Spencer, Iowa (NorthwestIowaNow.com) — Since 1927 Arnold Motor Supply has been a cornerstone in Spencer and Northwest Iowa. The June 22nd flood threatened that legacy, but thanks to a hard working team, they are having a Grand Reopening Celebration this Saturday that will be open to the public.

Merrill Company, parent to Arnold Motor Supply, sits right behind the Grand Avenue Store. According to Marketing Director Elizabeth Mc Danel, the employees just returned from their remote office space this week.

Spencer is the main distribution center for the company, and Mc Danel says it interrupted service for about one week before they were able to continue doing business That was thanks to other distribution centers Merrill has around the state.

Arnold Motor Supply store had several feet of water – but has been reopened since late last summer.

It was E.P. Arnold who had the foresight to begin an auto supply company as the popularity of the automobile increased. The original store burned down in 1931, but was promptly rebuilt. And quickly opened new stores in Marshall, Minnesota and Sheldon, and gradually expanded across the Midwest. The company will celebrate its centennial in 2027, and Mc Danel says it’s only possible because of the support they received during this disaster.