According to the Harrisburg Evening News, June 25, 1927, the Ku Klux Klan announced plans for a baby parade and field day in the borough of Millersburg, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. Such events were designed to intimidate those who did not support them into silence as well as to say to immigrants, African Americans, Jews and Catholics that they were “not welcome here.”
Today, it is hard to believe that this organization that promoted hatred of all people who were not white Protestants, had such a strong hold on the town that such organizations as the American Legion and the official Citizen’s Band participated. Acts of terror and intimidation were being conducted throughout the country and by the local Klan units — but town officials didn’t seem to have a problem supporting a terrorist organization in their hometown. Note the names of speakers.
By the end of 1927, the Klan had reached its zenith of power in the Lykens Valley area.
The notice of the baby parade and field day:
FIELD DAY AND BABY PARADE AT MILLERSBURG
MILLERSBURG, June 25 [1927] — A baby parade and the field day of the Ku Klux Klan today will occupy the attention of the residents of the borough. The baby parade, which was to start at 2 o’clock this afternoon is an annual event in the borough. Fifteen prizes are offered, and the Citizen’s Band of Millersburg and the American Legion Bugle and Drum Corps will participate. John H. Klingman will be marshall, and the board of governors of the local nurse association will head the procession.
The parade will proceed from the square north on Market Street to Moore Street and counter-march. No traffic will be permitted in Market Street during the parade.
The field day, sponsored by the Dauphin County Ku Klux Klan was to begin with a band concert by the Millersburg Band at noon. A children’s hour was to be held at 1 o’clock. Drills and exercises were to follow the baby parade.
The program includes:
- 2:30 o’clock – Klavalier and Klurier drills
- 4:30 o’clock – address by Mrs. Corda Brubaker
- 5:00 o’clock – address by Dr. T. J. McKay
- 5:30 o’cluck – lunch and robing
- 6:30 o’clock – parade of Klansmen
- 7:30 o’clock – address by C. B. Butler
- 9:00 o’clock – naturalization for men and women with cross burning
- 10:00 o’clock – fireworks
See also:
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News article from Newspapers.com.
Corrections and additional information should be added as comments to this post.