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Warren Commission Hearings: Vol. IX - Page 294« Previous | Next »

(Testimony of Jeanne De Mohrenschildt)

Mr. Jenner.
You continued as a designer?
Mrs. DE MOHRENSCHILDT. Yes; I switched firms.
Mr. Jenner.
Of Leeds Wearing Apparel?
Mrs. DE MOHRENSCHILDT. Yes; then I started to travel to Europe.
Mr. Jenner.
You made frequent trips to Europe?
Mrs. DE MOHRENSCHILDT. Twice a year.
Mr. Jenner.
All right. Now, eventually, you reached Texas. How did that happen?
Mrs. DE MOHRENSCHILDT. Well, my daughter had asthma. She is a very allergic child. And her health was really terrible. In spite of all the care given to her, she just could not stand the New York climate. And our family doctor said the only way to save her--she was getting really sick from antibiotics and penicillin--is to change the climate.
So I was very anxious to change the climate going to California, that was my aim.
But I could not reach California. Mr. Gold, of Nardis Sportswear in New York, wanted to open a suit department. And, of course, the buyers did know me all over the country--the same buyers--recommended to get in touch with me and engage me. And it was pretty good. It was $20,000 a year, plus two trips to Europe, with expenses paid, and about $7,000 to buy the models--you just cannot go in and look at the shows.
So I decided I am going to go and do it. And Texas is better climate wise than New York.
And, believe me, my daughter never had asthma since she left New York. It is a fantastic change.
Mr. Jenner.
Now, when did you go to Texas?
Mrs. DE MOHRENSCHILDT. I went to Texas in 1953, I believe.
Mr. Jenner.
1953. Did your husband accompany you?
Mrs. DE MOHRENSCHILDT. I came in the summer, and then I had to go immediately to Europe. And he came over in the fall, when my daughter returned from camp. He came over in the fall, and then shipped all the furniture.
In the meanwhile, I stayed with the Golds. They have a very big mansion.
Mr. Jenner.
Your husband left Dallas?
Mrs. DE MOHRENSCHILDT. Yes; he came in the fall of 1953.
Mr. Jenner.
He came in the fall from New York City?
Mrs. DE MOHRENSCHILDT. Yes.
Mr. Jenner.
And he was there how long did he stay?
Mrs. DE MOHRENSCHILDT. He stayed there until about February of 1954.
Mr. Jenner.
And then he did what?
Mrs. DE MOHRENSCHILDT. Then he went to California.
Mr. Jenner.
Was he working?
Mrs. DE MOHRENSCHILDT. No; he went to visit my brother for holidays. We always tried to go to California instead of going to Miami, to be with my brother. And he liked it so much, and we wanted so much to move to California. So we thought if he goes there, maybe he can locate something while I finish my contract. My contract was expiring in the spring of 1954.
Mr. Jenner.
Your contract with Nardis?
Mrs. DE MOHRENSCHILDT. Yes; then I would go there, also, also in the late spring or early summer--maybe he can locate something in the meanwhile, in California.
And then I was very lucky. It was Mr. Gold's tough luck. But it was good luck for me, because he was indicted for taxes. There was a tremendous scandal. And he had two buildings--he lost one of the buildings. In other words, he could not afford even to go into the suit operation, and go ahead with it. So he was very glad that I asked for release, and he was glad to give it to me. He thought I am going to demand money and everything, because he wants to drop the contract before. And I was very glad. It worked out very nice for me. We remained good friends. And then I went to California.
Mr. Jenner.
Did you work in California?
Mrs. DE MOHRENSCHILDT. Yes; I worked with Style Garments, a coat and suit firm.
Mr. Jenner.
Is that the name of it?
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