edgar m lyda and kkk hoods

The Klan comes a calling

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Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

Forest City, N.C.
August 15, 1928.

Dear Friends,

You have been vouched for as a man who is thoroughly American, Protestant to the core, a law abider and lover of our Constitution, and one who has had the welfare of our country close to your heart. As such you are invited to attend a Lecture on “Americanism” by Dr. W. Earl Hotalen, a Lecturer of National reputation, at

8:00 P.M., TUESDAY NIGHT, AUGUST 21ST, IN THE HALL ON THE THIRD FLOOR OVER RECTOR’S CAFÉ, 7-1/2 W. PACK SQUARE, ASHEVILLE, N.C.

Dr. Hotalen will appear in Asheville under the auspices of the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan. If your only source of information regarding the Klan has been obtained through the Newspapers, many of which are unfriendly to us due to lack of information regarding our Organization, then you have no doubt a biased opinion toward the Klan and the principles it espouses.

pitch letter from Ku Klux Klan
pitch letter from Ku Klux Klan

Now, just be fair and come out and hear our side. Dr. Hotalen will have some facts and statistics to present that will astound you.

If you wish, bring a good Protestant friend whom you can vouch for. You will be under no obligation in attending this meeting.

Yours very truly,
Amos C. Duncan
Grand Dragon
Realm of North Carolina
Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, Inc.


Ku Klux Klan pitch letter sent to Edgar M. Lyda (1873-1956), who was Chairman of the Buncombe County Commissioners and Finance at the time he received it.

source: http://toto.lib.unca.edu/findingaids/mss/lyda/series_lyda/folder_03_1927_1928.htm

More articles on paramilitary groups:

George W. Christians, American fascist(Opens in a new browser tab)

The White Caps of Sevier County(Opens in a new browser tab)

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