THE MINUTES OF THE FIFTY-NINTH STATED MEETING OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 27 February, 1962 Present were: Mr. Harry A. Batten Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols Mr. Charles E. Peterson Mr. George K. Trautwein Mr. R. Norris Williams, II. Mr. Grant M. Simon, Chairman Also present: Mr. Philip Carroll, representing Commissioner Corleto Mr. Harry G. McDowell, Deputy Director of Finance Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian Mrs. Charles J. Maurer, Secretary Unless otherwise stated, all actions mentioned herein were taken after motions properly presented, seconded and carried. THE MINUTES of the January 30, 1962 Meeting were approved. REPORTS The Committee on Historic Values, Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols, Chairman Certification for 1221-1229 Spruce Street was approved, with the recommendation that a letter be sent to the Agent, Mr. A. A. Silvat, at once, stating that these are now certified buildings and that any changes thereto must be approved by this Commission. The Architectural Committee, Mr. George K. Trautwein, Chairman Mr. Trautwein reported that he had held no meeting. Dr. Tinkcom's Report. This was approved as read and ordered to be filed. The Report dealt with 238 South Third Street, believed to be the work of Frank Miles Day, 1888. The Commission decided not to ask the Redevelopment Authority to consider preservation of the façade of this house. It was approved that a letter be sent to Mr. McConnell of the PIDG, calling his attention to loft buildings and warehouses on North Third and North Fourth Streets, which could be made useful to the purposes he has in mind, and set forth in a recent editorial in The Evening Bulletin. It was recommended that he be given the same list as was sent to Dean Perkins, Chairman of the City Planning Commission two years ago. Dr. Tinkcom also called the Board's attention to an editorial on City Planning's Commission's proposals for the Market Square area in Germantown. It was approved that a letter be written to Messrs. Rosenlund, Edward Thomas and Judge Saylor, inviting them to attend the next meeting of the Commission to report on activities in this area. [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: Top right corner: "approved / 3.27.62" in handwriting Top left corner: Small circular stamp or seal mark Left margin: Two small circular marks/stamps appear on the page] The Minutes 27 February, 1962 Page 2 REPORTS continued Dr. Tinkcom reviewed the Commission's activity on the Benjamin Rush house, and it was approved that
corner: "approved / 3.27.62" in handwriting Top left corner: Small circular stamp or seal mark Left margin: Two small circular marks/stamps appear on the page] The Minutes 27 February, 1962 Page 2 REPORTS continued Dr. Tinkcom reviewed the Commission's activity on the Benjamin Rush house, and it was approved that a letter be written to the doctors whose names were furnished by Dr. Valentine Manning, a member of the Board of the Philadelphia County Medical Society, recommending the preservation of this important structure. Mr. Batten recommended that Mr. Diemand, Chairman of the Board of the Insurance Company of North America be asked to take an interest in this building in view of the connections of the Ruch family with his company. This too was approved. OLD BUSINESS The Morris Brewery Vaults, SE cor Chancellor & American Streets. Mr. Batten reported that he had met with no response in his efforts to interest the OPDC in preserving these. It was recommended that the matter be dropped. This was approved. The Rembrandt Peale House, 8100 Frankford Avenue. It was recommended that inquiry be made about the price being asked for this building and that it be put on the agenda for the next stated meeting. This was approved. Demolition by Neglect. Mr. Carroll stated that he no further report at this time. He agreed to pursue the matter with the City Solicitor's office and to report at the next meeting. Delaware Expressway. Mr. Carroll reported that City Council has an ordinance before it, defining the relation between the City and the several other authorities involved. He will send a copy of the ordinance to the Commission and advise the Commission on the pending hearing. Mole Street area. Dr. Tinkcom reported that no study had yet been made. Fishtown and Kensington. The Historian stated that study on these areas is still incomplete. Fifth Street Shopping Center. It was approved that the Historical Commission follow up earlier letters to the Redevelopment Authority on this point. Ordinance on Aesthetics. The Chairman reminded the members that this matter had been discussed from time to time and called attention to a recently received translation of the law in Sweden. It was approved that every member of the Commission be furnished with a copy. It was also approved that the Historical Commission do what it can to launch the idea of a Commission on Aesthetics for Philadelphia. Advisory
called attention to a recently received translation of the law in Sweden. It was approved that every member of the Commission be furnished with a copy. It was also approved that the Historical Commission do what it can to launch the idea of a Commission on Aesthetics for Philadelphia. Advisory Board of Design. It was reported that this board is being reconstructed. The Michell House, 276 South Third Street. Mr. Batten will inquire into what happened to Mr. Pompei's letter to the Redevelopment Authority and will report. The Minutes 27 February, 1962 Page 3 OLD BUSINESS continued Shutters for certified buildings, for which plaques are requested. Mr. Batten reported that he had called Mrs. Carson's attention to this requirement. One result of his effort was that the Philadelphia Saving Fund Society now has shutters on its York Row houses, 712, 714, 716 Walnut Street and is about to request plaques for them. It was approved that plaques be authorized for 712, 714 Walnut Street, but not 716, until it is restored to its original appearance. NEW BUSINESS Certificates for rehabilitated buildings attractively maintained. Mr. Batten exhibited a printed example of the proposed certificate, stating that a gold seal with yellow and blue ribbons will be affixed, upon presen- tation. It was approved that certificates be awarded in accordance with the same procedure that is followed for plaques. It was suggested that Mayor Tate present the first certificate to be issued to the owner of a certified house. Mr. Joseph T. Fraser, Jr., 330 South Camac Street, Director of the Academy of the Fine Arts, was suggested as an appropriate person to receive the first certificate. Mr. Batten agreed to follow through. 422 South Front Street, the Barclay House. Mr. Peterson exhibited measured drawings and recommended this building to the Commission's attention. He was asked to inspect the interior and report. Buildings on this section of S. Front Street have been omitted from the Commission's list because of the Delaware Expressway, as this route is still undecided, the Commission will review all the buildings in this area for inclusion on the certified list. New buildings instead of restorations proposed for the area involving Addison and Lombard Streets in the 400 block. It was approved that a letter be sent to Dr. Alexander Mackie, asking if the brochure in circulation illustrates accurately the buildings proposed as replacements for the present twenty certified
certified list. New buildings instead of restorations proposed for the area involving Addison and Lombard Streets in the 400 block. It was approved that a letter be sent to Dr. Alexander Mackie, asking if the brochure in circulation illustrates accurately the buildings proposed as replacements for the present twenty certified buildings. Reference should be made to the previous correspondence on this subject and the fact that the Commission is willing to cooperate in every way possible with Dr. Mackie to help him preserve these buildings. The Meeting was adjourned at five o'clock. Respectfully submitted