Allen Motor Company was established in 1921 in Mitchell, SD,. by Fletcher B. Allen, E.H. Allen and B.L. Allen and the company relocated to Ames in 1926 when the family bought out the local Chevrolet dealer, Lou Roberson. Starting with a plant measuring 50 by 100 feet at 222 Duff Avenue, Allen Motor Company began a steady growth. In 1929, a new building was constructed at the NW corner of 5th Street and Douglas Avenue. Addition were built in 1938 and 1952.
Fletcher Allen was the long time owner and eventually, his son, Jim became business manager and partner. They started selling Chevrolets. Buick was added in 1935 and the Buick-Chevrolet combination lasted until March,1970 when the Chevrolet franchise was sold to George White Motor Co. In September 1970, they sold the business to Carl Benson, an Emmetsburg car dealer and started Benson Motors. The building at 5th street and Douglas was raised for the 1985 addition to the Ames Public Library.
Allen Motor Company, 1958