The KKK's Merchandising Empire: A Vintage Catalog
A vintage catalog from the Duke University Library Collection reveals the Ku Klux Klan's extensive merchandise operation, selling robes, banners, records, emblems, badges, knives, books (including the Kloran), newspapers, and figurines to members. Founded in 1866 by Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest, the Klan was disbanded in 1869 but revived in 1915 as an America-first fraternal organization. By 1925, it boasted four million members nationwide, with Klonvocations frequent in Northern states like New Jersey. D.W. Griffith's 1915 film 'The Birth of a Nation' glorified the Klan, praised by Presidents Woodrow Wilson and Grover Cleveland. Every Klan event required four symbolic objects: an American flag, a sword, 'Klan water' (sold at a premium from national headquarters for baptisms), and robes representing purity. Linda Gordon's book 'The Second Coming of the KKK' details these practices. The Klan still sells its wares today, though profits are smaller and hate is hotter.
Key facts
- The Ku Klux Klan was founded in 1866 by Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest.
- The Klan was disbanded in 1869 and revived in 1915.
- By 1925, the KKK had four million members nationwide.
- D.W. Griffith's 1915 film 'The Birth of a Nation' praised the Klan.
- Presidents Woodrow Wilson and Grover Cleveland praised the film.
- The Klan sold robes, banners, records, emblems, badges, knives, books, newspapers, and figurines.
- Every Klan event required an American flag, a sword, 'Klan water,' and robes.
- The catalog is from the Duke University Library Collection.
Entities
Artists
Institutions
- Ku Klux Klan
- Duke University Library
- Knights of the Ku Klux Klan
- PRINT Magazine
Locations
- Washington, DC
- United States
- New Jersey