Pitman Hosted Rivaling KKK Factions
TW/CW: Racially offensive language in the original source text.
The Ku Klux Klan’s second life emerged in Georgia after the wildly popular film Birth of a Nation in 1915. In the winter of 1920-21, the “colored” Assemblyman Walter G Alexander introduced a bill prohibiting the Klan from organizing in NJ. When it failed to pass, the KKK found a foothold by Aug 1921. With the help of the Southern Publicity Association, the KKK formed an elaborate pyramid scheme, instilling 1000 commission-based salesmen roles (Kleagles). Of every $10 initiation fee collected from new members (Ghouls), the recruiter kept $4 (approx. $60 today). This gave rise to a peak of 4-5 million members in 1925.
With the annual $5 membership dues, mandatory $6.50 robe fees plus cleaning services, Klan branded helmets, swords, and bibles, $53K Klan life insurance policies, children’s toys, and quarterly local chapter taxes of $.45 per head, the Klan was rife with systemic corruption. Internal conflicts over the ideologies and admittance of “unworthy” members fractured the organization. In early 1924, approx. 1/5 of the Klan’s members splintered off to form the faction Reformed Order of Klansmen to get back to American principals by “promoting patriotism toward our civil government; to establish and maintain honorable peace among men and nations; for the protection and happiness in the homes of our people; and for a higher and nobler manhood…” By July 1924, the Reformed Order set up a headquarters in Pitman and both branches would hold rivaling meetings in town.
The Morning Post Camden, NJ
16 July 1924
With KKK strongholds in Camden and Woodbury, NJ; The Reformed Order of Klansmen set up a headquarters as Pitman Branch No 1, holding meetings in Borough Hall.
Courier Post Camden, NJ
22 July 1924
After confusion as to which faction invited them to Pitman, members of Magnolia’s Protection Council No 145 declined, instead visiting Alcyon Park and Clementon Park.
The Morning Post Camden, NJ
22 July 1924
Pitman was described as “center of Ku Klux Klan activities at the present time, with hundreds of men and women joining the order and two or three meetings held per week.” While the KKK held meetings in the Whitecar Tabernacle on 4th Ave and more private meetings on a 40 acre farm, the Pitman Branch No 1 of the Reformed Order of Klansmen held meetings in the Borough Hall.
New “un-masked” principals touted by the Reformed Order’s Commander Daniel W Thornton of Philadelphia were no longer “Anti-Jew” or “Anti-Catholic”; but would remain Anti-Immigrant and membership open to Protestants only. He said, “Men seek our order, we do not seek them. We are particular of our membership. We do not use the mask, for we think it is a source of evil and we rarely burn crosses.” The new order advertised they wouldn’t conduct raids themselves, but would only turn over evidence and work with properly constituted authorities.
By mid 1925, it appears the Ku Klux Klan won the battle for Pitman’s attention and the Reformed Order of Klansmen was no longer referenced in newspapers.
