33 Wolcott Avenue

Architectural Description: 

Colonial Revival Dutch Colonial style with gambrel roof and dormer. popular design from the 1920-1940s. Projecting rectangular bays flank the front entrance with a semi-circular roof hood over the entrance.

Historical Narrative: 

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 corner "lot #15 was sold by Florence M. Locke to William H. Simpson on June 28, 1923. Simpson purchased the last three lots 13,14,15 at this end of the Avenue on the west side. It appears that Simpson was the developer and he placed this lot in his name on May 14, 1924. He took a mortgage with the Andover Savings bank at this time. He was able to sell the other two properties. The Depression must have slowed business and the Bank took possession on Feb. 20, 1939. The property was then sold to Charles A. & Margaret D. Currier on June 30, 1939. Charles Currier was a Physician and had his practice at 98 Main St. in 1942.

Dr. Currier sold the home to Charles E. & Elizabeth C. Lewis on Apr. 10, 1952.

Bibliography/References: 

33 Wolcott – 38-204 - Lot 15 - 0.271 acre – 11,825 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
William H. Simpson – June 28, 1923 – b. 481 p. 511 – lots 13,14,15
William H. Simpson – May 14, 1924 – b. 500 p. 371 – mtg w/blds
Andover Savings Bank – Feb. 20, 1939 – b. 621 p. 69 – possession
Charles A. & Margaret D. Currier – June 30, 1939 – b. 623 p. 556
Charles E. & Elizabeth C. Lewis – Apr. 10, 1952 – b. 761 p. 380
Caryl C. & Eva S. Lewis – July 6, 1953 – b. 777 p. 522
Joseph L. & Constance A. Regan – June 9, 1955 – b. 815 p. 74
David & Frances J. S. Duncan, Jr. – Jan. 31, 1959 – b. 888 p. 46
Anne F. Carlstein, wife of R. G. Carlstein-Reyes – Mar. 28, 1973 – b. 1215 p. 97
Theresa E. Bickerton – Jan. 21, 1977 – b. 1303 p. 207
Wilma Hocket – Nov. 24, 1980 – b. 1470 p. 346
John E. & Clarie M. Goodwin – Jan. 20, 1983 – b. 1639 p. 339
Richard H. & Nancy D. Dube – July 10, 1987 – b. 2544 p. 24
James H. & Lucy J. Millington – July 9, 2007 – b. 10820 p. 27

Inventory Data:

StreetWolcott Av
PlaceAndover Center District
Historic DistrictNot Applicable
Historic NameWilliam H. Simpson House
Present Useresidence
Original Useresidence
Construction Date1923-1924
SourceERDS, NERDL, style,
Architectural StyleColonial Revival
Foundationstone & granite
Wall/TrimClapboard/wood
Roofasphalt/gambrel
Conditionexcellent
Acreage0.271 acre – 11,825 sq. ft.
Settingresidential
Map and parcel38-204
Recorded byW. Frontiero, James S. Batchelder
OrganizationAndover Preservation Commission
Date entered28 Feb 1980, 4/23/2018

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Map: