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BRIEF
HISTORY OF OCEAN CITY, NJ
Known
first as Peck’s Beach, a seven-mile stretch of sand dunes,
meadows, and cedar swamps was probably named for John Peck, a
whaler who used the island as a staging spot for his whaling
operation. The island had served as a summer fishing camp for
local Indians, a grazing land for cattle driven out from the
mainland, and an occasional hunting or picnic spot for mainland
residents who would come out by boat. Original ownership of the
land was by the Somers family. Several individuals had made their
home on the island, most notable of which was Parker Miller who
had served as an agent for marine insurance companies. He and his
family lived in a home at about what is now the southwest corner
of Seventh Street and Asbury Avenue.
In 1879
four Methodist ministers, Ezra B. Lake, James Lake, S. Wesley Lake
and William Burrell chose the island as a suitable spot to
establish a Christian retreat and camp meeting, on the order of
Ocean Grove. They met under a tall cedar tree which stands today
at 6th Street and Asbury Avenue. Having chosen the name
“Ocean City”, the founders incorporated the “Ocean City
Association”, laid out streets and sold lots for cottages,
hotels and businesses. The Tabernacle was built between Wesley and
Asbury Avenues and between 5th and 6th
Streets. Camp Meetings were held by the following summer.
From these
beginnings Ocean City has grown into the town we know today. The
first bridge was built to the island in 1883. The railroad soon
followed. The first school began in 1881. The boardwalk grew and
was relocated several times. The ship Sindia joined other
shipwrecks on our beach. A
large fire in 1927 changed the town significantly.
This
brief history is only meant to tempt you to learn more about Ocean
City. Many books are available in our Gift Shop and Library
on these subjects.
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