1924 Riots Part 1
The images to the left illustrates the typical Italian family with multiple generations, husband and wives, aunts and uncles, brothers and sisters and children living in one house.
This photograph of the neighborhood Italian immigrants features some of the East End Italians who during the May 9, 1924 confrontation assume leadership of Italian opposition to Klan.
The publication of an Italian language newspaper, Il Cittadina Italo-Americano, allowed the Italian immigrants to follow the local events.
Old Firebrick #2 Plant, 1905
1914- James Sandfry's Chocolate Shop. It was located at 57 Furnace(State) Street opposite the old Post Office. Valsi Dry Cleaners was the last occupant of the building. Mr. Sanfry was a lifelong resident of Niles and lived on West Park Avenue until his death in 1974 at the age of 85.
Peddlar's wagon from Cicero's Store - 1915.
The back of this 1922 photograph describes the KKK parade that passed by the Warner Opera House on State Street as written by Rose Ciminero.
Rose Ciminero 19922 photograph
Armed National Guard troops were positioned at the McKinley Memorial to maintain the peace after the two factions, the KKK and Knights of the Flaming Circle, confronted each other at the intersection of East Federal and Main Streets around 11:30 - 2:30 pm on Saturday, November 1st, 1924.
Klan marching in front of the U.S. Capitol in 1925
Harvey Kistler elected Niles Mayor.
Early 1915 photograph of the Niles Police Deptartment. Seated left to right - Officer Williams, Chief Link Rounds, Mayor F.E. Bryan (1914-1916), unknown, Officer Fitzpatrick. Standing left to right: Officer Wilhelm Ludwig Neiss, Officer Charles Mullet, unknown, Officer Lally. Officer Charles Berline, unknown, unknown and Officer Charles Nicholas.
Chief Round's home was bombed April 17, 1924, but it was thought to be in retaliation by bootleggers angry at his raids on their illegal liquor and beer facilities.
Chief Round's home was bombed April 17, 1924, but it was thought to be in retaliation by bootleggers angry at his raids on their illegal liquor and beer facilities.
Chief Round's home was bombed April 17, 1924, but it was thought to be in retaliation by bootleggers angry at his raids on their illegal liquor and beer facilities.
The first KKK parade occurred on May 21, 1924 where the route was to be on Main and State Street. Klan members were met with objects thrown at people and cars.
Central High School. PO1.1179
The first confrontation marks the point at which several East End Italians assume leadership of the Italian oppostion to the Klan.
Governor Donahey warns Kistler to have plenty of police to avert disorder. Kistler is confident that he can handle the parade and that there would be very little trouble.
The Klan parades usually had robed men, women and children march along cars decorated with the American flag and KKK insignias.
The poster for the Knights of the Flaming Circle is one that was distributed the week before the November 1, 1924 confrontation.
Central Figures in Klan Crisis:
Antler Hotel located at intersection of East Park Avenue and North Main Street.
Rummel's Pool hall was located on South Main Street between West State Steet and Water Street.
The mayor bans all cross and tire burnings.
On August 4th, in an obvious attempt to intimidate the Knights of the Flaming Circle, Kenneth Freer, a 26-year old Warren resident, walked out of Rummel’s Poolroom with an Army Issue rifle in his hands.
Klansmen and Foes Sign Truce in Niles.
Rummel Sporting Goods Store broken into and thieves take 20 shotguns, 1600 cartridges for rifles and revolvers valued at $1400.
Mayor prohibits parade by foes of Klan.
Mayor Harvey Kistler’s home at 956 West Park Avenue was damaged by an bomb explosion thought to be placed by members of anti-klan forces.
Niles executive escapes injury
O.O. Hewitt
Governor orders probe in bombing of Mayor Kistler's home in Niles.
Governor orders probe in bombing of Mayor Kistler's home in Niles.
Police Chief J.L. Round
On October 30th a meeting was held at the McKinley Memorial. Sheriff Thomas announces it and invites all to attend no matter what race, political view, or religion. Hope was for peace.
Meeting Fails, Mayor refuses to revoke parde permit
Letter to Mayor Harvey Kistler Praising 'His Fair Play'.
Letter to Mayor Harvey Kistler Praising 'His Fair Play'.
Letter to Mayor Harvey Kistler Praising 'His Fair Play'.
Telegraph letter to Mayor Kistler
Mayor Kistler refuses to revoke permit.
Governor refuses to send troops
Guard officials met in Niles on Governor Donahey’s order.
Guard officials met in Niles on Governor Donahey’s order.
Guard officials met in Niles on Governor Donahey’s order.
Arrow marks Rummell's pool Hall.
The Niles Klan Riot.
Map showing possible locations of the restaurant and pool hall where Frank McDermott was before he ran to the car at Rummell's Sport Shop.
The Klan garb was worn by Mr. Hobbs who owned the Hobbs farm on Rt 30 in Greene Township (Beaver Co.) PA and partly in Hancock County W.V.
The Klan patrolled on horseback and were usually sworn in as 'special police'.
The Klan marchers were to parade with their faces uncovered on November 1, 1924.
The marchers were also instructed to march with their arms folded so as not to appear threatening to the public on the parade route.
Representative image of Klan parade. Note the formation of a cross by the marchers.
“America for the Americans” was the rallying cry of the Klan against different ethnic backgrounds, different religions, and different races.
Front of Klan Application.
Back of Klan Application.
