OK - RPA - DRAFT - MINUTES OF THE 114th STATED MEETING OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 25 April 1967 Present were: Mr. Grant M. Simon, Chairman Mr. Richmond P. Miller Mr. John Taxin Mr. Charles R. Tyson Mr. R. Norris Williams, II. Mr. James L. Ferguson, Deputy Director of Finance Mr. Oscar Goodstein, Administrative Assistant, Dept. of Public Property Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian Mrs. Charles J. Maurer, Secretary Unless otherwise noted, all action taken herein is the result of motions properly made, seconded and carried. THE MINUTES of the Meeting held on 28 March 1967 were approved as circulated. REPORTS Historic Values Committee, Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols, Chairman. No report Architectural Committee, Mr. George K. Trautwein, Chairman. Mr. Simon asked to have this read, Mr. Trautwein being unavoidably absent. Among items discussed was matter of sandblasting to achieve a match in color and texture of two types of brick. The objection, from the Redevelopment Authority's point of view, was that the silicone sealing of the porous brick needs to be renewed frequently and that the upkeep is, therefore, excessive. Mr. Trautwein's report was approved and ordered to be filed with the official copies of the Minutes. The Commission's Activities. Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian. The Harry A. Butten Fund, now in the amount of $2,600, is operable, the money having been deposited in the Girard Trust Bank. Mrs. Maurer or the City Treasurer will sign the checks and Mrs. Maurer will otherwise administer this fund. Mr. Tyson stated that he hopes an addition $15,000 can be obtained from N. W. Ayer & Son Company. After reporting on this and other matters, Dr. Tinkcom's Report was approved and ordered to be filed with the official copies of the Minutes. OLD BUSINESS The Benjamin Rush House, Red Lion and Academy Road. A proposal to move this to the grounds at Byberry was reviewed. The City, however, plans to maintain the building on its present site. In this the Historical Commission concurs. Vandalism in Southwark. The Chairman asked if replies have been received to letters written to this point as a result of a resolution at the March Stated Meeting. None has come. [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: At top right of page: "OK - RPA" (appears to be an approval stamp or notation)] The Minutes 4.25.67 Page 2 OLD BUSINESS continued Extension of the Commission's Ordinance. The review by the City Planning Com-
result of a resolution at the March Stated Meeting. None has come. [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: At top right of page: "OK - RPA" (appears to be an approval stamp or notation)] The Minutes 4.25.67 Page 2 OLD BUSINESS continued Extension of the Commission's Ordinance. The review by the City Planning Com- mission of the Historical Commission's request was reported upon. Mr. Ferguson recommended that letters should be written to President of Council, Mr. Paul D'Ortona, by as many interested persons as possible. The Chairman directed Dr. Tinkcoa to ask for letters from key people as soon as possible with copies to the Historical Commission. NEW BUSINESS. The 1968 Budget. The Commission will ask for $3,500 in Professional Services to print its survey of Philadelphia Architecture. An additional $200.00 is requested for rebinding valuable architectural books, some of which are in danger of becoming useless if allowed to deteriorate further. Class 400 should contain sufficient funds to purchase two more map cases, about $220.00. The last such purchase was made in 1959. The Dorfeuille House, 5139 Germantown Avenue. It is rumored that this now be- longs to the Atlantic-Richfield Company, although neither Registry records nor the Assessor's office can corroborate this. Mr. Tyson agreed to take the neces- sary action to discover whether Atlantic does indeed own this certified building. The Crosstown Expressway. The Chairman said that the Commission had taken no action on this so far. Mr. Williams reminded the Members that the Commission had protested the junction of the Crosstown with the Delaware Expressway, which destroys several certified buildings of value. It was agreed that no action is required at this time. Pennsylvania Historical and Archaeological Salvage Council. Dr. Tinkcom's con- sultant's fee. The background of the matter was rehearsed and was related to the area north of Market Street, following the route of the Delaware Expressway. The Historian will supervise the historical study and the Historical Commission will receive information obtained by this study. Dr. Tinkcom stated that the planning, writing reports &c., can be done at home on her own time, but the training of new people will impinge on the Commission's time to the extent of one half day a week. Mr. Goodstein stated that Commissioner Costello has no objection to this and that it will be presented to the Board of Ethics for endorsement. A written request from Dr. Tinkcom and a letter of approval from
impinge on the Commission's time to the extent of one half day a week. Mr. Goodstein stated that Commissioner Costello has no objection to this and that it will be presented to the Board of Ethics for endorsement. A written request from Dr. Tinkcom and a letter of approval from Mr. Simon is needed. Mr. Williams made a motion that the Chairman sign such a letter; Mr. Miller seconded it. Mrs. Shannon's resignation. The Chairman reported this with regret and added that Mrs. Shannon has found a successor which the staff thought acceptable. It was resolved that a minute expressing the Commission's appreciation of her work be sent to Constance Smith Shannon. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at half past four o'clock. Respectfully submitted, Grant M. Simon, Chairman GMR:mrm [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: Top left corner: a diagonal line with what appears to be "x" written near it Bottom of page: "GMR:mrm" (initials with lowercase notation, likely indicating the typist's initials)]