Wolcott Avenue was laid out in March 1902 by engineer John E. Smith Map #96. It is said to have been named for Governor Roger Wolcott former Lt. Governor 1893-1897 and then Gov. from 1897-1900. The street had 29 house lots and was a portion of the 25 acre Samuel B. Locke estate at 70 Elm St. The farm extended down to Maple Ave and was bounded by Walnut and Elm Streets. Anne H. Locke, wife of Samuel B., held the deed on Apr. 12, 1876. Anne sold off some of the first lots on the Ave before naming her daughter Florence M. Locke her Trustee on June 2, 1909. Florence then had charge of selling the remaining house lots. Annie and Florence had life tenancy in the Locke homestead at 70 Elm St.

All the deeds came with restrictions. Only one home per lot, either single or a two family. The home had to cost at least $3000 above the foundation. The cost was later raised to $3500. A set back of 30’ from the street and all garages in the rear of the property. By the 1920’s they restricted one story bungalows.
Wolcott Ave has a diverse mix of styles including modified Queen Anne, Shingle style craftsman, Bungalow craftsman, Four Square, Colonial Revival and Dutch Colonial homes.

Anne H. Locke sold this parcel "lot #22 to Jessie M. May, wife of James S. May on Aug. 2, 1905. The 1906 map of Wolcott Ave shows the J. S. May name on this parcel but no house. The 1910 Census lists James May age 38, b. 1872 in Massachusetts, son of Scottish parents.His occupation is House Painter. James married in 1905 to Jessie M. age 32 b. 1878 in Ohio. Her mother Sarah E. Keiser age 74 b. 1836 in NH, a widow lives with her daughter and son-in-law.

In 1922 James & Jessie purchased a portion of lot 23 to the south of there home and increased the size of the lot. Their driveway and garage occupy that portion. The 1920 Valuation lists Mrs. Jessie M. May 18 Wolcott; House $3000, shed $50, garage $50, 8800 sq. ft land 18 Wolcott $900. 4125 sq. ft of land Wolcott Ave $400. = $4400 valuation.
The deeds reveal that the Mays moved to Colorado and sold the home to Josephine F. Battles, wife of Joseph on May 4, 1920. They owned two years then sold to Carl H. & Flora Dresher on June 26, 1922. Carl H. Dresher died and the deed went to his widow Flora I. Dresher and their daughter Marguerite R. Collins on May 16, 1927.

The property deed was transferred to Marguerite R. Collins on Jan. 3, 1934 as legatee of her mother's estate and will.

Andrew Collins held the property on June 29, 1943. The 1943 Directory lists Andrew as a Manager of American Woolen Co. mill in Lawrence. His wife is Hilda. Andrew Collins died in 1960 and widow Hilda Collins was Executrix of his estate on Aug. 22, 1960. Hilda then sold the property to John F. Brown on Aug. 22, 1960.