 In 1738 Nathaniel Kellogg was granted water rights to establish a grist mill on the Mill River's "great falls"; in 1746 he added a lumber mill further downstream.By the late 18th century there were at least six mills of various types operating on the river, and there were clusters of mill-related worker housing nearby.The oldest surviving house was built sometime before 1759, and now stands at 24 Leverett Road.