71 Lowell Street

Architectural Description: 

NRIND NRMRA
This wonderful Queen Anne style cottage sits high above the road, almost hidden from view but still delights the eye of the viewer. The 1 ½ story house combines all the elements of the period in the architectural details. An asymmetrical form with patterned shingles in the gables combine with clapboard siding. An oriel window and a triangular dormer in the steep sloping roof break up the mass. Turned posts and balustrades of the front porch all add to the visual texture as does the period color treatment.

Historical Narrative: 

Known as the “Richard Ward’ house it was built in 1885 by Ward on land purchased from John Cornell. Richard Ward was the son of Anthony and Sarah Ward who lived across the road in the ancient farmhouse at 88 Lowell Street purchased in 1879. His brother George lived next door at #78.

Richard was a milkman and ran a dairy in Lawrence until retiring 1905. He married Mary E. Abbott and the couple had three children, Dora A., Mildred G. and Paul. The two daughters would be given the property in 1939 as two separate parcels that had been laid out for a future development. Mildred and husband Leverett Putnam lived here at #71 as did their daughter Mary Putnam. Dora lived next door at #65. The property left the family in 1973 when sold to Richard & Carol Swift. Dick Swift is remembered as a wonderful Physical Education teacher, coach and later as the Athletic Director for the Andover Public Schools. In 1981 the property was sold to Charles A. Parrott III, an architect & Jean M. Farrell who has loving restored this home.Putnam, Leverett N. ,Mary, Mildred.

Bibliography/References: 

John Cornell – two parcels of land north of Lowell St.
Richard Ward – Feb. 20, 1885 – two parcels 18 acres – bk. 80 pg. 19 $525.
Mildred G. Putnam – June 2, 1939 – bk. 623 pg. 501 #71
Dora A. Ward – June 2, 1939 – one parcel with buildings #65 – bk. 623 pg. 502
Mary Putnam – 1967 - bk. 1234 pg. 36
Richard & Carol Swift – 1973 bk. pg.
Charles A. Parrott III & Jean M. Farrell – 1981 – bk. pg.

Inventory Data:

StreetLowell St
PlaceWest Parish - West Andover
Historic DistrictIndividual National Register Listing
Historic NameWard, Richard A. House
Present Useresidence
Original Useresidence
Construction Date1883
SourceAndover Bldg. Survey
Architectural StyleQueen Anne
Architect/BuilderRichard Ward
Foundationstone & granite
Wall/Trimclapboards, shingle
Roofasphalt
Major AlterationsPreservation Award 2009
Conditionexcellent
Acreageless than one acre
Settingresidential
Map and parcel70-40
MHC NumberANV.296
Recorded byStack/Mofford, James Batchelder
OrganizationAndover Preservation Commission
Date entered1975-77,02/21/2006, 12/21013

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