D R A F T MINUTES OF THE 109th STATED MEETING OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 29 November 1966 Present: Mr. Grant M. Simon, Chairman for the Commission Mr. Richmond P. Miller Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols Mr. George Kl.Trautwein Mr. R. Norris Williams, II. Mr. James L. Ferguson, Deputy Director of Finance Commissioner William A. Costello, Department of Public Property Mr. Oscar Goodstein, Administrative Assistant, Department of Public Property Isador Kranzel, Esq., City Solicitor's Office, assigned to this Commission Robert J. Bray, Jr., Esq., from the City Solicitor's Office Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian Mrs. Charles J. Maurer, Secretary Unless otherwise noted, all actions taken herein are the result of resolutions properly presented, seconded and carried. THE MINUTES of the Meeting held on 27 September 1966 were approved as circulated. NOTE: The 108th Stated Meeting, scheduled for 25 October, was cancelled due to the Budget Hearing before Council, attended by the Chairman, the Historian and the Executive Secretary. REPORTS Historic Values Committee, Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols, Chairman. This report was approved and ordered to be filed with other reports and official copies of the Minutes. Architectural Committee, Mr. George K. Trautwein, Chairman. Two reports were read, that for 20 October and one for 22 November. Both were approved. The Commission's Activities, Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian. This report was approved. In the discussion that ensued, the following resolutions were proposed: that a letter be sent to Fairmount Park Commission regarding manuscripts found at Louden, recommending that this material be deposited with the Historical Society of Pennsylvania on permanent loan; and The the Project 70 grant for Benjamin Rush House, Red Lion and Academy Roads, be recalled to the attention of Dr. S. K. Stevens, Director of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Harrisburg. Mr. Bray was asked to comment on the Demonstration Cities Act, Public Law 89-754, as an appropriate tool for the Philadelphia Historical Commission's use. It was his opinion that Title VI. - Preservation of Historic Structures, Sec. 603, grants to National Trust, and 605, open space land, urban beautification and historic preservation, might be used to good effect to save the Rush house and to further the work at Fort Mifflin. Mr. Bray also suggested that the Commission prepare a proposal for a grant under Sec. 604 to obtain funds for surveying structures and sites of "historical or architectural worth". He also recommended that the Bicentennial be
effect to save the Rush house and to further the work at Fort Mifflin. Mr. Bray also suggested that the Commission prepare a proposal for a grant under Sec. 604 to obtain funds for surveying structures and sites of "historical or architectural worth". He also recommended that the Bicentennial be stressed in each of the above applications. more [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: None visible in this draft document.] THE MINUTES 11.29.66 Page 2 The Philadelphia Historical Commission will proceed by making a formal request to Commissioner Costello who will, in turn, present the pro- posals to the Managing Director's office. That office will then make formal application to the Federal Government. Dr. Tinkcom's report, thus expanded by the above discussion, was approved and ordered to be filed. OLD BUSINESS Extension of Time for Witholding Demolition Permits. Mr. Kranzel, asked to attend this meeting by Councilman Varello, unable by illness to be present, said that the extension from six months to one year does not appear to be impossible, although the Law Department is inclined to resist the proposal. He agreed to further discussion with Councilman Varello. Outside Funds for Research. Mr. Ferguson reported that this appears to present no problem and agreed to send a member of this Department to show the Commission how such funds should be administered. (The money would be used only for research) It was agreed that if such funds become avail- able, they shall be known as The Harry A. Batten Research Fund. Plaque for the Philadelphia Sketch Club, 235 S. Camac Street. The Chairman remarked that this is the oldest club of its kind; that almost every artist of any distinction in Philadelphia has been a member, and gave his opinion that a plaque for this building, altered to make it useful, but kept in good condition, should be awarded a plaque. This would be an exception to the rule under which plaques are usually authorized. After some discussion, this was approved. Musical Fund Hall, 808 Locust Street. This is now owned by Redevelopment Authority. It was the Chairman's opinion that it be included among other certified buildings for which a grant for restoration be requested. It was directed that a letter to Dr. Stanley P. Reiman be written to this end. Commissioner Costello, having been introduced by the Chairman, read a letter to the Mayor from Howard R. Stagner of the National Park Service, Washington,
certified buildings for which a grant for restoration be requested. It was directed that a letter to Dr. Stanley P. Reiman be written to this end. Commissioner Costello, having been introduced by the Chairman, read a letter to the Mayor from Howard R. Stagner of the National Park Service, Washington, D.C., regarding the designation of the New Market in Second Street as a National Historic Landmark. It was agreed that a copy of the letter replying to Mr. Stagner be sent to Mr. Richardson Dilworth, who as Mayor, had appointed the first members of the Historical Commission and had assigned to it the task of studying the Market's history. The Chairman thanked Commissioner Costello for coming to the meeting. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:20 P. M. Respectfully submitted GMS:mrm Grant M. Simon, Chairman