20 minute read
See HALE
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As Harrison would later recall in the Ocean City Museum Society’s 1997 video documentary “Once Upon A Sand Dune,” the family was suddenly confronted with severe financial circumstances.
That battle to stay afloat exerted a toll on Mrs. Harrison’s health, leading Hale to leave school to run the business.
He righted that ship in quick order, and with his brother went on to build their company, beginning with their September 1970 purchase of what was then the Plimhimmon Hotel on the Boardwalk (renamed the Plim Plaza).
They acquired the property with a half-million-dollar, five-year loan from Calvin B. Taylor Bank. The local bank came through for the Harrisons after they were denied by 13 other instituions because Hale was just 22 and John was 21 at the time.
They built their first hotel, the Holiday Inn on 66th Street in 1980 and today, the Harrison Group, with its 19 properties, 16 of which are in Ocean City, is the largest private employer in Worcester County and Ocean City’s single largest property taxpayer.
But in addition to being a co-creator and owner of a major hotel/restaurant enterprise, Hale Harrison was deeply, if quietly, engaged in community and other business affairs.
He was an ardent supporter of Atlantic General Hospital from the beginning as a founding member of its board of trustees, and served as board chairman from 1998 to 2000.
Current hospital board chair Charlotte Cathell expressed the hospital organization’s sense of loss:
“A great void has been created by the loss of one of the early visionaries of Atlantic General Hospital,” she said on behalf of the board and Don Owrey, AGH President/CEO.
“Hale followed in his father’s footsteps, who in the mid-1940s started the movement to build a hospital in Worcester County, and in the latter ’80s and early ’90s worked along with a number of other community leaders and fought tirelessly to obtain the goal of a local hospital.
“In the early years, Hale was a behindthe-scenes guy who would quietly use his influence and contacts with numerous local and State of Maryland business leaders and government leaders to garner support for the building and continuing operation of the hospital.”
Harrison also was one of the quieter directors on the Taylor Bank board, according to Moore, who became a director in 1976, a year after Harrison’s selection, and sat next to him for the ensuing 46 years.
“He never said much,” Moore said, unlike himself who admitted to having quite a bit to say on most subjects.
“Now and then, I’d hand him a note, ‘What do you think?’” he would ask. “More often than not, it would come back saying simply, ‘No.’”
Moore said Harrison’s opinion was so valued that he generally stopped talking at that point.
Bank President Raymond M. Thompson agreed. "During his 47 years of service on our Board, Mr. Harrison was the bank's in-house expert on the Ocean City tourism industry. An outstanding business and civic leader, Mr. Harrison's sharp business acumen combined with his quiet way endeared him to all who knew him. We will miss his exceptional leadership as our Board Chair. He was extremely proud of our bank, and our bank employees."
Harrison also was proud of Ocean City Today’s accomplishments, despite the many times over the past 24 years that its coverage and editorial opinions either embarrassed or aggravated him.
Reflecting on that, he referred to it on more than one occasion as “the best worst investment I ever made.”
Despite many assertions to the contrary, Harrison maintained a hands-off policy with the paper after buying his shares in late 1993 for the sole purpose of protecting his friends, whose earlier investments were all but lost.
He also refused to buy a majority interest, in part because he wanted to establish some distance between himself and what the paper might say or do.
The paper’s most notable accomplishment in his mind, he once confided, was not what it said or did, but the number of jobs it created.
The reason so many people assumed Harrison involved himself in the paper’s coverage and opinion writing was because he was so embedded in community affairs, going back to his service on the City Council during the early 1980s and the notable events of that period in local government
As Mayor Rick Meehan said at the City Council meeting Monday night, “He served with Harry Kelly and he served during a very, very important time in our history and as Ocean City really started to grow and redevelop. And Hale was on the council when they made some very important decisions that impacted future generations, all of us, and continue to impact us.”
Perhaps the most consequential of these decisions was a palace coup of sorts in which Harrison and other since-departed council members — Granville Trimper, Guy Ayres, George Feehley, Lee Duggan, Thelma Conner and Bernard Deutch — stripped the town’s flamboyant and free-wheeling Mayor Harry Kelley of much of his authority and voted to institute the council/city manager form of government that remains in place today.
Prior to that locally momentous vote, the mayor ran Ocean City and, for all practical purposes, had sole possession of the city checkbook. But because of Kelley’s frequent impulsiveness and lack of accountability, the council had had enough.
Harrison also led the council’s push to establish legitimate oversight of the police department by creating the resort’s first police commission, and he encouraged the council to purchase what many people believed was a large piece of useless uptown property — it is now Northside Park.
Harrison did not run for re-election in 1982 but remained a major force in local politics throughout what only could be described as a politically turbulent and occasionally vicious time.
Following a particularly nasty episode that Harrison believed caused his family embarrassment, he filed suit against one of the antagonists.
When asked by a reporter why he was pursuing the litigation with such vigor, Harrison, who was intensely private about his personal life, revealed just how protective he was of those closest to him.
“Look,” he said. “You want to mess with me, that’s fine. I can take it. But if you mess with my family, I’m going to drop a nuclear bomb on your house.”
He also was fiercely loyal to his friends and, according to those who knew him well, exceptionally quiet about his generosity toward people, charities and causes that needed help.
Still, he was an inveterate teaser and mischief maker going back to his days with his childhood friend Geoff Robbins.
As Robbins recalled this week, the two of them would climb trees overlooking the yard at the jail in Berlin, and yell at the prisoners, “Hey! We’re springing you today!”
He could also take teasing, as undoubtedly happened as he grew older because of an incident that occurred at the time his brother was born.
Robbins, who was told the story by his father, Berlin’s doctor at the time, said his father was at the Harrison home helping to deliver John, when a great screaming and wailing came from Hale’s room.
They ran to see what was wrong and found that the family cat had crawled into Hale’s bed and was itself in the process of delivering four kittens. That story was repeated to him more than once.
The impact Harrison had on Ocean City overall, a local attorney observed Tuesday afternoon, would be impossible to quantify.
Susan Jones, executive director of the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association also said as much.
“The hospitality community is certainly in shock after learning of Hale’s sudden passing. Having been raised in a hospitality household, Hale was truly a forward thinker, an icon, setting the tone for Ocean City tourism. I remember how proud he was when we recognized his mother, Lois, as a “Steel Magnolia” as she truly was a Lady of Hospitality.
“Her Harrison Hall hotel was the first in Ocean City to have private bathrooms in every room; hospitality was certainly in his DNA. It is hard to imagine what Ocean City would be like without the drive, intelligence, and vision of Hale Harrison.”
But perhaps the only person who could truly sum up how strongly he believed in Ocean City and its people, his friends and foes included, was Hale Harrison himself.
In his final City Council session in October 1982, he addressed the room, according to meeting minutes kept in the Maryland Archives.
“This being my last public meeting, I would like to express the pleasure that has been mine and the honor to serve each and every one of my fellow citizens in this community,” he said.
“I'd also like to express my appreciation to every public official that I have served with and some that are not, of course, here with us tonight.
“And I would like the community and the Council and the City Manager to know that my time belongs to this community and if at any time in the future that I can be of help to this Council or community in any way, you all will have first claim on my time.
“I thank the people of the community for the confidence that they have shown in me and it is a richly rewarding experience to sit on this City Council and I very much appreciate the opportunity to serve you all. Thank you, very much.”
MOVE-IN READY!
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Updated two-bedroom, two bath Breakwater condominium located between 15th and 14th street in a quiet residential neighborhood. Separate large indoor secure storage locker to store your beach gear. Two assigned parking spaces, income potential for an investor or beach retreat for an owner. Enjoy the coastal life with a five-minute walk to the beach, a short distance to the Harbor Island Community of the
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12207 Coastal Hwy. Suite D • Ocean City, MD 21842 • 410-524-1203 NANCY REITHER-SMITH
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THE ESTATES OF INLET ISLE
Waterfront 6BR/5BA/2HBA custom estate w/deep water and room for a 42’ boat. Home features exceptional craftsmanship, astute attention to detail and extensive custom finishes. Close to the beach, restaurants, shopping, and the inlet. Professional kitchen w/high-end ss appliances, tile backsplash, quartz countertops, upgraded lighting, center island, and breakfast bar. Large dining area off the kitchen w/marina and sunset views. Spacious great room flows off kitchen w/cathedral ceilings and a fireplace. Off the family room is a stairway leading to the upper deck, the highest point in the house. Spacious main level primary BR/BA. Second level- 2 guest BR/BA overlooking the water, a secondary primary BR/BA, and a spacious 2nd family room w/a custom wet bar and multiple balconies. First level- 6th BR, a second kitchen and family or office space overlooking the water w/its own separate entrance. Glass sliders out to back yard and patio; custom fire pit, room for a pool, 2-car extra deep garage, elevator, multiple laundry locations, upgraded lighting and ceiling fans, custom tile work, maintenance free decking. Perfect location to watch the fireworks at the inlet and the boats/yachts in the inlet/marina. Home is in a small, gated community surrounded by multimillion dollar homes. Come take a look before it’s SOLD! MLS MDWO2010158 HERON HARBOUR
OPEN HOUSE • FRI, 10AM-12PM
305 S HERON GULL CT • OCEAN CITY $2,449,000
Stunning coastal custom recently renovated 6BR/6BA/2HBA waterfront estate. Property features exceptional craftsmanship. First-floor primary bedroom overlooks the water and has a luxurious master bath. Spacious kitchen features granite countertops, two sinks, high end appliances, and upgraded cabinets. Dining area is off the kitchen and overlooks the water. Family room is off the dining room and also overlooks the water. Family room has 22-foot ceilings and a gas fireplace making it the perfect place for y/r enjoyment. There is a sunroom or office area off the front of the house which could also be used as a separate dining room. On the third floor you will find a movie theater room w/kitchen. You will enjoy watching the boats go by and the breathtaking bay views and sunsets. Additional enhancements include upgraded lighting and flooring, 2- 75-gallon water heaters and 3 zone heating and air conditioning. Enjoy outdoor living w/extensive composite multi-level decks. There is a private pier w/a deep-water dock, 10,000 lb. boat lift, two jet ski lifts, a davit hoist and vinyl bulkhead. Home was professionally landscaped and has an irrigation system. This estate offers a fabulous open floor plan that maximizes spectacular views. A short distance to the beach, shops and restaurants. Boasting over 5200Sqft, this home is in the amenity rich community of Heron Harbour. The community amenities include an indoor heated pool, outdoor family pool, Olympic size lap pool, kiddie pool, fitness center, library, social room and two lighted clay tennis courts. This is more than a luxurious home, it's a wonderful lifestyle. MLS MDWO2008958
THE ESTATES OF INLET ISLE
NEW LISTING!
12980 INLET ISLE LANE • OCEAN CITY • $2,999,900
Waterfront 6BR/3BA custom estate w/marina, bay, canal views, sunrises, and sunsets. There is a deep-water slip that can accommodate a 42’ boat providing easy access to the ocean at the inlet. Built by JN Custom Homes, known for fine craftsmanship and attention to detail. Close to world class marinas, fishing, multiple golf courses, Assateague Island, the Ocean City Boardwalk, and many restaurants. Come take a look at this dream home that has stunning, unmatched architectural style and a wonderful waterfront location. Contracts are being accepted now, in time for you to personalize this home and select your finishes. Come take a look today before it's SOLD! MLS MDWO2010644 BERLIN
6226 KNOLL HILL DR BERLIN $995,000
This stunning 4BR/4BA home has OPEN WATER VIEWS and is in a wonderful neighborhood. A recently renovated Cape Cod w/a spacious backyard off South Point Road in Berlin, overlooks the water and Assateague Island. Home has open floor plan and an abundance of natural light. You will love the character of the hardwood floors, the upgraded baths and the lighting. There is an enormous composite deck in the back, 2-car garage, and storage area. 1.5 miles from Ocean City Golf Club, 1.5 miles from the Public Boat Ramp, 2.4 miles from Rum Point Golf Course, 6 miles from Assateague Island, 8.5 miles from Ocean City Airport, 9.4 miles from Sunset Marina and 10.5 miles from the Ocean City Boardwalk. Schedule your showing today and consider making this dream home yours! MLS MDWO2007874 SELBYVILLE
PRICE REDUCED!
35238 DOGWOOD DRIVE #25 • SELBYVILLE, DE $459,900
3BR/2.5BA townhome in the Refuge! Open floor plan; upgraded kitchen w/granite countertops, SS appliances, and a breakfast bar. There is a gas fireplace for y/r enjoyment. Off the family room there is a slider leading to a screened in patio. There is a flex room on the first floor. Main living area on the first floor has hardwood floors. First-floor primary bedroom is enhanced by a tray ceiling, walk-in closet, and oversized ensuite bathroom. Slider off the primary bedroom leads to a private rear patio. On the second floor there are two additional bedrooms and a large flex room. Condo fee covers exterior maintenance, lawn care & water usage. Neighborhood has a large swimming pool, tennis, gym, walking trails and boat launch. Close to shopping and restaurants and minutes from Freeman Stage and an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus golf course. 3 miles from Fenwick Island and Ocean City beaches! MLS DESU2026292
BAYSIDE PARROT BAY OCEAN CITY LAND COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL
424 LARK LANE E303 OCEAN CITY • $269,900
2BR/1BA condo located close to the boardwalk and is in great condition. You will fall in love w/the open floor plan. Family room is perfect for entertaining, and the large dining room is directly off the family room. The well-equipped kitchen flows off the dining room. The chef in your family will love the kitchen. Everyone will enjoy eating in as much as eating out! The condo has a W/D in the unit. The unit was also recently updated w/a mini split heating and AC system and new flooring throughout. Currently being used as an Airbnb and the rental income is amazing. Being sold furnished. Move-in ready. Close to restaurants, shops, Jolly Roger, the boardwalk, and beach. Complex has a large outdoor pool. Come take a look today before it's SOLD. MLS MDWO2008054
COMMERCIAL
34862 WEST LINE RD SELBYVILLE, DE • $2,099,000
Commercial Site in Prime Location hits the Market! 2.36 acres on the corner of RT 54 and W. Line Rd in Selbyville DE. This location is directly across from Yellowfins Restaurant and shopping center on heavily traveled Rt 54. The location is approximately 3-4 miles to the beaches of Ocean City & Fenwick Island. It has water and 8' sewer main that will supply a hotel, shopping center, office complex, medical center, professional center, etc. Lot is cleared. Buy it Now Before It's SOLD!!! Owner Financing is available. MLS DESU184528
406 N ST LOUIS AVE UNIT 21 OCEAN CITY • $169,900
Large 1BR/1BR condo! If you are looking for a place to get away or an invest rental property look no further. Sold turnkey fully furnished. Deck overlooks the large community pool. Great location at a great price. Don't miss this opportunity! Close to the beach, boardwalk, rides, entertainment, shops, and the restaurants. Currently rented but can be shown between rentals turn over days. MLS MDWO2009886
LAND
GEORGETOWN RD
BERLIN • $160,000
Build your dream house! If you are looking for some acreage look no further, this property is 3.016 acres. This property is just off Route 113 and close to Berlin, America's coolest small town. The property is conveniently located near Ocean City Beaches and Assateague Island. Survey has been done and soil samples are completed. No HOA to worry about let's start the process and get exactly what you want in a home. MLS MDWO2009248
205 5TH ST, UNIT 42 OCEAN CITY • $125,000
Cozy cottage condo w/1BR/1 BA. If you are looking for an investment property, vacation home or full-time starter home in Ocean City this may be the one! It has everything you need including a small kitchen to enjoy home cooked meals. Located on 5th street close to everything Ocean City has to offer. Enjoy the beach, boardwalk, rides, shopping, and restaurants. Come take a look today before it's sold. It can be shown between rentals. There is even an outdoor pool to enjoy. MLS MDWO2009880
0 S ROUTE 54 SELBYVILLE, DE $490,000
7.29 acres hits the market! Minutes from the beaches, shopping, and restaurants. This piece has a density of 16 lots. Both pieces are served by water and sewer in Selbyville. OWNER FINANCING IS AVAILABLE! Come take a look today before it's SOLD! MLS DESU2028756
LAND
1303 MCHENRY CT BERLIN $145,000
Why not build? There's nothing like building the house of your dreams! Large cul-de-sac (11,566 Sqft.) home site in the very desirable Colonial Village location in Ocean Pines. Close to the Yacht Club, Yacht club pool and marina and Mumford's Landing Pool, and located only a few miles from Ocean City’s famous beaches. Ocean Pines is an amenity rich community w/restaurants, shops, tennis, recreational facilities, golf, ball fields, pickleball courts, basketball court, playground, 12 parks, 6 trails, indoor and outdoor pools, 2 marinas, beachfront beach club at 49th Street in Ocean City, and the farmer's market. There is also police protection, fire protection and excellent management. MLS MDWO2008616 INVESTOR ALERT!!!
10863 CATHELL RD BERLIN $799,900
TWENTY-ONE acres, w/a farmhouse home, and detached garage. Located on Cathell Rd in Berlin MD minutes to the beaches and Ocean Pines. Property has unlimited potential and backs up to Rt 90. Property is eligible to be subdivided 4 times. Seller is looking for a quick sale of the property and has priced it to sell. Offered at $799,000 AS IS. Must be a cash sale. Come take a look today before it's SOLD! MLS MDWO2007208
Commercial land 3.94-acre prime location served by water and sewer from Selbyville. This land is across from the new development of Coastal Villages. 1,000 feet of road frontage. Also available for sale is Tax ID 533-17.00156.04 which has 7.29 acres for $490,000 (MLS- DESU2028756) this has a density of 16 lots. Both pieces are served by water and sewer in Selbyville. OWNER FINANCING IS AVAILABLE! Come take a look today before it's SOLD! MLS DESU2028754
13010 WORCESTER HWY BISHOPVILLE $370,000
Are you looking for that commercial piece with high visibility? Look no further this commercial tract is 14.33 acres on the corner of Route 113 and Route 610 across from Emings BBQ. This is your opportunity to establish a foothold in this increasingly desirable area on the Eastern Shore. The possibilities are endless! Come take a look today before it's SOLD! MLS MDWO113678
OCEAN CITY
105 120TH ST UNIT 98 OCEAN CITY $324,900
Prime 2BR/2BA 1st floor condo in Club Ocean Villa II w/lg gated courtyard patio. Close to the outdoor swimming pool and offers convenient access to the beach. You will fall in love w/the floor plan. Spacious family room leads to an upgraded kitchen w/high-quality cabinets, plenty of workspace, and multiple storage options. The two bedrooms are split, one on each side of the condo, offering optimal privacy. New HVAC (Summer 2022), carpeting (2021), sofa, and cabinets. Club Ocean Villas II offers indoor and outdoor pool, fitness center, and tennis/pickleball courts. Condo is well-maintained & sold fully furnished. Come take a look today at this perfect beach getaway. MLS MDWO2010400 LAND
36992 DUPONT BLVD SELBYVILLE, DE $2,615,000
Prime Location!!! If you are an investor, builder, or developer looking for the optimal location look no further! This choice commercial property has unlimited development potential w/prime frontage on Rt 113 and Rt 54 in Selbyville. These two parcels totaling 47.5 acres are being sold together and are w/in the town limits. Located 1 mile from the Maryland State line and 10 miles from Ocean City and Fenwick Island. Offered at $2,615,000. Come take a look before it's SOLD! MLS DESU185186
WORCESTER HWY BISHOPVILLE, MD $270,000
Prime 3.61 Acres Property hits the market! It's all out the location & visibility w/high traffic density. Conveniently located on Route 113 & Hamond Road. It is diagonally across from the former Emings BBQ. Owner financing is available w/acceptable contract. Come take a look today before it's SOLD! Possibilities are endless. MLS MDWO113680
OCEAN CITY
208 N HERON DR UNIT 208163 OCEAN CITY $249,900
Corner end unit 1BR/1BA condo is in Seascape in the community of Heron Harbour. Sold fully furnished. Open floor plan. Kitchen has been upgraded w/Corian countertops, new flooring and dishwasher. Oversize primary bedroom. Upgraded bathroom w/a new tub/shower combo. There is a W/D in the unit. You will love the large deck w/a peak of the water. Sellers have also replaced the hot water heater (2020), new glass slider, new window, and new flooring throughout. Heron Harbour is amenity rich w/two outdoor pools, an indoor pool, a kiddie pool, fitness center, social room, sauna, locker room, two tennis courts, sidewalks, and piers. Enjoy your boat, fishing, crabbing, kayaking, and paddle boarding all directly out your back door. Come take a look today before it's SOLD. MLS MDWO2010534
