In 1954, Ruby’s Vegas associate, Joe Bonds, was convicted of sodomy and sent to a Texas penitentiary to serve an 8-year sentence.[A16-277] In 1955, Ruby sold the Silver Spur to Roscoe “Rocky” Robinson; however, Robinson could not obtain a license to operate the club and it was subsequently closed.[A16-278] For a few months during this period, Ruby also operated Hernando’s Hideaway, but this venture proved unsuccessful.[A16-279]
Sam Ruby testified that shortly after he sold his interest in Earl Products in mid-1955 and moved to Dallas, he loaned Jack $5,500 to enable him to pay Federal excise taxes on the Vegas. As security for the loan, Sam required Jack to execute a bill of sale of the Vegas. Upon Jack’s default in payment, Sam instituted suit, claiming that he owned the Vegas and that Jack had breached his promise to repurchase it. The case was ultimately settled, with Jack retaining his ownership interest in the club.[A16-280]
In late 1959, Jack Ruby became a partner of Joe Slatin in establishing the Sovereign Club, a private club that was apparently permitted by Texas law to sell liquor to members.[A16-281] Since Slatin was troubled about Dallas news stories describing police raids on a private club that permitted gambling, he felt he needed more capital.[A16-282] Ruby invested about $6,000 which he borrowed from his brother Earl and perhaps some of his own money.[A16-283]
The Sovereign was described as a “plush” and exclusive club, and Ruby was apparently very anxious to attract a wealthy “carriage” trade.[A16-284] The venture was not successful, however. The two men could not work together, and Slatin withdrew in early 1960.[A16-285] Ruby turned for new capital to Ralph Paul,[A16-286] who had operated a Dallas club with Joe Bonds.[A16-287] Ruby still owed Paul $1,200 of the $3,700 loan made in connection with the Bob Wills Ranch House, but Paul advanced him another $2,200, which allowed him to pay the Sovereign’s rent for 4 months. Subsequently, Ruby spontaneously gave Paul a stock certificate representing 50 percent of the equity of the corporation owning the club. Ruby told Paul that if the venture failed, the Sovereign’s fixtures and other physical property would belong to Paul.[A16-288]
Experiencing difficulty in recruiting sufficient members, Ruby soon found himself again unable to pay the Sovereign’s monthly rent of $550. Again he turned to Paul, who loaned him $1,650 on the condition that he change the club’s method of operation. Paul insisted that Ruby discontinue club memberships, even though this would prevent the sale of liquor, and offer striptease shows as a substitute attraction. Ruby agreed, and the Sovereign’s name was changed to the Carousel Club.[A16-289] It became one of three downtown Dallas burlesque clubs[A16-290] and served champagne, beer, “setups” and pizza, its only food.[A16-291] The Carousel generally employed four strippers, a master of ceremonies, an assistant manager, a band, three or four waitresses, and a porter or handyman.[A16-292] Net receipts averaged about $5,000 per month,[A16-293] most of which was allocated to the club’s payroll.[A16-294] Late in 1963, Ruby began to distribute “permanent passes” to the Carousel;[A16-295] however, the cards were apparently designed solely for publicity and did not affect the club’s legal status.
Employee Relationships
Ruby’s employees displayed a wide range of personal reactions to him. Those associated with Ruby long enough to grow accustomed to his violent temper and constant threats of discharge generally portray him sympathetically.[A16-296] They reported he was genuinely interested in their welfare and happiness. In addition, many former employees stated that he was a pleasant or unobjectionable employer.[A16-297]
There is also considerable evidence that Ruby tended to dominate his employees, frequently resorted to violence in dealing with them, publicly embarrassed them,[A16-298] sometimes attempted to cheat them of their pay,[A16-299] and delayed paying their salaries.[A16-300] Other employees reported Ruby continually harassed his help,[A16-301] and used obscene language in their presence.[A16-302] However he frequently apologized, sought to atone for his many temper tantrums,[A16-303] and completely forgot others.[A16-304]
One of the many violent incidents that were reported took place in 1950, when Ruby struck an employee over the head with a blackjack.[A16-305] In 1951, after his guitarist, Willis Dickerson, told Ruby to “go to hell,” Ruby knocked Dickerson to the ground, then pinned him to a wall and kicked him in the groin. During the scuffle, Dickerson bit Ruby’s finger so badly that the top half of Ruby’s left index finger was amputated.[A16-306] In approximately 1955, Ruby beat one of his musicians with brass knuckles; the musician’s mouth required numerous stitches.[A16-307]
During 1960, Ruby and two entertainers, Breck Wall and Joe Peterson, entered into an agreement that the performers would produce and star in a revue at the Sovereign in exchange for a 50-percent interest in the club.[A16-308] After performing for 2 months, the entertainers complained that they had received neither a share of the profits nor evidence of their proprietary interest. Ruby responded by hitting Peterson in the mouth, knocking out a tooth. The two men left the Sovereign’s employ, but they subsequently accepted Ruby’s apology and resumed their friendship with him.[A16-309]
In September 1962, Frank Ferraro, the Carousel’s handyman, became involved in a dispute at a nearby bar. Ruby told him not to get into a fight, and Ferraro told Ruby to mind his own business. Ruby then followed Ferraro to another club and beat him severely. Ferraro required emergency hospital treatment for his eye, but he decided not to press charges since Ruby paid for his hospital care.[A16-310] In March 1963, during an argument about wages, Ruby threatened to throw a cigarette girl down the stairs of the Carousel.[A16-311]
Ruby’s relationship with his employees commanded much of his attention during the months preceding the assassination. The Carousel’s comparatively high turnover rate[A16-312] and Ruby’s intense desire to succeed[A16-313] required him to meet numerous prospective employees, patrons, and other persons who might help improve his business.
Ruby frequently encountered difficulties with the American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA), the union which represented Carousel entertainers.[A16-314] For several years, starting in about 1961, he unsuccessfully sought modification of AGVA’s policy permitting “amateur” strippers,[A16-315] inexperienced girls paid less than union-scale wages,[A16-316] to perform at union houses. Ruby apparently believed his two competitors, the Weinstein brothers, were scheduling amateur shows in a manner calculated to destroy his business.[A16-317] Ruby’s discontent with AGVA grew particularly acute during the late summer and early fall of 1963 when, in addition to meeting with AGVA officials,[A16-318] he called upon several acquaintances, including known criminals, who, he thought, could influence AGVA on his behalf.[A16-319] Other problems with AGVA arose because of his policy of continuous shows, which did not give masters of ceremonies enough time off,[A16-320] and his alleged use of AGVA members to mingle with patrons to promote the consumption of liquor.[A16-321]
In June 1963, Ruby visited New Orleans, where he obtained the services of a stripper known as “Jada,”[A16-322] who became his featured performer.[A16-323] Jada and Ruby had numerous contract disputes and he was concerned about her high salary, recurrent absenteeism, and diminishing drawing power.[A16-324] Moreover, he thought that Jada had deliberately exceeded even the Carousel’s liberal standards of decency in order to cause him to lose his license or to obtain publicity for herself.[A16-325] On several occasions Ruby excitedly turned off the spotlights during her act, and at the end of October 1963, he fired her.[A16-326] However, after Jada sued out a peace bond, she apparently recovered a week’s salary from Ruby.[A16-327]
In addition to problems with its star stripper, the Carousel was required to employ three masters of ceremonies in rapid succession following the departure in about September 1963, of Wally Weston, who worked there about 15 months.[A16-328] And in early November, the band that had played at the Vegas Club for about 8 years left the Vegas to accept the offer of another Dallas club.[A16-329]
Financial Data and Tax Problems
Jack Ruby’s pockets and the trunk of his car served as his bank. With a few exceptions, Ruby and his clubs rarely employed bank accounts.[A16-330] Instead, Ruby carried his cash with him, paying the bulk of his expenses and debts directly out of club receipts.[A16-331]
During the latter half of 1963, the Carousel, the Vegas, and Ruby each maintained checking accounts at the Merchants State Bank in Dallas. Balances of the latter two accounts never exceeded $275. In July 1963, the Carousel’s account had more than $500; after August 8, its maximum balance was less than $300. Between May 31 and November 24, 1963, 53 checks were drawn on the three accounts; with the exception of one check for $129.47, all were for less than $100.[A16-332] He generally purchased cashier’s checks at the Merchants State Bank to pay his monthly rental of $550 for the Carousel and $500 for the Vegas.[A16-333] He also purchased cashier’s checks during the 3 months prior to the assassination to pay about $1,500 to the Texas State treasurer, $110 to Temple Shearith Israel, apparently for Jewish high holy day tickets, and $60 to the American Society of Authors and Publishers.[A16-334]
Records of the more than 50 banking institutions checked during the investigation of Ruby’s financial affairs[A16-335] revealed that he had three other dormant accounts, all with small balances.[A16-336] Two safety deposit boxes belonging to Ruby, opened by Texas officials pursuant to search warrants, were empty and unused for more than a year prior to the assassination.[A16-337] Although Ruby negotiated several loans at the Merchants State Bank,[A16-338] there is no evidence that he was the maker or co-maker of other loans,[A16-339] and, after investigation, the Dallas Police Department found no record that Ruby cosigned the note of any policeman at any time.[A16-340]
Ruby’s financial records were chaotic. One accountant abandoned efforts to prepare income tax returns and other financial statements because of the hopeless disarray of Ruby’s data.[A16-341] The record indicates that Ruby was frequently weeks, if not months, late in filing Federal tax forms and that he held numerous conferences with Internal Revenue agents who attempted to obtain the delinquent statements.[A16-342]
Ruby encountered serious difficulties with respect to State franchise and Federal excise and income taxes. The Texas charter of the corporation controlling the Sovereign and Carousel clubs was canceled in 1961, because Ruby failed to pay Texas franchise taxes.[A16-343] And, only after numerous conferences, did Ruby and representatives of the Internal Revenue Service reach agreements on installment payments of various Federal tax liabilities, to which Ruby more or less adhered.[A16-344]
Ruby’s primary difficulty concerned Federal excise taxes. Advised by an attorney that the Vegas Club, a dance hall providing food, was not subject to Federal excise taxes because it was not a “cabaret,” Ruby charged Vegas patrons on the assumption that no excise taxes were due. However, his attorney reported, when Federal courts ruled that dance halls providing “incidental” food were subject to excise taxes as “cabarets,”[A16-345] Ruby became liable to the Federal Government for more than 6 years of taxes, amounting, with interest, to almost exactly $40,000.[A16-346]
Ruby also fell behind on his personal income tax payments. At the time of his arrest he owed more than $4,400 for 1959 and 1960.[A16-347] Remittances accompanied his 1961 and 1962 tax forms, the latter received by the office of the Dallas District Director on September 18, 1963.[A16-348] The following table summarizes amounts which Ruby reported as gross and net income from the Vegas Club from 1956 to 1962; and the taxes due:[A16-349]
| Year | Gross income | Net income | Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1962 | $41,462.77 | $5,619.65 | [F]$1,217.75 |
| 1961 | 40,411.00 | 6,255.29 | [F]1,200.00 |
| 1960 | 44,482.41 | 9,703.90 | 2,221.39 |
| 1959 | 50,981.95 | 14,060.86 | 3,778.17 |
| 1958 | 37,755.65 | 3,274.64 | 586.52 |
| 1957 | 33,671.60 | 2,619.52 | 438.41 |
| 1956 | 30,695.27 | 7,437.01 | 1,527.10 |
[F] Estimated
On his income tax forms, Ruby did not itemize personal deductions and claimed only his own exemption. For 1962, Ruby reported salary income of $650 from the corporation controlling the Carousel, and $900 for 1961.[A16-350]
Ruby and officers of the Internal Revenue Service frequently discussed methods of satisfying his large excise and income tax liability.[A16-351] In 1960, the Government filed tax liens for more than $20,000.[A16-352] In November 1962, the Government rejected Ruby’s offer to pay $8,000 to compromise the assessed taxes of more than $20,000 because he had not filed returns for other Federal taxes and had not paid these taxes as they became due. These other taxes, for the period September 1959 through June 1962, amounted to an additional $20,000.[A16-353] In June 1963, Ruby submitted an offer of $3,000 to compromise all past assessments; the offer was not acted upon prior to November 24, 1963.[A16-354]
Other Business Ventures
In addition to nightclub management and ownership, Ruby participated in numerous other commercial ventures. He was able to do so primarily because work at the clubs consumed few of his daytime hours. Many of Ruby’s ventures related to show business, others were somewhat speculative promotions; almost all ended unsuccessfully.
While operating the Silver Spur Club, Ruby sold costume jewelry at discount rates,[A16-355] and, in about 1951, he sold sewing machine attachments at the Texas State Fair.[A16-356] Approximately a year later, he managed a talented young Negro boy, “Little Daddy” Nelson. The boy appeared at the Silver Spur, the Vegas Club, and the Bob Wills Ranch House. In about 1953 or 1954, Ruby took “Little Daddy” and his parents to Chicago to obtain a television appearance for him. However, shortly after their arrival, Ruby was confronted by a second woman claiming to be “Little Daddy’s” mother. Upon advice of counsel, Ruby decided to abandon the venture.[A16-357]
In 1954, Ruby became interested in the sale of pizza crusts to Dallas restaurants.[A16-358] He is also reported to have sold an arthritic preparation[A16-359] and to have manufactured and sold “Miniron,” a liquid vitamin formula.[A16-360] In about 1958 or 1959, Ruby attempted to build and sell log cabins at a Texas lake resort.[A16-361] In early 1959, he investigated the possibility of selling jeeps to Cuba.[A16-362] He is also reported to have furnished entertainment for a Dallas hotel,[A16-363] to have promoted records for musicians[A16-364] and to have sold English stainless steel razor blades.[A16-365]
In October 1963 Ruby assisted the producers of a carnival show, “How Hollywood Makes Movies,” appearing at the Texas State Fair.[A16-366] At about this time Ruby also sought to open a new club in Dallas. He conferred with numerous persons and placed advertisements in Dallas newspapers in an attempt to obtain financial backing.[A16-367] Assuming that he would be occupied by the new club, Ruby offered his oldest brother, Hyman, a managerial post at the Carousel. However, Hyman, who had recently lost his sales territory, declined the offer because he felt he was too old for the nightclub business.[A16-368]
Ruby unsuccessfully attempted to sell “twistboards,” an exercising device consisting of two square fiberboards separated by ball bearings. Despite the contrary advice of his brother Earl,[A16-369] Jack ordered several dozen twistboards and had 2,000 promotional flyers published.[A16-370] He had one of his strippers demonstrate the twistboards at the Texas Products Show during the first week of November 1963.[A16-371]
Arrests and Violations
Between 1949 and November 24, 1963, Ruby was arrested eight times by the Dallas Police Department. The dates, charges, and dispositions of these arrests are as follows:[A16-372] February 4, 1949, Ruby paid a $10 fine for disturbing the peace. July 26, 1953, Ruby was suspected of carrying a concealed weapon; however, no charges were filed and Ruby was released on the same day. May 1, 1954, Ruby was arrested for allegedly carrying a concealed weapon and violating a peace bond; again no charges were filed and Ruby was released on the same day. December 5, 1954, Ruby was arrested for allegedly violating State liquor laws by selling liquor after hours; the complaint was dismissed on February 8, 1955.[A16-373] June 21, 1959, Ruby was arrested for allegedly permitting dancing after hours; the complaint was dismissed on July 8, 1959. August 21, 1960, Ruby was again arrested for allegedly permitting dancing after hours; Ruby posted $25 bond and was released on that date. February 12, 1963, Ruby was arrested on a charge of simple assault; he was found not guilty February 27, 1963. Finally, on March 14, 1963, Ruby was arrested for allegedly ignoring traffic summonses: a $35 bond was posted.
When Ruby applied for a beer license in March 1961, he reported that he had been arrested “about four or five times” between 1947 and 1953.[A16-374] Between 1950 and 1963, he received 20 tickets for motor vehicle violations, paying four $10 fines and three of $3.[A16-375] In 1956 and 1959, Ruby was placed on 6 months’ probation as a traffic violator.
Ruby was also frequently suspended by the Texas Liquor Control Board. In August 1949, when he was operating the Silver Spur, he was suspended for 5 days on a charge of “Agents—Moral Turpitude.” In 1953 Ruby received a 5-day suspension because of an obscene show, and, in 1954, a 10-day suspension for allowing a drunkard on his premises.[A16-376] On February 18, 1954, he was suspended for 5 days because of an obscene striptease act at the Silver Spur and for the consumption of alcoholic beverages during prohibited hours.[A16-377] On March 26, 1956, Ruby was suspended by the liquor board for 3 days because several of his checks were dishonored.[A16-378] On October 23, 1961, he received another 3-day suspension because an agent solicited the sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption on licensed premises.[A16-379]
Police Associations
Although the precise nature of his relationship to members of the Dallas Police Department is not susceptible of conclusive evaluation, the evidence indicates that Ruby was keenly interested in policemen and their work.[A16-380] Jesse Curry, chief of the Dallas Police Department, testified that no more than 25 to 50 of Dallas’ almost 1,200 policemen were acquainted with Ruby.[A16-381] However, the reports of present and past members of the Dallas Police Department as well as Ruby’s employees and acquaintances indicate that Ruby’s police friendships were far more widespread than those of the average citizen.[A16-382]
There is no credible evidence that Ruby sought special favors from police officers or attempted to bribe them.[A16-383] Although there is considerable evidence that Ruby gave policemen reduced rates,[A16-384] declined to exact any cover charge from them,[A16-385] and gave them free coffee and soft drinks,[A16-386] this hospitality was not unusual for a Dallas nightclub operator.[A16-387] Ruby’s personal attachment to police officers is demonstrated by reports that he attended the funeral of at least one policeman killed in action and staged a benefit performance for the widow of another.[A16-388] Ruby regarded several officers as personal friends, and others had worked for him.[A16-389] Finally, at least one policeman regularly dated, and eventually married, one of the Carousel’s strippers.[A16-390]
Underworld Ties
From the time that Ruby arrived in Dallas in 1947, he was friendly with numerous underworld figures. One of his earliest Dallas acquaintances was Paul Roland Jones, who was convicted of attempting to bribe the sheriff of Dallas and engaging in the sale of narcotics.[A16-391] Joe Bonds, one of Ruby’s partners in the Vegas Club, had a criminal record.[A16-392]
Ruby, who enjoyed card playing[A16-393] and horse racing,[A16-394] was friendly with several professional gamblers. In 1959, he visited Cuba at the invitation and expense of Lewis McWillie, a professional gambler.[A16-395] Alice Nichols reported that Ruby’s refusal to give up gambling was one reason why she never seriously considered marrying him.[A16-396] When Sidney Seidband, a Dallas gambler, was arrested in Oklahoma City, his list of gambling acquaintances included Jack Ruby.[A16-397] And other friends of Ruby have been identified as gamblers.[A16-398] Finally, two persons of questionable reliability have reported that Ruby’s consent was necessary before gambling or narcotics operations could be launched in Dallas.[A16-399]
Based on its evaluation of the record, however, the Commission believes that the evidence does not establish a significant link between Ruby and organized crime. Both State and Federal officials have indicated that Ruby was not affiliated with organized criminal activity.[A16-400] And numerous persons have reported that Ruby was not connected with such activity.[A16-401]
Travels
Despite reports that Ruby visited Havana, Las Vegas, New York, Chicago, Honolulu, and Mexican border towns, most of his time subsequent to 1947 was spent in Dallas. Some of his travels, including his efforts in behalf of “Little Daddy” Nelson and his visit to New Orleans in June 1963 have been discussed.[A16-402] Ruby stated that he went to Chicago in 1952, in 1958 when his father died, and in August 1963 when he met members of his family at O’Hare International Airport while en route from New York to Dallas.[A16-403] His August trip to New York motivated by his difficulties with the American Guild of Variety Artists and his desire to obtain talent, has been completely established by hotel records.[A16-404] Early in 1963 Ruby also traveled to Wichita, Kans., because of his interest in stripper Gail Raven,[A16-405] and on May 25, 1963, he apparently registered in an Oklahoma motel.[A16-406]
Although Ruby denies being in Las Vegas after 1937,[A16-407] there are unsupported rumors that he was in that city in late 1962,[A16-408] and the early part of November 1963.[A16-409] Reports that he was in Las Vegas during the weekend prior to the assassination[A16-410] appear similarly unfounded.[A16-411]
There is some uncertainty about Ruby’s trip to Havana, Cuba, in 1959. The evidence indicates that he accepted an invitation from gambler Lewis J. McWillie, who subsequently became a violent anti-Castroite, to visit Havana at McWillie’s expense.[A16-412] Ruby apparently met McWillie in about 1950, when McWillie operated a Dallas nightclub.[A16-413] McWillie, whom Ruby said he idolized,[A16-414] supervised gambling activities at Havana’s Tropicana Hotel in 1959 and later was employed in a managerial capacity in a Las Vegas gambling establishment.[A16-415] Ruby testified that he went to Havana for 8 days in August 1959 and left because he was not interested in its gambling activities.[A16-416] McWillie corroborated this story except that he stated only that Ruby visited Havana “sometime in 1959.”[A16-417] Three Chicagoans reported seeing Ruby in Havana during the Labor Day weekend in 1959.[A16-418] Meyer Panitz, an acquaintance of McWillie, reported that when he met Ruby in Miami during the “summer of 1959” Ruby stated that he was returning from a pleasure trip to Cuba.[A16-419] The theory that the trip to Havana had conspiratorial implications is discussed in chapter VI. There is no reliable evidence that Ruby went to Havana subsequent to September 1959.[A16-420]
Although Ruby denied ever being in Hawaii,[A16-421] there is some evidence that during the summer of 1961 he was in Honolulu seeking dancing talent.[A16-422] While it is unlikely that Ruby would forget a trip to Honolulu in 1961, there is no other indication that such a trip, if it occurred, had any sinister motives.