The Zenith Amusement Company
The local chapter of the Ku Klux Klan held a big meeting at the Illinois Theatre Tuesday evening, 30 January 1923, at 7:30. The Urbana Daily Courier reported that only the Klan members were privy to the exact nature of the gathering, but the tickets they handed out to the press and a limited number of outsiders read: “If you desire to learn the true principles of the Ku Klux Klan you are invited to attend a lecture at the Illinois Theatre, Urbana, Ill., Thursday evening, January 30, at 7:30 p.m. Not transferable.” 1
The next day, The Champaign News-Gazette reported that more than 1,000 had attended the lecture and were greeted by local Klansmen in full regalia. The evening’s speaker was Rev. James F. McMahon, pastor of the First Church of Christ of Mattoon. He “outlined the principles of the Klan and stated no man should feel ashamed of being a member as it is a Christian organization.” Membership applications were distributed after the talk. The News-Gazette noted that this was the first meeting of its kind ever held in the Twin Cities. 2
Jumping ahead to September, 1923, The Urbana Daily Courier reports that the Illinois Theatre has been for sale for some time, but now there are rumors of two possible buyers. One is that the Illinois Traction System is considering it for a station and office building. The other rumored interested party is the Ku Klux Klan as it is the only available building large enough for a Klan convention hall. 3
Quoting the Courier: “If there is anything to these stories, M.W. Busey, owner of the theatre, does not know anything about it. The only thing he does know in regard to the matter is that a man approached him recently and asked if he would give him an option on the property. Mr. Busey does not know what organization, if any, this man represents. The option was not given or has it been, as yet. The theatre building has been on the market for a long time but the incident mentioned is so indefinite that the owner does not consider it a prospect.” 4
Not that many weeks later, The Champaign News-Gazette, on 21 October 1923, published the following report: “Charles A Bongart, Urbana, announced Saturday that a company known as the Zenith Company, lately organized, had negotiated the purchase of the Illinois Theatre. Rumors to the effect that the Ku Klux Klan had negotiated the purchase were denied Saturday by a business man of Champaign who professed to be identified with the company. Mr. Bongart stated that the name of the Klan was not mentioned in connection with the details of the sale.” 5
Then on 23 October, 1923, The Champaign News-Gazette announced that Articles of Incorporation had been issued by the Secretary of State to The Zenith Amusement Company. The Company had reported 2,000 stockholders from Champaign County, and listed its officers as president, W.E. Wheeling; secretary, J. Reynolds; and treasurer, Charles Bongart, and additional directors A.W. Slater and Fred Munson. 6
They must have been satisfied based on their meeting in the Illinois back at the end of January that the theatre could serve their needs, because, to quote the News-Gazette article: “This company has purchased the Illinois Theatre building in Urbana for $35,000 to be used for general and amusement purposes. Zenith Klan No. 56, Realm of Illinois, Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, have leased the building for their headquarters.” 7
The article continued by stating: “the new owners are planning expensive programs for the winter months consisting of theatricals, minstrel shows, boxing, wrestling, etc. They promise to bring here some of the best shows in the country and to furnish entertainment and amusement of the highest order at popular prices. The building will be renovated and redecorated.” 8
The first major Klan event at the Illinois Theatre was a two-day extravagant gathering of Klansmen of Champaign County Klan No. 56, realm of Illinois on Friday and Saturday, 23 and 24 November 1923. Activities included:
Friday afternoon at 2:15: Matinee at the Illinois Theatre for the wives of Klan members and their friends. 9
Friday evening at 6: Dinner for Imperial Wizard Dr. H. W. Evans from National Headquarters at Atlanta, Georgia, his staff of Klan officials, and prominent Urbana citizens at the Inman Hotel. 10
The dinner began with Rev. McMahon of Mattoon saying grace. A six-piece orchestra provided background music. At the end of the meal, Grand Dragon Palmer, of Chicago, was introduced and he presented the various visiting officials, including dignitaries from nearby states. Imperial Wizard Dr. H. W. Evans from the National Headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, “then made a short talk, explaining to his guests that the mission of the Klan was peaceful and honorable, and that their chief aim was to make this country a better place in which to live.” 11
Friday evening at 7:30: Program dedicating the Illinois Theatre for the use of the Klan. For Klansmen only at the Illinois Theatre. 12
Saturday afternoon at 2: Big open meeting at Crystal Lake Park. Everyone welcome. 13
Saturday evening at 7:45: Klan wedding open to the public at the Illinois Theatre.
There were violin solos by Miss Cameron of Gibson City, vocal numbers by the St. Joseph girls’ quartet, musical numbers by Coldn’s Clown Band (formerly Brown Bros. saxophone sextette), the Melody Four, and Holt’s and a company of four performing a few great feats. 14
The identities of the principals were a closely held secret before the ceremony. 15 It was the first Klan wedding in the county. The ceremony was performed by Rev. O.K. Doney of Urbana, who was a state officer. 16
The bride was Miss Helen Reynolds of Sidney, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Reynolds. He was the head of the Klan in Champaign County. 17
The groom was Harry Lee of Homer, son of Squire Lee of Homer, and was a farmer. The couple would make their home on one of the farms owned by the bride’s father south of Urbana. 18
Click to view photos of the wedding
Saturday evening at 9:15: Naturalization ceremony in charge of the imperial wizard, Dr. H.W. Evans. This is the initiation of 600 new members into the Klan. 19