For almost anybody who's spent any time there, Ocean City is filled with memories. A three-year-old Facebook group page with tens of thousands of posts provides a fascinating look at the Ocean City of the past.
When Patty Marshall started "
You’re probably from Ocean City if …” in 2011, she had no idea how far and wide the group would extend. Marshall grew up in Ocean City. She's lived in the area since 1966, and she said she had seen similar pages for Somers Point and other towns.
"I thought it would be fun to share stories and memories of growing up here," Marshall said.
But the page has become more than just a place for Ocean City natives to connect. It offers a place where anybody can share stories about the rich array of characters, places and rituals that define Ocean City. It also provides a great collection of nostalgic images of Ocean City history.
The page recalls the days when water (and people) traveled under the Ocean City Music Pier and when residents ice-skated on a flooded lot at Sixth Street. Ocean City "legends" like eccentric surfer/lifeguard Billy Bone and "Jiggs" at the old College Grill come to life. People share memories of Watson's and Chris's restaurants, Boyer's Marina at Third and Bay, and other Ocean City institutions.
"Remember Iron Mike at the Smuggler's Shop, loved going in there, anybody remember the parrot's name?" one poster writes.
The group was created on Aug. 9, 2011, shortly before Hurricane Irene forced the evacuation of Ocean City. It now includes 1,068 members.
The Facebook group is "public" — anybody can see the group and their posts.
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You’re probably from Ocean City if …
