February 18th, 1957 A meeting of the Advisory Commission on Historic Buildings was held on December 18th, 1956 in Room 813, City Hall Annex. The following members were present: Mr. Grant M. Simon, Chairman Mr. Harry A. Batten Mr. Charles E. Peterson Mr. R. Norris Williams, II Also present were: Mr. Anthony Catrambone (representing Commissioner Regalbuto) Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom (Research Historian) Mrs. Theresa V. Pulice (Secretary) The meeting was called to order at 3:30 p.m. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. Appropriation for Expenses: A letter from Mr. Gennetti advised of budget approval of the sum of $17,835 for operations starting January 1, 1957. $12,000 will be available for professional services, etc. Secretary: Theresa V. Pulice was presented to the Board as a candidate for secretary of the Commission and was approved at a starting salary of $3838.00 per annum. Mrs. Pulice had served with the City Architect's Office for several years. Historian's Services: A bill from Dr. Tinkcom for $134.75 was approved - and a request for $4.00 per hour was approved (an increase from $3.50). Second Street Market: It was learned that a cut in the budget had eliminated the proposed restoration work on the market house. It will be several months before the item can be restored. Name of Commission: Mr. Valente had agreed to introduce a bill before Council for shortening the name of the Commission to PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION. - 1 - [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: Top right corner: handwritten page number "35" Top left corner: small circular mark (appears to be a blank circle stamp or notation)] Shoomac Park: The Commission has been advised that the Fairmount Park Commission sanctioned the removal of the old house but that Judge Saylor is still disposed to resist the engineers. This Commission has not seen the plans. Mr. Peterson was in favor of continuing support to the Judge. It was decided to advise the City as to the desirability of keeping the house and to keep in touch with developments. Jurisdiction over City-owned Landmarks: Mr. Valente has advised that this Commission has no direct responsibilities over City-owned properties. Merchant's Hotel: This old landmark on North Fourth Street is threatened with demolition to extend the adjacent auto parking lots. It was suggested that the Commission ascertain what Harrison, Hough, Livingston and Larson, now making general plans for the area, have in mind. Society Hill Zoning:
responsibilities over City-owned properties. Merchant's Hotel: This old landmark on North Fourth Street is threatened with demolition to extend the adjacent auto parking lots. It was suggested that the Commission ascertain what Harrison, Hough, Livingston and Larson, now making general plans for the area, have in mind. Society Hill Zoning: Dean Perkins, Chairman of the Zoning Advisory Board, and James H. Ward, Executive Director, have stated that they would like to study the zoning problem in the historic district of Society Hill. Tinkcom Inventory: Dr. Tinkcom discussed her list of the approximately seven hundred (700) street addresses of buildings on Society Hill seeming to date before the year 1850. Criteria for evaluation and the need for photographs were considered. Architects for Investigations: Mr. Simon has contacted a number of local architects regarding the making of measured drawings and notes on individual structures and felt it could be done for about $100.00 a piece. It was suggested that one or a few sample reports be prepared for consideration. Old Philadelphia Development Corporation: Mr. Batten reported that the Corporation expected to raise about $300,000 through subscription by the following day to begin their redevelopment program. - 2 - Salvage of Antique Building Materials: Mr. Batten urged the stockpiling of second hand building materials such as would be useful in the restoration of other structures, feeling that the wrecking companies would be willing to do it voluntarily. 4800 Germantown Avenue; Mr. Murray Izard, Secretary of the Zoning Board, advised the Commission of a hearing about this struc- ture (next door to Ottinger House). After some discussion, it was agreed that the function of this committee is to compile informa- tion about historically significant buildings. We do not feel that it is our function to enter into controversy that may enter into these facts. The meeting was adjourned at 5:15 p.m. Charles E. Peterson, Secretary - 3 - [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: There is a small handwritten mark or annotation in the upper left corner that appears to be "T" with some additional marks, but it is too faint and unclear to transcribe with certainty.]