THE MINUTES OF THE 144th STATED MEETING OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 26 May 1970 Present were: Mrs. Rabbitts for the Hon. John B. Kelly, Jr., Councilman-at-Large Mr. James L. Ferguson, Deputy Director of Finance Paul Leo McSorley, Esq., Deputy Commissioner, Public Property Mr. Richmond P. Miller Mr. Edward Pinkowski Mr. Charles R. Tyson Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian Mrs. Charles J. Maurer, Secretary Unless otherwise noted, all actions taken herein are the result of motions properly presented and seconded. The Minutes for the Stated Meeting held 28 April 1970 were approved as circulated. REPORTS Historical Values Committee. The 19th century commercial structures between Front and Second; Chestnut (both sides, north and south) and Walnut Streets were approved for certification. The report was approved and directed to be filed with the official Minutes of this meeting. The Architectural Committee, Mr. John F. Lloyd, A.I.A., Chairman. This report was read and approved. It was directed to be filed as above. The Commission's Activities, Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Chairman. In discussing the Commission's proposal to the Model Cities that our earlier historical project be continued in the form of an archaeological study of a site historically associated with the Negro community, the Historian requested permission to offer a $30.00 consulting fee to Mr. James Hurley who is in charge of a similar project in the Bedford-Stuyvesant area of Brooklyn. This was approved. The maintenance of 1729 Mt. Vernon Street, the Thomas Eakins House and of the adjacent property was introduced by Mr. McSorley. Obligations of the City relative to this was discussed. It was suggested that the records forming the application for Housing and Urban Development funds for the restoration of this property might clarify the point at issue. Dr. Tinkcom's Report was also approved and directed to be filed. OLD BUSINESS The Minute for Roy Franklin Nichols, Ph.D., was read: The Philadelphia Historical Commission regretfully accepted the resignation, because of ill health, of its Chairman, Roy Franklin Nichols at the Stated Meeting on April 30, 1970. Dr. Nichols's departure will leave a void difficult to fill. The Commission will miss the warmth of his personality, his wit, and his interest in every phase of its work. His dedi- cation and devotion to Philadelphia's well-being cannot more [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: Top right corner: handwritten "U2" with "6/30/70" below it] The Minutes 5.26.70 Page 2 OLD BUSINESS CONTINUED The Minute for Dr. Nichols, cont.
warmth of his personality, his wit, and his interest in every phase of its work. His dedi- cation and devotion to Philadelphia's well-being cannot more [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: Top right corner: handwritten "U2" with "6/30/70" below it] The Minutes 5.26.70 Page 2 OLD BUSINESS CONTINUED The Minute for Dr. Nichols, cont. easily be measured. Dr. Nichols recently said: "The Historical Commission has led a charmed life". It has indeed. Guided by gentlemen, each to high degree able in his own field, each lending his personal touch to the work for which this Com- mission was created. The Commission's broad view of historic preservation which has won it national reputation, was strengthen- ed significantly during the Chairmanship of Dr. Nichols. With this fortunate background, the Commission's activities should continue without interruption. The Historical Commission joins Mayor James H. J. Tate in wishing Dr. Nichols a quick return to good health so that he may enjoy that freedom from responsibilities which his Chairmanship en- tailed; yet with firm hope that we may consult him when occasion shall arise. It was unanimously approved that this Minute be made a part of the Minutes of this Stated Meeting. NEW BUSINESS The Election of a Chairman Mr. McSorley stated that nominations for chairmanship of the Commission were in order. Mr. Tyson and Mr. Miller were nominated. Mr. Tyson regretted his inability to accept. In view of the absence of Mr. Kelly and Mr. Taxin, Mr. McSorley sug- gested that the election be postponed and a special meeting called for 16 June 1970 at eleven o'clock. This was approved and the secretary directed to notify the Members, urging everyone to be present. It was further agreed that nominations are still open. There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at half past four. Respectfully submitted, M. B. Maurer Secretary