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Nightmare in Dallas: The "Babushka Lady"
A factual account of Beverly Oliver, who at the age of 17 was an eyewitness to the assassination of President Kennedy, and how this traumatic event dramatically influenced the rest of her life. Beverly tells of her friendship with Jack Ruby, her acquaintance with David Ferrie, and her introduction to Jack Ruby's friend, Lee Harvey Oswald. 16 photos.
- GenresNonfiction
300 pages, Hardcover
First published October 25, 1994
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
August 8, 2021
I flew over from the UK to Dallas in 2013 to attend JFK Lancer's 'November in Dallas' conference, my second visit after the NID in 2003. The former was held in the Adolphus Hotel on Commerce St., right opposite where Ruby's Carousel Club was located. I was in the lift (elevator) when the doors opened and in walked Beverly Oliver. At 67 years young she was still very attractive and I told her she was beautiful. Maybe that was why during the three day event the 'Babushka Lady' took the time to join me at a table to talk. I have to admit that at that time I was somewhat in doubt of what little I had learned of her fantastic story. Was that her in Dealey Plaza at the time of JFK's assassination? Did she see Lee Oswald in Ruby's club? Did she have her assassination movie film taken from her? Did she see Roscoe White on the Grassy Knoll? Although Beverley had a paperback copy of her book 'Nightmare in Dallas' with her, with so many doubts, I did not take the opportunity to buy a signed copy of her book.
Eight years later I have obtained 'Nightmare in Dallas' in hardback from the collection of British researcher Malcolm Blunt....and it is signed.
So, after reading Beverley's personal and stark memories, published in 1994, what are my feelings now? Without doubt this book must be the most thought provoking and disturbing texts from an eyewitness to JFK's killing that has ended up in publication. From my meeting with her I certainly feel that she is sincere and honest and writing for money or fame does not fit with her character. Her testimony to the House Select Committee provides more credibility.
She is not alone in testifying to Oswald and Ruby knowing each other, as other Carousel employees also spoke of this, as did Rose Cheramie. As for David Ferrie also in Ruby's company, we will never know. Jim Garrison was unable to dig into Ferrie due to his untimely demise, and although there have been other related documents that have surfaced, the passage of time and other deceased corroborating witnesses will keep the Ferrie/Ruby question buried.
The Roscoe White question remains very interesting, with his wife Geneva, another with Ruby links.
A short term member of the Dallas Police Department, just in time for Kennedy's visit, and his strange possession of a version of the famous Oswald backyard photographs. After yet another strange death, Roscoe's son Ricky reportedly discovered his father's diary which disclosed links to CIA! However, just like Beverley's movie film, Roscoe's diary was allegedly taken by the FBI and has not been seen since.
The Babushka Lady's marriage to George McGann, discloses more guns and killings by the 'Dixie Mafia'. I recently read 'The Lone Star Speaks' which does contain interesting information on John R. Craig, author of the book 'The Man on the Grassy Knoll' along with the information on the Houston 'Icebox murders'.
It will be difficult to come up with a comparable murder mystery case to the JFK assassination, perhaps brother Bobby's assassination is a close second. There are ever more tentacles, testimonies, claims, counter claims, strange medical and ballistic anomalies, tainted evidence and rumour scattered throughout, perhaps that is what makes my book collection so interesting.
I have given Beverley Oliver's memoir, co-written by Coke Buchanan, four stars. I consider it unwise to dismiss out of hand any part of her amazing life story.
Eight years later I have obtained 'Nightmare in Dallas' in hardback from the collection of British researcher Malcolm Blunt....and it is signed.
So, after reading Beverley's personal and stark memories, published in 1994, what are my feelings now? Without doubt this book must be the most thought provoking and disturbing texts from an eyewitness to JFK's killing that has ended up in publication. From my meeting with her I certainly feel that she is sincere and honest and writing for money or fame does not fit with her character. Her testimony to the House Select Committee provides more credibility.
She is not alone in testifying to Oswald and Ruby knowing each other, as other Carousel employees also spoke of this, as did Rose Cheramie. As for David Ferrie also in Ruby's company, we will never know. Jim Garrison was unable to dig into Ferrie due to his untimely demise, and although there have been other related documents that have surfaced, the passage of time and other deceased corroborating witnesses will keep the Ferrie/Ruby question buried.
The Roscoe White question remains very interesting, with his wife Geneva, another with Ruby links.
A short term member of the Dallas Police Department, just in time for Kennedy's visit, and his strange possession of a version of the famous Oswald backyard photographs. After yet another strange death, Roscoe's son Ricky reportedly discovered his father's diary which disclosed links to CIA! However, just like Beverley's movie film, Roscoe's diary was allegedly taken by the FBI and has not been seen since.
The Babushka Lady's marriage to George McGann, discloses more guns and killings by the 'Dixie Mafia'. I recently read 'The Lone Star Speaks' which does contain interesting information on John R. Craig, author of the book 'The Man on the Grassy Knoll' along with the information on the Houston 'Icebox murders'.
It will be difficult to come up with a comparable murder mystery case to the JFK assassination, perhaps brother Bobby's assassination is a close second. There are ever more tentacles, testimonies, claims, counter claims, strange medical and ballistic anomalies, tainted evidence and rumour scattered throughout, perhaps that is what makes my book collection so interesting.
I have given Beverley Oliver's memoir, co-written by Coke Buchanan, four stars. I consider it unwise to dismiss out of hand any part of her amazing life story.
March 16, 2016
I met and interviewed Beverly Oliver, whose last name is now Massegee, in 1994. Her story and openness impressed me then, though it's wild, to say the least, to go from being an underage dancer at a club to Ruby's "armpiece" to JFK assassination witness who had her film ripped off by the FBI to wife of a Mafia hitman to wife of a Baptist preacher.
I recently re-read her book, and I gleaned more details than I did reading it the first time. There is just so much to this assassination - it's still the biggest crime mystery that touches on almost every aspect of society. And Massegee's book gives an important eyewitness account, from seeing Oswald and Ferrie with Ruby in the Carousel before the assassination to being another eyewitness who thought at least one shot came from the grassy knoll area and recognizing Roscoe White at the grassy knoll scene.
Her description of the Dallas underworld scene was revealing. For decades, those like former DA Henry Wade denied organized crime existed in Dallas. That myth has been shattered. Though she knew Ruby well, she didn't know if he was an actual Mafia member or just associated with some. Same with Oswald being a CIA agent or just knowing CIA agents. That's how the mob and CIA largely operate - through intrinsic, complicated webs that provide cover to mask public disclosure. I grew up near White Rock Lake and didn't hear about murder weapons thrown in there, though that's entirely possible. And it's chilling to think bodies are dumped in Lake Texoma, where I had summer scout camps.
I recently re-read her book, and I gleaned more details than I did reading it the first time. There is just so much to this assassination - it's still the biggest crime mystery that touches on almost every aspect of society. And Massegee's book gives an important eyewitness account, from seeing Oswald and Ferrie with Ruby in the Carousel before the assassination to being another eyewitness who thought at least one shot came from the grassy knoll area and recognizing Roscoe White at the grassy knoll scene.
Her description of the Dallas underworld scene was revealing. For decades, those like former DA Henry Wade denied organized crime existed in Dallas. That myth has been shattered. Though she knew Ruby well, she didn't know if he was an actual Mafia member or just associated with some. Same with Oswald being a CIA agent or just knowing CIA agents. That's how the mob and CIA largely operate - through intrinsic, complicated webs that provide cover to mask public disclosure. I grew up near White Rock Lake and didn't hear about murder weapons thrown in there, though that's entirely possible. And it's chilling to think bodies are dumped in Lake Texoma, where I had summer scout camps.
March 7, 2025
I'm giving this 4 stars for the guts to write this book. Great story, and also because I met the Babushka Lady in the mid nineties and she had these books in her trunk. I finally got around to reading it hee. She is very charming in person and charmed the group meeting with her. I was put off by some things not being covered completely and being confusing and hard to follow. I was always disgusted with the fact that JFK was murdered in Dallas and that is the main reason to visit the city I call home. I was convinced Jack Ruby loved Kennedy: therefore, took Oswald out out of anger. I won't give anything away, but i feel like i have so much more relevant info now.This is a great great read if you are a historian on the subject or just an interested bystander.
April 13, 2015
There are far better books to read.
December 21, 2013
Excellent book by Mrs. Oliver! She's a remarkable woman and a true American hero. I believe her! Highly recommended book! A+
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews