Ocean City’s 9^th Street was the big hangout for the college-age crowd during the 1950s and 1960s. One of the major attractions was the Beach Club where live bands provided a party atmosphere and beer flowed freely. Next door, Tom Shill’s Hamburger Heaven served hot dogs, burgers and fries and had a unique machine that rolled out perfectly formed hamburger patties.

The Ocean Casino was also located on 9^th Street and had replaced the former Jackson’s Casino in the early 1950s. It was the northernmost pinball arcade on Ocean City’s Boardwalk and featured the popular skeeball game with the chance to win various prizes of dubious value.

The photo above is circa 1955. The young man in front in The Paddock T-shirt is Billy Thompson of Billy’s Sub Shop fame.

Photo courtesy of Debi Thompson Cook