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The Ku Klux Klan Funeral of Harry Lubold, Tower City, 1925
Posted By Norman Gasbarro on April 16, 2018
In August 1925, Harry Lubold was buried at Tower City, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, in what was said to be “one of the largest and most spectacular funerals ever held in the valley.” The funeral featured the Ku Klux Klan in full regalia.
This post is a continuation of the reporting on hate groups that were active in the Lykens Valley area in the years following the Civil War. It was a widely known fact that the Ku Klux Klan had a significant presence in the Lykens Valley and adjacent valleys during the early years of the 20th Century. This iteration of the Klan was strongly white supremacist and was opposed to equal rights for African Americans, Catholics, Jews, and immigrants.
From West Schuylkill Herald, 28 Aug 1925:
FUNERAL OF HARRY LUBOLD
One of the largest and most spectacular funerals ever held in the valley was held Sunday afternoon at Greenwood Cemetery, south of Tower City. The mortal remains of Harry R. Lubold were laid to rest. The young men met his death when he was crushed between a large steam shovel and truck last Thursday morning , while working on the State Highway on the Keffers Mountain. He was 16 years of age and was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Lubold, residing near Greenwood Cemetery.
To survive he leaved his parents and the following brothers and sisters: Tillie Lubold of Tower City; Jennie Lubold, at home; Mrs. James Zerbe, of Tower City; Mrs. Leon Strawhecker, of Muir; William Lubold, of Williamstown; Raymond Lubold and Oliver Lubold, at home. Another brother, James Lubold, as killed in an accident at Brookside Coliery eight years ago.
He was a confirmed member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, and was also a member of the Junior order of the Ku Klux Klan. The Junior Klansmen, the Ku Klux Klan, and the auxiliary of the Klan all turned out in full regalia, forming a double line from the home of the deceased to the cemetery, through which the funeral cortege passed.
Services were conducted at the house by Reverend Wolfe, of Williamstown. Funeral director Dean O. Snyder had charge.
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