Charles A. Nelson , A. M., Waltham, past, present and its industries, with an historical sketch of Watertown from its settlement in 1630 to the incorporation of Waltham, January 15, 1739.

Betwenn 1780 and 1790 John Boies first made use of the water power at the upper fall by erecting a paper mill, and soon after a dwelling house. In order to establish a legal right to the mill privilege, and to prevent other parties, who were preparing to build a dam above Newton Street, which would have overflowed and destroyed his water power, from carrying out their plans, he is said to have set up a grindstone to go by water, whereupon the others abandoned their project.

The site of the mill and its surroundings was so picturesque as to acquire the name of ‘Eden Vale,’ and attracted the attention of the publisher of the Massachusetts Magazine, the number of which for April, 1793, contained an engraving of the locality, (a copy of which we give,) with the following description:—

‘We have the pleasure to present our patrons with a south view of Mr. John Boyce's Paper Manufactory, combining a prospectus of his dwelling house, and outbuildings, together with a view of the meeting-house, the seats of Messieurs Townsend and Pacy, and Charles River. The situation is acknowledged to be one of the most elegant and delightful in the township of Waltham, and has deservedly acquired the name of Eden Vale. It is about ten miles from Boston, and one half-mile from the Great Road on the Plains.’¹

The property of John Boies was valued in 1798 at $4,550. It was afterwards purchased by the Boston Manufacturing Company, who erected their first Cotton Mill upon the site of the old paper mill.

East of Moody Street stood formerly an ancient house, the home of the Pierce family, taxed in 1798 as the property of Abraham Pierce, and occupied by his father before him. ‘The farm of this family included the premises of John Boies, and extended to those ’