Whitehall Historical Preservation Society hosted a special presentation March 29 by township historian Karen Gensey, who spoke on the history on MacArthur Road.

The talk by Gensey, who has written books on Whitehall’s history, was especially significant as the community is about to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the roadway being named after General Douglas MacArthur.

Originally known as the Allentown to Egypt Road, MacArthur Road’s story began in the 1700s, said Gensey, explaining how the road was different from the straight path we know today. The road was a farm-point-to-farm-point dirt road that zigzagged across Whitehall, through Coplay and up to Egypt.

In the early 1900s, industries and developments began to rise up, and thus, the roadway began to see improvements, eventually earning the name “The Pike.”

According to the MacArthur Road 75th anniversary website, macarthurroad75.com, “Whitehall’s vast farmland, gently rolling terrain and proximity to the City of Allentown became prime choice for housing developments. On April 13, 1942, in a significant show of patriotism, the commissioners of Whitehall Township renamed a major corridor running through the municipality in honor of American General Douglas MacArthur. This action 75 years ago occurred without the three hearings/ordinances typically required back then. Their decision came mere months after the United States’ entry into World War II and only a month after the general had been named commander-in-chief of the Pacific Theatre. Over the years, the route now called MacArthur Road has been witness to the growth of both the Whitehall community and the Lehigh Valley.”

Gensey spoke on different landmarks that define MacArthur Road, including Whitehall Mall, which opened in September 1966.

Just one month after Whitehall Mall opened, plans were announced for the construction of Lehigh Valley Mall. Originally proposed to be “the biggest shopping center in the state,” Gensey said, the mall experienced numerous delays and legal battles with Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. After a 10-year process, the mall opened Oct. 6, 1976.

The road has garnered a reputation as the “Golden Strip of the Lehigh Valley,” and as of 1995, MacArthur Road property values collectively totaled more than $160 million.

The presentation, held at the Helfrich Springs Grist Mill, included a display of an events timeline filled with historical pictures. The display has been placed at the Whitehall Township Public Library and will remain there until the end of the month.

The official kickoff for the 75th anniversary celebration will be held April 10, after the Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners meeting at the municipal building, 3219 MacArthur Road.