THE SEVENTEENTH MEETING of the PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION held on Tuesday, November 26, 1957 at 3:50 P. M., in Room 813, City Hall Annex. The following Members were present: Mr. Grant M. Simon, Chairman Mr. R. Norris Williams, II Mr. Charles E. Peterson Also present were: Mr. William D. Warner, Staff Director of Providence City Planning Commission Mr. Stuart W. Stein, of Blair Associates, Providence, R. I. Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian Mrs. Theresa V. Pulice, Executive Secretary The Meeting was called to order at 3:35, P. M The Minutes of the last Meeting, held on October 29, 1957, were approved. SURVEY IN PROVIDENCE, R. I. The Meeting was attended by Mr. William D. Warner, Staff Director of the Providence City Planning Commission in Providence and Mr. Stuart W. Stein of Blair Associates of Providence. who were invited by Dr. Peterson. Blair Associates have been engaged by the City Planning Commission of Providence, to make a survey of College Hill in Providence, somewhat similar to the survey which is now taking place on Society Hill in Philadelphia. Mr. Stein gave a brief resume of the purpose of their survey and also displayed several maps in color which graded the buildings according to their importance, based on criteria such as age, historic value, &c. He stated that one objective of this study is to develop new techniques for surveying an urban area. It is being subsidized by a grant of $25,000, partially by the Federal Government and partially by local groups. The problems and aims were discussed at some length and it was clear that, while their interest is not completely historic, their problems are somewhat the same as those which Philadelphia has encountered. Mr. Warner left some literature on this project with the Commission. NATIONAL TRUST MEMBERSHIP: A question was raised as to whether or not the Commission as a City agency could legally become a member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. This will be referred to Mr. Valente of the Law Department. The Minutes November 26, 1957 STATEMENT OF COMMISSION ACTIVITIES: A motion was made that the Commission make a statement of Commission activities in relation to the City Planning Commission, the Re-development Authority and the Department of Building Inspection, to be circulated to the various citizens' associations throughout the City. It was also suggested that the Commission seal a list of the buildings which have been
Commission make a statement of Commission activities in relation to the City Planning Commission, the Re-development Authority and the Department of Building Inspection, to be circulated to the various citizens' associations throughout the City. It was also suggested that the Commission seal a list of the buildings which have been certified in their areas. It was resolved that Dr. Tinkcom write a statement for the review of the Commission. SOCIETY HILL: Mr. Simon said the only way the character of the Society Hill neighborhood can be preserved is by limiting the heights of buildings within certain areas to 65 feet. This could be achieved by legislation, making definite recommendations as to the areas. Perhaps from Front to Sixth Street and from locust Lombard Streets. It was also felt that there is too much sprawl coverage in this area and that there should be an approximate percentage of open space around a building. Mr. Peterson was requested to write a statement on Society Hill for the Commission's review. THE GEORGE HOUSE: The Commission felt that this building is situated in a neighborhood that is rapidly developing and that there was not enough information to substantiate the preservation of this building. However, a motion was made and seconded to regard this house with the Historic American Buildings Survey. Dr. Tinkcom will write to Judge Klein for more information and the possibility of inspecting the interior of the house. ST. MATTHEW'S CHURCH: This church was recommended for preservation by Miss Evangeline Pearson. It was decided that the church be recorded with the Historic American Buildings Survey. However, it was felt that as an isolate building, it was not important enough to be added to the certified list. RENEWAL OF CONTRACTS FOR HISTORIANS: The Commission resolved to continue the employment of the historians in 1958, i.e., Dr. Tinkcom, Mrs. Kirkcride, Mrs. -3— The Minutes November 26, 1958 Mau:or and Mr. Bohan. The hourly rates will remain the same with the exception of Mrs. Kirkbrida, who will be raised from $1.75 to $2.50 per hour. The amounts of the contracts will be determined according to the average available working hours per week of the individ- ual and for a period of approximately six months, the limit to be extended if necessary. GEORGE A ROBBINS MEMORIAL PROJECT: The National Park Service (Eastern Office, Division of De- sign & Construction, 120 South Third Street) had a meeting
the average available working hours per week of the individ- ual and for a period of approximately six months, the limit to be extended if necessary. GEORGE A ROBBINS MEMORIAL PROJECT: The National Park Service (Eastern Office, Division of De- sign & Construction, 120 South Third Street) had a meeting with Mr. Robbins, Architect, regarding the format of the measured drawings he is doing at present for the Commission. The Park Service is considering having microfilm in black and white done done by Mr. Robbins, so that they may be filed with the Library of Congress. A similar meeting will be held with Mr. Gene, archi- tect, who is doing a survey for the Redevelopment Authority, the end of November. NEXT MEETING: Because of the holidays in December, it was decided to ad- journ on the 2nd of the Chair. The Meeting adjourned at 5:50 P.M. Charles E. Peterson Secretary 1957 Submission of applications for permits for DEMOLITION, ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS to Historic Buildings. 1/4/57 Alterations (no plans) Property adjacent to Athenaeum on South Sixth Street. Edwin G. Brumbaugh, architect 4.29.57 West wing basement of Independence Hall. Toilet facilities 6/13/57 Grumblethorpe, 5267 Germantown Ave., alterations to front. 8.8.57 Stenton, 18th & Courtland Sts. Heating system in caretaker's building. 8.26.57 Stenton. New chimneys in rear kitchen building. [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: "1." in top right corner (page number); "5" with a line above it in the left margin (section or item number)]