The Old Filling Station now located at 100 Main Street
moving soon to 140 Main Street

In early March of 2003, the Old Filling Station will move North on Main Street to the first house on the left in this picture, the former house of Dr. Patterson and the oldest house in the town of Benton--soon to be the newest house in town and the new home of the Old Filling Station.

Prior to the Benton Fire of July 4, 1910, the Exchange Hotel occupied a position of prominence at the corner of Main and Market Streets, Benton. It is the imposing building on the left of this picture and for the past several years has been the location of the Old Filling Station.

The oldest known house built in Benton Borough was built in 1831. Michael Hartman and his son George built the house which survived for almost 80 years until the Benton Fire of 1910 burned everything else on the block--except for this house. A Doctor Chapin owned it, and later Dr. I. E. Patterson bought it, lived in it and had his office there until he passed away in 1929. Some local residents remember Dr. Patterson, saying that he was an "old" man as a doctor and that most medicines he dispensed came in glass bottles. The property was then used by a dentist (Dr. Ginter), and doctors Sentner and Allen. From 1955 until 1962, Betty Ward Brewington ran a beauty shop there, until Mr. and Mrs. Ray Davenport bought the property.

In 2002, Alice Davenport sold the property to the Dawsons who will relocate the Old Filling Station restaurant to the building less than a month from now. It truly will be one of the youngest buildings in town very shortly.

The Patterson House in 1910, following the
Benton Fire.

Dining will be in three separate dining rooms. The first room is decorated in car and gas station memorabilia and is named the "filling Station Room." The second room is named "the Dawson," and is so inscribed on the fireplace mantle. The third room is not named yet, but will be by opening day.

Because of the severity of the winter, the outside of the house has not yet been resided, and we ask that you bear with us on this. The food and service will still be great.

Denny is retiring from the Central School District and will be with the restaurant full time.

We welcome you all to see a little history in this great old house. Please help us make our restaurant a great success. We shall miss Bardo's old place...

Your hosts,

Denny and Chris Dawson