MINUTES OF THE 160th STATED MEETING OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 26 October 1971 Present were: Charles R. Tyson, Chairman of the Commission Richmond P. Miller, Vice-Chairman of the Commission Henry J. Magaziner, A.I.A., Architectural Advisor to the Commission Isadore Kranzel, Esq., Assistant City Solicitor, Law Department Commissioner William A. Costello, Department of Public Property Mrs. Joseph Segal, Project Manager for the Redevelopment Authority Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian Mrs. Charles J. Maurer, Executive Assistant to the Chairman Patricia Siemientkowski, Secretary Unless otherwise noted, all actions taken herein are the result of motions correctly made, seconded and carried. THE MINUTES for the Stated Meeting 28 September 1971 were approved and directed to be filed. REPORTS The report of the Architectural Committee for October 12, 1971 was approved as circulated. The Commission approved that the following buildings receive historical certification: 701 Walnut Street 740-44 South Tenth Street Fairhill Friends Meetinghouse The Commission's Activities. Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian. Dr. Tinkcom informed the Board that in accordance with instructions from the previous meeting she was exploring the possibility of obtaining additional funds for research from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Commissioner Costello thought that the Historical Commission might qualify for funds under the Emergency Employment Situation and suggested that this possibility be looked into. It was also reported that a proposal for the continuation of the South Central Area Study was presented to the Bicentennial Corporation's Historical Council. The Council will consider supplying the money for this project. Another proposal being explored is the securing of private money from the Philadelphia Contributionship and the Mutual Assurance Company and a matching grant from the American Philosophical Society for a continuation of research in the records of these insurance companies. [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: Top right corner: signature and date appearing to read "Allanby" with "Nov 1971" (partially legible, handwritten in cursive)] THE MINUTES 2 26 October 1971 The Board next discussed the proposal to set up a Flea Market in Philadelphia. The two locations being considered are the Head House at Second and Pine Streets and the Judge Lewis Plaza in Independence Hall. The Flea Market would be open to the public on Sunday afternoons for an admission fee of $1.00. It was the consensus of the Commission that the Judge Lewis Plaza would be the better location for such an establishment. Dr. Tinkcom's Report was approved and directed to be filed with the
Flea Market would be open to the public on Sunday afternoons for an admission fee of $1.00. It was the consensus of the Commission that the Judge Lewis Plaza would be the better location for such an establishment. Dr. Tinkcom's Report was approved and directed to be filed with the official copy of the Minutes. It was approved also that Dr. Tinkcom's Report be circulated along with that of the Architectural Committee prior to each Stated Meeting. NEW BUSINESS The Head House, Second and Pine Streets. Mrs. Segal supplied the Board with background information on the obtaining of a lease with the City of Philadelphia to use the Head House as a home base for the archaeological work being carried on in the area by Barbara Liggett in association with the University of Pennsylvania. Several problems face the archaeological crew at present - because the locks were changed their keys do not fit and because there is no heat or water there are no bathroom facilities. Commissioner Dorello reported that the locks had been changed because of a report that vandals had been entering the building; the water and heat, since the building is not being regularly occupied, have been shut off. The Commissioner thought, however, that a tenant had been found and that possibly some space on the second floor could be given to the archaeological crew for storage of their tools, etc. Dr. Tinkcom requested that the crew be allowed to get their materials out of the building immediately so that their work can be continued. This the Commission agreed to allow. Mr. Magazine made a suggestion that storm sash be placed on the inside of the Head House since it would not damage the appearance of the building and would keep heating bills at a minimum. Housing and Urban Development Certification. A report was made, by Mrs. Segal, explaining HUD's procedures regarding the demolition of buildings which they consider of being of no value. When this involves a historically certified building, the Redevelopment Authority must report to HUD what level of certification the building holds - local, state, or federal. The problem involved is whether local certification affords little or no protection to a structure which may be significant to the community but not to the state or to the country. Mrs. Segal will explore this further. Meanwhile, since Society Hill is on the National Register as
state, or federal. The problem involved is whether local certification affords little or no protection to a structure which may be significant to the community but not to the state or to the country. Mrs. Segal will explore this further. Meanwhile, since Society Hill is on the National Register as a historic district, all structures within its bounds are certified nationally as well as locally. THE MINUTES 3 26 October 1971 Paint for the wall around the archaeological dig. The Board was informed that the School Board of Philadelphia showed considerable interest in having their students paint the fence around the Blue Anchor site at Front and Spruce and Dock Streets. Money to purchase the paint is needed however. The Chairman suggested that the Rutén Paint Company be contacted with the view of using this opportunity as advertising for their paint. An estimate of the cost is in the neighborhood of $400.00. Harry A. Batten Memorial Fund - Transfer of Funds. The Commission approved the suggestion of the Secretary that the money from this fund be transferred from the Girard Trust Bank, paying 4% interest, to the PSFS, paying 5% interest. Request from the Philadelphia District Corps of Engineers. The Corps of Engineers reported to the Commission their need for an environmental review for the proposals for the development of Penn's Landing Site. It was the consensus of the Board that it support any action taken by the Old Philadelphia Development Corporation and the City Planning Commission in this matter. East Falls Tavern Fund. The Secretary reported that money sent to the Historical Commission for the purpose of preserving and restoring the Old Falls Tavern can no longer be used toward that objective since the tavern was demolished several months ago. The Chairman suggested that an offer be made to return the money to the donors but that the suggestion also be made to each that the Philadelphia Historical Commission be permitted to keep these gifts (amount to $75.00 in all) and put them to appropriate use. OLD BUSINESS 305 Chestnut Street. Mrs. Maurer reported that three telephone calls were received regarding the Historical Commission's letter to Stephen Gardner. Mr. Gardner did not understand why he was being contacted and informed the Commission that he could take no action in regard to this certified building. Mr. Tyson recommended that a letter be sent to William Day requesting assistance from the
received regarding the Historical Commission's letter to Stephen Gardner. Mr. Gardner did not understand why he was being contacted and informed the Commission that he could take no action in regard to this certified building. Mr. Tyson recommended that a letter be sent to William Day requesting assistance from the banking community to see whether anyone would be interested in helping to preserve and use the old Bank of North America building at 305 Chestnut Street. The City Planning Commission is presently looking for suitable space for a parking lot in the same area for the Charles Kurz & Co. 20 South Twelfth Street. Dr. Tinkcorn reported that the Community College of Philadelphia is still interested in the Twelfth Street Meetinghouse. Another note of optimism is that Mikveh Israel is considering acquiring the building and moving it to their site on the Mall. THE MINUTES 4 26 October 1971 There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:30 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Patricia Siemiatkowski, Secretary