Ocean City Oddities: A Photo Journey of OC's South End Through the Decades

Often referred to as the heart and hub of town, Ocean City’s “South End” at the Inlet has been hosting families and making memories for well over a century. It’s gone through many major changes through the years but it’s proven to never disappoint those who venture down to take in the exciting lights, memorable sounds and nostalgic smells of the most southern few blocks of town. Enjoy a virtual journey back through the decades of Ocean City’s famous boardwalk at the South End.

1920s

Early 1920s, prior to when the pier building burned down in December, 1925.

1930s

The day after the storm of 1933. Jester's Funhouse and the old Capitol Theatre can be clearly seen here.

Late 1930s

1940s

1940s, shortly after Trimper's Inlet Lodge was built.

1950s

1950s in front of Marty's Playland.

1950s - A view of the boardwalk buildings that now house Inlet Gifts, Trimper's Haunted House, and several games.

1950s - Rare view of the lot that now houses Trimper's Rides. Back then, many small buildings stood on the property behind Trimper's Merry-Go-Round building.

July 1958 - Looking east from the Oceanic Motel. Granville Trimper's Eli Ferris Wheel can be seen in the distance.

1960s

1964

October 1965 (Baltimore Sun Archives)

1960s

1960s - Marty's Playland

1960s - Marty's Playland

Late 1960s

1962 - Flooding on the boardwalk from the Storm of 1962.

Mid 1960s (Baltimore Sun Archives)

1965

1965

April 1967 - The second story apartments are being constructed on the boardwalk front.

July 1967

March 1968

March 1968

1970s

1970s

1970s - Marty's Playland

Mid 1970s

1976

Late 1970s

December 1978 - Finishing touches are being put on the newly-relocated Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum at the inlet. The building was dedicated on Christmas Day of 1978. (Baltimore Sun Archives)

1980s

1980s

Early 1980s

1985

Mid 1980s - Water Flume and YoYo

1983 - Inlet Lodge

Mid 1980s

Late 1980s

1990s

1990s

1990s - Marty's Playland

Mid 1990s

1990s

Late 1990s - Boardwalk replacement.

All historical photos are property of their respective owners and are being featured for viewing purposes only.

1920s

Early 1920s, prior to when the pier building burned down in December, 1925.

1930s

The day after the storm of 1933. Jester's Funhouse and the old Capitol Theatre can be clearly seen here.

Late 1930s

1940s

1940s, shortly after Trimper's Inlet Lodge was built.

1950s

1950s in front of Marty's Playland.

1950s - A view of the boardwalk buildings that now house Inlet Gifts, Trimper's Haunted House, and several games.

1950s - Rare view of the lot that now houses Trimper's Rides. Back then, many small buildings stood on the property behind Trimper's Merry-Go-Round building.