The 1927 Fire That Changed The Ocean City Boardwalk

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Today, the Boardwalk is the hallmark of an Ocean City vacation, where thousands spend their summers dining, shopping and playing. And more than 100 years ago, vacationers did the same - but their Boardwalk was entirely different.

On Oct. 11, 1927, a massive fire struck Ocean City, changing it permanently. The New York Times reported at the time that it swept through eight blocks, razing 30 buildings including shops, hotels, concessions, garages, movies and the entire Hippodrome Pier, which was the largest at the time.

The fire started at 7 p.m., ripping through buildings north, south and east due to heavy winds, according to news reports from the time.

It caused $4 million worth of damage, the Times reported. Adjusted for inflation, that would be $69,158,620.69 in 2023.

And naturally, there were many lasting changes after the fire. One of these was the fate of the Hippodrome Pier, which was never rebuilt. It was not only home to movies, vaudeville, dancing and amusements - it was also where David Gillian had played with Robin Robinson's Orchestra since 1917, according to the official Gillian's Wonderland Pier website.

The Boardwalk, rebuilt in 1928, had few amusements, and in 1930, Gillian opened a Fun Deck at Plymouth Place and the Boardwalk. And this lead to 1965, when his son Roy opened the Wonderland Pier.

Another new building came to the Boardwalk, planned as a magnificent concert hall. This still stands today as Music Pier.

Shriver's Taffy was one shop that was destroyed in the fire, and it was rebuilt with the new Boardwalk. Other businesses that did survive, like the Moorlyn Theatre, were moved to new locations.

This rebuilt Boardwalk also significantly closer to the ocean, by 300 feet. With the receding shoreline, this has caused issues in recent years.

Another impact of the fire, according to OCNJ Daily, was stronger fire codes and paid firefighters.

Today, the Boardwalk is an important part of the Ocean City experience. And since that fire, its been rebuilt again and again when facing natural disasters. It's part of what makes Ocean City "America's greatest family resort."