The Genesis of “America’s Greatest Family Resort”: The Vision of Ocean City’s Founding Four
Imagine an island in a state of untamed beauty, long before the iconic boardwalk hummed with activity, before the scent of pizza and popcorn filled the air, and before lively crowds flocked to its shores. Picture a vast, serene landscape dominated by dense cedar forests, where the loudest sound was the rhythmic crash of Atlantic waves. This was Peck’s Beach, a tranquil barrier island off the South Jersey coast, poised on the brink of transformation. In 1879, four visionary men laid the cornerstone for what would become “America’s Greatest Family Resort.”
These were not real estate moguls or amusement park magnates but four devout Methodist ministers: Reverend Ezra B. Lake, his brother James Lake, S. Wesley Lake, and William Burrell. Each brought a fervent desire to create a sanctuary, a place where families could find spiritual rejuvenation and wholesome recreation, far removed from the burgeoning “rowdier” resorts popular in the late 19th century. They envisioned an alternative, a haven built on Christian principles, where the pursuit of faith and family values would be paramount.
The pivotal moment in Ocean City’s history came on September 10, 1879. Under the shade of a majestic cedar tree, the four ministers gathered, their hearts full of purpose. In that solemn assembly, the Ocean City Association was formally established. This was more than a business venture; it was a sacred undertaking, a commitment to a grand vision that would shape the island’s destiny for generations to come. They purchased the land for $150,000, an immense sum at the time, underscoring their unwavering belief in the potential of this untouched paradise.
Their vision was clear and uncompromising: to establish a “Christian Seaside Resort” and a “Camp Meeting Place.” This wasn’t merely about building homes and hotels; it was about cultivating a distinct culture in which Sunday observance was respected and the sale of alcohol was strictly prohibited—a legacy that continues to define Ocean City as a “dry” town. They aimed to create an environment where the spiritual and moral development of visitors and residents alike would flourish, offering a stark contrast to places where revelry often overshadowed reflection.
With their noble objectives firmly in place, development began at astonishing speed. The founders immediately set about planning the new town’s infrastructure. In 1880, key landmarks were rapidly constructed, becoming the spiritual and social heart of the nascent community. The Ocean City Tabernacle, a cornerstone of their religious mission, was among the first buildings to rise and, remarkably, still stands today, a testament to their enduring faith and vision. By the end of that first year, an incredible 51 buildings had been erected, transforming the once-wild landscape into a burgeoning resort town. These early structures, from cottages to boarding houses, reflected the modest, family-oriented spirit the founders sought to instill.
The foresight and unwavering principles of Ezra B. Lake, James Lake, S. Wesley Lake, and William Burrell laid the foundation for “America’s Greatest Family Resort.” Their dream of a wholesome, family-centric destination, conceived under a cedar tree on a quiet barrier island, has not only endured but also thrived, becoming the beloved Ocean City we know today.
