FINAL APPROVAL MINUTES OF THE FORTY-FIFTH MEETING OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION Tuesday, September 27, 1960 Present were: Mr. Harry A. Batten Mrs. Richardson Dilworth 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 Gennetti Mr. Harry G. McDowell, Deputy Director of Finance Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian Mrs. Charles J. Maurer, Executive Secretary Miss Constance F. Smith, Clerk Unless otherwise stated, all actions reported herein are taken after motions properly presented, seconded and carried. THE MINUTES of July 26th Meeting, with corrections noted, were approved. REPORTS Dr. Nichols' Report was approved, except the recommendation of his committee that concerned the certification of the Wilson Eyre houses at the NE corner of Juniper & Locust Streets. This recommendation was tabled, pending further data. Dr. Nichols' report is attached. Mr. Trautwein's Report was read and approved, except that Mr. Peterson asked that he be recorded as voting "No" on the question of permitting windows to be cut in the north facade of Bell's Court. Mr. Trautwein's report is appended. Dr. Tinkcom's Report was approved as read. It is appended to the Minutes. OLD BUSINESS Unit II., Washington Square East. Mr. Peterson reported on the hearing before City Council, with particular mention of the certified buildings Nos. 325, 327 and 329 Lombard, and Nos. 406-416 Addison Street. He also mentioned the proposed shopping center on Fifth Street. It was recommended that the staff present pictures and data on the Fifth Street buildings at the next meeting. The Chairman was asked to send to Councilman Moore a letter similar to the one the Commission presented at the Councilmanic hearings of September 15 and 19. This letter should include all the addresses of all the buildings which the Commission believes should be preserved. The Chairman was further asked to request Councilman Moore, as a member of this Commission, to represent the Commission's point of view as strongly as possible to the Council. [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: Top right corner: "Oct 29, 1960" (handwritten date stamp)] THE MINUTES -2- September 27, 1960 Architectural Drawings by Mr. G. A. Robbins. Mr. Williams reported that Mr. Robbins has been asked to revise the drawings so far submitted for approval, documenting each architectural detail presented and omitting any which cannot be documented. Qualified Contractors. Mr. McDowell reported
date stamp)] THE MINUTES -2- September 27, 1960 Architectural Drawings by Mr. G. A. Robbins. Mr. Williams reported that Mr. Robbins has been asked to revise the drawings so far submitted for approval, documenting each architectural detail presented and omitting any which cannot be documented. Qualified Contractors. Mr. McDowell reported that he and Mr. Carroll had met with Mr. Michael H. Sura, Commissioner of the Procurement Department, to discuss the problem of securing properly qualified contractors when work is to be done on a city-owned historic house. Mr. McDowell's report is attached. The Chairman complimented Messers McDowell and Carroll for their efforts in obtaining sympathetic understanding on the part of the Procurement Department of the need of competent contractors to restore certified buildings, and of obtaining an approved list. Mr. McDowell asked the Historical Commission to prepare a set of standard qualifications which acceptable bidders will be expected to fulfill. Mr. Trautwein was asked to prepare notes on such a form and to confer with Mr. McDowell on legal aspects. It will be filed with the Procurement Department. NEW BUSINESS Mr. Harold Eberlain. The Chairman asked if the Commission wished to recognize the action of City Council, which cited Mr. Eberlein for his book PORTRAIT OF A COLONIAL CITY. It was agreed that a letter of felicitation should be sent to Mr. Eberlein. Kensington and Fishtown. The Chairman referred to a letter just received from Dr. J. Hampton Hoch, asking whether any buildings in Kensington, particularly those in danger of demolition because of the proposed route of the Delaware Expressway had been certified. The Historian reported that although field surveys have been made and photographs taken, no buildings have yet been certified in this part of the City. The Chairman stated that this area has great historical importance. Mr. Williams moved that a list of Kensington churches and of the interesting old houses be presented at the October meeting. This was seconded by Mr. Batten. An official guidebook. The Chairman suggested that a guide book be prepared listing the certified buildings and emphasizing those bearing the authorized plaque and describing them with a sentence or two of historical data. Mr. Williams thought that this would be a difficult job to do with the present small staff. Mr. Batten stated that it is too soon for this Commission to undertake such a project. It was moved and seconded that preparation of
them with a sentence or two of historical data. Mr. Williams thought that this would be a difficult job to do with the present small staff. Mr. Batten stated that it is too soon for this Commission to undertake such a project. It was moved and seconded that preparation of a guide book be deferred. 217 Spruce Street. Mr. Batten reported that the owner, Mr. C. Jared Ingersoll, had experienced unusual difficulty in connection with the restoration of this house and suggested that a letter, complimenting him on his accomplishment be sent by the Commission. Mr. Williams moved that the letter of commendation be deferred until Mr. Simon had an opportunity to look at the work being done, since it rumored that the architect has changed the plans originally submitted to the Commission, and that the result may notbbe what had been expected. Mr. Simon agreed to look at 217 Spruce and to report at the next meeting. THE MINUTES -3- September 27, 1960 Plaques. Mr. Williams moved that the list of plaques applied for as appended be approved. The Meeting was adjourned at 5:10 P.M. Respectfully submitted...... Charles E. Peterson, Secretary