“Ocean City is truly the ideal Family Resort, and
JERNEE MANOR
is truly the ideal Family Guest House”
“A Nautical Atmosphere”
(from an early promotional piece for Jernee Manor)
jernee manor - its history
Life Saving Station
Life Saving Station
Life Saving Station
It was originally constructed in 1886 as the Peck’s Beach Life Saving Station No. 127.
Coast Guard Station
Life Saving Station
Life Saving Station
In 1915 it was made into a
U. S. Coast Guard Station.
During World War I, 40 men were stationed there
and during World War II, over 80 men were stationed there.
Ocean City Academy
Life Saving Station
Ocean City Academy
In 1946 Capt. Jernee purchased this property and formed the Ocean City Naval Academy, a camp for young men. (see The Ocean City Academy section)
Jernee manor
Jernee Manor is Born
Capt. Jernee’s camp had to be disbanded in 1951 when his son Jack, Jr. was recalled back into the Navy for the Korean War. Capt. Jernee realized that he could not effectively run the school without his son’s help. So, the Ocean City Academy ended, and the Jernee Manor was born
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Jernee Manor
Nautical Atmosphere
The entire property including the guest house had a nautical atmosphere. There were flagpoles with Navy signal flags flying. The outside of Jernee Manor and other fixtures were always painted red, white and blue. Paintings of sailors and ships were posted throughout the property.
On the right is the men's shower and changing room
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jernee manor
Day Trippers Paradise
Immediately in front of Jernee Manor between the beach and the guesthouse, Capt. Jernee installed a parking lot and separate shower houses and changing rooms for both men and women.
Both the guesthouse and the facilities for those visiting for the day were very popular. During the summer, the guesthouse was usually always booked and the front parking lot full of day guests.
The Tower
The tower had a 360° view from where one could see the ocean to the east and the bay to the west.
The tower was equipped with a set of bunk beds and a favorite hideout for the grandchildren.
Jernee manor
Capt. Jernee’s goal was to cater to the families. He had picnic tables, and a concession stand where folks could rent an umbrella and chairs for the day and rent a raft to play in the ocean.
He always wanted to give people a good time. Whatever it took for a family from Pennsylvania to come to the shore, spend the day and go home happy, that is what he thought you should do.
Jernee manor
Naval Museum
Inside Jernee Manor one would think he had entered a Naval Museum.
In the entrance way was a clock which had been made from a porthole retrieved from the Battleship U. S. S. Maine.
In the vestibule there was a “knot board”, a display of various knots used aboard ship.
There were photographs of family members that had served in World War II, both Army and Navy.
There were lamps made from ship’s running lights and figurines of old salts wearing sou’westers.
In the living room was a coffee table made from the helm (steering wheel) of the “Sindia” which sat on a beautiful wooden pedestal wrapped with rope.
There was a large model square rigged ship which sat in the opening between the dining room and the living room.
There were clocks that rang eight bells. And the list goes on.
Jernee manor
Main Deck
In taking the former Coast Guard Station and boys camp and making it into a guest home the main deck (1st floor) was converted into an entrance way and vestibule, living room, dining room and kitchen and bedroom. This is where Capt. Jernee and his wife, Pearl lived.
Apts. A and B
The former Boat house and open dorm for the boys camp was converted into Apt A and B.
Jernee manor
Second Deck
On the second deck (floor) what had been the crew's quarters was converted into four separate guest rooms. They all shared a bathroom at the end of the passageway (hall). The "Captains Quarters" was the largest guest room.
Mrs. Jernee's sister, Ella, lived at Jernee Manor in the summer so "Aunt Ella" had her own room on the 2nd floor.
The Rigging Locker
Above the former boathouse was a space called the “Rigging Locker”, a space where spare parts and rigging were kept for the boats below. This space was converted into an open berthing area where visiting family would stay during the summer.
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Family Memories
For Capt. Jernee’s grandchildren, Jernee Manor was a child’s dream. Sleeping either in the tower or the “rigging” locker was always a thrill.
During the summer, the grandchildren would help operate the concession on the beach and help their grandmother with the guesthouse.
It was always exciting to visit on holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter and share Jernee Manor with aunts and uncles and cousins. As one can imagine there are many stories to be shared (see “Stories” section).