Did Juneau?

"Four Feet of Snow and Still Active"

Well our initial paper is now just under 200 shares on UAScholarworks: http://hdl.handle.net/11122/16282 and while UA Websites have been experiencing some outtages so we made a back up of the upload on Internet Archive: https://share.google/4SlzZb5uuXgO6OxOp (Also can view the whole paper without downloading it, directly on there on your browser)

If you or someone you know has anything related to this topic, please don’t hesitate to email us or drop me a line. Even the smallest snippet or so-called “rumor” is valuable. While the main focus of this work has been 1918–1932, there is also clear trickle-down into the 1960s, 70s, and even into the present day. With several related papers already lined up, I suspect I’ll be writing and talking about this topic for years to come.

As shown in this clipping from the Klan’s own publications, and as we tried to emphasize in our work, while Juneau-Douglas seemingly stands out as one of the more active hubs, the Klan had loyal members STATEWIDE. From Ketchikan to Nome, there were at least 11 documented Klaverns by 1931 and a minimum of 5 cross burnings, 2 of which occurred right here in our own community along the Gastineau Channel.

When we began this research, I didn’t expect it to upend Alaska history for so many people. I know it pushes in directions that definitely complicate long-standing narratives about 1920s Douglas, Native rights, territorial politics, and other stories we’ve often been taught to accept as settled fact, because they’re already printed in books or displayed in museums. But to love history is to live with its discomfort and continue to learn more.

A friend told us that this research disappointed him in a profound way, yet thankfully also opened his eyes. That even in Alaska, we’ve chosen a very specific narrative to elevate; While this topic is uncomfortable and challenging, it should never have been omitted from the historical record, particularly in discussions of civil rights in Alaska, as it seemingly has been.

You can choose to ignore this research and its implications for broader Alaskan history, but the facts remain. The KKK did not “die aborning” in 1922, as reported by the Sitka Tribune, nor was Klan activity in 1920s Alaska merely “rumor,” as suggested in literature as recently as 2022. Stroller, with the Douglas Island News, even claimed their attempted organization was “being taken too seriously” in the 1920s unfortunately ... which given the context of the rest of his article was hopefully just wishful thinking on his part and not further obscurement.

In reality, the Klan in Alaska operated with a slightly different playbook than their Southern counterparts to an extent that kept them out of the public eye as much as they could, and yet the breadth of their influence should be taken just as seriously. Their ranks included individuals connected to the Pioneers of Alaska, the American Legion, various Masonic organizations, city councils, school boards, deputy marshals, and even the Alaska Territorial Legislature! And obviously not all of them got the same oustment as this guy working at the Lucky Shot Mine, who unfortunately despite his connection to the Klan seemingly ruining his life, stayed loyal ... sad.

Again if you or anyone you know has something they want to share, something they think might be related research, or just have questions/want to discuss what all is in the paper, we're here for it. And again special thanks to everyone and the institutions that have reached out already.

The Northern Lights have seen Queer sights but the Queerest they ever did see Was on the marge of lake LeBarge, where I cremated sam McGee.