one But Not Forgotten
Ocean City is constantly changing. Buildings come down, businesses close, attractions disappear, and familiar landmarks are replaced by something new. Yet for those who grew up here, vacationed here, or returned summer after summer, many of these places remain an important part of their Ocean City memories.
Gone But Not Forgotten preserves the photographs and stories of the hotels, restaurants, amusement attractions, theaters, stores, piers, and other landmarks that once helped define the island. Some disappeared because of storms or fires. Others were demolished for redevelopment, while some simply reached the end of their time.
Places such as the Sea Spray, old Boardwalk attractions, long-gone hotels, neighborhood businesses, and familiar buildings may no longer be part of today's landscape, but their stories remain part of Ocean City's history.
Through historic photographs and, whenever possible, Then & Now comparisons, this collection remembers not only what these places looked like, but what they meant to the people who knew them.
The buildings may be gone, but the memories—and their place in Ocean City's story—remain.
Seaspray Condos
For over 65 years, one of the famous buildings that visitors to Ocean City can be found at the corner of Bay Avenue and 34th Street.
Formerly The Seaspray Hotel, the property was converted into a Condominium with residential units for year-round and seasonal vacationers in 1980.
Tradewinds Motel
History of the Tradewinds Hotel/Motel in Ocean City, NJ
The Tradewinds Motel in Ocean City, New Jersey, has a rich history that spans several decades and reflects the evolution of the Jersey Shore’s tourism industry.
Origins and Early Years
The property’s roots trace back to the 1950s, when it was first established as a small motel on the corner of 9th Street and Wesley Street in Ocean City. It began as a modest, mid‑century style lodging with only a handful of rooms, catering to the growing number of summer visitors to the island.
Growth and Reputation
In the late 1960s, the motel expanded and became known for its comfortable accommodations, friendly staff, and beachside location, making it a popular choice for both families and couples. Its classic mid‑century architecture and welcoming atmosphere helped it build a loyal following over the years.
Renovations and Expansion
As guest expectations changed, the Tradewinds underwent multiple renovations to add more rooms, modernize amenities, and include recreational facilities TouristSecrets. These updates kept it competitive in a changing market while preserving its charm.
Former Name
While the current name “Tradewinds” is well‑known, the motel also operated under a different name in its early years before adopting the Tradewinds branding TouristSecrets. The exact former name is not widely documented in public sources, but the change reflected a rebranding to align with the property’s identity and appeal.
Decline and Demolition
In April 2019, the original Tradewinds Motel had was demolished. The site is no longer in use as a motel, and the property’s history is now preserved through artifacts such as the original lobby sign, which has been sold as a piece of Jersey Shore heritage.
Legacy
The Tradewinds Motel’s story is part of Ocean City’s broader tourism history, illustrating how a once‑small, family‑friendly motel grew into a regional landmark before its eventual closure. Its legacy lives on in local memory, historical photos, and preserved memorabilia.
In summary:
Founded: 1950s, on 9th & Wesley St., Ocean City, NJ
Expanded: Late 1960s, mid‑century style, popular with families
Renovations: Multiple updates to rooms and amenities
Former name: Not widely published, but rebranded to Tradewinds
Demolished: Late 2010s; site no longer a motel
This history reflects both the rise and fall of a beloved Jersey Shore motel, and its place in the cultural fabric of Ocean City.
Sources: TouristSecrets, WorthPoint
