Mary Snaith was born in Massena, NY in 1884. She married Clifford Allen. Mary was the town historian as well as her father before her. Mary wrote a series of articles about the Massena people and also Massena homes for the Observer. She knew the Massena history and was counted upon to provide the answers of the community history.
Mary Snaith Allen was a member of the Massena Library Board for many years. At that time, it was located in the town hall. She dreamed of a larger space, and helped to organize the plans for a new building. Unfortunately, she was unable to see the completion of the Warren Memorial Library. Mary Snaith Allen died in January 1962.