A Look Back
By Fred Miller
One hundred and ten years ago, on Jan. 1, 1915, Mayor Harry Headley officially opened Ocean City’s $75,000 first City Hall. Headley and Commissioners R. Howard Thorn and Robert Fisher led tours of the beautiful three-story building designed by local architect Vivian B. Smith.
It was a red-letter day for Mayor Headley who had been pushing for the building since being elected in 1911. He and the commissioners conducted city business from a rented space in the Massey and Edwards Building on the corner of 8th Street and Central Avenue. They believed the time had come to build a city hall. Many people disagreed and they demanded a special election so they could approve or disapprove. On Aug. 1, 1913, voters went to the polls. The ballot question read: “The total expenditure and furnishing of said City Hall shall not exceed the sum of $75,000.” The vote was 216 for and 183 against.
Vivian B. Smith’s plans, which included a six-story tower topped with a golden dome, had to be changed because of the $75,000 limit.
On Nov. 25, 1913, the building contract was awarded to John W. Emery. The following week, work began on City Hall on the corner of 9th Street and Asbury Avenue. On April 11, 1914, Mayor Headley laid the cornerstone.
The new building was the subject of an editorial in the Jan. 2, 1915 Ocean City Ledger. “The new City Hall has called forth the applause of the visitors during the entire building and we are sure it will stand as a memorial to the builders, the City Fathers, and all concerned, for many years to come. While it may seem like an expensive luxury for so young a city, yet on the principle that ‘what is worth doing at all is worth doing well,’ we are sure the results will prove the wisdom of such an expense. We feel sure the results will prove the wisdom of such an expense. We feel sure the city has made no mistake in putting up a building in harmony with our schools, churches, banks and our private homes,” the paper reported. “Such a city hall on our central streets will appeal to businessmen and to capitalists, thousands of investors and visitors will feel the power of such a beautiful and convenient structure in the heart of our already solid city. It is surely an indication that we are a strong, growing, united, stirring people. A city whose taxables are fast approaching $10,000,000 figures can and must have up to date buildings. We are sure much credit must be given to Mayor Headley and the other Commissioners.”
A plaque on City Hall now proclaims: “This property has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior.”
