D R A F T. THE 113th STATED MEETING OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 28 March 1967 Present were: Mr. Grant M. Simon, Chairman Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols 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 Isador Kranzel, Esq., City Solicitor's Office 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 February 1967 were approved as circulated. REPORTS The Historic Values Committee, Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols, Chairman. Among actions taken during this Report, was the recommendation that the McNeil Foundation be asked to consider only the Historical Commission's original request for $2,500 for one research worker to study records in the Mutual Assurance Company. This was approved. The balance of Dr. Nichols's Report was also approved and directed to be filed with the official copies of the Minutes. Architectural Committee Report, Mr. George K. Trautwein, Chairman. Mr. Simon asked to have this read, in Mr. Trautwein's unavoidable absence. The Chairman then discussed the background of the problem regarding work proposed for the interior of Carpenters' Hall. The 1950 agreement between Carpenters' Company and the National Park Service was discussed and it was agreed the Historical Commission has jurisdiction in this case. It was resolved that a copy of Mr. Trautwein's letter to Mr. M. O. Anderson be sent to Mr. John Harbeson with a brief cover letter. Mr. Trautwein's Report was approved and directed to be filed with the official copies of the Minutes. The Commission's Activities, Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian. Dr. Tinkcom reported that, although the City Representative's Office was interested in the Commission's proposal to publish a Survey similar to that of the Cambridge Survey of Architectural History, no money to pay for the printing of such a work was available. Layout help, -etc., could be given, however. Mr. Ferguson suggested that the text be assembled and funds to cover the cost of printing be applied for in the Commission's Budget for 1968. A proposal that the Benjamin Rush House, Red Lion and Academy Roads, be moved to the grounds of the State Hospital at Byberry was considered. more 3.28.67 The Minutes Page 2 REPORTS continued The Chairman stated that the Commission is
printing be applied for in the Commission's Budget for 1968. A proposal that the Benjamin Rush House, Red Lion and Academy Roads, be moved to the grounds of the State Hospital at Byberry was considered. more 3.28.67 The Minutes Page 2 REPORTS continued The Chairman stated that the Commission is opposed to moving historic buildings; that the restoration of the Rush Homestead on its original site is vital to the whole city. It was approved that no support be given to this proposal. Vandalism in the houses in Southwark, vacated by order of the State Department of Highways is a continuing problem. The police report difficulty in trying to stop the removal of paneling, etc., from certified houses because the salvage and boarding contract issued by the State, is too general in its terms. Mr. Kranzel suggested that a letter be sent to the Attorney General, asking that the contract be clarified. The Chairman agreed to write to Mr. Hamilton in the Department of Property and Supplies, Harrisburg. Dr. Tinkcom's Report was approved and ordered to be filed with the others and with the official copies of the Minutes. OLD BUSINESS Extension of the Six Month Period, during which Demolition may be Withheld, to a Period of One Year. The Chairman reported that Mrs. Varallo's proposed revision of the Historical Commission's ordinance had been brought before City Council and subsequently referred to the City Planning Commission. Mr. Kranzel stated that the Planning Commission, under the Charter, has the power to review any proposal that impinges upon Zoning regulations. It was the consensus that no action is required of the Historical Commission at this time, but Mr. Kranzel suggested that Mrs. Varallo be congratu- lated upon her action and that other members of Council be asked for their support of this matter. It was resolved that a letter to the Mayor be sent at once, and that Mrs. Varallo be thanked for her kind cooperation. This was approved. The Harry A. Batten Fund. The Chairman reported that Mr. Trautwein had started this memorial fund with a check for $100.00 and he asked Mr. Tyson for his help in extending it. The purpose of the fund is to create a revolving sum to be used to further the Historical Commission's research activities and to publish the resulting reports. Dr. Tinkcom noted that the Historic American Buildings Survey, through Mr. James C. Massey,
asked Mr. Tyson for his help in extending it. The purpose of the fund is to create a revolving sum to be used to further the Historical Commission's research activities and to publish the resulting reports. Dr. Tinkcom noted that the Historic American Buildings Survey, through Mr. James C. Massey, has offered the text and drawings for the HABS guide to Historic buildings in Philadelphia which could be published with money from such a fund and sold for $1.00 or $1.50 per copy. The proceeds would be returned to the fund. Mr. Tyson accepted the Chairman's assignment and after some further dis- cussion, there being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:40 P.M. Respectfully submitted, GMS:mrm Grant M. Simon, F.A.I.A. Chairman for the Commission