An article that appeared in the Sunbury Daily Item on February 24, 1924, told of two large explosions followed by two burning crosses in the area around Sunbury, Northumberland County, and related those incidents to the re-organization of the Ku Klux Klan and ouster of the Northumberland County Kleagle. Cross burnings and other acts of intimidation against African Americans, Jews, Catholics, were common in the mid-1920s in the Lykens Valley and immediate surrounding areas.
REMOVAL OF KLAN KLEAGLE SIGNAL FOR BIG DISPLAY
Two Crossed Burned On Hill Side To Mark Ousting of Official And Amalgamation of Two Sunbury Organizations.
Ousting of the Kleagle for this district, along with the absorption of Klan No. 2 of Sunbury by Klan No. 1 of this City [Sunbury], was the occasion for two fiery cross displays on Blue Hill, last night, according to information given today by representatives of the Ku Klux Klan.
The demonstration was also a mark of tribute to James D. Rich, King Kleagle and Grand Dragon, who is in charge of affairs of the organization in Eastern Pennsylvania, it was said.
Two crosses, one below the second hollow of Blue Hill, directly opposite Sunbury and the other below Shikellamy on the crest of the hill, above the first hollow, were fired shortly after 8:30 o’clock. Two distinct detonations heralded the appearance of the crosses and the spectacle was viewed by hundreds in the two towns. Some were unable to see on account of the fog, however.
Removal of the Kleagle in this district was accomplished at a meeting held in Harrisburg Saturday, it was divulged today, the action was “for the good of the order,” it was said. This officer had charge of affairs in Northumberland County. Work of the county Klans will be carried on independently, it was said.
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News article from Newspapers.com.
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