Ocean City Boardwalk Traditions: Trimper Rides

Three things are essential to Ocean City: The Atlantic Ocean, the beach, and Trimper Rides.

Mary Corddry tells the story of how Daniel B. Trimper of Baltimore made a daring "all-or-nothing investment," buying two blocks in an Ocean City that hardly existed, except on paper and sand, and moving with his wife, Margaret, and their 10 children to the beach. Ms. Corddry's wonderful book, "City on the Sand: Ocean City, Maryland, and the People Who Built It," includes a detailed account of the founding and progress of Trimper Rides. See "The Trimpers And The Longest Running Ride," beginning on page 37.

Mr. Trimper and his brother established a small amusement park, originally called Luna Park. Electricity had not yet come to the resort. Mr. Trimper's first merry-go-round was powered by men turning cranks. Soon, Mr. Trimper brought electricity to Ocean City, using generators powered by steam engines. Luna Park became a summer attraction as an amusement park with lights!

Trimper Rides has been a landmark at the south end of the Ocean City Boardwalk for more than a century, and the Trimper family has been prominent in Ocean City business and politics. The historic amusement park includes the oldest continuously operating carousel in the U.S., according to Ms. Corddry. Trimper Rides remains a festive and bustling must-see attraction in Ocean City. It is now operated by the fifth generation of the Trimper family.

Ocean City, Maryland, Blog will have more pictures of Trimper Rides, including the historic carousel, when the amusement rides open for the 2009 season.