Visitors to this site will know better. The location is the birthplace of the chocolate chip cookie - known as the Toll House cookie in some circles.
The building was constructed in 1930, and yes, it was on a toll road between Boston and New Bedford. It established a good reputation in no time, attracting everyone from John Kennedy to Bette Davis.
Co-owner Ruth Wakefield liked to bake cookies for the place, but she ran out of nuts one day. Therefore, she substituted pieces of chocolate. That was supposed to melt and be part of the cookie, but it held its shape and became soft and tasty after baking. The chocolate cookie quickly became a regional favorite.
It did wonders for Nestle's chocolate sales, too. Eventually, the Wakefields and the company worked out a deal. Nestle sent Ruth all the chocolate she needed for life, while Nestle printed the recipe on its package. It worked out well for both sides.
Sadly, the Toll House itself burned down on New Year's Eve, 1984. It wasn't rebuilt, so this plaque will have to do as a reminder of the place.
On a personal note, my parents had their wedding reception here in 1950. It's funny to think of such a place as a landmark, but that certainly is the case.
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