By Maddy Vitale
Scattered among the modern duplexes and multi-million dollar homes, are historic treasures in Ocean City that may not be well known to the public.
The old residences that date back to the Victorian era, along with historic buildings, such as the U.S. Life-Saving Station 30 built in the 1880s, will be some of the stops on the Ocean City Historic Tours presented by the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce.
The tours will take place every Thursday from July 11 through Aug. 22 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Each tour is different and includes an excursion to four different historic locations which may include inns.
In addition to the Life Saving Station, patrons will visit the Ocean City Historical Museum, the Bayside Center, the Ocean City Welcome Center Bird Sanctuary, and take a sightseeing tour of the city’s historic district.
The tour trolley will make a stop at the Bayside Center.
For $14 a person, vacationers and residents could take a trip into the world of nostalgia and history.
Tickets include transportation by trolley and a guided tour by Dwyane Sonneborn, who works for the Chamber of Commerce. Tour patrons can catch the trolley at the ticket booth located at the 7th Street and Central Ave. parking lot.
Michele Gillian, executive director of the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce called the Ocean City Historic Tours a popular weekly event that offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the resort.
The resort was founded in 1879 as a Christian resort by a group of Methodist ministers and has always been a “dry” town, known as a family-style summer vacation retreat.
“It gives people the opportunity to learn about the rich history of the island,” Gillian explained of the tours. “As you ride the trolley during the tour, places of historic interest like our famous Lifesaving Station, with a presentation from John Loeper, our local historian, will take place.”
In addition to Loeper, there will be representatives at each of the other locations to give the history of the building, home or site.
The Ocean City Historical Museum will give visitors a look at some of the historical pieces of the resort's rich history.
This year the tour will also feature a particular home.
“We are highlighting the oldest home in Ocean City, a Folk Victorian Home,” Gillian noted.
Folk Victorians are described as less elaborate than traditional Victorian-style homes. They were built around the 1880s through 1910. They often featured gables and porches, but were simpler in floor design, than a typical Victorian.
“Guests learn about the unique charm and personality of Ocean City's finest historic points of interest,” Gillian pointed out.
Tickets are available at the Welcome Center on the Rt. 52 Causeway and at the ticket booth.
For more information call 609-399-1412 or visit us on the internet at www.oceancityvacation.com.
