While I’ve lived in Rockport since the year 2000 and, having been born and raised elsewhere on the North Shore, had visited countless times before actually moving here…I don’t know much about the Blacksmith Shop Restaurant. Surely someone can educate me on the restaurant’s history and on why it is has been empty for so many years. I pass by it countless times per week and always think, “Such a great location.”
I know I ate there YEARS ago…and, more recently, I remember one quick meal when Thatcher (now almost 8) was an infant, but that’s it. If memory serves me, I can recall walking by several times during the past 6 years or so and seeing construction being done or repairs being made. I think it may have reopened briefly, but maybe not.
Regardless of my lack of knowledge, I can’t help but think it’d make a sweet place to eat!
Any bidders?
Good Morning Gloucester 
I wrote a book about growing up in the Blacksmith Shop Restaurant which was started h my great grandmother Melissa Collns in 1929 and then ran by my grandmother Melissa Smith till 1974. It is called “The Legacy of Three Melissas” by Melissa Smith Abbott ( that’s me) . It is available on Amazon. Toad Hall is out of it right now but I have an order in and will be available there is about 10 days. You will enjoy the history, recipes, and the stories in the book.
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Many years ago, a meringue swan, swimming in a sea of chocolate, was the perfect end to a perfect dinner. Men wore ties and jackets and women dressed up. It was the highlight of our vacation. Lovely memories.
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I’d be thrilled just over the moon if a German restaurant opened here!
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When I was young, maybe 10 or 11, 1960 61 (I think) my dad was a baker at the Blacksmith Shop. I would catch a bus in Riverdale and ride to Rockport to visit him. He baked in a kitchen up a flight of stairs. I remember looking out at the harbor. He made big molasses cookies called Joe Froggers. Maybe not froggers, but that is what it sounded like to me. He also baked Anadama bread there. I remember how it smelled. I would have a cookie snack and catch a lift with him home.
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Molasses cookie named Joe Froggers. Made by a freed slave named Joe who lived at the edge of a frog pond in Marblehead, in the 1800’s. Google the name and you will find recipies.
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I remember 2 black standard poodles sitting out in front like doormen . They seemed huge to me, but I was young so maybe they weren’t all that big.
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Wow great memories here… I was 5-6 then and everything was amazing and some memories are like 96 tears :-)! Thanks for sharing 🙂 Dave & Kim 🙂
Question Mark and the Mysterians – 96 Tears
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiQbtRYty1Q
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