Governor Frank G. Allen

FRANK G. ALLEN, the fifty-third governor of Massachusetts, was born in Lynn, Massachusetts on October 6, 1874. His education was limited and attained in the public schools of his native state. In 1893, Allen went to work in his father-in-law’s business, the Winslow Brothers and Smith Company, and eventually became the company’s president. Allen entered politics in 1910, serving as a member of the Norwood Board of Assessors, a position he held five years. He served as chairman of the board of the Norwood Selectmen from 1915 to 1922, and was a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1918 to 1919. He also served in the Massachusetts State Senate from 1920 to 1924, and was the lieutenant governor of Massachusetts from 1925 to 1929. Allen won election to the Massachusetts governorship in 1928, and was sworn into office on January 3, 1929. During his tenure, child welfare laws were amended; an old age pension program was sanctioned; the Massachusetts Transit Authority was formed; and two judgeships were granted to women. Also a board of tax appeals was established; a state industrial commission was created; and care facilities for the sick and indigent were advanced. After running unsuccessfully for reelection, Allen left office on January 8, 1931, and retired from public service. Governor Frank G. Allen passed away on October 9, 1950, and was buried at the Highland Cemetery in Norwood, Massachusetts.