About John C. Allen
Lived 1907 – 1979 (aged 72). John C. Allen was an American designer, known for Philadelphia Toboggan Company.
John C. Allen (May 21, 1907 – August 17, 1979) was a roller coaster designer who was responsible for the revival of wooden roller coasters which began in the 1960s. He attended Drexel University. He started working for the Philadelphia Toboggan Company in 1934 as a coaster operator and rose to become president of the company by 1954. He designed more than 25 coasters and made significant contributions to roller coaster technology. He once said, "You don't need a degree in engineering to design roller coasters, you need a degree in psychology."
List of roller coasters The following is a list of roller coasters were credited as designed by John C. Allen:
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Important facts
People in John C. Allen's life
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Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was John C. Allen?
roller coaster designer (1907–1979)
When was John C. Allen born?
John C. Allen was born on 21 May 1907 in Philadelphia.
When did John C. Allen die?
John C. Allen died on 17 August 1979.
What was John C. Allen's occupation?
John C. Allen was a designer.
What was John C. Allen known for?
John C. Allen was known for Philadelphia Toboggan Company.
What nationality was John C. Allen?
John C. Allen was American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John C. Allen. https://biography.guide/john-c-allen/
MLA: "John C. Allen." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-c-allen/.
Chicago: "John C. Allen." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-c-allen/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-22 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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