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Klu Klux Klan, Kalamazoo County Chapter papers

 Collection — Box: 1 of 1
Identifier: RH-A-4277

Scope and Contents

This collection is composed of two documents from Kalamazoo County Michigan, dated around 1923. One is an anonymous paper by a Kalamazoo County Klansman and another is a blank potential membership card. The majority of text lists the fifteen principles of the Klu Klux Klan including the Christian religion and White supremacy.

Dates

  • Creation: 1923

Creator

Biographical / Historical

The Second Klu Klux Klan was founded in 1915 by William Joseph Simmons, who revived the Klan after its disbandment in the later years of reconstruction. The 1920’s witnessed a massive expansion of Klan membership across the country, including Michigan. The Klan began to gain significant membership in Kalamazoo County around 1923 when membership from the Van Burn sand South Bend Indiana regions began to encourage further expansion. The Second Klan favored extreme patriotism, and targeted foreigners, Roman catholic and Jewish practitioners, as well as the African American populations. The Klu Klux Klan in Kalamazoo peaked in 1924, before fading from public eye around 1926.

The prospective membership card is titled “Non Silba Sed Anthar” a classic slogan of the Second Klan. This is a pseudo-Latin phrase, thought to be a combination of Latin and old Germanic influence.

Extent

.05 Cubic Feet

Language of Materials

English

Physical Description

This collection is composed of two documents measuring 0.05 cubic feet. The first is a paper entitled “to the Citizens of Kalamazoo County”, it measures 11” by 8.5”, the document is in decent condition but fragile, and shows signs of yellowing. The entire document is typed in black ink, and has two-fold marks suggesting it was originally folded in thirds. “A Kalamazoo County Klansman” is written at the bottom, indicating the author wished to remain anonymous while expressing their dedication to the Klan. The second document is a 5 ½” by 3 ½” prospective membership card. It is dated 8-28-23 and headed with the phrase “Non Silba Sed Anthar”. The lower section of the document has blank dotted lines with the opportunity to fill in name, occupation, and address. The card is in decent condition, although the left-hand corner is ripped, the card appears brown-yellow with age and is printed entirely with black ink.

Title
Klu Klux Klan, Kalamazoo County Chapter papers finding aid
Status
Completed
Author
Hannah Garrod; Stephanie Chapman
Date
2021-11-08
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Western Michigan University Archives & Regional History Collections Repository

Contact:
Charles C. and Lynn L. Zhang Legacy Collections Center
1650 Oakland Drive
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5307 US
(269) 387-8490