Fonds MS-2-96 - W. Graham Allen fonds

William Graham Allen (1909-1986) was a freelance writer and broadcaster, best known for his work with the CBC. He was born in Halifax on 6 January 1909 to William T. and Winnifred (Dodge) Allen. He was a graduate of Dalhousie University's class of 1929, and also studied at Royal Roads Military College and HMCS Cornwallis. In 1928 Allen began reporting for The Halifax Chronicle and worked in various editorial positions until 1941, when he signed on for active duty in the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve. He served as a Sub-lieutenant and was involved in the theatrical show "Meet The Navy." In 1946 Allen returned to The Halifax Chronicle-Herald, continuing to serve from 1947-1951 as an executive officer for HMCS Scotian, Halifax Naval Reserve Division.

In 1951 Allen was appointed Director of University Liaisons at Dalhousie University, where he also served as editor for The Dalhousie Review from 1953-1957, the year of his retirement from the university. That year he joined the Canadian Broadcast Corporation as the news staff supervisor for the Maritimes. He retired from the CBC in 1975, but continued to broadcast as a freelancer and to host the popular radio program Neighborly News from 1977–1980. Allen was a self described "movie freak" and a large supporter of the arts. He held positions as juror for the Governor General Awards (ca. 1950s); treasurer for ACTRA, Maritimes (1976); Director of Neptune Theatre Foundation (1976); Dal Alumni Executive (1976); Governor of Dalhousie University (1976-1977); President of the Radio Television News Director's Association; and spent several years with Halifax Welfare Council and the United Services Institute of Nova Scotia. He died in 1986.