Fearless Muncie Editor challenged the Klan, Phil McAbee member of KKK

Fearless Muncie editor

challenged the Klan,

By Hurley C. Goodall

This work is a collection of editorials, news articles, opinions and comments by the Muncie Post Democrat Newspaper and its publisher, George Dale, a courageous, combative, flamboyant and somewhat fearless and reckless crusading journalist who opposed the Klu Klux Klan in Muncie and Indiana, when the KKK was at the zenith of its political and economic power during the turbulent 1920s. Dale was anti-Klan in his ideology and unashamedly democratic in this political beliefs.

The alleged involvement of prominent community leaders such as John Quick, Prosecuting Attorney Van Ogle, Public Safety Chair Phil McAbee, and Delaware County Sheriff Harry Hoffman make the intrigue even more interesting and worth recording.

George Dale established and published the Muncie Post Democrat Newspaper in 1920.

Knights of the Klu Klux Klan a white terrorist group of that day. He was also extremely critical of the elected public officials, law enforcement officials, and prominent citizens who he claimed belonged to, supported, or gave comfort to the Klan during its hey days in the 1920s. His opposition was a very dangerous and unpopular position to hold at the time. He lived from day to day in fear of bodily harm to he and his family. Dale, was mayor of Muncie from 1930 to 1935.

During the early to middle 1920s, following World War I, the Klu Klux Klan was at the height of its power politically through fear and intimidation. Muncie was a bustling city with about 36,000 residents, according to the 1920 census.

The city and the county were politically controlled by the Republican Party. In the city, Dr. John C. Quick, (R) was mayor. The City Council had 13 persons, of whom, nine were Republicans.

Delaware County was also Republican. Republican office holders in the county who played a huge role in the Klan, according to Muncie Post Democrat publisher George Dale were Circuit Court Judge Clarence Dearth. County Sheriff Harry E. Hoffman, and County Prosecutor Van Ogle.

The African American community consisted of two large geographic areas of the city: one, in the near east side of downtown Muncie, was called Industry. It’s general boundaries were Blaine Street on the east, Madison Street on the west, the Big Four Railroad on the north, and Willard Street on the south. The other large African American community lived in the northeast quadrant of the city, in an area called Whiteley. This area was bounded by Broadway on the west, Gavin Street on the east, Centennial Avenue on the north, and White River on the south. The African American population was about two-thirds in Industry and one-third in Whitley. African American churches listed in Emerson’s City Directory of 1923 were: Antioch Baptist Church at 7th and E. Whiteley; Bethel A.M.E. Church, 1018 E. Jackson Street; Calvary Baptist Church, East Jackson Street; Church of God, 809 S. Grant; Shaffer Chapel A.M.E., A and 7th, Whiteley Trinity Church, 916 E. First Street; Triumphant, corner of First and Ebright Streets and Union Missionary Baptist church, E and 5th, Whiteley.

Another focal point in the African American community was the barber shop. Those listed were: William C. Dehoney, 414 E. Second Street; Fern Mukes, southwest comer of First and A, Whiteley Charles Price, 1005 E. Seymour and Roman Smith, rear 1321 E. Fifth Street.

African American restaurants and lunchrooms listed were: Nelson R. Douglas, 120 S. Beacon Street; Hagerman Nunce, 604 1/2 S. Walnut Street; James Rice, 203 E. Second Street and Arthur Logan (pool room), 1412 E. Sixth Street.

One African American grocery store was listed: William Parrott, 2022 E. Highland Ave., Whiteley.

There was one African American police officer prominently listed in publisher Dales writings, William A. Sims, (wife-Mary), 1413 E. 8th Street, Muncie.