Ken Allen
(USA: 1928 - May 20th 2009)
Worked in Abbott's New York shop (by 1952). Pro performer-dealer-prop maker (Ken Allen Products) in Union City, New Jersey, from 1954 until sold in 1965 to Bob Follmer of Rochester, New York. Edited Allen's Attic 1954-62 (24 issues) as house organ.
Invented Chinatown Quarter (by 1954), Jumping Gems (1954), George (1954), Soo-Zee (in 1950s), and Alvin the Chipmunk sucker card trick (1959). Marketed Carl Wolf's Lock of Gibraltar and Tom Seller's Monkey Bar (1955).
Wrote Do-It-Yourself Lecture No.1 (1957, 29pp), Pilfered Patter No.1 (1958, 23pp), and Tips: Tricks, Ideas, Patter & Suggestions (1959, 56pp).