Actually it probably was the K.K.K.. I have read lots of old newspapers and it was an active club in many communities. Beth Wilson James E Nicholson wrote: > Dear Katy, et al, > > Mrs. John Rankin, aka Lillian Elliott Tippit Rankin was my husband's > grandmother, and a kind an gentle woman. She stood 6'1" tall, and I > can't believe she would be a part of the 'regular' KKK, if for no other > reason than the hat would certainly stand above all others. I have to > laugh at the mental picture. I'm sure we will see a name of the > organization as time goes on! > > > Friday, 23 March 1917, Vol. 30, No 51--K. K. K. --The K. K. K.'s > gave an informal dance at the home of Mrs. John Rankin Friday evening, > March 16. The color scheme was green and white in honor of Erin and St. > Patrick. A delightful three course luncheon was served in which the color > > scheme was delightfully carried out. Surely good old St. Pat enjoyed the > merry > way in which these young people celebrated his day. > > Those who enjoyed this delightful function were: Mrs. Harry W. > Barneyback, > Misses Willie Mae Macey, Eunice Nichols, Lillian Manuel, Frances > Burkhalter, > Berna Davis, Tionette Burkhalter, Mabel Edwards, Lillian Johnson and Amy > Burke. Messrs. Harry W. Barneyback, G. H. Rankins, E. A. Burke, H. J. > Pierce, G. C. Walker M. W. Shafer, C. C. Smith, C. I. Duncan, R. M. > Bagby and M. C. Herrin. (Kathy's notes: I have no idea if this > organization is in any way affiliated with the Klu Klux Klan, or whether > at this time, there was another organization by these same initials. > This was the first reference to it that I have seen in the paper, so I am > hoping that there will be further articles to perhaps clarify just what > this organization was. Throwing dances doesn't seem to have a whole > lot in common with lynchings and burning crosses!) > > Apparently Lillian Rankin enjoyed St. Patrick's day, because according to > the Higbee News dated 19 March 1915, she gave a luncheon for 50, and even > provided an orchestra!! > > Alice in Arizona