History is a combination of the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Ugly was raising its head in the early to mid 1920’s in North Iowa. The Ku Klux Klan was gaining prominence in the USA. For a time they had a foothold in Clear Lake and Mason City.
The Clear Lake Reporter wrote in 1923 that well over 300 klansmen attended a meeting at the Idelo. Mason City’s Globe Gazette reported that a procession of 600 klansmen in full regalia marched through the main streets. Over 200 marchers were Mason Citians.
The Klan objected to immigrants from southern European countries. They didn’t approve of the Catholic faith or their parishioners. These issues prompted them to demonstrate.
The KKK were passionate advocates of Prohibition. They lent their support to lawmakers who wanted help enforcing the 18th amendment.
Resistance to their tactics began to sway popular opinions. The tide turned. Klan numbers fell drastically and the organization in this area died out. The good of history prevailed. Iowa nice.
