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.