The Sexton Building

[Jim Hargrove]

1962 January the TSBD acquires the 411 Elm St location, leasing it from D.H. Byrd (SS report CO-2-34030 12/7/1963) The Polk's criss-cross 1962 business directory shows that the TSBD was still listed as having an address on the first floor of 501 Elm St (Dal-Tex Bldg). The same directory lists the 411 Elm St building as vacant. The 1963 directory lists the book companies at 411 Elm. Also that year the first floor of the Dal-Tex become vacant. (William Weston)

The VERY limited info I have (all referenced above) suggests this info is incorrect, and that TSBD acquired a lease at 411 Elm in 1963, much nearer the assassination of JFK. Does anyone have a direct link to SS report CO-2-34030 of 12/7/1963? (though I have little doubt the quote is accurate)

. . . .

1963 "The Texas School Book Depository is a privately-owned firm engaged in the warehousing and shipping of textbooks for various publishers. The books are shipped to schools in Texas and surrounding states. The firm presently occupies a building at 411 Elm Street, Dallas, Texas, and has occupied the building since January 1962. [Emphasis by JH].Prior to that time, the firm was located at 501 Elm Street, Dallas, Texas. The presently occupied building is leased from Mr. D. Harold Byrd, 6909 Vassar, Dallas, Texas, who has owned the building for many years. The officers of this company are Mr. Jack C. Cason, President, 4015 Druid Lane, Dallas, Texas; W. 0. V. Campbell, Vice President, 7120 Twin Tree Lane, Dallas, Texas; and W. Roy S. Truly, Director and Superintendent of Operations, 4932 Jade Street, Dallas, Texas. This firm also furnishes office space for seven publishing companies, whose books and publications are handled by the Texas School Book Depository. These publishers are as follows: Lyons and Carnahan, Room 201; South Western Publishing Company, Room 203; Allyn and Bacon, Room 301; The MacMillan Company, Room 302; The American Book Company, Room 303; McGraw-gill Book Company, and their subdivision, Gregg Publishing Company, Room 305; and Scott-Foresman Company, Room 401." (Secret Service report CO-2-34030 12/7/1963)

Again, Secret Service ALONE apparently provides the ONLY evidence of 411 Elm being occupied by TSBD before 1963!

1963 Nov 23 FBI report by Nat Pinkston (File# DL 100-10461) statement by Roy Truly he told the agents that his company "has occupied the building at 411 Elm Street for only a few months. Prior to this time, the building was occupied by a wholesale grocery company engaged in supplying restaurants and institutions…"

On this point, at least, I'm inclined to believe Truly, unless anyone has more evidence to the contrary.

WAY more research is needed here. Megathanks to Tracy Riddle for starting this thread!!!

Jim