What Is Site of the Toll House Inn?

This sign and plaque mark the “birthplace” of the chocolate chip cookie!

What Makes It Historical?

In 1930, Ruth and Kenneth Wakefield bought the historic Toll House Inn and turned it into a restaurant. It was a big risk during the Great Depression, but folks traveling between Boston and Cape Cod took a real liking to it, especially Ruth’s desserts, like lemon meringue pie and butterscotch cookies! Contrary to legend, Mrs. Wakefield intentionally put chocolate bits in her butterscotch cookies, having had the idea while returning home from a trip to Egypt. And though technically hers were not the first chocolate chip cookies, they were probably the most popular!

That’s because her first book, Ruth Wakefield’s Tried and True Recipes drew the attention of chocolate mega-company Nestlé, whose sales had skyrocketed because of her book. She sold them the rights to her recipe for $1 plus a lifetime supply of chocolate and a consulting deal with Nestlé. Today, though the Toll House burned down in 1984, the Toll House cookie persists with her original recipe printed on each bag of chocolate chips. On July 9, 1997, the chocolate chip cookie was declared the Official Cookie of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts!

How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?

• Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!

How Do I Get There?

370-382 Bedford St
Whitman, MA 02382
(Take Me There!)

When Should I Visit?

Whenever the mood strikes you!