W. Fred Allen

     W. Fred Allen was born Sept 1, 1847 to Benjamin Allen. W. Fred left Utica Free Academy in 1865 to work for his father's stone and sidewalk business. In 1868, he became a member of the firm.

    W. Fred Allen was director of some other local enterprises such as: LaTosca Knitting Co.; Second National Bank; and Ritesize Knitting Co.

    W. Fred Allen was a warm advocate of the New Hotel in Utica (Hotel Utica). He was president of the Utica Hotel Co. from its organization.

    Mr. Allen was member of several associations such as the Utica Chamber of Commerce and Utica Homestead Aid Assoc.

    Like his father he was an avid curler. He played for 40 years. He was a member of the rink which went to New York and won the Gordon Championship. He represented the Utica Club many times at the sessions of the National Curling Club.  In 1892, he built the covered rink at Rutger Street. In 1909, W. Fred Allen was elected President of the National organization. 

    In 1889 W. Fred Allen was chosen as School Commissioner. He served three years. He visited schools across the state to get ideas. As a result the first school on the grade system was established in Utica School No 19. Also Kindergarten was first introduced.

    He traveled considerably in this country. In May 1910 or 1911 was one of the Utica Businessmen who took a trolley trip 2,800 miles through the Middle West.

    He married Ida M. Cowing with whom he had two daughters.

    W. Fred Allen passed away at his home 50 Lansing Street in Utica on Jan 4, 1911. His obituary mentioned that whatever money he had he invested in the city of his birth. He is buried in the family lot in Forest Hill Cemetery.





Location: 2201 Oneida St, Utica, NY 13501, USA

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