Kistler, Elmer Charles.

Elmer Charles Kistler was a long-time Washington State labor unionist and Communist Party activist committed to social justice, labor rights, and racial equality. Born in 1915 in Cleveland, Wisconsin, Kistler and his family moved to Longview, Washington, in 1926. In 1934 Kistler moved to Seattle to attend the University of Washington. As a student, he helped organize a local student union, organized peace demonstrations, and picketed in support of union organization. He entered the army as a volunteer officer candidate in 1942 and in 1944 was sent overseas, where he earned three battle stars, including the Ardennes for his service during the Battle of the Bulge. Later he worked in shipyards and lumber mills but was blacklisted from various jobs because of his affiliation with the Communist Party. In 1965 Kistler appeared at a hearing of the United States Subversive Activities Control Board, accused of being in violation of the McCarran Act requirement that Communist Party members register with the attorney general. Kistler ran unsuccessfully for elected office as a Communist Party candidate in 1976, 1978, and 1984. Elmer Charles Kistler died of cancer on November 28, 1996, at the age of 81.

From the description of Elmer Charles Kistler papers, 1917-1996 (bulk 1964-1984). (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 77498157