During the summer of 1923, Jersey Shore residents watched as the “new KKK” tried to establish its presence locally and flex its muscle. Lakewood, Point Pleasant and Asbury Park all experienced cross burnings, parades and rallies.

As July ended, the demonstrations came to Southern Ocean County. On the last Saturday of the month, a cross was set ablaze overlooking Tuckerton’s Lake Pohatcong. The Aug. 2 Tuckerton Beacon reported what happened the next day.

“Thirty-eight members of the Ku Klux Klan, in full uniform, attended services at the First Methodist Episcopal Church…