785 rue Mill and Hydraulics
785 Mill Street was formerly recognized as Hydraulic Lot No.1. Positioned near the canal, it boasted an advantageous location for receiving and harnessing the readily accessible source of hydraulic power, making it ideal for industrial operations requiring such energy.
Hydraulics before Hydro
Before the advent of electrification in Montreal, hydraulic machines were integral to the city's industrial landscape, relying on the power of water for their operation.
“A new source of energy became available with the first reconstruction of the Lachine Canal from 1843 to 1848. The widening of the canal considerably increased the flow. The water held back upstream from the locks could be canalized and used to turn wheels or water turbines. The energy produced was made available for industries by renting hydraulic lots.”
These machines utilized large waterwheels strategically placed in the Lachine Canal, where the force of the flowing water propelled their rotation. This rotational energy was the primary source of power for various industrial processes, driving machinery in factories and workshops throughout the city.
The operation of hydraulic machines was orchestrated through a series of intricate mechanisms designed to harness and control the power of water effectively. Control mechanisms such as valves and gates were employed to regulate the flow of water to the waterwheel, enabling operators to adjust the speed and power output of the machinery as required.
Inside a work shop
The image illustrates a hydraulic-powered workshop for an example located in Winnipeg. The transmission of power is clearly depicted through a vertical shafts , which connects to pulleys, belts, and gears to facilitate various functions required throughout the workshop.
Intérieur d'un atelier, John Henry Walker, CollectionMcCord, CréditDon de David Ross McCord, Winipeg, 1850-1885
Efforts to optimize the mechanical efficiency of hydraulic machines were paramount in their design and operation. Engineers focused on minimizing friction losses, balancing loads, and ensuring the smooth operation of the machinery to maximize productivity. This attention to detail was essential for maintaining the reliability and effectiveness of hydraulic systems in powering Montreal's industrial processes.
Owing to its size and complexity, this drive shaft system prodused a major, if underestimated, impact on industrial architecture. By so ingeniously and judiciously conveying driving power outward from a central point to ever increasing numbers of rapid, powerful machines, companies were able to reap considerable energy savings
Desloges, Y., & Gelly, A. (2002). The Lachine Canal: Riding the waves of Industrial and Urban Development, 1860-1950. Septentrion.
The adaptability of hydraulic machines was another key aspect of their utility.
These machines could be configured and adapted to accommodate various industrial processes, offering flexibility in manufacturing operations. This versatility allowed factories to produce a diverse range of goods using water power as the driving force, contributing significantly to Montreal's industrial growth and economic prosperity.
In summary, before the widespread electrification of Montreal, hydraulic machines were fundamental to the city's industrial infrastructure. Their reliance on water power showcased the ingenuity of engineers and the utilization of natural resources to drive manufacturing and production processes. The legacy of hydraulic machinery in Montreal's industrial history underscores its importance in shaping the city's development and economy.
Watch at 16m30s
Water Power and the Industrial Revolution: Denis Smith
This serves as a compelling illustration of the probable setup at 785 Mill Street during its industrial era. It likely functioned as a shop for workers, equipped with a diverse array of processing tools and machinery for manufacturing goods. It's improbable that grain treatment or textile processing took place at this location.
The Lachine Canal : Riding the Waves of Industrial and Urban Development
Yvon Desloges
Alain Gelly
More Reading :
Deindustrializing montreal: Entangled histories of race, residence, and class - A book by Steven High. Deindustrializing Montreal challenges the deepening divergence of class and race analysis by recognizing the intimate relationship between capitalism, class struggles, and racial inequality .
"Montreal: The History of a North American City" by Stanley Bréhaut Ryerson - This comprehensive book provides a detailed account of Montreal's history, including its industrial development.
"Montreal at the Crossroads: Superhighways, the Turcot and the Environment" edited by Michèle Dagenais and Stéphane Castonguay - This collection of essays delves into various aspects of Montreal's urban development, including its industrial past and its impact on the environment.
Explore :
Association québécoise pour le patrimoine industriel (AQPI) is non-profit organization whose role is to promote the study, knowledge, conservation, and enhancement of industrial heritage in Quebec. https://www.aqpi.qc.ca/
Archives of the McCord Museum - The McCord Museum in Montreal houses a vast collection of documents, photographs, and artifacts related to the city's history, including its industrial heritage.
Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec (BAnQ) - The National Library and Archives of Quebec hold numerous resources documenting the history of industry in Montreal, including newspapers, journals, and archival materials.
Archives Révolutionnaires is a collective project that’s objective is to shed light on lesser-known narratives of struggles and historical episodes in order to fuel current battles and broaden activist perspectives.
McGill University Archives - McGill University's archival collections contain valuable resources related to Montreal's industrial history, including documents from prominent businesses and industries.
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts - The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts features exhibitions and collections that often explore different aspects of the city's history, including its industrial development.
Canadian Museum of History - While not specifically focused on Montreal, the Canadian Museum of History in nearby Gatineau, Quebec, offers exhibitions and resources that cover the broader history of industry in Canada, including its impact on cities like Montreal.
