February 9

1961 – Some 300 skaters a day enjoyed Ocean City’s municipal rink at 6th Street. As the area was experiencing a bitter cold winter, the rink was in use 28 days so far that season. This was more use than the rink had seen in 20 years. The rink first opened in 1940 and wasn’t used a single day that year. It was only used two days in 1950. Most seasons, it was only used 8 to 10 days.

February 10

1941 – The Cape May County branch of the British War Relief Society was organized. Donations for civilians suffering the effects of the war could be dropped off at the society’s office on the second floor of the Title and Trust Company on Asbury Avenue.

February 11

1897 – After millions of clams washed ashore in Sea Isle City following a nor’easter, the Sentinel described both the clams and how to use them. “The clams range in size from a silver dollar to a man’s hand,” the Sentinel noted. “They make excellent food for chickens, and the cats and dogs on the island eat them ravenously. When cleansed of the sand they contain they make table food.”

February 12

1898 – Ocean City firefighters faced unexpected difficulties as they battled a blaze at Fifth and Asbury. A large barn containing horses, equipment and four tons of hay caught fire. To complicate matters further, the men couldn’t use their new chemical engine because horses had not been trained to pull the 5,000 pound engine. Fortunately, firefighters were able to free horses from the burning barn, but the barn and everything in it was lost. Firefighters were praised for preventing the fire from spreading to the surrounding wood-framed buildings. It was believed that part of town would have burned if it had been a windy night.

February 13

1896 – Following a devastating storm, the Sentinel noted, “While Ocean City escaped damage, a number of island seaside towns throughout the country suffered great loss both in life and property. Our town enjoys an immunity from these atmospheric disturbances which makes it a most desirable place to live along the coast.” Through the years, the Sentinel repeated this quite often.

February 14

1911 – Bankers from throughout the United States held a “secret conference” in Atlantic City to discuss the possibility of a central bank. At the end of the three day conference, they announced they had approved a plan by Senator Aldrich. Although the “Aldrich Plan” never became law, it eventually led to the establishment of the Federal Reserve System.

February 15

1894 – “Twenty years ago Dennis Fisher procured from a wreck a lot of large yellow apples,” The Sentinel reported the experience of a South Seaville man. “He planted a few seeds; from which grew very large trees, and for two winters past he has supplied the neighborhood with this fruit.” During the 19th century, winter shipwrecks often provided fruits and delicacies not available to local residents. When word got around that a ship was ashore on a nearby island, people would head to the wreck and enjoy whatever they could pilfer. Few people lived on the islands at the time.