File:Luther Powell sitting at desk in Klan robes, circa 1923 (MOHAI 15393).jpg

English:

A resurgence of Ku Klux Klan (KKK) movement between 1915 and the mid-1920s, in what historians call the "Second Klan," reached all 48 states, with membership over four million in the mid-1920s. Although the Klan's core belief in white supremacy, at least with regard to African Americans, had less resonance in Washington State, by 1921 there was a ready audience for much of its agenda -- dislike of unions, leftists, and the unemployed; anti-immigrant sentiment; hostility to perceived elites; dedication to conservative family values; and the embrace of a fundamentalist strain of Protestant Christianity.

In late 1922 a charismatic and influential leader, "Major" Luther Ivan Powell, pictured here, came to Washington State and founded Seattle Klan Local 4 with 2,000 members. Powell's organizing strategy relied heavily on using the membership lists of fraternal, civic, and social groups, especially anti-Catholic organizations such as the Freemasons, and recruiting those already involved in ritualistic secret societies into the Klan. He also founded and edited "The Watcher on the Tower," a weekly magazine that spread Klan propaganda, and, at 10 cents a copy, brought him additional income.

While Powell was able to organize dozens of Klan chapters in less than a year, his personality undermined his accomplishments. He was a controversial character prone to outlandish exaggeration and constant squabbles for power with other Klan leaders. Powell left Washington State in late 1923, moving to Oregon, then British Columbia, where in 1925 he organized a large parade through the streets of Vancouver, B.C., and soon after was deported by the Canadian government. Powell later returned to his home state of Louisiana, where he became a leader in several fringe, right-wing organizations there and in Texas.

Caption information source: "Luther I. Powell, Northwest KKK Organizer," by Trevor Griffey, retrieved from https://depts.washington.edu/civilr/kkk

• Subjects (LCTGM): Ku Klux Klan (1915- ); Racism--Washington (State)--Seattle; Uniforms--Washington (State)--Seattle
• People: Powell, L. I. (Luther Ivan)