MINUTES OF THE SEVENTY-SECOND STATED MEETING OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION, - May 28, 1963 Present were: Mr. Harry A. Batten Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols Mr. Charles E. Peterson Mr. R. Norris Williams, II. Mr. Grant M. Simon, Chairman Also present: Mr. Edward J. Martin, Deputy Director of Finance Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian Mrs. Charles J. Maurer, Exec. Assistant to the Chairman Miss Constance F. Smith, Clerk Unless otherwise noted, all actions mentioned in these Minutes were taken after motions properly presented, seconded & carried. REPORTS Historic Values Committee, Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols, Chairman This report was approved as read with the following exceptions: Alexander Calder's house, 2020 Bainbridge St., not certified Decision on 44, 46, 48 and 54 E. Haines Street was deferred Dr. Russell Conwell's house, 2020 N. Broad St. was not certified The Architectural Committee, Mr. Grant M. Simon, Chairman pro tem. This report was approved as read with the exception of the recommendation on 229 Spruce Street. It was decided to refer the matter to the Old Philadelphia Development Corporation. The Commission's Activities, Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian Dr. Tinkcom's report was approved as read. It was directed that all three reports be filed with the official copies of the Minutes. OLD BUSINESS Preston Retreat. A memorandum on a telephone call from Mr. Frank Elliott Vice President of Hyman Korman, Inc., was read. There was no comment. Fire Equipment for the Head House. It was approved that the list of art objects and other memorabilia in the custody of the National Park Service be given to Mr. Batten, who will arrange for fire equipment suitable for display at the Head House when the shambles are fully restored. Permits for City-owned property. Mr. Carroll was prevented from attending the meeting, therefore, there was no report. Mr. Martin agreed to inquire whether progress has been made in this matter and will report at the next meeting. More The Minutes May 28, 1963 Page 2 OLD BUSINESS' continued 238 South Third Street. A letter from Mr. William J. Murtagh, Director of the Department of Education, National Trust for Historic Preservation, was read. Mr. Simon read his reply which was approved. It was resolved to enclose a copy of his letter sent to Mr. John Harbeson and of the one sent to Mr. Robert McLean as well as one of the new folders on the Historical Commission with Mr.
Historic Preservation, was read. Mr. Simon read his reply which was approved. It was resolved to enclose a copy of his letter sent to Mr. John Harbeson and of the one sent to Mr. Robert McLean as well as one of the new folders on the Historical Commission with Mr. Simon's reply. NEW BUSINESS Octavia Hill Association. A letter from Mr. George B. Roberts, architect for the Association was read, in which he asked the Commission's approval to demolish 613, 615, 617, 619, 621, 623, 625 and 627 Lombard Street. It was resolved that Mr. Jeanes and Mr. Roberts be invited to attend the next Stated Meeting and explain why these buildings cannot be preserved. The Rohm & Haas new building on Independence Mall. The Chairman read a letter concerning the modern design of this building within a few hundred feet of Independence Hall. It was agreed that the letter would'carry more weight if addressed to the Art Commission, rather than to Rohm & Haas. It was further agreed that the Commission go on record stating that it does not like this building. Mr. Williams moved that the Art Commission be asked to give careful con- sideration to the design of buildings on the Mall and that the Historical Commission be informed about the plans for future buildings, as this Com- mission has a responsibility toward the City's historic structures. The motion was carried, the Chairman dissenting. Gates to the Sesqui-Centennial Exposition, 1926. It was resolved that the present owner be asked to furnish a photograph of the gates and any additional information he may have. No action on the disposition of these gates is possible with the information presently on hand. Mr. Batten asked whether the Commission had reviewed plans for the restoration of the Abercrombie and Neave houses. The letter to the interested individual who had submitted preliminary plans, was read. It was recommended that every courtesy be extended to him. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:20 P. M. Respectfully submitted &c....