IT HAPPENED HERE: SHAMEFUL BUSINESS

The Ku Klux Klan gained national prominence during a 1920s rebirth and Denver merchants sought its business.

McCauley's Toggerey, a clothing store on 12th Street, advertised "Klassy Kut Klothes. They look better. They wear longer." 

Koke's Auto Service, address unknown, billed itself as home of "Klean, Klassy Kars," according to Denver Public Library archives.

National chains, such as Piggly-Wiggly, advertised in the Klan's short-lived local newspaper, The Rocky Mountain American.

The Klan loomed large in politics, too, dominating Colorado's state capitol and Denver city hall for a time. However, its prominence fizzled here and beyond as sexual and financial scandal rocked the racist organization.

The Rocky Mountain American folded on July 31, 1925.

[Photo: Public Library]