Every now and then, a story comes along worth sharing. A story that has been decades in the making.
A story about a tree.
A Quiet Witness to History
Since Rocklands first opened its doors on Wisconsin Avenue on December 1, 1990, this Black Walnut Tree has quietly watched over us all.
Through the years, it’s been more than just a tree, it’s been a cool refuge on sweltering summer days, a spot to rest and catch your breath, and a constant, quiet source of beauty. For decades, its branches have shaded our laughter and our conversations, making every visit to the store feel just a little more like home.
The Turning Point
However, back in September 2022, the tree had started to die and a tree surgeon was called in. It was becoming a liability for the surrounding houses and buildings.
A Vision for a Second Life
But that’s not the whole story. If you know John Snedden, you know he has a knack for spotting potential where most people just see scrap. He wasn’t about to let that tree become mulch. Instead, he had it shipped off to a sawmill in Woodbine, Maryland run by Cecil Smith, determined to give it a second life.
The wood from that old Black Walnut will eventually be crafted into all sorts of beautiful things, but perhaps the most meaningful: the newest addition to the Arlington Store. A live edge bar, cut from the same tree that once shaded the back of the DC Store.
Rooted in the Past, Ready for the Future
The Arlington Store had a classic good problem; the bar was always packed, and they needed more space.
The answer turned out to be rooted in the past, a piece of the old Black Walnut, now polished and gleaming, ready to hold new stories and memories. What once stood quietly behind the DC Store now has pride of place in Arlington, still part of the family, still at the heart of things.
The Journey Continues
Stop by the Arlington store to experience this piece of our history in person. The Black Walnut is back where it belongs, at the heart of the restaurant, ready to be part of your next visit. We can’t wait to see you!
