Logan County 1920s Ku Klux Klan rails out against Catholics, Jews and all immigrants

 

[June 28, 2022] 

Although toned down from its traditional signature of hangings and burnings, the Ku Klux Klan had a significant impact on Logan County in the 1920’s.

Visions of white males in white hooded robes including some prominent citizens; burning crosses, ropes, and the undertaker were among thoughts popping into the minds of those attending a Logan County Genealogical & Historical Society recent presentation by Bill Thomas of Atlanta.

The most heinous of these visions were dispelled by Thomas as he stated by 1920 the Klan had entered its second of three iterations and was peddling a mixture of protestant religion, law and order, The Constitution and Americanism, “A toxic cocktail that America seemed to be buying.”

Thomas said the KKK, “Began as, as is today, a racist organization,” but in the ‘20’s the increase in membership could be traced to sweeping changes as it expanded to become anti-catholic, anti-Jewish, and 100 per cent American—anti-immigrant. And they were upholders of the moral way, as long as you were a white protestant. He said the KKK and Women’s Christian Temperance Union worked hand in hand. Thomas told those attending he has, “Seen nothing on any attacks on black people in Logan County.”

He stated sweeping changes occurring between 1910 and 1930 included World War I, an increase in Eastern European immigration, Prohibition which brought about illegal liquor, speakeasies, and Flappers, and the automobile, “All ailments for which the Klan seemed to be offering a cure.”

The Klan established itself throughout the county with newspaper accounts showing major activities in Lincoln, Atlanta, Lawndale, and Beason.

The Logan County Chapter #152 had its own metal seal to mark official documents. The seal was found under the kitchen sink in an Atlanta home and has since been restored and donated to the Atlanta museum. The handmade white robes of a man, woman, and child were found in another Atlanta home and are also housed at the museum.

How prevalent was the KKK in Logan County? Thomas said on Nov. 11, 1921 at the Atlanta School Homecoming the Atlanta Grade School Class of Adelle McClure wore uniform KKK costumes in the parade. A class photo of the costumed children is also at the Museum.

In 1923 the Ku Klux Klan held a big meeting on the principles and purposes of the KKK at the Atlanta Fairgrounds with 4,000 people in attendance. Invitations had been sent by an “intimate friend,” to those attending. A national KKK speaker carried a Bible, flag, and U. S. Constitution, telling the crowd, “These are my politics,” standing for 100 percent Americanism.

To ensure attendance and keep attendees from leaving, the Klan put up special radio speakers and broadcast live the results of a major Dempsey fight.

In 1924 the KKK held a picnic and barbecue in Lincoln at the end of Wyatt Avenue. There were national Klan speakers. The event included the initiation of four members and a monster parade.

In 1925 the Ku Klux Klan met at the Atlanta Fairgrounds with French’s Military Band of Lincoln providing music throughout the evening.

Thomas said The Lincoln Women’s Drill Team dressed in white robes and hoods performed at a KKK gathering.

He mentioned other Klan meetings were held at Murphy Hall in Atlanta, and at Lawndale and Beason.

Several Atlanta businesses alerted the public they were affiliated with the Ku Klux Klan with clever advertising. For instance, the Dean Judy Cafe, known as the Wysteria, advertised Komfy Kool electric fans with the slogan Kome Keep Kool. And the Atlanta Fair book in the mid 1920’s listed Kleines Kommunity Klowns as an attraction.

In a somewhat surprising display of support, one Sunday during Worship 14 Klansmen in full regalia walked into the Atlanta Christian Church and presented the pastor with $105 to be distributed among the three protestant churches in town. A spokesman for the Klan said they were, “Supporting the good work of the church.”

In a similar report, the sum of $100 was given in the name of the Ku Klux Klan during a Revival at the Eminence Christian Church.
 

Thomas said late in the 1920’s the Klan began to weaken as a couple of its national leaders became involved in scandals, one involving underage women.

He informed there are members of the Ku Klux Klan in existence today, but the most recent occurrence brought to his attention in Logan County occurred a few years ago when KKK recruiting flyers were placed in plastic bags with rocks and tossed to the doorsteps of a number of homes in the Atlanta area.

[Diane Osborn with photos by JoAnn Marlin]