Get ready for an evening of unforgettable stories, surprising moments, and plenty of humor as Chester County Art Association welcomes author Mel Allen on Friday, October 23.

​Drawing from more than 40 years with Yankee Magazine, Allen will share fascinating stories of the people and places that have shaped his career and inspired his book, Here in New England.
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Join us at 7:00 PM for an entertaining talk that promises to leave you laughing, reflecting, and wanting to hear more.
Date: Friday, October 23, 2026
Doors Open at 6:30 PM
Talk Begins at 7 PM
Location: Chester County Art Association
Book: Here in New England: Unforgettable Stories of People, Places, and Memories That Connect Us All
West Chester native Mel “Dougie” Allen returns home for a special presentation inspired by his lifelong writing journey. Allen’s connection to West Chester runs deep. His creativity was encouraged by local artist Bill Freeland during his years at Friends School and later West Chester High School, where teacher Kenneth Gambone gave him a signed copy of Do You Belong in Journalism? His first-ever byline appeared in the Daily Local News, and he even worked locally as a soda jerk at what was then Weaner’s Drugstore. For Allen, returning to West Chester to share his stories is a true completion of the circle.
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Although the stories in Mel Allen’s book are rooted in New England, their themes and experiences resonate with audiences everywhere. His talk brings together unforgettable stories of people, places, and unexpected moments—including a child who wandered away from a campground and sparked one of the region’s largest searches, a young Stephen King returning to the high school where he taught when he found inspiration for Carrie, and a 30-year-old man who suddenly developed symptoms doctors had never encountered before.

The presentation combines poignant stories with plenty of humor. Allen’s talks have been described as being as entertaining as a comedy show, while still offering meaningful stories and reflections.

The presentation runs approximately 55 minutes to one hour and is not a traditional book reading. Allen calls the program “Listening to New England,” because it focuses on the stories and words of the many people he has met throughout his career. With several hundred stories to choose from—and only about 42 included in the book—no two presentations are alike.
About Mel Allen
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Mel Allen is the author of Here in New England and spent more than 40 years as an editor and writer for Yankee Magazine. He is a graduate of West Chester Friends School and West Chester High School.

For those who knew him growing up, there is an added local connection: Mel was known as “Dougie” in West Chester. As he puts it, with the exception of a few remaining cousins, West Chester is the only place on earth where that name still identifies him.