Ordinance No. 394, Section 3: The public street heretofore known as Legislative Route 555 from the Hokendauqua-Egypt line northwardly to the Egypt-Cementon line be hereafter designated as MacArthur Road. Ordained and enacted into an ordinance at Hokendauqua, Pennsylvania, this 13th day of April A.D. 1942

Mere months after the United States was drawn into the horrors of World War II with the attack on Pearl Harbor, Ordinance 394 was passed by the then Board of Commissioners of Whitehall Township in an express manner, with only one reading - bypassing the typical three readings to rename the road in recognition of General Douglas MacArthur, commander of the Pacific theater.

April 2017 will mark 75 years of this naming.

MacArthur Road is not only the main commercial artery for Whitehall Township, but is also a major shopping and restaurant destination for the entire Lehigh Valley. It was also been dubbed “The Golden Strip” in the mid ’70s. It was and remains a vibrant, visible and pivotal part of the regional economy.

To recognize and celebrate how important MacArthur Road is - not only to Whitehall, but to the entire Lehigh Valley - residents, businesses, organizations and public officials are coming together to plan a wide range of events and activities. While plans are still in the initial stages, committees have been formed and people are working together to highlight the positive impact MacArthur Road has had.

The MacArthur 75 Steering Committee will hold its first event in April 2017 with a rededication ceremony and gala. Other events, contests and activities will take place throughout the summer of 2017, culminating with a time capsule burial and veterans ceremony in November 2017.

The committee will keep the public informed as plans continue. Volunteer opportunities are available.

There are also opportunities for businesses in Whitehall and/or the Lehigh Valley to participate through sponsorships, donations and services.

If interested in being a part of the celebration, email Alice Lieberman, committee chairperson, at MacArthurRoad75@gmail.com.