One of the most important events in the history of Ocean City was the opening of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge on July 30, 1952. The bridge provided quick and easy access from the Baltimore and Washington, DC areas and ended ferry service across the Bay forever. No other event since Ocean City’s founding has done… Read more »
Author Archives: Bunk Mann
Vanishing Ocean City With Bunk Mann – July 9, 2021
Ocean City looked much different in this aerial photo taken in 1946 between 14thand 15th streets.The large building in the center was the original Commander Hotel before its second wing was added and the vacant space to its left is today the site of the Beach Plaza Hotel and its adjoining parking lot. The building to… Read more »
Vanishing Ocean City With Bunk Mann – July 2, 2021
The men and women of Worcester County have a long history of serving our country in the armed services; some have even made the ultimate sacrifice.In 2014 Ocean City’s Elks Lodge #2645 in collaboration with the Town of Ocean City began honoring local active duty military by placing banners along the south end of the… Read more »
Vanishing Ocean City With Bunk Mann – June 18, 2021
The worst motel fire in Ocean City’s history took place on June 12, 1988 at the Beachcomber Motel on 12th Street and Edgewater Avenue. It was Senior Week and the motel was full of high school and college kids. In those days sprinklers were not required in buildings under five stories tall; the Beachcomber was… Read more »
Vanishing Ocean City With Bunk Mann – June 4, 2021
The Beach Plaza Hotel was built by Ethel Griffin Kelley and her son Harry, a future mayor of Ocean City, in 1953. Located on the Boardwalk at 13th Street, the modern looking hotel boasted 132 rooms and a large porch with rocking chairs that overlooked the beach.Following Ethel’s death in 1955, Harry Kelley took over… Read more »
Vanishing Ocean City With Bunk Mann – May 28, 2021
In the late 1990s a major revitalization of the old downtown took place. The section of Boardwalk from the Inlet to North Divisionn Street was converted back to wood after being made of concrete since 1955. Additionally, a $6.3 million renovation of Baltimore Avenue was completed. A center island with brick pavers and landscaping was… Read more »
Vanishing Ocean City With Bunk Mann – May 21, 2021
Roland “Fish” Powell (1928-2018) lived a long life of service to Ocean City. Fire chief, city councilman, county commissioner and mayor from 1985 to 1996, he was dedicated to his community.As a child he saw the Inlet created by the hurricane of 1933 and as a proud member of the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company… Read more »
Vanishing Ocean City With Bunk Mann – May 14, 2021
The New Avelon was pieced together by its owner, Josephine Hastings, by combining cottages on either side of her boarding house in the early 1900s. Located on the west side of Baltimore Avenue between N. Division Street and N. 1st Street, it was considered on the most northern side of Ocean City at the time.Later… Read more »
Vanishing Ocean City With Bunk Mann – May 7, 2021
The Samoa and Mario’s were two of Ocean City’s most popular restaurants in the late 1960s. Located on Philadelphia Avenue between 22nd and 23rd streets, the Samoa moved two blocks north in 1969 and is now the location of a Sunsations store.Mario’s was a favorite of Ocean City’s locals and stayed open year-round serving some of the… Read more »
Vanishing Ocean City With Bunk Mann –April 30, 2021
BJ’s on the Water, an Ocean City landmark, served its last meal on Jan. 31, 2021. A local’s favorite for over 41 years, BJ’s closed due to the stress of running a restaurant during the pandemic and some health-related problems of its popular owners, Billy and Maddy Carder. The property has been sold and a… Read more »