Robin Doak: Icy situation photo: Ziggy Rubin

The Clark Bell Foundry, located at 5010 St-Patrick on the south bank of the Lachine Canal, is one of the last of the factories built in the city's west-end industrial heartland during the glory days of the 19th century. Locations along the canal were considered to be a prime spot for the city's factories because they could use the canal's water to power the water wheels used to run their various machine tools.

Early in 2001, when the building was put up for sale, local businessmen Robin and John Doak immediately offered to buy it. Upon inspection, Robin, who is also an amateur historian, found the sealed off room in the building's basement where he also discovered the building's original water wheel.

"It's fantastic," he said. "The water wheel and all the other equipment they used was still there just as they had left it when they bricked up the room."

Doak explained how back in the 1800s, when there was no electricity to run the lathes, milling machines and other equipment required for heavy industrial work, factories used gravity, running water wheels and line shafts to operate their machines. Built below the canal locks near the Gadbois Bridge, the Clark Bell foundry used canal water flowing through a speedway that led from the canal locks above the foundry through to the water wheel in its basement and out into the canal below. When the brothers saw the old waterworks, they decided to purchase the building because it could be easily restored and turned into a perfect site for their museum.

Officials at Parks Canada believe in the project and have given the brothers their full support.

"After a lifetime spent buying old machines all over the nation, it's high time we gave something back," said John. "It's also a good way to show people that there's more to Montreal's history than casinos, bars and having a good time. We've got to save the industrial heritage of the Lachine Canal because it's a large part of our national heritage."

After building owner Eliau Dagan refused the brothers' initial offer of $365,000, he later called them back in a panic and told them that the banks were going to foreclose on the mortgage that they held against his building.

"They weren't just going to foreclose," said Robin. "They had foreclosed...."

The Doaks seized the opportunity, settling over $130,000 of Dagan's debts on condition that their money become a first mortgage against the building. They also agreed that Dagan would grant them an option to buy the building for the balance of the agreed selling price within 18 months' time after the loan. Eighteen months later, though, with two days to go before the option's due date, the brothers served notice that they intended to buy the building. Dagan refused to sign the documents and, three years later, he still refuses to go through with the sale.

"It will take more than a million to buy that property," said Dagan. "I won't take anything less. "

Judicial stalling tactics, time and the weather are taking their toll on the building. After three years and a fierce ongoing legal battle, the brothers still do not own the building they paid for.

"Dagan refuses to do any kind of maintenance on the building," alleges Doak. "We paid his taxes, it's probably not insured, the furnace is ruined and now the building is falling apart." Some of the factory's original windows have recently been smashed and, as of last winter, the furnace room was last seen engulfed in nearly three feet of ice. Over 30 dogs occupy the building's first floor because the tenant isn't allowed to keep all his animals at home. Doak said that the tenant told him that he considers the pack of dogs "to be his family."

During a telephone interview, Dagan predicted that the Doak brothers "would soon be in a lot of trouble with the city."

Three days later, after a 45-gallon drum of used motor oil was overturned in the backyard of another one of their properties, the Doaks were visited by police, the fire department and other city officials, one of whom mentioned they had received a number of anonymous "complaint" letters denouncing them (the Doaks) for numerous infractions - including toxic waste.

 
 

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Why is it always one or the other?     why is it, that when an old building like this one is discovered to be a site of histrorical importance, does it always inevitably face only one of two options. One is being considered less than paramount in importance and, then it becomes leveled to make way for newer and better buildings, or the other option is histroical preservation, being turned into a museum or somehting to that effect. I have an alternative option, why not preserve the histroical aspect of the building.. in this case the waterwheel and the old tools it was found with, and incorporate it into a newer development. Make it a marriage between old and new. Fix up the rest of the structure in order to render it safe for residential or commercial use, but with a special section reserved for the historical preservation of the waterwheel, in memory of an older way of life.There is a saying, you can not know where you are going without knowing where you came from...why can that ideology not apply to architecture.? Why can we not build around the old, rather than rip it down, forgetting the importance it once held for the people who depended on it. sure it might cost more $$, but what the hell are we paying taxes for anyway.. Hell, come to think of it.. it should be the developer who should pay the bill, make it a law! If they want the prime land they must respect what used to be there.. We need more social and historical responsability in our civic realm..
Shant Noubarian	{81 votes}	August 4th, 2005
Blind justice     It's curious how the Doaks are being railroaded by our judiciary system and Mr. Dagan's hidden agenda. There should be an investigation into why the Doaks are still having a problem legally securing the Bell foundary after they have paid up its accurred debt and property taxes. What exactly is the problem? Why is Mr. Dagan still allowed to legally hold onto the building despite his lack of adherence to its basic maintenance which has led to its subsequent neglect? All of these questions and much more could all be cleared up with a public inquiry. The taxpaying public has a right to decide what they want done with their cultural heritage. Yes folks, the descendants of the founding peoples of this nation are still here...although largely ignored and often underrepresented. We are more than the fleur de lys, the rose, the thistle and the shammrock...all of which are on the four corners of the city's flag. We don't mind you joining in on our Fete-Nationale and St-Patrick's-day parades; we choose to ignore you when you snicker at our highland men swaggering down that parade route in their kilts...we also choose to ignore you when you tinker with our founding languages to fit some cheesy marketing poster. But we should never tolerate your attempts at smothering our presence with your disrespectful ignorance of our cultural history; the same heritage that has afforded you all the creature comforts that you enjoy today. We should petition city hall for more transparency in the representation and treatment of heritage sights. The birth of a sacred cow is needed. Obviously Heritage Montreal must be asleep at the wheel. How much does it take to doze off these days, anyway? Talk about turning a blind eye! Hey HM, try to remember how inept you are before your next fundraising campaign. Maybe, we should start at the beginning...and then there was light...or enlightment. Let's teach Montreal-area school children the history/respect of our city from Grade one...
Heather Lee	{53 votes}	August 4th, 2005
Parks Canada should be more active in preserving Canal Heritage     If it has been recognized that this building's basement still has a water wheel, and there are no others along the Canal, Parks Canada should be helping to preserve something like this before it gets ruined over a continuing real estate feud. Residential developers have destroyed many other unique historical features along the canal while ironically using the heritage and historical significance of their gutted industrial buildings as a selling point for Condos which have no tangible connection to Heritage. The Doaks are obviously interested in preserving a real part of our industrial legacy and have so far gotten no help from agencies such as Parks Canada and Heritage Montreal in their struggle for preservation. Its about time they do.
Giovanni Paquin	{17 votes}	August 4th, 2005
Current Status?     Its been 5 years has there been any progress in this sordid tale? I would be interested in learning more about the history of Clark Bell Foundry. Today I purchased a small paper weight, a bronze anvil with "C.O. Clark & Bro EST 1858" on the one side and "Bronze Bushings Castings" on the other. Googling only brings this particular page so I'm guessing this bronze anvil was an advertising piece for Clark Bell Foundry.
Aurora Clarke		May 8th, 2010
Bravo for the Machine Museum     I am surprised if after diffucult legal battles, the property buyers will have any stamina (or finances) left to build their museum. This sounds like a project that badly needs some government grants, specially as it is made for visitors. Logically Parks Canada and the Ville de Montréal should join the Doaks project in one of those public-private partnerships they talk about. If it will become anything like the Upper Canada Village in Ontario, then visitors will not only be entertained, but have a big learning experience of how factories used to work, such as our grandparents worked in. Good luck to the buyers and their museum.
Jean Duchene	{1 vote}	August 20th, 2005
Get it in writing     I sympathize for the brothers because they put up their money in earnest hoping the "gentleman" would keep an agreement, but you know, in business, if it is not clear and put into contract form, you can't assume you will get what you want. I agree, they should have the building, they should make a museum, they could refurbish it, but again, in the end, I guess greed wins. Unfortunate.
Joyce Stemkowsky	{4 votes}	August 9th, 2005
Montreal's Glorious Past in Ruins...what else is new?     It's interesting to hear of a building being used in a "tug of war". Both the Doaks and M. Dagan believe that they are each the victims of a scheme. However, it seems that both parties were scheming each other and trying to get what they wanted (i.e. the Doaks want to own the old factory building in order to turn it into a museum; M. Dagan, the owner of the building, wants a million bucks for the building which he's not even maintaining in a reasonable condition). Furthermore, it seems that motor oil was dumped onto one of the Doaks properties just three days after Dagan predicted that the Doak brothers "...would soon be in a lot of trouble with the city". Makes one wonder whether Dagan knew that the Doak Bros. had commited land violations before or that Dagan arranged to have an oil barrel spill onto a piece of land that the Doak Bros. own? Isn't also interesting that the Doak Bros. paid Dagan's debts off and in exchange wanted their payment of his debts to be the 1st mortgage payment against the building (they'd pay the rest during the following year and a half). Yet the Doak Bros. still don't own the building and Dagan seems quite content to keep the building and let it become overrun with dogs and neglect. The answer is quite obvious as to who the real victim is: the people of Montreal who, it seems, won't get to see a piece of their own history. ----------
Basil James	{4 votes}	August 8th, 2005
Small Print: The Doaks Get Railroaded Without A Train In Sight............     While it sounds like Eliau Dagan is the kind of business owner who has been completely hands-off, I wonder what his agenda is with the way he treats the Doaks and The Clark Bell Foundry? Dagan must have learned his business savvy ways from a Cracker Jack Box and doesn't appear to possess either a conscience or a shred of guilt in how he has allowed a historic building to fall to pieces. Perhaps he ntended on reaping some kind of windfall by selling it, but was too cheap or lacking capital to take care of it? I hope the Doaks find a legal representative that will nail Dagan's irresponsible ass to the wall for treating heritage like it never mattered and perhaps the Revenue Division may be interested in how he runs his finances? After all, their intentions are way more honest and transparent than Dagan. He is more about greed and misconduct than caring a rat's ass about Montreal's past.
Steve Landry	{10 votes}	August 8th, 2005
In theory...     In theory Communism is a good idea. I do believe, along with some other comments, that the preservation of the building to display as a museum is not the greatest of ideas. I am all for heritage and history, Pointe a Calliere for example, but the location is not ideal. It is however a shame that the Doaks are unable to get the building which they desire.
Jason Edelstein	{3 votes}	August 8th, 2005
Once again, it all comes down to the $$$...     Well, from reading the article it seems clear that the Doaks are the good guys, and Dagan is the bad guy. Somehow I doubt it's really that simple, or this wouldn't still be going on. I find it hard to beleive that this property is only worth $375,000, or that the Doaks' intentions are purely philanthropic. If this is really such an important historic site, the goverment should step in and make sure that it gets taken care of. A little much to expect, perhaps, but the current state of affairs serves no one.
Karen Sollazzo	{2 votes}	August 8th, 2005
History is Priceless     Time is definately something that shouldn't be taken for granted. This is especially true, in the case of this historical building. As these two groups fight over a foundry, this piece of Canadian history is wasting away, threatening to be rubble, all over a case of greed. This apparently get rich quick scheme of real estate is extremely flawed. In fact, this building is continuously depreciating in value, due to the lack of maintenance on it. I think its sad that this dispute has come this far! An oral agreement is a binding contract, that any court will upheld. So lets get realistic before we lose this fading treasure. History is more valuable than money!
Donald Dubeau	{1 vote}	August 7th, 2005
The Doaks are For Saving Cultural Heritage but.......     Well the Doak brothers seem to have got themselves into a big mess even though their initial intentions were excellent. But Mr.Dagan has gone back on the deal so after three years of arumental legal ranglings the problem is still not fixed. And so it will I believe take a lot more for the Doaks to shell out for this property to be able to turn it into a Museum. But I do not understand about the toxic waste element of this story, is it waste the brothers are letting out into the Lachine Canal or what. This aspect has not been clarified in this telling and I believe this is one big strike against the brothers. John Doak and his brother want to save this only remainig factory even though very deteriated that is left still standing next to the Lachine Canal but so far they have been unable to get Mr.Dagan to release this property to them even though they have made a certain agreement but the greedy Mr.Dagan wants much more money. When he was in a bind he agrees and then goes back on the deal when he believes he can obtain more money. This person is unscrupoulos and not someone to keep his word. Unfortunately money talks and til that is resolved I'm afraid that this building will become so derelict it might have to be demolished. So hang it there brothers and I'm afraid you'll have to shell out much more money (I know it isn't fair) but your legacy will live on if you manage to accomplish this.
Maria Jankovics	{1 vote}	August 7th, 2005
The good, the bad and... the beetween     There is no right or wrong party here, only two opposing but very similar sides. A coin has two sides, heads on one side wich is there for a reason, and tails on the other for another but similar reason aswell. Both sides of that coin coexist only to oppose each other and turn their backs to one another. The coin cannot be on the same side, they need to oppose each other, just as Mr. Dagan and the Doak brothers need to feud to be able attein their own equaly selfish goals. Should something that is historical be turned into a modernised museum containing exibits of old times, or should something new take it's place? It all depends who you ask. There is never a wrong or right. Could we find something in beetween? Why not just find the least expensive way of preserving it the best way the gouvornement could since it is histirical, and put the rest of the tax payer's money to good use....
Velizar Zecevic	{7 votes}	August 7th, 2005
_N£W$_1_N£W$_1_N£W$_     Historical value or commerce? Which one is more important? This city has lots of cool history and we've lost lots of cool history because of our greed but my main problem with this project that Robin and John Doak have/had in mind is that I just don't see a lot of people actually going there if it because this huge thing that they think it one day become. I don't know but the location is hardly central if you get my meaning.
Vladimir Joseph	{3 votes}	August 6th, 2005
Civic Duties     They are confusing nowadays aren't they? I mean, what is one's obligation as a citizen? Is it to preserve the old and perhaps decrepid buildings and/or artifacts for the sake of our young and future generations to learn from our findings? OR, is it absolutely necessary to progress and evolve at all costs? Only God knows I suppose. But for now, I think that we laymen here on earth had better recognize that there is definitely something wrong with the state of things ant they way we are allowing morals, values and just plain good natured humanity drift away with time and manners. Its sick, sad and I know that I ain't havin' it! No sir. So if starting with little things like this (which unfortunately end up becoming large investments of time & money) mean the difference between a well-informed and culturally aware society and one that's not, I suggest we go with it and support it. What do you think?
Dawn Manhertz	{3 votes}	August 6th, 2005
You will be interested     Yes, I expect you may be interested to learn that the Clark bell foundry (C.O . Clark & Bros) mentioned in your very interesting article, was the property of my late father W.A. (better known as "Titie") Clark. The business and of course the building, originated with my grandfather William B. Clark. As a youngster, I worked for the company. We worked 6 days a week, 9 hours a day. Sunday was the Sabbath and we were grateful for it. Needless to say, I am very pleased to hear that efforts are being made to have the property classified as a heritage property. I have some experience with this as I am the immediate Past President of the Atwater Library and our building is certainly of heritage quality but is not yet officially classified as such. It seem that Heritage Canada just take their damn time! I have on occasion, driven down that part of St. Patrick St., and have always been pleased that the old C.O. Clark & Bros building still stands. I sincerely hope that the conflict between a serious benefactor and the owner is resolved, but from your article, it looks like there are problems on the horizon, and I continue to remain hopeful that the building is not the victim. Of course I would be more than pleased to help save the building as it appears to be the last one standing, from the large number of turn-of-the-century enterprises that once populated both sides of the canal. I still have quite a bit of material, and was loath to throw it out, contrary to my father's intentions. As I write, I can't quickly locate it, but I do have it - somewhere.
Gordon A. Clark	{4 votes}	August 5th, 2005
There seems to be missing part of this story.     Everybody is busy try to make new history they couldn't care less about preserving the past history. If the building is not in condition to be renovated then it should be destroyed . Maybe you could leave a record in the city hall of where it once stood and maybe even pictures , but its best to come down if it presents any health hazarred. We can't hang on to every building from the past. They are not always in good condition , renovating it may take all of its original look so what is the point of that. It is up -setting to see people or dogs living in it in that condition. I have to say that by reading this article it almost jumps at you , that there is alot of information missing about this whole situation. The story seems to be very one sided and Mr. Rubin has not told us the whole story and what his real interests are here.
Maria Cecillia Silva	{8 votes}	August 5th, 2005
Loosing Landmarks     The Maison du Pressoir on the waterfront of the Back River near the Papineau Bridge also used waterpower from a small dam to conduct its activities. Only one building remains which is now a fancy restaurant. The rest are in ruins. It's too bad preservation efforts were not conducted earlier. A similar fate may befall the heritage bulding near the Lachine Canal if the constant squabbling is not resolved.
Stephen Talko	{2 votes}	August 5th, 2005
Why is the city allowing stray dogs to remain in the building?     One question I would like to ask is why are such a large number of animals allowed to roam the building. I take it these are unlicenced stray dogs and ther are municipal laws against this . Why havent the Doaks done anything about this ?
Kamlesh Patel	{3 votes}	August 4th, 2005
Commerce topples history.     History belongs to those who, perhaps, fear the unknown. As much as there has been whispers and moans about 'history can teach us not to repeat the mistakes of the past..', i believe that history teaches us a more important lesson: Where you are at, there you are. The clark bell foundry represents the need for montreal to march on into the depths and shadows of the here and now. as such, 'history' should teach the minds behind the power scene that montreal must endure and must strive to become enduring. time doesn't so much wear down memory and bodies and buildings, but time births the need for the umbilical cord to be cut, and nurtured new life must be embraced. as the digital age reigns at this current moment, that too will pass and evolve into the holographic bio-nano age within the next five to eight years. shall we still be hanging on to the old standards of the digital age as we enter into a source realm where computers will be quantum computers, and wireless will use the principles of quantum physics in manners and ways that can only be formulated, perhaps, through imagination? Time becomes the birth mother. as the child becomes birthed, the placenta has served it function during the nine month gestation period. the placenta no longer serves any purpose to the child nor mother, sans becoming recycled into facial cremes to help remove stretch marks and wrinkles that the mother may come to use. the clark bell foundry was the placenta during the nineteenth century. but two centuries later, it has become an eye sore and a relic that has no other purpose. Let the build die the death it must die. allow the transition to flow between what has been considered vital to montreal in the nineteenth century to what promises and trials and tribulations montreal must undergo before embrace the true spirit of itself. a city condemned to only see into the eager mirrors of the past becomes transfixed into a city that fears to embrace the unique and unknown.
Gary Womac	{5 votes}	August 4th, 2005

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