D R A F T THE SEVENTY-SEVENTH STATED MEETING OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 26 November, 1963 Present were: Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols Mr. Charles E. Peterson Mr. R. Norris Williams, II. Mr. Grant M. Simon, Chairman Also present: Mr. J. E. Durham, Deputy Director of Finance Mr. John L. Evans, City Architect Dr. Margaret B. Tinkoom, Historian Mrs. Charles J. Maurer, Secretary Miss Constance F. Smith, Clerk The Chairman introduced Mr. John L. Evans, City Architect to the Members present. THE MINUTES of the October 29, 1963 Meeting were approved as circulated. It was agreed that a Motion in Memory of the Late President, John Fitzgerald Kennedy should be entered in the Minutes. The Historian was asked to prepare the Memorial. Unless otherwise noted, all actions mentioned herein were taken after motions properly presented, seconded and carried. REPORTS Committee on Historic Values, Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols, Chairman. The following items in the Report were acted upon: 1. Action on the proposal to certify Friends' Asylum, Roosevelt Boulevard and Adams Street, William Strickland, architect, was deferred until additional information is available. 2. Widener's House, Broad & Girard. Certification requested by the Free Library. This was approved. 3. 232 Spruce Street. It was recommended that the Redevelopment Authority be asked to consider restoring this building to its original appearance to harmonize with the houses on either side of it. The house is not certified; the change requested would be a recommendation only. This was approved. 4. 516 Woodland Terrace, for which a plaque has been requested. In view of a Minute from a former Meeting, it was agreed that authorization for a plaque to this, as well as to any mid- nineteenth century West Philadelphia house, be postponed. This was approved. 5. The 1964 budget for the Research Staff was approved. Upon Motion duly made and seconded, Dr. Nichols's Report was approved. The Minutes, 26 November, 1963 Page 2 REPORTS continued Architectural Committee, Mr. George K. Trautwein, Chairman. This meeting having been cancelled, there was no report. The Commission's Activities, Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian. Action taken on this Report included the following: 1. The coming article on Cliveden, to appear in the January issue of the PENNSYLVANIA MAGAZINE OF HISTORY AND BIOGRAPHY will be available from the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. It was, therefore, approved that the Commission not order offprints for office distribution. 2. Dr. Tinkcom reported a conversation
the following: 1. The coming article on Cliveden, to appear in the January issue of the PENNSYLVANIA MAGAZINE OF HISTORY AND BIOGRAPHY will be available from the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. It was, therefore, approved that the Commission not order offprints for office distribution. 2. Dr. Tinkcom reported a conversation with Dr. Cotter, who stated that the Alcoa Company might be interested in archeolgical studies as a part of their public relations program. It was resolved that Dr. Nichols write to Dr. Cotter, inviting him to a meeting of the Historic Values Committee in the near future. 3. An exhibition in the Head House, Sunday, December 29, during the Convention of Architectural Historians, was discussed. It was agreed that an exhibit at the Head House might not be practical and the Historian was directed to explore the possibility of securing space for one at the Hotel Sheraton. 4. A Motion was approved to extend congratulations to Dr. Tinkcom on her article on Cliveden. This was approved. Dr. Tinkcom's Report was approved. This and the Report of the Historic Values Committee were ordered to be filed with the official copies of these Minutes. OLD BUSINESS City Hall. Mr. John Evans was asked to comment on the work being done on City Hall. He gave figures of an overall budget of twelve million dollars to be spent over a period of several years on the rehabilitation of the ex- terior and the updating of individual suites, offices and courtrooms, saying that the principal architectural features are being preserved. The Chairman asked the City Architect if the Historical Commission might be advised when major alterations are proposed, as this Commission has a re- sponsibility to review plans for certified buildings. Mr. Evans agreed to notify the Commission, saying his Department would be glad to discuss future plans as they arose. A motion was made that a letter of appreciation be written to the Mayor on the work in progress. The City Architect suggested that this wait until all work on the exterior of City Hall is finished. A motion was made and approved that a letter be sent to Mr. Evans, thanking him for coming to the Stated Meeting. The Chairman then excused the City Architect. The Minutes, 26 November, 1963 Page 3 OLD BUSINESS continued Cannon Ball Farm. Dr. Tinkcom rehearsed steps taken during the fall involving conversations with Messrs. Wilcox and
that a letter be sent to Mr. Evans, thanking him for coming to the Stated Meeting. The Chairman then excused the City Architect. The Minutes, 26 November, 1963 Page 3 OLD BUSINESS continued Cannon Ball Farm. Dr. Tinkcom rehearsed steps taken during the fall involving conversations with Messrs. Wilcox and Brumbaugh. It was approved that a letter be addressed to Mr. Baxter, regretting the passage of time and reporting that inquiries about the possibility of moving the building are under way. Mr. Baxter is to be asked if he will take steps necessary to preserve the building from further deterioration during this period of exploring its removal to another site. Lombard Street Houses in the 300 Block. The secretary was asked to read Mr. Lammer's letter of November 18, reporting that the Redevelopment Authority agreed to preserve the brain coral foundations of 331 Lombard Street to a distance of three feet above ground. Further discussion of these houses ensued. It was the feeling of the Members of the Commission that an effort should be made to preserve 325, 327, 329, 331 and 333 Lombard Street. It is believed that 325 has historic connotations. NEW BUSINESS Plaques were authorized for 232 South Third Street; 238 South Third Street; 338 South Twelfth Street and 300 Delancey Street. Fairmount Park Commission will be sent the requirements now in force for the authorization of plaques with a request for more information on the site houses for which plaques have been requested. The Commission is particularly interested to learn to what extent these houses have been changed over the years. It was suggested that the Members of the Historical Commission tour Fairmount Park and view the houses. Action on this was deferred. Statement of Policy. In view of the many requests for information about the Historical Commission's work, a round robin had been prepared and circulated among the Members prior to the Stated Meeting. The Chairman asked for comments. It was recommended that the first and last paragraphs alone be included. Action on the statement was deferred. The Chairman reported on a meeting of the Committee on Historic Monuments of the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects on the possibility of the creation of another commission to review the architectural merits of old buildings and the plans for new buildings. This was discussed at length and action on it was deferred. Date of
Committee on Historic Monuments of the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects on the possibility of the creation of another commission to review the architectural merits of old buildings and the plans for new buildings. This was discussed at length and action on it was deferred. Date of the Next Meeting. It was resolved that this be left to the call of the Chairman. There being no further business, the Meeting was adjourned at 5:30 P.M. Respectfully submitted &c....