The Ogunquit Playhouse began as a summer theater, established by Broadway showman Walter Hartwig, on the town’s Main Street. The doors of the new playhouse, the location pictured here, opened on July 17, 1937—the first playhouse built specifically as a seasonal theatre. Hartwig’s wife Maude kept the theatre going throughout WWII, selling it in 1950 to John Lane, who worked to transform Summer Stock theatre and brought in distinguished actors to Ogunquit. As of 2022, the former summer theatre is internationally renowned, with a 26-week season, hosting regional and world premieres. The Playhouse is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

The caption reads, "Ogunquit Playhouse, Ogunquit, Maine."

The Tichnor Brothers printing company published this type of postcard circa 1938.