Gus Hall dropped out of school after eighth grade to help support his family and to become active in the communist cause. He worked as a lumberjack, iron miner and steelworker.

Gus Hall, born Arvo Kusta Halberg in the unincorporated community of Cherry to Finnish immigrants, was general secretary of the U.S. Communist Party from 1959 until his death in 2000.

Gus Hall, born Arvo Kusta Halberg in the unincorporated community to Finnish immigrants, was general secretary of the U.S. Communist Party from 1959 until his death in 2000.