DRAFT MINUTES OF THE EIGHTY-SIXTH STATED MEETING OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 27 October, 1964 Present were: Mr. Harry A. Batten Mr. James L. Ferguson, Deputy Director of Finance Mr. Richmond P. Miller Mr. George K. Trautwein Mr. R. Norris Williams, II. Mr. Grant M. Simon, Chairman Also present: Mr. Oscar Goodstein, Administrative Services Officer to Mr. Day Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian Mrs. Charles J. Maurer, Secretary Miss Constance F. Smith, Clerk II. Unless otherwise noted, all actions taken herein are the result of motions properly made, seconded and carried. THE MINUTES of the Stated Meeting held on 29 September, 1964, were approved as circulated. REPORTS Dr. Nichols had no report to present. The Architectural Committee, Mr. George K. Trautwein, Chairman. The report was approved as read. The Commission's Activities, Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian involved the following points: The Art Commission shall have a letter thanking it for action to be taken in regard to signs in proximity to certified buildings between 4200 and 6800 Germantown Avenue. Copies are to be sent to Judge Harold D. Saylor and Mr. Jack Hornung. Dr. Tinkcom's Report was approved as read and ordered to be filed with the official copies of the Minutes. OLD BUSINESS The 1965 Budget On the basis of a letter to the Chairman from Commissioner Day, it was agreed that nothing further can be done at present to reinstate the $5,000 which has been withdrawn from the funds for research in the 1965 Operating Budget. THE MINUTES continued -2- Oct. 27, 1964 The Delaware Expressway Dr. Tinkcom stated that Mrs. Kirkbride had made a detailed report on all structures which would be affected by the proposed route of the Delaware Expressway, and read a summary which is appended to these Minutes. It was resolved that the information shall be passed on to the proper authorities, the City Planning Commission and .the Pennsylvania Department of Highways. This was approved. Loxley Court, 321, 323 Arch Street It was reported that a letter from the Arch Street Businessmen's Association had been received, in which it was related that a repre- sentative of the Redevelopment Authority had stated that Loxley Court is to be preserved and put in the hands of a private developer for restoration. Nagle House, 4518 Germantown Avenue Dr. Tinkcom reported on letters from Messrs. Childs and Klein; on a telephone call from Mr. Peter McCahill of the
sentative of the Redevelopment Authority had stated that Loxley Court is to be preserved and put in the hands of a private developer for restoration. Nagle House, 4518 Germantown Avenue Dr. Tinkcom reported on letters from Messrs. Childs and Klein; on a telephone call from Mr. Peter McCahill of the Redevelopment Authority and other contacts. Mr. Williams agreed to talk informally with Mr. Wufnagle of the Sun Oil Company. No other action is called for at this time. Proposed brochure to be prepared by the Philadelphia Contributionship. Mr. Batten suggested that Dr. Tinkcom prepare a draft of the proposition indicating the extent of the records and their usefulness, which Mr. Batten can use when talking to the Chairman of the Board. NEW BUSINESS The Shippen-Blair House, also known as The Laurens, 6043 Germantown Avenue It was resolved that a letter be addressed to Judge Saylor, President of the Germantown Historical Society, and owner of the building, asking for full details of the Society's plans for this building. Meanwhile, the Commission will withhold approval on the permit until all facts are forthcoming. 431 Pine Street It was resolved that the Redevelopment Authority's request for approval to demolish this building be given. The United States Naval Home, Gray's Ferry Avenue below Rainbridge Street It was resolved that the City Planning Commission be asked for a formal report on the proposed route of the southwest-to-east approach to the Naval Home. A letter should be addressed to G. Holmes Perkins asking for maps showing the precise location of this hagway in relation to the Strickland building; and the position of the City Planning Commission in regard to this proposal. The letter shall inquire when this matter first came to the Commission's attention and shall strongly regret that the Historical Commission was not informed. It was further resolved that a letter be sent to Mr. Laird Simons, in his capacity as chairman of the committee on the City's proposed two year college, suggesting this as an appropriate building for that use. Copies of both letters are to be sent to Commissioner Charles G. Day. THE MINUTES -3- Oct. 27, 1964 Germantown Academy bell It was agreed that the return of this bell is not a matter for the jurisdiction of the Historical Commission. A Scrapbook of news items Mr. Richmond P. Miller asked if the Commission keeps such a collection of clippings, such as those
MINUTES -3- Oct. 27, 1964 Germantown Academy bell It was agreed that the return of this bell is not a matter for the jurisdiction of the Historical Commission. A Scrapbook of news items Mr. Richmond P. Miller asked if the Commission keeps such a collection of clippings, such as those currently appearing in the NEW YORK TIMES. He suggested that this might be done; that the Commission send the Editor a number of details about the Commission's work, including a photograph of the plaque, mentioning that Philadelphia's commission is the first to have jurisdiction over an entire city. It was approved that a packet of information be sent to the Editor of THE TIMES. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:30 P.M. Respectfully submitted...