Guide to the Kistler Printing and Lithography Collection

Special Collections & Archives

University Library

California State University, Northridge

18111 Nordhoff Street

Northridge, CA 91330-8326

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Contributing Institution: Special Collections & Archives

Title: Kistler Printing and Lithography Collection

Creator: Kistler, William A.

Identifier/Call Number: SC.KPL

Extent: 2.39 linear feet

Date (inclusive): 1922-1975

Abstract: William A. Kistler established a printing business in Los Angeles in 1910. After World War I he purchased a lithography firm where both he and his son practiced lithography for several years. The collection contains the commercial work of Kistler Printing and Lithography from the 1920s to 1970s, including proof sheets and paste-ups from Fifty Photographs (1947), First Penthouse Dwellers of America (1938), and Dance Memoranda (1946).

Language of Material: English

Biographical Information:

William A. Kistler established a printing business in Los Angeles in 1910. After World War I he purchased a lithography firm. His son, Lynton Kistler (1897-1993), learned offset lithography there in the late 1920s, and also began working on lithographic stones. He was one of a few local printers who became proficient with this process. Merle Armitage and Jean Charlot were his first customers. In 1932 Kistler printed Armitage's The Work of Maier-Krieg ( NB 588 M25 A7 ) using the offset process. Vernon Grant's graphic art appears on several advertisements for the company during the 1930s.

In 1936, William Kistler sold his business, but Lynton continued making lithographs out of his garage studio. After briefly opening his own business, he moved to New York in 1941 where he worked in the printing trade. While working for Blanchard Press in New York he published a pamphlet on airplane profile recognition. On returning to Los Angeles in 1945, he resumed working on projects for Merle Armitage who brought him more work from other artists such as Edward Weston, Millard Sheets, and Warren Newcombe and his wife Beatrice Wood.

Kistler stopped making lithographs in 1952 because of an allergic reaction he developed to the acids used in lithography, and the expense of working on stone. He turned to more commercial printing and purchased a plant at 1653 West Temple Street in Los Angeles. The business prospered and his financial situation improved. In 1970, he sold this plant to purchase a larger facility at Washington and Normandie Boulevards. He sold the business in 1976 and retired from commercial printing.

Scope and Contents

The Kistler Printing and Lithography Collection contains the commercial work of Kistler Printing and Lithography from the 1920s to the mid-1970s. Notable contents includes proof sheets and paste-ups from Fifty Photographs (1947), First Penthouse Dwellers of America (1938), and Dance Memoranda (1946) that Lynton Kistler produced with Merle Armitage, as well as eight lithographs he made for artists. The collection has been divided into two main series: Print Jobs (1922-1971) and Printing Materials (1975).

Series I, Print Jobs, consists of five subseries arranged by print jobs or genre. Subseries A, General (1924-1965), Books (1925-1928, 1938, 1946), Cards (1930, 1950, 1971), Catalogs, Programs, and Exhibitions (1948-1968), and Multiple Print Jobs for the Same Firm (1922-1971. The roman number-Arabic number following the title is penciled on the piece and likely refers to the exhibition order since many of these pieces were displayed in 1975. Materials are filed alphabetically within each subseries.

Series II, Printing Materials, contains printing plates, a paper sampler, and a small amount of manuscript material. Posters and other large flat works are organized in a flat file drawer.

Arrangement of Materials:

Series I: Print Jobs, 1922-1971

Subseries A: General, 1924-1965

Subseries B: Books, 1925-1928, 1938, 1946

Subseries C: Cards, 1930, 1950, 1971

Subseries D: Catalogs, Programs, and Exhibitions, 1948-1968

Subseries E: Multiple Print Jobs for the Same Firm, 1922-1971

Series II: Printing Materials, 1975

Electronic Format:

Digital reproductions of selected items in this collection are available electronically as a part of the San Fernando Valley History Digital Library.

Conditions Governing Access:

The collection is open for research use.

Conditions Governing Use:

Copyright for unpublished materials authored or otherwise produced by the creator(s) of this collection has not been transferred to California State University, Northridge. Copyright status for other materials is unknown. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.) beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Works not in the public domain cannot be commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owners. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user.

Accruals:

1976

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Carl Haverlin, 1975.

Preferred Citation:

For information about citing items in this collection consult the appropriate style manual, or see the Citing Archival Materials guide.

Processing Information:

Tony Gardner

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Photographs

Series I: Print Jobs, 1922-1971

Subseries A: General, 1924-1965

Box 1, Folder 1

Regulators, Pressure Control Valves. VIII-137. Aervalco Engineering Corporation

Box 1, Folder 2

Telephone Directory. VIII-77. Barker Brothers, 1927

Box 1, Folder 3

Enchanted Shores On Soda Bay. VIII-148. C.D. Cornell Corporation

Box 1, Folder 4

Calpet Baseball Handbook Of The Pacific Coast League. XI-160. California Petroleum Corporation, 1926

Box 1, Folder 5

Oakwood Cemetary. VIII-91. Chartsworth Holding Corporation

Box 1, Folder 6

Los ANgeles Metropolis Of Knowledge? [A Sketch For A Great University]. IX-144. City Beautiful Community Club

Box 1, Folder 7

Cosmos Club, V-64, 1927-1928

Box 1, Folder 8

Advertising That Pays. VIII-89. Edward N. Nathan Advertising Agency

Box 1, Folder 9

Madsen Junior. VII-138. Edward R. Bacon Company

Box 1, Folder 10

This Is Microdot. VIII-129. Felts Corporation

Box 1, Folder 11

Travelled Road [Reports For 1926]. VIII-109,110,111. Financial Appraisers, 1926

Box 1, Folder 12

Forgedtrue Pistons, VIII-130. Forgedtrue Piston Corporation, 1964-1965; 1964

Box 1, Folder 13

Historical Murals. VI-76. Golden State Insurance Company

Box 1, Folder 14

Size-up 1959-1960. Los Angeles Fire Department Annual Report - Los Angeles Fire Department, 1959-1960; 1960

Box 1, Folder 15

Gas Talk. VIII-96. Los Angeles Gas And Electric Corporation, 1924

Box 1, Folder 16

Comstock Schools. VIII-34. Macurda - Drisco Schools, Incorporated, 1930

Box 1, Folder 17

From The Library Of Charles B. Hopper [Bookplate]. XI-156

Box 1, Folder 18

Fasteners. Aerospace, Marine, Industrial. VIII-141. Neoteric Metals, Incorporated

Box 1, Folder 19

Members. VIII-98. New York Employing Printers Association

Box 1, Folder 20

O'Keefe And Merritt Gas Range Owner's Manual. VIII-134. O'Keefe And Merritt

Box 1, Folder 21

28th Annual Exhibition. California Water Color Society. VI-77. Pasadena Art Museum

Box 1, Folder 22

Piccopale Resin. VIII-131. Pennsylvania Industrial Corporation

Box 1, Folder 23

Poly-Optic Systems. VIII-132. Poly-Optic Systems, Incorporated

Box 1, Folder 24

Ruckstell Ford Axle. VII-143-A. Ruckstell Sales And Manufacturing Company

Box 1, Folder 25

Electrical Contractors Since 1928. II-36,41. S.H. Fish Electric Company, Incorporated

Box 1, Folder 26

Scientific Optical Corporation - Scientific Optical Corporation

Box 1, Folder 27

Among The Stars With Clara Bow. VIII-150. Star Books, 1928

Box 1, Folder 28

Columbia Grand Opera Company [Prospectus]. VII-83. The Company

Box 1, Folder 29

Suzanne Lenglen By Mary K. Brown. XI-153. Vanity Fair

Box 1, Folder 30

Price List. VIII-142. Wilhite Machine Works, Incorporated

Box 1, Folder 31

Presenting The New Pierce-Arrow. VIII-92. William E. Bush, Incorporated

Folder 1

Vernon Grant Illustrator. (2 Posters). Will A. Kistler Company (1) Golden State Limited. Southern Pacific 16x23". (2) Wood Blocks. A New Note In Printing 12x19"

Folder 2

A Taste Of Christmas From The Candy Shop. [Proof Sheet]. VIII-114. Marston's, 23x29," 1962

Folder 3

Footlines. Selected From The Blake, Moffett And Towne Calendar. Blake, Moffett And Towne 26x40"

Folder 4

1969 [Calendar]. VIII-143. Golden State Mutual Life, 11x14," 1969

Folder 5

Fifty Photographs. Edward Weston. [Proofs]. II-26-31. Duell, Sloan And Pearce, 1947

Folder 6

[Color Prints] (3). II-43-45. 10x13"

Folder 7

[Untitled. Camping By A Lake]. (Poster Illustrated By HN). 7x42"

Folder 8

[Christmas Greetings. 3 Posters]. (1) Merry Christmas, Happy New Year. Kistler Lithograph Company, 23 x 36". (2) Wishing You Merry Christmas In A Big Way. Will A. Kistler Company, 19 x 25". (3) Merry Christmas And A Happy New Year. Kistler Lithograph Company, Incorporated. 23 x 35," 1963-1964

Folder 9

Christopher's Chocolates. 6 Posters. (1) Christopher's Chocolates. The Perfect Valentine. (Poster Illustrated By WFR), 7x 26". (2) Remember Mother With Christopher's Chocolates, 7 x 26". (3) Say "Merry Christmas" With Christopher's Chocolates, 7 x 26". (4) Remember Christopher's Chocolates. California's Favorate Candy For Thanksgiving, 7 x 26". (5) Give Christopher's Chocolates For Easter, 7 x 26". (6) Say "Merry Christmas" With Christopher's Chocolates, 7 x 42"

Folder 10

Lynton Kistler Artist Lithographs (Offset). John Kelly. Tall Ship Series. (1) Heading In Printer's Proof, 20 x 26". (2) Topsail Schooner, Printers Proof, 20 x 26"

Folder 11

Lynton Kistler Artist Lithographs (Offset). Tyrus Wong. (1) Kicking Horse, 10 x 13". (2) Running Horse, 10 x 13". (3) Printing Plate For Both Lithographs 15½ x 17½"

Folder 12

Lynton Kistler Artist Lithographs (Stone). Myron Nutting. (1) Morning, 12½ x 17". (2) Jason, 13 x 17½". (3) Nocturne, 13 x 17½"

Folder 13

Lynton Kistler Artist Lithographs (Stone). Eugene Berman. Verona, 17½ x 21½"

Folder 14

Abraham Lincoln Portfolios, (2 Portfolios), 1968, 1971

Folder 15

Honore Daumier Reproductions

Subseries B: Books, 1925-1928, 1938, 1946

Box 1, Folder 32

[Untitled. Drawing Of A Woman]. Proof Sheet

Box 1, Folder 33

Dance Memoranda. II-34,37,40. Duell, Sloan And Pearce, 1946

Box 1, Folder 34

First Penthouse Dwellers Of America. II-35,38,39. Laboratory Of Anthopology, 1938

Box 1, Folder 35

Sierra Club, Number 45,51,55. V-1,62,63. Mountain Head Quarters, Muir Lake, Santa Anita Canyon, 1925-1928

Subseries C: Cards, 1930, 1950, 1971

Box 1, Folder 36

E-ne-mo. V-66. Gables Beach Club, 1930

Box 1, Folder 37

Mr Kistler, Easter. II-60. Thank You Note From Richard Bull, 1971

Box 1, Folder 38

[Zamorano Club Invitation]. V-67. Zamorano Club, 1950

Box 1, Folder 39

[Untitled. Christmas Card]. XI-157

Subseries D: Catalogs, Programs, and Exhibitions, 1948-1968

Box 1, Folder 40

Lithographs Of June Wayne, Etchings Of Ynez Johnston. VI-73. Art Institute Of Chicago, 1952

Box 1, Folder 41

Cady Wells Watercolors. VI-72. Cady Wells, 1948

Box 1, Folder 42

Stools, Bars, Game Sets? VIII-124. California-Asia

Box 1, Folder 43

Portfolio Of Summer Sportswear Suggestions From "The Sport Shop". VIII-93. Harry Fink And Company

Box 1, Folder 44

Catalogue Of The Prints Of Jean Charlot Printed By Lynton R. Kistler. This Lithograph..... 1-3,6. Lynton R. Kistler

Box 1, Folder 45

Actual Reproductions Of Weinstein Original Conceptions In Platinum And Diamond Designs. VIII-94. Mr Weinstein

Box 1, Folder 46

Merle Armitage Presents Tanagra And Warren Lee. VII-79

Box 1, Folder 47

Handprinted Lithographs Of Eugene Berman. 1-5

Box 1, Folder 48

Jean Charlot. A Catalog Of Books, Portfolios, Writings, Murals. VI-69, 1968

Box 1, Folder 49

Ambasador Kustom-Bilt Automobile Seat Covers, Tire Covers, Accessories. VIII-40. National Auto Fabrics Manufacturing Company

Box 1, Folder 50

Disposable Products For The Medical Profession. VIII-135. Peel Away Scientific

Box 1, Folder 51

Summary Catalogue. VIII-140. Penta Laboratories, Incorporated, 1963

Box 1, Folder 52

Fire Protection Equipment. VIII-133. Potter-Roemer, 1960

Box 1, Folder 53

June Wayne. VI-74. Santa Barbara Institute Of Art, 1953

Box 1, Folder 54

Lithographs By June Wayne. VI-75. The Contemporaries, 1953

Box 1, Folder 55

Tudor Tile. VIII-88. Tudor Potteries, Incorporated

Box 1, Folder 56

Exhibition. Paintings, Drawings And Lithographs By Clinton Adams. VI-70. UCLA

Box 1, Folder 57

Program. A Trip To Mount Wilson Observatory. V-65. Engineers Club

Box 1, Folder 58

Newest Fashion Trends In Lingerie And Girdles. VIII-113. Glydons, Incorporated, 1962

Subseries E: Multiple Print Jobs for the Same Firm, 1922-1971v

Box 2, Folder 1

Brown-Jordan Regent. VIII-115,117,119. Brown-Jordan, 1962, 1963

Box 2, Folder 2

Brown-Jordan Tamiami. VIII-116,118. Brown-Jordan, 1963

Box 2, Folder 3

Only Complete Line Of Low Cost, Space Saving Kitchens..... VIII-118,119. Cervitor Kitchens, Incorporated

Box 2, Folder 4

Party-Time Or Anything With A Cervitor Portable Home Draft Beer Dispenser. VIII, IV-120,50. Cervitor Kitchens, Incorporated

Box 2, Folder 5

Man Ray. VI-71. Copley Galleries, 1948

Box 2, Folder 6

Yves Tanguy Paintings And Catalogue. VI-78. Copley Galleries, 1949

Box 2, Folder 7

Copley Galleries [Letterhead Stationary]. III-48,49. Copley Galleries

Box 2, Folder 8

Last Period. Earle C. Anthony, 1927

Box 2, Folder 9

Romance Of Transportation In California. Earle C. Anthony, 1928

Box 2, Folder 10

Electra-Motors. Catalog 55. VIII-128. Electra, 1954

Box 2, Folder 11

Electra-Gearmotors. VIII-127. Electra, 1958

Box 2, Folder 12

"Will A. Kistler, Co." [Advertisement] In Proceedings Sixteenth Convention. V-68. California State Division

Box 2, Folder 13

Prices For Printing From Handmade Plates At Kistler Lithograph Studio. December Classes In Lithography For Artists. I-1,2

Box 2, Folder 14

Biographies. [Accompanies Catalog Not Included]. XI-158

Box 2, Folder 15

[Christmas Greetings Cards]. IV-53-59. Lynton R. Kistler

Box 2, Folder 16

Hollywood Bowl By Isobel Morse Jones [Prospectus]. I-8. Will A. Kistler Company, 1936

Box 2, Folder 17

Advertising Cards For The Will A. Kistler Co. Illustrated By Veron Grant. I-11-18. Will A. Kistler Company

Box 2, Folder 18

Opera. VII-80,81. Los Angeles Grand Opera Association, 1929

Box 2, Folder 19

Opera. VII-82. Los Angeles Grand Opera Association, 1931

Box 2, Folder 20

Woodstock-In-The-Hills. Merrick And Ruddick Incorporated, 1925

Box 2, Folder 21

Mulholland Hills. VIII-145. Merrick And Ruddick Incorporated, 1922-1926

Box 2, Folder 22

Hollywood Country Club And Foothills Subdivision Graphic. VIII-146. Merrick And Ruddick, Incorporated, 1924

Box 2, Folder 23

Souvenir Of Exposition. Los Angeles. XI-155. Sunday-Merrick And Ruddick, Incorporated, 1923

Box 2, Folder 24

Ormco Matic 880. VIII-123. Ormco Corporation

Box 2, Folder 25

Annual Report. VIII-122. Ormco Corporation, 1966

Box 2, Folder 26

Catalog III. VIII-121. Ormco Corporation

Box 2, Folder 27

How To Identify Warplanes Friend OR Enemy. XI-159. Richfield Oil Corporation Of New York, 1942

Box 2, Folder 28

New Deal For Your Motor. VIII-95. Richfield Oil Company Of California, 1933

Box 2, Folder 29

Official's Dope Book Football. XI-161. Richfield Oil Company Of California, 1932

Box 2, Folder 30

Scripps College Bulletin, Volume 8, Number 4. VIII-85. Scripps College, 1934

Box 2, Folder 31

Scripps College Calendar. VIII-86. Scripps College, 1936

Box 2, Folder 32

Scripps College Calendar. VIII-87. Scripps College, 1940

Box 2, Folder 33

Who? VIII-125,126. Southwestern Engineering Corporation, 1925

Box 2, Folder 34

Southwestern. VIII-143-B. Southwestern Engineering Corporation

Box 2, Folder 35

Tropical Sun Rattan. VIII-117. Tropical Sun

Box 2, Folder 36

Tropical Sun Rattan. VIII-116. Tropical Sun

Box 2, Folder 37

Old Master Drawings. X-149. Zeitlin And Ver Brugge

Box 2, Folder 38

Catalogs, Numbers 209, 224, 229. X-150-152. Zeitlin And Ver Brugge, 1965, 1970, 1971

Series II: Printing Materials, 1975

Box 3, Folder 1

Printing Plates For Illustrations Of Lynton R Kistler, Printer-Lithographer. Catalog Of Exhibition, 1975 April 25-June 15

Box 3, Folder 2

Correspondence From Blake, Moffitt And Towne. Paper Dealers. With Roxburgh, A Portfolio Of Specimens And Samples Of Strathmore Paper