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.