Much of the bayside was still undeveloped in this aerial view of 53rd to 54th streets in the mid-1970s.Boulden’s Marina — today the site of Beach World, Chauncey’s Surf-O-Rama and Bayside Rentals — is in the center of the photo while the large grassy area is now occupied by the San Remo Condominium.The small island… Read more »
A three-alarm fire that began around 6 a.m. on Jan. 29, 2002 destroyed Hooper’s Crab House. Firefighters from Ocean City, Ocean Pines and Berlin fought the blaze for over 10 hours at the West Ocean City restaurant. Damages were estimated in excess of $1 million.Water supply was a problem there were no fire hydrants in… Read more »
The Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) in the years following World War II was small but adequate for what was then a seasonal town only 25 blocks long. There was just one police car prior to 1953 and police headquarters shared a building with City Hall on Dorchester Street.The police force was augmented for the… Read more »
This circa 1915 photo is of the George Conner family, pioneers in Ocean City’s hotel and restaurant industry.George Conner (1874-1916) opened Ocean City’s first restaurant on the Boardwalk at S. Division Street in 1892; his wife, Willye Jones Conner (1886-1971) — known to later generations as Willye Conner Ludlam — purchased the Hastings Hotel in… Read more »
When a firefighter dies, it is said that “he has answered his last alarm.” Charles Elliott passed away on Oct. 22, 2008 and Engine 8, the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company’s antique parade piece (a 1953 Ford/American) was draped in black and placed on the ramp at the 15th Street fire headquarters.Less than a week… Read more »
In a precursor to American involvement in World War II, the Norwegian freighter “Olaf Bergh” ran aground about 60 yards off the beach at 94th Street on March 7, 1941.The ship was hugging the coastline to avoid German submarines that were lurking offshore. The U.S. Coast Guard stationed in Ocean City rescued the crew by… Read more »
The Samoa and Mario’s were two of Ocean City’s most popular restaurants in the late 1960s. Located in 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… Read more »
The Alamo Court was the first motel in Worcester County. Bill Weaver, a former World War II fighter pilot, bought two acres along the then new Route 50 entrance to Ocean City in 1946 and hired contractor Ridge Harman, Sr. to build a 40-unit motel. Weaver had been stationed in San Antonio, Texas during his… Read more »
Ocean City’s 9th Street was the big hangout for the college-age crowd during the 1950s and 1960s. One of the major attractions was the Beach Club where live bands provided a party atmosphere and beer flowed freely. Next door, Tom Shill’s Hamburger Heaven served hot dogs, burgers and fries and had a unique machine that… Read more »
The Ocean City Fishing Pier is under construction circa 1906 in this photo but the pier building has not been built. Work began in 1904 and was completed in time for the 1907 season. The original permanent Boardwalk can also be seen; it was narrow and raised above the sand. On hot days, bathers would… Read more »