DRAFT MINUTES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH STATED MEETING OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 27 July 1965 Present were: Mr. Grant M. Simon, Chairman Mr. Harry A. Batten Mr. James L. Ferguson, Deputy Director of Finance Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols Mr. Richmond P. Miller Mr. George K. Trautwein Mr. Patrick Forristal, Personnel Officer Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian Mrs. Charles Maurer, Secretary Miss Marylou Mongiven, Clerk Unless otherwise noted, all action taken herein is the result of motions properly made, seconded and carried. REPORTS The Historical Values Committee, Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols, Chairman. Dr. Nichols reported two meetings of the Historical Values Committee and recommended the certification of six properties. Dr. Nichols' Report was approved. Architectural Committee, Mr. George K. Trautwein, Chairman. Mr. Trautwein reported that 7 submissions and 1 request for a plaque were approved by the Committee. Mr. Trautwein's Report was approved. The Commission's Activities, Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian. Questions were raised regarding the Benjamin Rush House, specifically whether anyone had gotten in touch with the present Benjamin Rush. This has not been done, although various agencies like the Frankford Historical Society and the County Medical Society were approached. Mr. Batten suggested the Inquirer be given the story of Mrs. Cochran taking PHC's work to Cambridge. He also suggested that the typescript of the PHC's ten-year report be sent to the newspapers before publication. It was also suggested that it be sent to the membership of National Trust; to Mr. Frederick Potts, Chairman Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Batten offered to have the report laid out by the staff of N. W. Ayer & Co., and suggested that the City Representative's Office be asked to print it. With regard to the problem of obtaining photographs recently, it was suggested that a memo reporting the THE MINUTES 27 July 1965 Page 2. difficulty be sent to Mr. Day. OLD BUSINESS Plaques. It was decided that we get in touch with owners of restored houses who have not purchased plaques, and ask them if they would not like to join the select group headed by Independence Hall. NEW BUSINESS Civil Service. Mr. Forristal understands that the PHC is in agreement with the basic move to place two or three research positions under Civil Service. The two titles of the positions will be Director of Historical Research and Assistant Historian, if acceptable to the Commission; the pay level recommended is acceptable to
Mr. Forristal understands that the PHC is in agreement with the basic move to place two or three research positions under Civil Service. The two titles of the positions will be Director of Historical Research and Assistant Historian, if acceptable to the Commission; the pay level recommended is acceptable to Mr. Forristal. The Personnel Department will have to draw up a job specification which will equate training and experience with pay. It is understood that the Personnel Department will allow the job specs to fit the incumbents. The request to Mr. Roser shall consist of (1) that two positions be created at a comparable level to that authorized by the Federal Civil Service for similar work; (2) the two positions have fringe benefits on at least half-time basis; (3) the examination be either a T & E or 100% Oral, preferably a T & E. This must be accomplished by January 1. Dr. Tinkcom stated she and Mrs. Kirkbride will need to know by October whether or not they will be continuing their work with the PHC. Mr. Ferguson added that the money budgeted for research can be transferred from class 200 to 100 easily until Council has approved the budget in November. Thereafter, any change requires a Councilmanic ordinance. Hence, he must be informed of the determination of this action by November. Mr. Simon then said that the Commission is most anxious for this to go through, because we would be handicapped without Mrs. Kirkbride and Dr. Tinkcom. Proposal for New Procedure with Regard to Awarding Certificate. It was proposed that the owners of all certified buildings which are reasonably well-maintained, although not restored to Commission standards, be given a certificate of merit. It was suggested that a notice of this should go with the letter notifying the owner that his house is certified. Mr. Batten reported a discussion of architect's plans at a meeting of OPDC Restoration Committee. He suggested that the Commission require that all plans be accompanied by a drawing giving the measurements of the visible parts of the exterior. This was approved. THE MINUTES 27 July 1965 ' Page 3. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Grant M. Simon Chairman