The William Duncan Allen papers include photographs, certificates, plaques, and a diploma documenting the life and career of concert pianist, teacher, and music critic William Duncan Allen. The bulk of the papers consist of 288 photographs of Allen's music colleagues and friends at receptions in the Bay Area and while traveling in Europe in 1975-1977.

Pianist, teacher, and music critic William Duncan Allen Jr. (1906-1999) was born on December 15, 1906 in Portland, Oregon the oldest son of William Duncan Allen Sr. and Lillian Medley. Allen was raised in Portland, Oregon, where his father owned and operated the Golden West Hotel, at the time the largest black-owned hotel on the West Coast. After graduating from Portland’s Jefferson High School, he attended Oberlin College in Ohio earning bachelor and master’s degrees in music in 1928 and 1936 before studying one year at the Julliard School of Music.

1.5 linear feet (1 oversized box)

Permission to publish from the William Duncan Allen Papers must be obtained from the African American Museum and Library at Oakland.

No access restrictions. Collection is open to the public.