Osborne's Inn

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This summer we had some unexpected guests who came to visit in Apartment T.  It seems that a Mother Mourning Dove discovered the flower box on the deck and made her home.  She nurtured two eggs over a period of four to five weeks.  Our Guests who stayed in Apartment T were very solicitous of Mother and babies.  It was interesting how some noted that a 'relief' would come in to take over for the Mother to sit on the eggs, but that only happened if no person was in sight.  The Mother and the Father were very protective of their little ones.  After about five weeks of seeing this nurturing take place, two little Mourning Doves were born.  The nurturing continued in the nest upstairs.  Can't really tell you the honest end of the story, but a big black crow was overlooking the nest sitting high atop a wire in the driveway area.  There came a day when all three birds left the nest.  We found one of the babies on the ground below.  We attempted to nurture the little one as best we could.  Unfortunately that baby dove died and Mother and the other baby were nowhere to be found.  It was a real learning experience teaching me a lot about the true 'maternal' instinct.  How Mothers are always 'there' to nurture their children, sometimes not always successfully. Having the time at the shore to think about nature and the gift that it is helps me to appreciate what we Osbornes have here in ocean City.  It's important to nurture and nourish ourselves and others at this special place that God has provided called Ocean City.  Thanks to one and all of our guests for being 'there' for us to learn, love and continue to grow together. 

Favorite memories of Ocean City??  That is a tough one; not for lack of material, but because there is so much.  During nt formative years, in the 1970s, my father would take two weeks of vacation time during each summer.  One week would inevitably be a camping trip for the family.  Pine woods..a leaky tent...there was little not to like!  The second week would forever entail seven glorious days in Ocean City, New Jersey.

My strongest memories are from this time...let's say between 1970 and 1980... and they center around the boardwalk at night.  There was a unique juvenile culture that changed every year, while - in a fundamental way - it did not change at all.  I'm talking about the fads.

Every year it was something.  In pronouncing that last word, make is some-thing, for I am talking about tangible items that could be purchased. Must be purchased.  Each year a different item was de rigueur for strolling the boards at night.  This item would mark the owner as an individual; a free thinker.  And it would be available for sale in sufficient quantity that each and every teenager on the boards could have one.  Would have one.  If they were cool.

I'll recount a few of the major fads, roughly in the order they appeared, starting with my earliest memory.  Bear in mind that each of these essential items became the calling card of a particular summer.

Click-clacks. A pair of little glass balls connected by a length of cord.  With a flick of the wrist, the owner could send the balls into a snapping dance as they ricochet off one another. Some kid got too exuberant and the glass broke, sending flying shards hither and yon.  Thereafter, click-clacks were made with Lucite (plastic) balls.  But the really cool kids would hunt down a pair of original glass ones.  They were dangerous.  Our parents told us so.

The next year's craze was nothing at all.  Invisible dogs.  The device consisted of a fabric dog leash and harness, held firmly outstretched by virtue of a stiff wire inside.  Hoards of beach-goers delighted in 'walking' their invisible pooches down the boards.  Occasionally, a walker would pause by a guard rail while thei phantom pet relieved itself of a phanton burden.  If you were cool, you bought one of those devices.  If you failed to purchase one, you might as well be invisible yourself.

By contrast, next summer's craze was very visible.  Some chemist had discovered that two simple chemicals, mixed together in a plastic tube, would create a luminous rod that could part parents from their money.  The glow-stick was born.  For one summer, the night was alive with green fire.  It twirled, danced and raced down the boards.

As the 70s drew to a close, some-up and coming late-night comedians name John Belushi, Chevy Chase and Gilda Radner were beginning to make their mark.  Our next fad swept the boardwalk like dandelions on an abandoned golf course.  Any one who was any one had to have a T-shirt with the words 'Oh No......Mr. Bill!' emblazoned on the front. An animated clay figure created for a skit on Saturday Night Live had his summer in the sun.  People clamored for these shirts, paying ridiculous prices. The next summer they would hang unwanted on discount racks.

In the 1990s, I still try to get to Ocean City at least once each summer.  I suppose the fads continue, though I am less aware of them now that I am an older person.  I vaguely noticed a flood of Batman shirts in the late 80s.  And there was some sort of cloth Frisbee, that you could fold up in your pocket, which was in vogue one year.  More recently it was huge, striped Cat-In-The-Hat headgear.  I looked at them sadly, knowing I was too old and such a hat would never fit me anyway.

Then I happened upon a vendor with adult sizes.  And realized you're never too old to have fun.  Which is probably why I keep returning to Ocean City.

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Over 25 years ago, when we first stayed at the Fairview (as it was called then) the living room which Peggy Ann and Frank Osborne and their five children have brought to life was a quiet, sedate place.

The original owner had inherited the old house from her grandmother and together with her husband and his parents occupied the middle floor and rented out apartments.

Our first apartment there consisted of half the main floor (now the living room, office and kitchen). It was lovely and rented for $100 a week in the 1960's.

Smiling, I recall our introduction to the Osbornes.  The house had changed hands a couple of times and we had taken apartments elsewhere.  When we decided to go back to inquire about an apartment there, three buck-naked tots were in the living room circling Peggy Ann while she grabbed at each of them with a bath towel.

The following summer when we arrived, Kelley, Kevin and Colleen were keeping their parents hopping while Frankie X slept peacefully on the front porch.

Each summer thereafter we marveled at these two folks with an active family who became dearer to us as they succeeded in making our vacations thoroughly enjoyable.

Peggy Ann and Frank, over 25 years, annually improved the house with creativity and determination.  When their youngest child, Megan, came along she became a permanent fixture on her mother's hip as Peggy Ann with five kids, ran the Inn, single handedly, with Frank's help on the weekends.

Each Osborne greeted us warmly and individually every summer carrying luggage and paraphenalia, offering cold drinks and hospitality.

At Christmas time we continue to look forward to the letter about the family and the coming summer vacation.  Forty-eight years ago my parents chose Ocean City, New Jersey over the town of the same name in our home state of Maryland.

Our own children, now in their 30's and our three-year-old Grandson look forward to lounging with Amstel.  Our grandson's favorite video is that of himself on the beach and on the rides.

I remember hurricanes during which floats and surfboards were ridden in the street all the way up to Osborne's Fairview Inn.  My Dad and I watched Schriver's make taffey.  At age 8, I sat in the hall of the music pier enjoying the Ocean City Pops Orchestra but secretly watching the ferris wheel on Gillian's Fun Deck and wishing I were there instead.

Places that live in the memory are restaurants like Simms at 8th and the Boardwalk, Watson's with its daily long lines waiting, Hill's Seafood and Clam Bar when the tide came up almost to he windows as we ate, College Grill, the Emily Dining Room and the Hen House around Moorlyn Terrace; worship services in the movie houses on Sundays and bronzed waitresses at Bob's Grill (thankfully still present).

We could see much of the Sindia shipwreck in former years and what a treat it was to seek out a shady spot under the Boardwalk, lay out towels and blankets and take a snooze.

Once our fourteen year old son was credited with saving a visiting teacher's life when the raging surf threatened to dash her against the jetty.

Our favorite memories are of good people and relaxing times shared on Osborne's Fairview Inn's front porch.  Every summer it feels as though no time at all has elapsed since we talked and shared events of the year gone by.  Still we miss the faces and voices of Peggy Ann's Mother, Father and Brother who are with the Lord.

Just yesterday our own dear Aunt Louella, who is 94 years old, reminisced about the time she sat enjoying morning coffee and ocean breezes and friendly people.

On one occasion, back in Baltimore, a student at Loyola College, where our daughter works said:' I've seen you somewhere before' followed by a puzzled look.  Then, 'I know! Osborne's front porch, Ocean City, New Jersey!'

Another time a faculty priest saw a picture over my daughter's desk: 'I know that house! It's at 15th and Wesley in Ocean City, New Jersey!'

Whether its thoughts of beckoning sea and sand, bike rides on the boardwalk and thru the town alleys, Litterer's Orange juice or big cups of lemonade, spotting the Flanders and the Port-O-Call, fishermen near Somers Point or visiting town shops, the Flaherty Family is still in love with Ocean City.

Happy Anniversary to the Osborne Family.  Here's to the next 25 years!

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There is something very special about a place that makes you feel like 'home', and a host and hostess who make you feel like 'family.'  We have enjoyed some wonderful times here and look forward to many, many more.  Thank you for welcoming us into your home and making us feel so special!

Peggy Ann utilizes the talents of everyone who comes in.  Better watch what you know.  You have some knowledge, (for me - computers), she is sure to tap your brain.  Believe me, I know.  Talk about the Phillies!!!! I could go on and on.

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We LOVE coming to Ocean City and the Osborne's.  It's our 'get away' from worries and a wonderful reminder of Family.  We miss the squeals and laughter of children as our youngest has now graduated from college and gone out on his own. At Osborne's we delight in all the young people! We are thankful for the introduction to Voltaco's as well.

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Denny and I have been coming to Ocean City long before we were married and had kids.  We stopped coming for awhile, but decided to come back after our children came along.  We feel so fortunate to have found Osborne's Inn and have many memories and pictures to go along with our vacations in Ocean City.  Congratulations on your 40th Anniversary. We are looking forward to many, many more.

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Some of the nicest times at the shore have been spent at the Osborne's Fairview Inn.  From Peggy Ann's first warm welcome to us, to our most recent stay, we have many fond memories Ocean City. We always look forward to renting our bikes and riding on the boardwalk and through the streets, looking at the beautiful homes and enjoying the ocean scenery.  Whether walking along the shore or just shopping in town, it is always so relaxing coming to the beach and then relax on the porch at the Osborne's.

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I have been staying in Ocean City, NJ ever since I was 9 months old and am now in my fifties.  My favorite ride was Bulgy the Whale and buying a special horse at Glenn toys.  Carey's Real Estate had a water fountain for 'small fries' and Bob's Grill sold pretzels for a nickel.  My dream is to retire in Ocean City so my 'home away from home' feeling can continue.  I remember getting French onion soup and sparkling cider at a cafe on the boardwalk, riding the Tilt-A-Whirl and shopping at the linen store and Heritage House.  The Osborne's have been my 'family' since I was 10 years old and are full of love and hospitality.  One time I brought my 90 year old great-aunt here for a visit and she talked for years about the wonderful coffee, front porch, and how the lad Osborne child hugged her and made her feel loved.  I hope to bring my friends back here so they can experience the joy of Ocean City, NJ.

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The first year we vacationed here at the Osborne's Philip and I were just dating. I knew we would come again.  Peggy Ann and family are so nice, they make you feel like family.  Thank you for the great hospitality and making us so comfortable!  Nicholas is 20 and he always asks every year if we can go to 'our' beach.  He loves the beach just like his mother!  Thanks for being there for us.

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We came upon your home accidentally ten years ago.  And a happy accident it was.  We look forward to coming and through each cold winter dream of the beach.  We cannot say enough about how lovely and accommodating you and your family are.  You make it so easy to enjoy our week at the beach.  We look forward to many more years!