Some in the borough may remember the days when there were five gas stations on Chestnut Street, all packed in between Seventh and Ruch streets.

Four of the stations were located on the north side of Chestnut Street. The other was located on the south side.

Attendants pumped gas, checked engine oil and washed windshields. Gas at the time was selling between 22 cents and a quarter per gallon.

Two of the stations, including Blose at the northeast corner at Ninth and Chestnut streets, were located in the area years before any of the others.

Some in the borough questioned why there were so many gas stations in the area when Chestnut Street was not a state highway. Currently, no state routes pass through the borough.

At that time, the talk was that a possible Cement Belt Expressway would incorporate Chestnut Street. However, it never materialized.

The stations had to rely more on auto repairs to stay in business, since there was also a combination gas/repair station on Second Street.

These days, one-by-one, the gas stations and vehicle repair shops have closed, leaving behind Giant, which moved into the borough and acquired the former Lincoln School tract. A multi-pump self-service gas station located at the site is thriving.

The gas station at Ruch and Chestnut streets is now home to Paulie's Restaurant. The Kunkle station, a block east on the south side of Chestnut, was sold to another individual selling gas. This business later became a floral shop and it now serves as a hair salon.

The station at Ninth and Chestnut used to be a beverage retail business. It now operates as a retail ice business.

Across the intersection, the Blose station was demolished and a small residential development put in place.

Rob's, a used car lot and vehicle repair business, is doing well at its location at Seventh and Chestnut streets.

Santee's, located at Second and Center streets, recently closed, though it hadn't sold gasoline for years. It is uncertain what the future holds for the well kept structure.