52nd Mayor of Atlanta. After serving in World War II in the Army's Quartermaster Corps and working briefly for Georgia Governor Ellis Arnall, Allen ran his family's furniture business in Atlanta, eventually becoming president of that city's chamber of commerce. He defeated Lester Maddox to become mayor of Atlanta in 1961, and served in that office from 1962 to 1970. During his term, Allen took several steps to desegregate Atlanta, including removing signs designating water fountains and other public facilities as "colored" and "white." He is also widely credited with bringing the Braves baseball team from Milwaukee to Atlanta and encouraging the formation of the NFL's Atlanta Falcons.
52nd Mayor of Atlanta. After serving in World War II in the Army's Quartermaster Corps and working briefly for Georgia Governor Ellis Arnall, Allen ran his family's furniture business in Atlanta, eventually becoming president of that city's chamber of commerce. He defeated Lester Maddox to become mayor of Atlanta in 1961, and served in that office from 1962 to 1970. During his term, Allen took several steps to desegregate Atlanta, including removing signs designating water fountains and other public facilities as "colored" and "white." He is also widely credited with bringing the Braves baseball team from Milwaukee to Atlanta and encouraging the formation of the NFL's Atlanta Falcons.
Bio by: Stuthehistoryguy
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