Softball was popular in the 1970s and early ‘80s in Ocean City and many local establishments sponsored teams. Both men’s and women’s teams played for trophies, fun, and bragging rights. The games drew large crowds and the skill level of the players was incredibly high.Games were played on the city ballfields between 3rd and 4th… Read more »
Billy Heaton Whitworth and his wife Agnes opened Heaton’s Karmel Korn on the Boardwalk near Wicomico Street in 1944. Specializing in saltwater taffy and caramel popcorn, Heaton’s changed both its name and its menu when son-in-law Fred King purchased the business from Agnes after Billy’s death in 1953. Cotton candy, snow balls and candy apples… Read more »
As the summer of 1954 began, Ocean City was still a small seasonal resort. Town limits ended at 26th Street and only a few commercial establishments stayed open in the off-season. The Fireman’s Convention signaled the start of the tourist season with a parade that lasted over two hours.Large frame hotels lined the Boardwalk and… Read more »
Built by Ethel and Harry Kelley (parents of future Mayor Harry W. Kelley Jr.) and Minnie and John Lynch on the corner of 11th Street and the Boardwalk in 1927, the Royalton was once one of Ocean City’s premier hotels. The Lynch family would soon sell their interest to the Kelleys and open their iconic Commander… Read more »
The Jackspot Lounge was a favorite hangout for the over 30 aged crowd in Ocean City. Owned by popular locals Jack and June Fisher it opened in 1971 on the bayside of 73rd Street and Coastal Highway.Famous for good food, the Jackspot’s over-stuffed sandwiches are remembered by former patrons as some of the best ever… Read more »
The Belmont Hotel was a landmark on Dorchester Street for many years. Located just a few steps off the Boardwalk, it was built by Lambert Ayres in 1897. Lizzie Hearne bought it in 1902 and she and her descendants ran it and later its attached sister hotel, the Hearne, for more than 100 years.The Belmont-Hearne,… Read more »
Edwards 5 and 10 was a fixture on the Boardwalk at North Division Street for 75 years. The original store opened in 1937 and was one of just a handful of Ocean City businesses that stayed opened year-round.Managed for many years by Al Harmon, who also served as Ocean City’s fire chief for part of… Read more »
The Miami Court was the first motel in Ocean City. Built in 1948 by Ridge Harman Sr. on 22nd Street and Philadelphia Avenue, the site is now the parking lot for Fish Tales and Bahia Marina.The term motel comes from “motor-hotel.” A motel offered lower-priced accommodations in a less formal setting with “drive up to the… Read more »
One of Ocean City’s most popular amusement centers was Planet Maze on Coastal Highway and 33rd Street. Opening in 1995, it was a favorite year-round venue for birthday parties, fundraisers, and good family fun.Included among the climbing maze and arcade games was Lasertron — the home of every kid’s favorite rainy day activity. Even parents… Read more »
The Golden Bull opened in May 1971 on the west side of Coastal Highway between 70th and 71st streets. At 14,000 square feet it immediately became one of Ocean City’s largest restaurants with a seating capacity for 500 guests in the dining room and another 150 in its cocktail lounge. It had an upscale menu featuring steaks… Read more »