Carry a Couple of Guns, and Stand for No Tomfoolery

The Morning Post Camden, NJ 3 Apr 1923

TW/CW: Racially offensive language in the original source text.

While taking up residence in Camden, NJ, the Ku Klux Klan was condemned by the American Legion in 1921. Both the NJ Democrat and Republican parties were staunchly apposed to the KKK at this time. It is notable that in Oct 1921, NJ Democrats faced defeat over their Anti-Prohibition stance. The Klan’s adherence to Temperance helped it grow during Prohibition; and in turn the Klan aided the enforcement of abstinence in local communities.

Earliest evidence found in newspapers of the Klan in Pitman is in Apr 1923. A large cross burnt on the lawn of Ballard Park was met with shock by the townsfolk, and disbelief by Sheriff Clark. The closest KKK headquarters was housed in Pennsgrove, NJ, visiting neighboring counties making known their presence.

Courier-Post Camden, NJ

13 Apr 1923

Edward D Meyers, of Pitman, received a threatening letter from the KKK ordering him to leave town. Mayor Joseph McGowan told him to carry a “couple of guns and stand for no tomfoolery”.

NOTE: While researching census records, only one “Edward Myers” could be found at that time living in Pitman, where he remained until his death in 1964.