Family Honors Pioneer - 1969

Family Honors Pioneer

By BELLE TULLOCH Star Correspondent

IRON BRIDGE — Nelson Allen celebrated his 80th birthday Jan. 17 with a family dinner.

Mr. Allen is the third youngest and the only living member of a family of 15 children, a son of the late William and Rebecca Allen. He was born on a farm in the township of Gladstone and lived on a farm here all his life.

He received his education is the log school house on his father's farm. As a young man he bought the property across the road from his father's and still has an eight-acre garden and a flock of 200 to 300 hens.

In 1924 he married Irene Mason of Bracebridge. They had two sons and a daughter. The eldest son, Leonard, lives in Sault Ste. Marie, Harvey lives at Iron Bridge, Evelyn (Mrs. Ray Walker) lives in Elliot Lake. His family was all home for the occasion, and six of the eight grandchildren were present to help blow out the 80 candles decorating the birthday cake.

Mr. Allen's wife died in 1961. Later, he married Miss Violet Tapp. They both work at gardening which is one of the best on the North Shore.

He enjoys music, and is an avid reader. His home library has well over 200 books in it. His favorite authors are James Oliver Curwood, and Zane Grey and his favorite sports hockey, ball, and horseshoe.

Mr. Allen is one of the three members living, of the Beemer Hunt club." I believe Hammond Cocks of Toronto, and Milton Hopper of the Sault are other two" he said.

Mr. Allen has served on the school board. He drove the school bus for several years and is active in the United Church, where he serves on the board of session.

He enjoys travel and has crossed the Rockies five times. He spent a vacation in Florida last year and frequently visits in eastern Ontario.