Klansmen Witness Wedding Ceremony
Married September 26, 1925, Norwich, NY
James H. Jr., & Alta Mae (Dickinson) Russell
With full marriage ceremony except for omission of the word "obey" from the script, Miss Alta Mae Dickinson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Dickinson, No. 97 Ackley Avenue, Johnson City [Broome Co., NY], and James H. Russell, Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. James H. Russell, of Walton [Delaware Co, NY] an employee of the Binghamton Railway Bus Lines, were married in full Ku Klux Klan regalia Saturday night at the fair grounds in Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]. Attired in the robes of the order, but minus the masks, Miss Dickinson and Mr. Russell passed between two rows of Klansmen stretching from headquarters under the grandstand to the judge's stand. They were attended by four couples, similarly attired. The bride carried a bridal bouquet of 50 bridal roses. The ring ceremony was used. A huge throng looked on as Rev. Austin of Sherburne tied the knot in regulation style. Whether it is a Klan law to omit the word "obey" from the ceremony could not be learned. Music was furnished by the Klan Band of Endicott. Miss Dickinson is a former student of Lowell Business School and has recently been employed by the Central Flatiron Company of Johnson City. The groom operated the South Side bus of Johnson City for the railway company. The couple will live at no. 97 Ackley avenue.
Klansmen on Parade at DeRuyter Fair
Chenango Telegraph, August 12, 1924
Norwich people who attended the DeRuyter fair on Friday did not get the thrill promised in the parade of two thousand members of the Ku Klux Klan. Nevertheless, a handful of klansmen, in full regalia, did parade, and an address was made by the Rev. Samuel H. Campbell. The following story from the Cortland correspondent of the Syracuse Post-Standard gives a full account of the affair:
"Thirty-five members of the Ku Klux Klan, in full regalia, paraded before the grandstand at the DeRuyter fair this afternoon in the form of a cross after the fourth heat of the day's racing program had taken place. Not the slightest disturbance took place while the Demonstration lasted. A huge parade of two thousand klansmen did not materialize as had been advertised. Shortly before 1 o'clock a group of about a dozen klansmen and women in full regalia, their masks lifted from their faces, appeared on the fair grounds. Separating in small groups they wended their way among the fair crowd, distributing literature. After the fourth heat of the races an annoucement was made from the judges' stand that the Klan would parade. A few minutes later 27 klansmen and eight klanswomrn, arranged in the form of a cross, paraded twice before the grandstand, while the DeRuyter band played "Onward Christian Soldiers." In orderly file, the group of klansmen, a flagbearer in the lead, with a crossbearer just behind, entered the front portion of the grandstand. One verse of "America" was sung, a prayer said and then Kleagle Robert L. Rice introduced the Rev. Samuel H. Campbell. A 20-minute speech on the principles of the Ku Klux Klan was made by Mr. Campbell, who was applauded when he had finished. The klansmen then filed from the grounds and the races were resuemd."
Rev. Weaver to Preside at Two Klan Meetings
Norwich Sun, July 24, 1929
The great titan of province 7, Knights and Women of the Ku Klux Klan, announces two important public meetings this week. One will be held this evening at Great Bend, Jefferson county, and the other Thursday evening at Shelter Valley between Cazenovia and Chittenango Falls. Robed klansmen will give further directions. Rev. M.R. Weaver and representatives of the province office will be present at both meetings. Rev. Weaver is well-known thruout this city and county. Until a year ago he served as pastor of the Baptist church at South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY]. He resigned that pastorate and assumed active interest in the Ku Klux Klan.
Fiery Cross Stirs City to Indignation
Chenango Telegraph, April 8, 1924
Shrouded in mystery yet known to be a reality, Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] has her Ku Klux Klan. That fact was practically established beyond a doubt Saturday night when a gigantic fiery cross sent out its silent message for miles around, silhouetted against a mantle of darkness on east hill. Three loud and roaring explosions which rocked the city and rattled windows in practically every house in Norwich signalized the burning of the emblem of Klansmen.
The first report of an explosion which brought residents to their front doors and onto the streets in record time occurred at twelve minutes to 10 o'clock. At the instant the fiery cross blazed into the skies and set the citizens of Norwich talking in a rapid manner. At two minute intervals until three explosions had been discharged, the city was rocked and halted from its slumber. A few seconds after 10 o'clock a shrieking fire siren brought the residents into the business section and silent conference on every corner were to be seen in session as the burning of the cross and other topics closely related to the Ku Klux Klan were discussed. The cross was evidently well constructed for it burned for twenty minutes or more, toppling to the ground at twelve minutes past 10 o'clock.
A general fire alarm blasting forth its signals of property damage brought out a record crowd in a brief space of time. The alarm was phoned to central by residents of Birdsall street, who believed the shop roofs in the New York, Ontario & Western yards to be on fire. On first appearance this was evidently the truth, but a closer investigation of the property removed the blaze to the east hill, just this side of the woods. Following the explosions and until the fiery cross was discovered to be burning, many believed the gas tanks had exploded in the railroad shops or in the gas plant of the New York State Gas and Electric Company. All fire companies reported to these places but nothing unusual or of an accidental nature was discovered and the companies returned to the fire house.
Called out by the general fire alarm, many residents of the city gathered at the East Main street bridge to obtain a closer view of the fiery spectacle. An unusual amount of comment was heard and it was clearly evident that the ire and indignation of Norwichites had been aroused. Stricken with awe and with tempers ruffled, many climbed the hill intent upon engaging in a fight with the perpetrators of the cross. Those who had perhaps a keener and more active imagination could see white-robed figures moving about the cross. To the south of it a row of six or seven torches out-burned the cross. A few who reached the scene of the cross described the Klan emblem as being fifteen feet in height with a width of eight feet on the cross arm. Klan literature is alleged to have been found on the ground.
The burning of the cross was the topic in every household. Sunday it was discussed at length by all and those with timid nature expressed fear that a Klan organization had been completed in Norwich. Prominent citizens and business men made remarks of indignation that Norwich should harbor a Ku Klux Klan order. Chief kleagles, hooded and white-robed human beings continue to be the chief topic of comment.
In the gathering at the East Main street bridge, one man made the remark that he had been tipped off that the cross was to burn at 10 o'clock Saturday night. Several turned to question him further and he had disappeared in the crowd. Another made the statement that a prominent man in the business section of the city had asked him to join and had offered him a membership card. It was a brilliant spectacle, yet today it remains as mysterious as ever.
With nervousness much in evidence and excitement running tense, many stories and conflicting rumors were put into immediate circulation. One of the most likely tales followed a theme connecting with the American Legion of Chenango county, the act of Saturday night. It was the fifth of April and Dame Rumor had it that the American Legion was celebrating the declaration of war by this country. Dr. E.F. Gibson, commander of the America Legion, when confronted with this story by a reporter of this paper denied it. "It's all bunk and the Legion was in no way connected with the affair," was the statement of the Legion commander. Howard Sumner, adjutant of the Legion, also vigorously denied such rumors. Another story told of the Klan holding a big initiation with 500 in attendance. Three hundred are said to have bene initiated and each explosion signified one hundred.
Nearly 500 cars carrying members of the Klan and their families and many spectators commenced to park in the large field in a semi-circle. Many citizens of Norwich and Chenango county who had heard of the initiation motored to the scene and witnessed a spectacle which will be a lasting impression. With a sky studded with stars for a roof, hills for walls and a clover field for a carpet, the ceremony was intensely impressive. Over 100 knights of the fiery cross were present, robed in white, hooded but unmasked. Sentinels directed the parking of cars in a semicircle and at 10 o'clock the ceremony opened. Making a large circle, robed Klansmen formed in line, hand to hand. At the south side or end of the circle, a gate was opened where members who were not robed could enter by giving the password. Candidates for initiation were also present at the circle to participate in the ceremony for membership.
At a few minutes before 10 o'clock hooded Klansmen lighted three huge crosses, furnishing a soft light for the ceremony. One large cross was flanked on either side with a smaller one. As the flames swept out, illuminating the audience, many of whom stood as curious spectators, skeptical witnesses and otherwise, a speaker, said to be a national lecturer for the Klan, gave an outline of Klan activities, the purposes and principles of the organization. Facts and statistics of the Klan were given by the speaker. Some of them were startling and excited the interest of the audience. In opening, the speaker stated that the Klan stood for the Protestant school and church and was not an anti-organization. "The organization is one of high moral standard and patriotism, yet we have our enemies," declared the speaker..."It is the duty of every 100 per cent American to go to the polls and vote for the man, and only the man, who is 100 per cent American, who believes in the strict enforcement of law, who is a member of a Christian church and who comes from a Protestant home."
The meeting was very orderly and no interruption was made at any time. Following the speaker a large number of candidates facing the fiery cross with right hand uplifted took the obligation of the Ku Klux Klan which involved a pledge and consecration to "make their country a clean one, physically, mentally and morally, with Almighty God as their leader."
A general fire alarm blasting forth its signals of property damage brought out a record crowd in a brief space of time. The alarm was phoned to central by residents of Birdsall street, who believed the shop roofs in the New York, Ontario & Western yards to be on fire. On first appearance this was evidently the truth, but a closer investigation of the property removed the blaze to the east hill, just this side of the woods. Following the explosions and until the fiery cross was discovered to be burning, many believed the gas tanks had exploded in the railroad shops or in the gas plant of the New York State Gas and Electric Company. All fire companies reported to these places but nothing unusual or of an accidental nature was discovered and the companies returned to the fire house.
Called out by the general fire alarm, many residents of the city gathered at the East Main street bridge to obtain a closer view of the fiery spectacle. An unusual amount of comment was heard and it was clearly evident that the ire and indignation of Norwichites had been aroused. Stricken with awe and with tempers ruffled, many climbed the hill intent upon engaging in a fight with the perpetrators of the cross. Those who had perhaps a keener and more active imagination could see white-robed figures moving about the cross. To the south of it a row of six or seven torches out-burned the cross. A few who reached the scene of the cross described the Klan emblem as being fifteen feet in height with a width of eight feet on the cross arm. Klan literature is alleged to have been found on the ground.
The burning of the cross was the topic in every household. Sunday it was discussed at length by all and those with timid nature expressed fear that a Klan organization had been completed in Norwich. Prominent citizens and business men made remarks of indignation that Norwich should harbor a Ku Klux Klan order. Chief kleagles, hooded and white-robed human beings continue to be the chief topic of comment.
In the gathering at the East Main street bridge, one man made the remark that he had been tipped off that the cross was to burn at 10 o'clock Saturday night. Several turned to question him further and he had disappeared in the crowd. Another made the statement that a prominent man in the business section of the city had asked him to join and had offered him a membership card. It was a brilliant spectacle, yet today it remains as mysterious as ever.
With nervousness much in evidence and excitement running tense, many stories and conflicting rumors were put into immediate circulation. One of the most likely tales followed a theme connecting with the American Legion of Chenango county, the act of Saturday night. It was the fifth of April and Dame Rumor had it that the American Legion was celebrating the declaration of war by this country. Dr. E.F. Gibson, commander of the America Legion, when confronted with this story by a reporter of this paper denied it. "It's all bunk and the Legion was in no way connected with the affair," was the statement of the Legion commander. Howard Sumner, adjutant of the Legion, also vigorously denied such rumors. Another story told of the Klan holding a big initiation with 500 in attendance. Three hundred are said to have bene initiated and each explosion signified one hundred.
Big Outdoor Ceremony is Given by Klan
Chenango Telegraph, August 12, 1924
In an outdoor cathedral located on the right hand side of the highway en route to New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] and about a mile and a half out of South New Berlin, approximately 2,000 people, including members of the Ku Klux Klan, candidates for membership, interested and curious spectators gathered Saturday night, to witness and participate in the outdoor initiation ceremony. Klansmen from Chenango, Broome, Delaware and Cortland counties participated in the meeting.Nearly 500 cars carrying members of the Klan and their families and many spectators commenced to park in the large field in a semi-circle. Many citizens of Norwich and Chenango county who had heard of the initiation motored to the scene and witnessed a spectacle which will be a lasting impression. With a sky studded with stars for a roof, hills for walls and a clover field for a carpet, the ceremony was intensely impressive. Over 100 knights of the fiery cross were present, robed in white, hooded but unmasked. Sentinels directed the parking of cars in a semicircle and at 10 o'clock the ceremony opened. Making a large circle, robed Klansmen formed in line, hand to hand. At the south side or end of the circle, a gate was opened where members who were not robed could enter by giving the password. Candidates for initiation were also present at the circle to participate in the ceremony for membership.
At a few minutes before 10 o'clock hooded Klansmen lighted three huge crosses, furnishing a soft light for the ceremony. One large cross was flanked on either side with a smaller one. As the flames swept out, illuminating the audience, many of whom stood as curious spectators, skeptical witnesses and otherwise, a speaker, said to be a national lecturer for the Klan, gave an outline of Klan activities, the purposes and principles of the organization. Facts and statistics of the Klan were given by the speaker. Some of them were startling and excited the interest of the audience. In opening, the speaker stated that the Klan stood for the Protestant school and church and was not an anti-organization. "The organization is one of high moral standard and patriotism, yet we have our enemies," declared the speaker..."It is the duty of every 100 per cent American to go to the polls and vote for the man, and only the man, who is 100 per cent American, who believes in the strict enforcement of law, who is a member of a Christian church and who comes from a Protestant home."
The meeting was very orderly and no interruption was made at any time. Following the speaker a large number of candidates facing the fiery cross with right hand uplifted took the obligation of the Ku Klux Klan which involved a pledge and consecration to "make their country a clean one, physically, mentally and morally, with Almighty God as their leader."
