DRAFT MINUTES OF THE 119th STATED MEETING OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 31 October 1967 Present were: Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols, Chairman Mr. Richmond P. Miller Mr. John Taxin Mr. Charles R. Tyson Paul L. McSorley, Esq., Deputy Commissioner of Public Property 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 26 September 1967 were approved as amended REPORTS The Historical Values Committee, Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols, Chairman this committee did not meet. Dr. Nichols, however, reported on the conclusion to the problem of Carpenters' Hall, saying that one dissenting vote was cast for the installation of mantels as "furniture" which would not involve alterations to the fabric. The Architectural Committee, Mr. George K. Trautwein, Chairman. In his absence, the secretary was asked to read the report. This was approved and ordered to be filed with the official copies of the Minutes. The Commission's Activities, Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian. This included a list of ceremonial occasions at which the Commission was represented during October; The Americana Forum; the 21st Annual Meeting, in St. Louis, of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, both of which Dr. Tinkcom attended. Action taken on Dr. Tinkcom's report involved lack of cooperation between the Department of Licenses and Inspections and the Commission, resulting in inappropriate alterations to the Shot Tower and to 4200 Spruce Street; the demolition of a certified property in Germantown and other matters. Commissioner McSorley agreed to take the matter up with Commissioner Costello who will be in touch with Commissioner Cavanaugh. Mr. McSorley also agreed to discuss with Mr. Rosen, City Representative, a ceremony marking the Historical Commission's receipt of a mural from Miss Hortense Ferne, the artist. Dr. Tinkcom's report was approved with commendations and ordered to be filed with the official copies of the Minutes. OLD BUSINESS The Benjamin Rush Homestead, Red Lion and Academy Roads. Dr. Tinkcom reported on a memo received from Commissioner Crawford stating that he supported the proposal to move this structure to Byberry. more [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: Top right corner: "6/K" and "B.H." in cursive script Top left corner: "2." in typewritten form with handwritten notation Left margin: Two circular stamp/marks (one near top, one in middle-lower section)] The Minutes 10.31.67 Page 2 OLD BUSINESS continued Mr. McSorley suggested
move this structure to Byberry. more [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: Top right corner: "6/K" and "B.H." in cursive script Top left corner: "2." in typewritten form with handwritten notation Left margin: Two circular stamp/marks (one near top, one in middle-lower section)] The Minutes 10.31.67 Page 2 OLD BUSINESS continued Mr. McSorley suggested an engineering study to find out whether this would be possible and also to discover the current view of the Managing Director's office on this proposal. The Log House, Friends' Select School, 16th and Race Streets. A letter from the attorney of the Fiduciary Committee, Donald W. Kramer, Esq., was read. An application for a demolition permit was enclosed. It was resolved to explore the possibility of moving the building to Fairmount Park and the secretary was asked to find out where the Park Commission could put it. It was further resolved that the attorney be told the Historical Commission is studying the matter and that a decision on this matter will be given him in November. 320 S. Fourth Street. This certified and well-documented property was used as an illustration of the policy that the Historical Commission is as concerned with the interior of a certified building as with its exterior. Attention was called to statements made recently that seem to refute this position. It was resolved that Mr. Kranzel, Counsel for the Commission, and the Executive Secretary prepare a statement to be sent to the Old Philadelphia Development Corporation defining the Commission's position in this matter. NEW BUSINESS An invitation from William Walker, Chairman of the steering committee for the 29th World Congress for International Housing and Planning which will meet in Philadelphia in the summer of 1968 was read. The Historical Commission was asked to co-sponsor for this world Congress. It was agreed that the Commission could accept. There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at half past four o'clock. Respectfully submitted, Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols, Chairman for the Commission RFN:mrm