The History of Ocean City, NJ

In 1700, John Peck, a whaler, began using a barrier island as a storage place for freshly caught whales. The island, later known as Peck's Beach, had various purposes. It served as an Indian summer fishing camp and a cattle-grazing area. Sometimes mainlanders would boat over for a picnic or to hunt. The first year-round resident, Parker Miller, and his family arrived in the mid-19th century. They lived at what is now the corner of Seventh Street and Asbury Avenue. Parker worked as an agent for marine insurance companies, raising cattle and farming. In 1879, four Methodist ministers (Ezra B. Lake, James Lake, S. Wesley Lake, and William Burrell) purchased Peck's Beach to establish a Christian seaside resort and camp meeting place. The men formed the Ocean City Association under a cedar tree (which still stands at 6th and Asbury), built streets, and sold commercial and residential lots. They also made the Tabernacle, which remains between 5th and 6th Streets and Asbury Avenue. Camp meetings began the following summer, and residents built homes, hotels, bridges, railroads, and schools. The boardwalk was rebuilt several times due to damage from natural disasters. In 1901, the legendary Sindia ship came close to shore and sank. Part of its mast remained above the ocean, delighting onlookers. The Sindia recently sank entirely underwater. The original four's wish that Ocean City remains a pure retreat that exemplified the Christian mindset still remains today as strong as the cedar tree they first met under. Historically, Ocean City has been a dry town, and there is no public drinking anywhere on the island, but that's not truly the case. Some residents and tourists appreciate this law that sets the island apart from its surrounding towns. For a complete history of Ocean City, visit the Ocean City Historical Museum at the Community Center, 17th & Simpson, or go to www.ocnjmuseum.org.