MINUTES OF THE 107th STATED MEETING OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 27 September 1966 Present: Mr. Grant M. Simon, Chairman Mr. James L. Ferguson, Deputy Director of Finance Mr. Oscar Goodstein, representing Commissioner Charles G. Day Mr. Richmond P. Miller Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols Mr. George K. Trautwein Councilman Mary A. Varallo Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian Mrs. Charles J. Maurer, Secretary Unless otherwise noted, all action taken herein is the result of motions properly made, approved and carried. THE MINUTES of the Meeting held on 26 July 1966 were approved as circulated. REPORTS Historic Values Committee, Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols, Chairman. No report Architectural Committee, Mr. George K. Trautwein, Chairman. This report was approved and ordered to be filed with official copies of the Minutes. Historical Commission Activities, August and September. Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian. In the course of her report, Dr. Tinkcom stated that two certified buildings intended, among others, to have been moved with Federal funds, have been demolished by the State Department of Highways. They are 508 S. Water Street, the Latour Warehouse; and 509 S. Front Street, the Robert Bridges House. After some discussion, the Chairman expressed the view that the Commission can do nothing further to preserve buildings along the Delaware Expressway in Southwark; but that every effort should be made to prevent a reoccurrence of a loss of this kind to the City. Dr. Tinkcom reported that the requested $2,000.00 additional funds for research had been disallowed. Mrs. Varallo agreed to make a note of the Commission's need when the Budget comes before City Council on 29 September. Dr. Tinkcom's report on this and other matters was commended and approved. A copy of the entire report is to be filed with official copies of the Minutes. OLD BUSINESS Time Limit in which a Demolition Permit may be withheld. The Chairman asked to have Councilman Varallo's letter from Commissioner Gordon Cavanaugh of the Department of Licenses and Inspections read, as well as Mrs. Varallo's letter to City Solicitor, Edward G. Bauer, Jr., Esq., a reply to which is shortly expected. It was agreed that the matter of extending the time limit from six months to a year must rest, pending Mr. Bauer's reply. THE MINUTES continued -2- Sept. 27, 1966 NEW BUSINESS 1118 S. Front Street. Application for the demolition of this certified building was approved on motion from Mr. Trautwein, because of
that the matter of extending the time limit from six months to a year must rest, pending Mr. Bauer's reply. THE MINUTES continued -2- Sept. 27, 1966 NEW BUSINESS 1118 S. Front Street. Application for the demolition of this certified building was approved on motion from Mr. Trautwein, because of the unusual circumstances. The house stands alone in an industrial area and because of its neighbors is unsuitable for residential use. Elfreth's Alley.- Visitors vs. Neighborhood Privacy. Dr. Tinkcom reported on her conference with the owner of property on the Alley. She stated that the problem is outside the jurisdiction of this Commission and solutions should be arrived at by the Elfreth's Alley Association. Proposal by Mr. Trautwein that funds for research be sought from foundations etc, and the legality of the Historical Commission's covering of funds for research purposes was discussed. Mr. Ferguson agreed to obtain a reading on the propriety of such action. It was further proposed that if this be legal, a fund to be designated THE HARRY A. BATTEN FUND be created. Dr. Nichols proposed a Resolution on the death of Mr. Batten. This was approved. The Chairman reported that he had written to Mrs. Batten for the Commission. THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION expresses its deep regret at the death of HARRY A. BATTEN on 27 July 1966. Mr. Batten was among the first Members of the Commission and was present at almost every Stated Meeting. His knowledge of affairs, his interest in preserving the historic values of Philadelphia, his pride in the City and his many accomplishments are well known. His loss is a grievous one; he is irreplaceable. THEREFORE, the Historical Commission extends its deepest sympathy to Mrs. Batten and other members of the family. The Chairman stated that two vacancies on the Commission await action by the Mayor; that it had been suggested to the Mayor that Mr. William H. Day and Dr. Frederick Tolles would be appropriate to fill these vacancies. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:45 P. M. Respectfully submitted Grant M. Simon, Chairman