Ogunquit Lobster Pound, Best Lobster in Maine

The Ogunquit Lobster Pound was established by the Hamilton and Varney families in 1931. The location was chosen for its proximity to the tidal, saltwater Ogunquit River and US Route One, the main access road to the state of Maine. They ran the Pound for the next 10 years, and then closed down for two years during World War II. In 1944 William Hancock, a captain in the Maine State Police, decided to surprise his wife Hazel with a little present --- the Ogunquit Lobster Pound Restaurant!!!Ogunquit Lobster Pound circa 1950He had always loved the location and thought it would be a wonderful business to run. Hazel was not excited! She had never run a restaurant before and had very little experience working in them. In July of 1945 in the middle of their second season, William died unexpectedly, leaving Hazel with the formidable task of running the Pound by herself. With the help of her three sisters, Mina, Fanny, and Romy, she ran a successful business for the next 22 years.