"An Ocean City Memory" (remarqued) by Paul McGehee. In the summer of 1915, the boardwalk at Ocean City, Maryland, was alive with happy people on seaside holiday. After settling into their hotel rooms, following a long rail journey, they would dress in fine clothing and promenade along the boards, taking in the sights and sounds of the beautiful shore. Tempting smells of home-cooked meals wafted from the kitchens of hotels along the boardwalk. The largest of these, the famous Atlantic Hotel, was one of Ocean City's first. At Somerset Street, one could pause for a while and listen to music played by the orchestra gathered on the bandstand, and afterwards stop into the Washington Pharmacy for a Coca-Cola from their soda fountain. Sounds of the surf mingled with the laughter of children playing on the beach. Bathers, wearing suits reflecting the modesty of the times, would brave the gently rolling breakers while searching for shells. Generations of beach-goers fondly recall the swimming pool at Showell's Bath House (the first on the shore), which had its water pumped in directly from the ocean. From the Ocean Pier at Wicomico Street, one could see the quaint panorama of "Hotel Row," the heart of old town Ocean City. Hotels such as the "Mount Pleasant," "Plimhimmon," "Colonial," "Nordica," "Oceanic," "Rideau," and "Hamilton"; which live today only in the memories of the many who have frequented this popular beach through the years. Continuing a long tradition, Ocean City remains one of the country's premier resort beaches, having preserved the charm and hospitality of bygone days that families will enjoy for generations to come. Print image size: 20" x 32".