The Purnell was a small hotel located on the Boardwalk between 2nd and 3rd streets. Originally known as “Wetipquin Hall.” it had been built by Sarah Harriet Dashiell in 1909 with the name of her late husband’s hometown of Wetipquin, Md.
The hotel was renamed “The Purnell” in 1942 after being purchased by Essie C. Purnell and continued with that name under the succession of owners for another 60 years. The Purnell was within easy walking distance of Ocean City’s bus station and was popular with vacationers who arrived by bus in the decade following WWII. Its wide deck was a perfect spot for guests to enjoy the Boardwalk sites while sitting in the hotel’s popular rocking chairs.
The Purnell was demolished about 10 years ago and today the Somerset at Second condominium (with a gabled roof that recalls its long-lived predecessor) occupies the site.
Photo from Bunk Mann’s Collection