THE MINUTES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH STATED MEETING OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 28 September 1965 Present were: Mr. Grant M. Simon, Chairman Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols Mr. Richmond P. Miller Mr. George K. Trautwein Councilman Mary Varallo Mr. R. Norris Williams, II. 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 27 July 1965 Meeting were approved as circulated with the recommendation that Mr. Miller's suggestion that a marked copy be sent to N. W. Ayer & Son be approved. REPORTS Historical Values Committee, Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols, Chairman. This report was approved as read. Action taken involved opposition to the proposed demolition of 1412, 1414 Pine Street for an extension of a Gulf Oil service station at the corner of Broad and Pine Streets. It was resolved that a letter be sent to the Zoning Board of Adjustment stating the reasons for the Commission's opposition, as related to the preservation of the certified buildings on Carlisle Street and stating that if the proposal is denied, the Commission will certify these two buildings as of 7 October, the date of the scheduled public hearing. Architectural Committee, Mr. George K. Trautwein, Chairman. It was reported that fifteen submissions were reviewed and action taken on them, and fire requests for plaques were discussed, four of them approved. Mr. Trautwein's report was approved and ordered to be filed. The Commission's Activities, Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian. Action taken on this report was a resolution to write to Mr. Ronald P. Lee with regard to the Delaware Expressway's position in relation to Gloria Dei, a National Historical Site. It was also stated that Mr. Lee proposes to write to the Mayor, suggesting that the six month period in which the Historical Commission may withold a demolition permit is not sufficient; that it should be extended to one year. Dr. Tinkcom's report was approved and she was directed to write to Mr. Lee and to send him material on the Delaware Expressway. OLD BUSINESS Civil Service Status for the Historian and for Mrs. Kirkbride, her assistant. Councilman Varallo stated her vital interest in this matter and asked what other commissions, having similar status, do about this matter. Dr. Tinkcom The Minutes 9.28.65 Page 2 OLD BUSINESS continued was asked to see how this
BUSINESS Civil Service Status for the Historian and for Mrs. Kirkbride, her assistant. Councilman Varallo stated her vital interest in this matter and asked what other commissions, having similar status, do about this matter. Dr. Tinkcom The Minutes 9.28.65 Page 2 OLD BUSINESS continued was asked to see how this is handled in New York and Baltimore, two organizations also operating with city funds, and to relay the infor- mation to Mrs. Varallo. It was reported that the necessary forms and vital statistics had been sent to the Civil Service Commission in July but that no word from them has yet been received. NEW BUSINESS 4200 Pine Street. Dr. Tinkcom rehearsed the background of the certification of this building and explained why the matter is before the Commission now. In view of the letter from the executive director of the West Philadelphia Corporation, it was resolved that the building be decertifi- ed and that a letter to this effect be sent to Dr. Rosenow, President of the American College of Physicians, owner of the building. Mr. Trautwein dissented. 242 South Third Street. It was resolved that the word "site" be included in any tablet affixed to the building, recognizing its having been the home of the first Spanish Envoy, 1777-78. It was also approved that the dedication ceremonies would be attended by the Chairman, together with such other City Officials as might accept the invitation from the Spanish Consulate in Philadelphia. A letter to the Consul is to be sent as soon as possible. Penn Club Resolution with regard to the 1976 commemoration of the Nation's 200th Anniversary. It was resolved that the Commission support the move- ment to have the celebration in Philadelphia, but that the words "Worlds Fair" be deleted. Copies of the letter should go to Mr. John B. Kelly, Jr., the Mayor and the President of City Council, with appropriate cover letters. A copy of the Resolution should be included. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:45 P.M. Mr. Miller then made a motion that congratulations and good wishes be extended to R. Norris Williams, II, who, in spite of his retirement from the Directorship of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, will remain a Member of the Philadelphia Historical Commission. This was done with general expressions of appreciation. Respectfully submitted Grant M. Simon, Chairman