By Fred Miller
One hundred and ten years ago, Dr. Booker T. Washington, the most prominent African- American leader and educator in the United States, visited Ocean City. He arrived by the Pennsylvania Railroad shortly before noon on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 1914. He was met by a group of citizens including Commissioner Robert Fisher, Commissioner R. Howard Thorn, Rev. S. Wesley Lake, Rev. Samuel J. Comfort. Rev. William K. Fisher, Rev. John B. Haines, and Postmaster B. Frank Smith.
After the official greeting at the train station, Washington got into an automobile for a sightseeing tour of Ocean City. The tour included a walk on the Boardwalk led by Alfred R. Smith, captain of the lifeguards. The next stop was the Tabernacle Baptist Church, where Pastor Samuel J. Comfort showed him around the church. The tour ended at the Hotel Comfort, at Second Street and Bay Avenue, where a luncheon was held. Speeches were given by Commissioner Robert Fisher, Bishop George W. Clinton, Rev. S. Wesley Lake, and Dr. Washington.
At 3 p.m., the First Methodist Episcopal Church was filled with people waiting to hear Dr. Washington speak. The program began with the singing of “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee,” after which Bishop George W. Clinton, of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, led the people in prayer. On account of illness, Mayor Harry Headley was unable to preside, and Commissioner Fisher took his place and introduced Dr. Booker T. Washinton.
The Sept. 12. 1914 edition of the Ocean City Ledger reported, “Washington’s address sustained his reputation as a notable speaker and the large audience was delighted with the manner in which he delivered his helpful message.”
