The Henry Hotel: A Legacy of Strength, Service, and Community
At the corner of S. Division Street and Baltimore Avenue in downtown Ocean City, Maryland, The Henry Hotel has stood proudly since 1916. For more than a century, its walls have witnessed the evolution of a growing seaside town — and the powerful stories of the people who helped build it.
In 1926, Mr. Charles Henry and his wife Emma, an African American couple living in nearby Berlin, Maryland, purchased the building. At a time when opportunities were limited and barriers were high, their ownership was both significant and courageous. They created a property that catered to “the better class of resort employees” — the hardworking men and women who formed the backbone of Ocean City’s emerging hospitality industry.
These workers supported the island’s hotels, motels, restaurants, and amusements. They made vacations possible for countless visitors, even when they themselves faced limited access and recognition. The Henry Hotel became more than lodging; it became a place of dignity, rest, and community for those who kept Ocean City running.
Over the years, the property experienced periods of both challenge and change. But in 1956, a new chapter began when Mrs. Lyncia Pearl Bonner took over management. Under her leadership, The Henry developed a renewed sense of respectability and stability. She was known for her strong principles, business sense, and unwavering commitment to serving the workers who supported the island’s resort businesses.
Mrs. Bonner understood the importance of community. She ensured The Henry remained a welcoming and dependable place for Ocean City’s workforce. In 1973, she took an even greater step, purchasing the property for $15,500 and becoming its owner. Her dedication preserved not only the building, but the legacy it represented.
The Henry continued operating as a hotel until the late 1990s. Afterward, Mrs. Bonner occasionally welcomed friends and family into the former hotel — a testament to how deeply personal the space had become. Upon her passing in 2003, the property was passed down to her three daughters, continuing its story through generations.
Mrs. Bonner once said:
“I try to take care of all my business in a business-like way, and I do unto others as I’d have them do unto me at all times. That’s my motto.”
— Lyncia Pearl Bonner
Her words reflect the spirit that defined The Henry Hotel: integrity, service, resilience, and respect.
During Black History Month, we honor not only a historic building, but the people whose vision and perseverance gave it purpose. The Henry Hotel stands as a reminder that Ocean City’s history is richer and more complete because of the individuals who worked behind the scenes — building businesses, strengthening community, and leaving lasting legacies.
The Henry is more than a structure on a downtown corner. It is a story of entrepreneurship, leadership, and the quiet strength of those who helped shape Ocean City into the destination it is today.
And that legacy continues to inspire.
