27 Wolcott Avenue

Architectural Description: 

This home would be listed as a Colonial Revival home built from about 1905 - 1915 and is known as the "American Four-Square" The boxy form with hip roof above wide eaves and including one or two dormers, is derived from early prairie house designs of Frank Lloyd Wright. The Four Square has been adapted to many different forms from Classical style to minimal design elements. “Variations on a theme” to suit the owners taste and budget.

Historical Narrative: 

Wolcott Ave
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.

This parcel "lot #12 was sold by Florence M. Locke to David L. Coutts on Oct. 8, 1910. Coutts held the property for five years then Malcolm B. McTernan purchased on Apr. 25, 1915. The Andover Valuation Schedule lists Malcolm B. McTernan at 27 Wolcott Ave, House $3700, 8800 sq, ft land $900 and an additional 8800 sq, ft. of land lot #11 adjoining $700 = $$5300. Malcolm was a Dentist with a general practice. The 1920 census lists Malcolm age 35 b. 1885 in MA. Wife Helen b. 1889 age 30, and two sons Malcolm B. Jr. b. 1914 and Frances R. born 1917.
Malcolm bought a 5 ft. strip of lot #13 abbuting his property on the north on Oct. 30, 1923.

After Malcolm died his estate went to his widow Helen M. McTernan. She remained a few years then sold to Vincent P. & Helen R. Davey on Sept. 4, 1964.

Bibliography/References: 

27 Wolcott – 38-201- Lot 12 - 0.202 acre – 8800 sq. ft.
Essex County Registry Deeds, Salem, MA
Essex Northern Registry Deeds, Lawrence, MA
See plans #96 - Sam. B. Locke Estate - Mar. 25, 1902

Samuel B. Locke - Nov. 1, 1861 - b. 629 leaf 251
Charles O. Cummings - Nov. 16, 1871 - b. 12 p. 282
Anne H. Locke, wife of Samuel B. - Apr. 12, 1876 - b. 40 p. 37
Florence M. Locke, Trustee - June 2, 1909 - b. 274 p. 489
David L. Coutts – Oct. 8, 1910 – b. 322 p. 368
Malcolm B. McTernan – Apr. 25, 1915 – b. 352 p. 62 -
Malcolm B. McTernan – Oct. 30, 1923 – b. 490 p. 476 – 5 ft. strip of lot #13
Malcolm B. Helen M. McTernan – June 11, 1949 – b. 727 p. 11
Malcolm B. McTernan estate, heir Helen M.
Vincent P. & Helen R. Davey – Sept. 4, 1964 – b. 1017 p. 383
Paul & Patricia A. Burrow – May 27, 1965 – b. 1034 p. 306
William F. Becker & Carole S. Chen (Becker) – Oct. 17, 1977 – b. 1325 p. 511
Richard & Valli Swerdlow – Nov. 9, 1979 – b. 1407 p. 307
Robin D. & Martin F. Murphey – July 1, 1996 – b. 4542 p. 45
Joseph A. & Mary Ellen Sarno – Oct. 21, 2011 – b. 12662 p. 224
Erik J. & Lisa G. Perkins – Nov. 28, 2016 – b. 14899 p. 127

Inventory Data:

StreetWolcott Av
PlaceAndover Center District
Historic DistrictNot Applicable
Historic NameMalcolm & Helen McTernan House
Present Useresidence
Original Useresidence
Construction Date1915-1920
SourceERDS, NERDL, style,
Architectural StyleColonial Revival
Foundationstone/granite
Wall/TrimClapboard/wood
Roofasphalt/hip
Conditionexcellent
Acreage0.202 acre – 8800 sq. ft.
Settingresidential
Map and parcel38-201
Recorded byW. Frontiero, James S. Batchelder
OrganizationAndover Preservation Commission
Date entered28 Feb 1980, 4/23/2018

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Map: