In 1927, the Ku Klux Klan was very active in the Lykens Valley area, and historians could say with confidence that this was zenith year of their influence. Additional news briefs have been located about those activities and are given here in this blog post.
This post is a continuation of the reporting on hate groups that were active in the Lykens Valley area. It was a widely known fact that the Ku Klux Klan had a significant presence in the Lykens Valley and adjacent valleys during the early years of the 20th Century. This iteration of the Klan was strongly white supremacist and was opposed to equal rights for African Americans, Catholics, Jews, and immigrants.
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From the Pine Grove Press Herald, 8 Jul 1927:
For the number of people in line of parade and splendid music the K. K. K. parades have been a pronounced success which was [sic] been demonstrated repeatedly. The last parade consisted of marchers from all parts of the county and afforded entertainment for the on-lookers. The features at the park were similar to those of previous events and were interesting. The splendid highways leading to Pine Grove permit a large number of people to get to town in a short time and make a quick getaway once the parade and demonstration are over.
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From the Pine Grove Press Herald, July 10, 1927:
Big K. K. K. Demonstration
On Saturday, June 18th, 1927, there will held at Swatara Ball Park, a big open air and field demonstration by the K. K. K. Drills and field exercises will commence in the early afternoon and continue till evening. Dr. Taylor, a prominent speaker from Dallas, Texas, and a lady speaker will make addresses. A monster street parade and demonstration taking place at 8 p. m., followed by band concerts, naturalization ceremony, et., also fireworks display. Everybody invited.
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From the Pine Grove Press Herald, September 16, 1927:
The K. K. K. had one of their fine demonstrations last Saturday evening accompanied by a splendid street parade of the order with four bands, picnicking at the ball park, with speech making and a general get together meeting. Addresses were made by a well-known lady worker and a prominent clergyman who expounded the principles of the order and stupendous work ahead requiring cohesion of effort and labor. True citizenship and christian [sic] living being cardinal virtues of the order. The demonstration was climaxed by a fine display of fireworks. Members were present from all parts of the county.
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From the Pine Grove Press Herald, September 16, 1927:
The K. K. K. will be in attendance at this evening service. Refreshments will be on the ground [sic], such as chicken noodle soup, ice cream, and everything can be had in short notice. The Ladies Aid are urging everybody to come out and help make this outing a grand success. Everybody is welcome, rain or shine. The ladies Aid Society of Rock, U. E. Church.
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From the Pine Grove Press Herald, September 2, 1927:
Klan Demonstration
On Saturday, September 10, 1927, at Swatara Ball Park, Pine Grove, the K. K. K. will hold a demonstration, concert and fireworks. There will be a double band concert, afternoon and evening. Largest fireworks display ever seen here. Vaudeville performances by two Dutch comedians. A national speaker will be here. Street parade with plenty of music. A six o’clock special will be a very interesting feature no one can afford to miss. Largest program, for a demonstration of this kind. Everybody welcome.
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News articles from Newspapers.com.
Corrections and additional information should be added as comments to this post.