Chris Simondet Oral History

In 2020, a trio of intrepid Kennedy assassination researchers - Steve Roe, Chris Simondet and Sean DeGrilla - finally discovered the illusive source of the Seaport Traders, Inc. advertisement used to order the .38 revolver allegedly used in the Tippit shooting. Utilizing a partial cartoon printed on the reverse side of the Seaport Traders coupon, they determined that the ad in question came from the April 1963 issue of True Adventures magazine (Vol. 32, No. 3). Their fascinating "treasure hunt" was chronicled in a story by researcher Dale K. Myers on his website, which may be found here: JFK Files: Solving the Mystery of Oswald’s Seaport Trader Order. In addition to Chris Simondet, researcher Steve Roe also discussed the Seaport Traders advertisement in oral histories recorded in 2020 (shortly after its discovery) and 2025. His 2020 interview may be found here: Steve Roe Oral History – Works – The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. In 2025, Roe also donated to the Museum an original April 1963 issue of True Adventures magazine, which includes the advertisement. Fellow researcher Sean DeGrilla recorded an oral history in 2019, the year before the discovery was made. - Stephen Fagin, Curator