MINUTES OF THE 122nd STATED MEETING OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 30 January 1968 Present were: Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols, Chairman Mr. Richmond P. Miller Mr. Charles R. Tyson Mr. James L. Ferguson, Deputy Director of Finance Mr. Oscar Goodstein, representing Commissioner Costello Isador Kranzel, Esq., Assistant City Solicitor Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian Mrs. Charles J. Mauren, Secretary Unless otherwise noted, all action taken herein is the result of motion properly made, seconded and carried. THE MINUTES of the meeting held 28 November were approved as circulated. (It is to be noted that there was no meeting of the Commission in December.) REPORTS The Historical Values Committee, Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols, Chairman. It was proposed that the building of the Philadelphia Saving Fund Society at 12th & Market Streets be certified. This was unanimously approved. The Architectural Committee, Mr. George K. Trautwein, Chairman. In Mr. Trautwein's absence, the secretary was asked to read two reports: The first, for 21 December 1967, which was approved; the second for 25 January 1968, also approved. Both reports were directed to be filed with the official copies of the Minutes. The Commission's Activities, Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian. This report covered both December and January. Action taken involved the Chairman's directive that the matter of Model Cities and the Commission's hope to have a part in this be kept on the docket. Further action was the suggestion that Dr. Tinkcom explore the way in which the Massachusetts Historical Commission computerizes its records as promptly as possible. It was also recommended that Dr. Tinkcom discuss the possibility of securing funds for historical preservation under the provisions of Title II. of PL 89-754 with the Development Coordinator. This was approved. OLD BUSINESS The Benjamin Rush House, Red Lion and Academy Roads. It was reported by Dr. Tinkcom that Commissioner Crawford must know by 31 January whether the Historical Commission will approve the removal of this building to Byberry. Counsel's opinion is that this removal legally be approved by the Commission. It was the consensus that in view of the conditions around the Rush House and in view of the deterioration of the house itself, removal to Byberry can be approved, since Benjamin Rush was an early practitioner of psychiatric medicine, this dwelling can appropriately be moved to the Philadelphia State Hospital in Byberry. It was approved that all due haste be urged upon the State
in view of the deterioration of the house itself, removal to Byberry can be approved, since Benjamin Rush was an early practitioner of psychiatric medicine, this dwelling can appropriately be moved to the Philadelphia State Hospital in Byberry. It was approved that all due haste be urged upon the State in this matter. [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: Top right corner: Signature reading "Approved" followed by an illegible signature] The Minutes 1.30.68 Page 2 OLD BUSINESS continued The Log House, 16th and Race Streets, property of Friends' Select School. Dr. Nichols reported on his meeting on 5 January 1968 with Mr. Batcheler, architect for the school and Mr. G. Lawrence Blauvelt, the manager. At that time it was agreed that if the City Planning Commission agreed, the structure could remain on its present site. Although this approval was obtained, the Friends subsequently decided against preserving it. The Log House on the school grounds. Dr. Miller reported on a proposal from Mr. Frank Wheaton, President of Wheaton Glass Company, Millville, New Jersey, to move the Log House to Millville. It was resolved that the Historical Commission look with favor on this proposal if no other solution is found to preserve it. It was suggested that Counsel write to Mr. Batcheler in this vein. Counsel recommended that all parties be asked to keep the Commission fully informed and that the Commission play an important role in assuring that this matter be resolved with dispatch. It was suggested that Mr. Wheaton and Friends' Select School set up and hold a prompt schedule of action. Canon Ball Farm, Penrose Ferry Road, within the Water Department's plant on Island Road. Dr. Tinkcom reported that Commissioner Crawford had telephoned to report that a foundation has agreed to supply funds to move Canon Ball Farm house from its inaccessible present site. The Commissioner of the Department of Recreation asked the Historical Commission's opinion on moving the house, and on the desirability of moving it to Port Mifflin, near the end of Magazine Lane. Both proposals were approved. NEW BUSINESS 3905 Spruce Street. After some discussion, the application for a permit to demolish this certified building was postponed. This was approved. 246 S. 12th Street. The owner's request for permission to demolish this early 19th century house was rejected in May 1957, in view of the Redevelopment Authority's plan for its rehabilitation as part of the renewal program for Washington Square
to demolish this certified building was postponed. This was approved. 246 S. 12th Street. The owner's request for permission to demolish this early 19th century house was rejected in May 1957, in view of the Redevelopment Authority's plan for its rehabilitation as part of the renewal program for Washington Square West. Since the Historical Commission can no longer hold up the demolition, Counsel suggested that the Authority be consulted, and if possible, a meeting arranged with the owners' attorney, Redevelopment Authority and the Historical Commission in a final effort to persuade the owner to change his mind. This was approved. East Susquehanna and East Girard Avenues. Several certified buildings on this corner are approved for demolition in view of their relation to the Delaware Expressway, partly finished at this point and access lands which are to be built close by. Report on the meeting of the Commission with the Old Philadelphia Development Corporation and the Redevelopment Authority, called by Mr. Rafsky. The Chairman asked Dr. Tinkcom to report. Background for this meeting on the quality of restorations on Society Hill, held 21 December 1967, was given by Dr. Tinkcom. One problem has been that of following up the execution of submitted drawings approved by the Commission for a full restoration of a certified building. The Redevelopment Authority [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: A small bullet point (•) appears in the left margin next to the paragraph beginning "Dr. Miller reported on a proposal from Mr. Frank Wheaton..."] The Minutes 1.30.68 Page 3 NEW BUSINESS continued Signified its intention of hiring a knowledgeable architect who will be available every morning for consultation and who will keep close watch over the work in progress. The preservation of the interiors of buildings having original panelling, staircases, mantels and other details is another problem. As a result of this meeting, the Old Philadelphia Development Corporation and the Redevelopment Authority will henceforth write into their contracts made with purchasers of certified buildings the provision that, "Where interior woodwork exists, this shall be preserved". It was approved that an expression of satisfaction on this point be sent to Mr. Rafsky. The ceremony for the unveiling of the Hortense Ferne mural, a gift to the City, was reported on by Mr. Tyson, who was there to represent the Chairman. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at five o'clock. Respectfully submitted, Roy Franklin Nichols, Chairman for the Commission
Rafsky. The ceremony for the unveiling of the Hortense Ferne mural, a gift to the City, was reported on by Mr. Tyson, who was there to represent the Chairman. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at five o'clock. Respectfully submitted, Roy Franklin Nichols, Chairman for the Commission RFN:mrm