John C. Allen Jr., an architectural historian in Jefferson County, WV, received an honorary Doctor of Letters degree from Davis & Elkins College during its 104th Commencement Ceremonies. The award is presented in recognition of outstanding achievement in the humanities, original contribution to the creative arts, scholarship or other merits.
A graduate of Tulane University, Allen is a member of the Society of Architectural Historians and the Vernacular Architectural Forum. He has served on the Jefferson County Historic Landmarks Commission for eight years and has lectured on historic architecture and preservation issues at the American Institute of Architects, Institute of Classical Architecture, Davis & Elkins College, Shepherd University, West Virginia University, Marshall University and other venues.
The study of architecture of the Shenandoah Valley is Allen’s passion. In his recent book, Uncommon Vernacular: The Early Houses of Jefferson County, West Virginia, 1735-1835, he profiles 250 separate buildings, ranging from plantation homes of George Washington’s family to the log houses of simple farmers. With the help of photos and illustrations, he details design, materials and construction techniques rooted in the mix of German, Scots-Irish, English and African cultures of Jefferson County.
Allen’s book won the Foreword Reviews’ 2011 Book of the Year Award for architecture, and earned its publisher, West Virginia University Press, an Independent Publisher Gold Award. A handsome, carefully documented work, the book not only reveals some of the innovations in 18th century architecture, it also encompasses state, regional and national history. Also featured in the book are 700 photos by famed Washington, D.C., architectural photographer Walter Smalling Jr.
In October, Allen and his book were the focus of a special historic preservation event at D&E. His presentation detailing research for the book was followed by a panel discussion featuring historic preservationists from throughout the state. The talk also included an exhibition of photos and historic maps.
Allen resides on a historic farm in Jefferson County. He is the son of Davis & Elkins College Trustee Joyce Allen and John C. Allen Sr.
