MINUTES OF THE 126th STATED MEETING OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 28 May 1968 Present were: Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols, Chairman The Hon. John B. Kelly, Jr., Councilman-at-Large Mr. Richmond P. Miller Mr. Charles R. Tyson Mr. James L. Ferguson, Deputy Director of Finance Paul Leo McSorley, Esq., Deputy Commissioner, Public Property Mr. Oscar Goldstein, representing Commissioner Costello Isador Kranzel, Esq., Assistant District Attorney Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian Mrs. Charles J. Maurer, Secretary Unless otherwise noted; all action taken herein is the result of Motion, properly presented, seconded and carried. THE MINUTES of the Meeting held 30 April 1968 were approved as circulated. REPORTS Historical Values Committee, Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols, Chairman. This report was approved and directed to be filed with the official copies of the Minutes. Architectural Committee: It was noted that this was a report on a meeting of the Architectural Consultants to the Historical Commission, Mr. Richmond P. Miller of the Commission and two Commission staff members. The report was approved and directed to be filed. The Commission's Activities, Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian. Action on Dr. Tinkcom's report involved the Log House at 15th and Race, owned by the Friends' Select School, and its recommended re- location between the new fire house at 4th and Arch and Loxley Court. It was directed that Dr. Nichols write to Mr. Costello on this matter. Dr. Tinkcom was asked to speak to Mr. Paul Weinberg of the Development Coordinator's office regarding the inclusion of an invitation to the World Conference of Planners to this Commission's offices. Dr. Tinkcom's Report was approved and directed to be filed. OLD BUSINESS The Crosstown Link between the Schuylkill and Delaware Expressways. Dr. Nichols read the reply from Mr. Bacon to his letter asking that the eighteenth-century houses between Lombard and Kenilworth Streets be preserved. Extension of the Ordinance regarding demolition of certified buildings. Councilman Kelly reported that, contrary to verbal assurances, he had received, the City Planning Commission had voted against supporting the change. [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: Top left corner: "2" in handwriting Top right corner: signature that appears to read "Roy Franklin Nichols" in cursive handwriting Strikethrough correction on page: "Assistant District Attorney" has "District Attorney" struck through with a line, and handwritten text "City Solicitor's" appears to be inserted (though partially unclear)] The Minutes 5.28.68 Page 2 OLD BUSINESS continued Susquahanna and Girard Avenues. The secretary was directed to reply
Franklin Nichols" in cursive handwriting Strikethrough correction on page: "Assistant District Attorney" has "District Attorney" struck through with a line, and handwritten text "City Solicitor's" appears to be inserted (though partially unclear)] The Minutes 5.28.68 Page 2 OLD BUSINESS continued Susquahanna and Girard Avenues. The secretary was directed to reply to the protest from the Fishtown Civic Association stating that since the access lanes projected at this point leave no reason- able life expectancy for the certified buildings in question, the Historical Commission has agreed to their demolition to pro-vide space for a Shell Oil service station. NEW BUSINESS 350 S. 4th Street, a request for a plaque. It was pointed out that a new front, consistent with the 1860 photograph furnished the owner by the Historical Commission, had been built correctly as shown in a recent photograph. After some discussion, the request was approved on the ground that plaques had been awarded under similar circumstances at 328, 330 and 332 S. Third Street 139 Elfreth's Alley. The secretary reported on correspondence between the president of the Elfreth's Alley Association and Commissioner Dockens which had been referred to this Commission. It was received that a letter supporting the position taken by the Department of Licenses and Inspections be sent to Mr Dockens from Dr. Nichols. 218-220 S. Fourth Street. A request from the Contributionship to demolish these certified buildings to provide for a parking lot was discussed. In reporting on the background of the request, Dr. Tinkcom reported that she had discussed the matter with City Planning Commission officials who allowed her to understand this would be opposed by the Planning Commission. Mr. Kelly said that City Council could also be asked to support the Commission's stand. The matter was tabled for the next meeting. There being no further business, a motion was made by Mr. Kelly that the meeting be adjourned. This was approved. Respectfully submitted, Roy Franklin Nichols Chairman for the Commission RFN:mrm