Allan prepared for college at Forest Hills (N.Y.) High School. At Princeton he was a member of the Glee Club and Elm Club and was publisher of Princeton in Portrait. He graduated from S.P.I.A.
After graduation, Allan spent three years at the Princeton University Press, where he edited many scientific books and worked on early volumes of the papers of Thomas Jefferson. On moving to South Carolina, Allan became a stockbroker with Harris Upham. He was promoted to manager and vice president.
After his retirement in 1993, he developed a book dealership in rare and unusual items. Always active in the Friends of the Public Library, he also served the Anglican Church of the Epiphany as a lay reader and treasurer.
Allan is survived by Mary; his son, Allan Jr.; daughters Mary, Jean, and Frances; and nine grandchildren.