Ocean City has been called America's Greatest Family Resort since the
slogan was adopted by the chamber of commerce in 1920. But it has always
been a gathering place for families, beginning in 1879 when the Lake
family came here to build a Christian Seaside Resort. Since those early
years, Ocean City has evolved into a community of diverse people, with the
value of family still holding strong. While famous people, such as actress
Grace Kelly and author Gay Talese, called Ocean City home, most of the
people in this book are ordinary citizens. Many of these families are third
and fourth generation. Some trace their roots back to the Lakes, others
have grandparents or great-grandparents who came here as immigrants. Still
others have moved here more recently; all contribute to making Ocean City
a wonderful place to live and work.