MINUTES OF THE 131st STATED MEETING OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 26 November 1968 Present were: Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols, Chairman Mr. John B. Kelly, Jr., Councilman-at-Large Mr. Richmond P. Miller Mr. James L. Ferguson, Deputy Director, Department of Finance Paul Leo McSorley, Esq., Deputy Commissioner, Department of Public Property Mr. Oscar Goodstein, Administrative Assistant to the Commissioner of Public Property Isador Kranzel, Esq., Assistant City Solicitor Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian Mrs. Charles J. Maurer, Secretary Unless otherwise noted, all actions taken herein were the result of motions correctly presented, seconded and carried. THE MINUTES of the Meeting held on 29 October 1968 were approved as circulated. REPORTS Historical Values Report, Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols, Chairman. No report. Architectural Committee, Mrs. Charles J. Maurer, Secretary. This report was approved and directed to be filed with the official copies of the Minutes. The Commission's Activities, Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian. Dr. Tinkcom reported on the most recent development regarding the Log House at 16th and Race, saying that the Trustees of the Friends' Select School had decided to allow the National Society of Colonial Dames of America in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to move it to Stenton, 18th and Courtland Streets. As the Historical Commission has already approved the application for a permit to move it, submitted by the Department of Recreation, it was the consensus that no further action is required of this Commission Dr. Tinkcom reported a grant of $8,000 from the American Philosophical Society to Miss Barbara Liggett, to be administered by the Historical Commission for archaeological research in the Dock Creek area. A discussion followed on the possibility of National Park Service making available space for study of the artifacts and a place to display them. Dr. Tinkcom's Report was approved and directed to be filed. OLD BUSINESS The Monastery, Kitchen's Lane in Fairmount Park. No official report from the Fairmount Park Commission has been received since the study on this building was submitted some weeks ago. The Chairman read a letter from a concerned citizen asking the Commission to oppose the destruction of the Monastery. A resolution in a similar vein from the Preservation Committee of the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects was reported. The Minutes 11.26.68 Page 2 OLD BUSINESS, continued Fort Mifflin. The Historian reported on proposals set forth by the Shack- amazou Society to have three of the building
A resolution in a similar vein from the Preservation Committee of the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects was reported. The Minutes 11.26.68 Page 2 OLD BUSINESS, continued Fort Mifflin. The Historian reported on proposals set forth by the Shack- amazou Society to have three of the building open to the public by Memorial Day, 1969. The Historical Commission's request for Landmark status for Ft. Mifflin has been endorsed by Mr. Bacon and Commissioner Crawford. A letter proposing this will be sent to Mr. Lemuel Garrison. The Athenaeum's invitation to the Historical Commission to occupy offices in that building. The Chairman read a letter from the president of the Athenaeum, George Vaux. He reported on several meetings and con- versations on the subject. It was the consensus that in view of the Historical Commission's close association with other city agencies, acceptance of this invitation is inadvisable. On motion by Mr. Miller, it was approved that a letter be sent to Mr. Vaux encouraging the location of an architectural library at the Athenaeum and reiterating the Commission's position as stated in the Minutes for October 29 Stated Meeting. This was seconded by Mr. McSorley and carried unanimously. Microfilming of the Historical Commission's Records. The Historian stated that a report recommending this had been received from the Commissioner of Records. The cost to the Historical Commission will be about $1,020, which sum has been written into the budget for 1969. It was approved that this work be carried forward. NEW BUSINESS Rittenhouse Square - a proposed bandstand. The Chairman read a letter of protest from William Heyl Thompson, Architect. After a short discussion, it was determined that the Historical Commission has no jurisdiction in this matter. Counsel agreed. Consensus List for the National Registry. The Historian explained that this has been prepared and will be ready to be circulated in about two weeks. Mr. Kelly suggested that the Commission write to the National Park Service urging the Department of the Interior to have the historical buildings open on weekends and if necessary for reasons of bugetary limitations closed a day during the week. The Chairman directed that this letter be written. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:15 PM. Respectfully submitted Mrs. M. Maurer, Secretary