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 #17 and part of lot #16 was sold by Florence M. Locke to Bertha S. Bradford, wife of Roy H. on Dec. 13, 1912. The Bradfords lived at 138 Main St. so this purchase was investment property. Andover Townsman - May 9, 1913 - Batters have been put up for Roy Bradford's new house which is to be built on Wolcott avenue." Bertha S. Bradford sold the portion of lot #16 to Dan Hilton on Apr. 2, 1913. Lot 16 was the corner lot on Wolcott and Walnut Ave. Dan Hilton then purchased Lot #17 on Apr. 29, 1915.
Edith E. Hilton is deeded the property on Apr. 9, 1919 and sells to Ralph E. & Grace F. Hadley on Apr. 9, 1919.

Ralph E. Hadley sells lot #17 to his wife's parents William E. & Nellie A. Bradbury on Sept. 9, 1919. Hadley built on lot 16 now 30 Wolcott Ave. The 1920 Andover Valuation Schedule lists William E. & Nellie A. Bradbury - Wolcott Ave, House (unfinished) $2000, 4400 sq. ft. land Lot 17 $600 = $2600. The 1920 Census also has the Bradburys listed at 28 Wolcott even if the house is yet complete.

William E. Bradbury was born in Dec. 1848 in Salmon Falls, Stratford Co., NH, son of James S. & Catherine H. Bradbury. William moved to Lawrence, became a Master mechanic and worked first for Russell Paper Co. in 1897 and later gives Champion International Co. in 1919. William married on Sept. 26, 1877 in Lawrence, MA to Nellie A. Chapman b. 1856 in New Market, NH, daughter of John H. & Sarah Chapman. William & Nieelie first lived with her parents in North Andover and later moved to Howard St. in Lawrence, MA. William & Nellie had two children of which only daughter Grace F. b. April 1884 in Lawrence, survived. Grace married Ralph Hadley on November 20, 1907.

William Bradbury died on Aug. 6, 1926 and widow Nellie A. Bradbury inherits the estate. Nellie A. Bradbury held the property until her death when her daughter Grace F. Hadley inherits. It appears that the home was used as rental property. Grace later sold to Glenn H. & Virginia A. Roundy on Aug. 25, 1947.