That Evie Parsons first started her restaurant business in this location across from Sailor Stan’s, where she ran a chowder house before moving to the Rudder’s current location at 73 Rocky Neck in 1957? Like the GMG team, Evie was a salty character who told stories in pig latin, often stood on her head in the restaurant, and never censored what she said. When she passed, her daughters, Paula Parsons and Susan Baker took over running the business for a few years, and then 13 years ago, sold The Rudder to current proprietoress Attaya sisters, Jeannie Boyland and Ginger Attaya. The building where the Rudder now operates was orginally a fish packing establishment where the fish landed by boat and were salted and packed in barrels for shipment. The floor above was a sail loft until the early 19th century, when it was converted into artists’ studios which housed many of America’s famous painters. The Rudder serves only the freshest and best lobsters from Capt. Joe & Sons, as well as a host of fresh appetizers and entrees, prepared by Executive Chef, Chris Wheeler. Famous for extraordinarily fresh ingredients enhanced by inspired preparation, The Rudder has become known as one of the Boston areas finest restaurants — with a creative and affordable menu. Enjoy fine waterfront dining at the Rudder on Rocky Neck in the heart of America’s original seaport. You can find The Rudder, located at 73 Rocky Neck Ave., by looking for the monkey and iconic waiter stationed outside. This fellow was once stolen, but subsequently recovered and returned to his rightful place. Visit http://www.rudderrestaurant.com/ for detailed info about their hours of operation, to view their menu, learn about having a private party at The Rudder, arriving by boat for dinner, directions, reviews and more. The Rudder is a first-class restaurant, situated on one of the prettiest spots on Cape Ann, in the historic Rocky Neck Art Colony. I had the opportunity to eat at The Rudder recently (courtesy of Bob and Alma), and the food, service and ambiance were excellent. Whether you are visiting or live here, you need to treat yourself to dinner at The Rudder.
E.J. Lefavour
www.khanstudiointernational.com
Good Morning Gloucester 
Love the Rudder. Didn’t know about the original location. Who owns that old building now? It’s a shame it just sits idle.
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Apparently it has been purchased by someone, don’t know who, and they have started working on it; but it needs major work – unfortunatley a tear down and start over would probably be most feasible. If you look inside the place, it is a disaster.
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Hi. What a great write-up for The Rudder! And it’s great to know the history of it.
I think you are going to become the Phantom Gourmet of Gloucester! If you don’t have time, I’d love to apply for the job! (really)
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Wonderful article! But actually that top photo was not the original Rudder…it was next door and they moved in 1962 to the present location. In 1961 an episode of Route 66 “Once to Every Man” was shot there, the upstairs apartment was used as “Tod” & “Buzz” (Martin Milner & George Maharis) pad while they were in Gloucester.
Story line: Tod seems ready to finally settle down and tie the knot with the daughter of a Gloucester, Massachusetts shipyard owner. Much was shot at the Rocky Neck Marine Railway.
How do I know this? I was there…..Evie was my aunt!
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Hi Jay I have that episode on video. It was so cool to see how things were back then.
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I remember that they stayed at The Moorland… my Grandparents were caretakers there and I got to meet them. The Moorland was pretty amazing back in the day- before and after the fire. We loved Route 66!
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New owner has poured $$$$$ into the property and we understand the permit process is grueling not to
mention some A___s holding progress up! They would rather have an eyesore!
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Thanks for the clarification J. Another family member had given me the misinfo about the original chowder house location. Great additional info. So the Rudder must have started at that little chowder house location in 1957. I had assumed that since the sign at the current location (73 Rocky Neck) says “est. 1957” that it had been at that location since 1957. I don’t ever recall seeing Route 66 (probably because I was only 6 at the time), but that episode would be cool to see.
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I first saw the Rudder about 1962. Bob Parsons, husband of Evie at the time, hired our folk group The Loblolly’s to perform summer weekends on the back porch. The Loblolly’s worked summers there for 3 years. In December of 1965 we recorded an album in Boston, and it was titled The Loblolly’s at the Rudder. The album cover included a photo of the group standing on that elevated front porch of the Rudder.
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Yes I remember Mr withrow he was in the loblolly band Iwas good friend with his wife Kathy nurse .we worked @New England Baptist Hospital in the 60 ,s would love to find them again Margaret wortmann
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I remember the Loblolly’s, Toby, Don Stone and ? I tended bar for Evie Parsons there back in the day, back in the day…
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The old photo shows the house where artist Joan Kerry’s studio was. It looked very inviting when she had it, especially her flower gardens.
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Nice post EJ, and thanks to the commenters as well. In 1964 we lived nearby and sometimes dropped in during the late hours when Evie and her musician friends got really wound up. It was special, especially after hours when her pals from Boston sometimes showed up. Music from the Wizard of Oz is linked in my mind to the Rudder of those days.
A couple days ago I had a superb haddock sandwich there. At a very reasonable price to boot. I’ll be havin’ an encore tonight for my Fish on Friday fix.
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