Category:Arthur's Service Station, Allentown PA

This odd-looking building at the northeast corner of 7th and Gordon street (401 North 7th) was built as a row home in the 1890s, although it was used as the G. W. Aurand grocery store in the 1910s and early 1920s, closing in March 1925.

The building was purchased by Darden H Long, and In 1926, it was altered, removing much of the first floor, turning the building into an overhead drive-in. The business reopened as Long's Service station in October 1926, selling gasoline, oil and tires. Cars would pull up under the overhang for service and fuel, to cover them from the weather where they were also serviced.

Long's remained open until 1943, when it was closed. Primarily due to wartime rationing of gasoline and other automobile supplies. It reopened in May 1946 as Aurhur's Gulf Service (later Arthur's Service Station), owned by Chester Arthur. Arthur operated the station for 26 years, living in the residence upstairs. He retired in 1972 and the station was closed.

Today the building is a private residence, however the alternations made to the property in 1926 remain. Arthur passed in May 1973.