With all the mystery and unknown floating around the fate of the tool factory, I thought I would go take a look…from the sky of course. Officially, it’s the Cape Anne Tool Company. I imagined that most people don’t really know what the entire property looks like, or it’s scope. Within seconds I quickly realized the scale of the place. My mind raced about what could be. You can just imagine all of the possibilities that could be created there, besides a massive residence or condos. I could see a stunning waterside park and recreational space, or perhaps preserving it’s rich fishing history of pigeon cove would be perfect! I hope you enjoy!
(DJI Phantom2, HD-3D gimbal, Gopro4 Black…all footage in real time speed)
Good Morning Gloucester 
do you live near here ? those of us that own property near this monstrosity nee it GONE . private housing is good in my opinion . if YOU don’t live here or own here … butt out !
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Hey angry Anonymous, thanks for engaging. Enjoy art much? This is a short film, it’s an artist creation about the world around me. And yes, I live here. I would only assume that every single person that drives past it wants it, or “nee” it gone, as well as every tax payer, home owner, tourist, and lobster. All of that rage has been well understood for well over 30 years. Before you fit of rage to insist that I “butt out” overwhelmed you, perhaps you should have realized that my film’s intention is to shine light on the fact that it is if fact a “monstrosity” that needs to be fixed. Ya see, that’s the purpose of art. It engages folks to think, talk and take action. I guess your action for change was to attack the messanger at this time. Perhaps I should take down my film about this intense subject? God forbid if my artistic impression should bring about awareness, cause change, or start a conversation. Maybe I should just “butt out” and let you, and the other local property owners handle it? That’s been going well.
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Well said, Craig. Thanks for focusing more attention on the the state of the Tool Company property. I’m an artist too and come from Cape Ann though I don’t live there now, I have long been concerned about the future of the site. Thanks again for shining more light on that subject.
Bill Hubbard
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Craig, although I’m not from the Cape Ann area, we love visiting the area each year on vacation. Is this tool company on the road to Halibut Point state park? Loved the video and music with it. Do you know the name of the music? Thanks.
Jim R.
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If it’s a park that you all want, or something that benefits the entire community, then the Town of Rockport needs to buy it at today’s price from the current owner, Michael Rauseo who has been in litigation with the town, the state and abbutters ever since he bought the property years ago. I think his proposed plan for condos is right for the spot. I lived just up the hill for 42 years and got really tired of looking at it. Michael Rauseo has tried to imagine a better private use of his private land. If people want it for the townspeople then their gripe should be with the town, not Rauseo.
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I cant wait till they build on that area! awesome! the people that live behind it will live a new and exciting place! If you live near there think of all the new people that you get to meet and all the exciting ideas they will bring with them! wow you are lucky to live next this propriety; enjoy!
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Very cool, especially liked the board marked “HOLE” covering the a hole! But what was the music?
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I’ll have to track that track down, I can’t remember!
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Love these drone videos. I had not idea how huge this is. I can understand why neighbors might want this gone. Craig, love the music and how did you resist the urge to swoop down through some of the broken windows or open grates to see inside. You are a gifted aerial videographer! Thank you, Robert
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Hey thanks Rob! I was going to film more, but the rains came and shut me down. Stay tuned for that. And thank you so much for the kind words about the photography, very appreciated indeed!
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+1 ~ and thanks
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Thank you, it was a very different view. It is a lovely space and sharing it in some natural manner would (in my opinion) enhance Rockport and Cape Ann.
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Loved the video, Craig. I live just down the street and only get the street view when I walk by. The beautiful music and slow-mo fly over really emphasized the haunting nature of this long abandoned structure. Thanks for transforming suburban blight into art!
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Thanks Leslie! And it’s actually real time flying, just flying very slow!
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Like Leslie, I also live just up the street from the Cape Ann Tool Company. My understanding is that the concrete and brick part of the complex, which includes the company name carved in relief, will remain (that’s why the new windows with black frames have been installed), and everything else will be torn down and removed. The retail space(s) will be in the concrete part, and there are rumors of a restaurant going in. Also, about 12 single family homes will be built on the property. Some public access to the water is part of the permit, and I’ll believe that when I see it. I’d love for a GDT, Rockport, or State opinion on what’s going on here. By the way, the opposite side of Pigeon Cove Harbor is owned by the town, and perhaps we should have also bought the “Tool.”. I’ve caught some nice fish (stripers) from the rocky end of the breakwater. As an optimist, I look forward to a successful development. From experience, required permits or not, there could be another battle for Pigeon Cove. I hope not.
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Let’s hope that get popping this year Fred!! Ooops, King Fred!
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Great Video Craig , keep up the great work
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I’ve crawled around inside the buildings and have some nice shots (IMO) showing the dilapidated condition, shadows of what it once was.. Your video is outstanding as always!
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Awesome video Craig! I crawled through the space prior to 2008 and thought it was huge but your video really shows the immensity of the property.
I cannot wait to walk over and have a bowl of haddock chowder in the restaurant overlooking the harbor or buying some bagels at the store underneath the Cape Ann Tool sign.
Where is my duck? 🙂 I’ll be in Dock Square, Rockport at 4PM. Cough her up.
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Not so fast! She’s traveling south…or something. Not sure…
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Knew so many men that worked their years ago. You could hear the noise from that building miles away. My brother, Brian Doyle, purchased this building a while back. Had a garage their and kept his town trolly there. He had to sell because of health reasons. Although we don’t live in Rockport anymore, I
would love to see a nice restaurant on that beautiful piece of property.
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Very cool…Thanks Craig
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My dad actually worked there
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What a fascinating, thoughtful and intelligent piece of work. THANK YOU!
PS I live on Pigeon Hill
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I remember the tool factory during WW2. It was so hot you could feel the heat from an open car window while driving by. I am sure the men who worked there became stone deaf in their first few days on the job. They were REAL unsung heros of the war time and after. There should be some kind of a memorial for their skills and hard lives.
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I remember as a little kid, the sparks flying around and men working in there when we’d drive by.
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Craig,
Thank you for sharing your very enjoyable video, skillful arraignment and astute editing. This piece is a much-appreciated work of art that will be enjoyed for the generations that follow any redevelopment of the area. Please continue your work before other local icons are forever replaced.
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And thank you Ed! I’m working on a few new spots this month, so stay tuned!
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Many thanks again for a great drone video.
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Hi Craig. Excellent video. Beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder. You demonstrate that with your video. Thank you. John
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I remember this Tool Company when it was operating. It was so cool seeing the furnaces” bright orange glow from the street. Your video really captured the scope and sizeof the property in a beautiful and artistic way. Thanks for the great work.
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