DRAFT MINUTES OF THE NINETIETH STATED MEETING OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 23 February, 1965 Present were: Mr. Harry A. Batten Mr. James L. Ferguson, Deputy Director, Department of Finance Mr. Richmond P. Miller Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols Mr. George K. Trautwein Mr. R. Norris Williams, II. Mr. Grant M. Simon, Chairman Also present: Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian Mrs. Charles J. Maurer, Secretary Mrs. William L. Shannon, Clerk II. Unless otherwise noted, all actions taken herein are the result of motions properly made, seconded and carried THE MINUTES of the Eighty-ninth Meeting, held 26 January, 1965 were approved. REPORTS Historical Values Committee, Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols, Chairman Dr. Nichols stated that his committee had not met, but he spoke of the pending meeting on 4 March 1965, at 4:30 P. M. in the Lenape Room of the University of Pennsylvania Faculty Club. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss 19th century architecture from 1850 onwards. A number of experts in this field have been invited and a general invitation to the Members of the Commission was given. Architectural Committee Meeting, Mr. George K. Trautwein, Chairman. Mr. Trautwein reported on seven submissions reviewed and on Fort Mifflin, the restoration of which is in the hands of Mr. G. Edwin Brumbaugh. This latter was approved on the basis of Mr. Brumbaugh's excellent and interesting report. Mr. Trautwein's report was also approved and ordered to be filed. The Commission's Activities, Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian. The Commission was pleased with the report that agreement between the research staff and Bower & Fradley had been reached with regard to work to be done in Central Germantown; that 200 West Tulpehocken Street had been saved by the Germantown Historical Society; that the Naglee House, 5413 Germantown Avenue appears to be safe under Project 70; and that 440 Spruce Street has been taken off the list of houses to be demolished by the Redevelopment Authority due to action by the Commission. All other points in Dr. Tinkcom's report were approved and the report ordered to be filed with the official copies of these Minutes THE MINUTES 23 February, 1965 Page 2 OLD BUSINESS Street lighting. A short discussion on this subject, as appearing in the Minutes of the January Meeting, was held for the benefit of Mr. Batten, who recommended that Mr. Brumbaugh, who had made an extensive study of the so-called Franklin
Minutes THE MINUTES 23 February, 1965 Page 2 OLD BUSINESS Street lighting. A short discussion on this subject, as appearing in the Minutes of the January Meeting, was held for the benefit of Mr. Batten, who recommended that Mr. Brumbaugh, who had made an extensive study of the so-called Franklin lights, be asked to provide the historical basis for the design of these lights. This was approved. The Delaware Expressway. Dr. Tinkcom rehearsed the substance of letters sent to Secretary Harrel and others, and read the reply from the Mayor. Mr. Batten reported on the Washington conference with the Department of the Interior officials and others, at which it was stated that the Expressway will be three feet above ground level from South Street to either Spruce or Pine and that the Department of Highways is now at work on a study and a model showing the Expressway from Pine to Market Streets. He also stated that the Old Philadelphia Development Corporation has hired independent engineers to make a study of the highway depressed below grade. No action on the part of the Historical Commission is required at present. NEW BUSINESS The appointment of Mr. George S. Forde to the Advisory Board. A letter from Mayor Tate was read, announcing Mr. Forde's appointment. It was recommended that Mr. Simon take Mr. Forde to lunch and there outline the Commission's work. Meanwhile, a letter to Mr. Forde is being sent, enclosing a copy of the Commission's 16th Annual Report and the brochure describing its organization and procedure. Queen Village Neighbors' Association. Dr. Tinkcom rehearsed a project proposed by the Federal Housing Authority to erect a high rise building for elderly persons in Southwark and reported that Mrs. Kirkbride had taken the Housing Authority's lawyer on a tour of the area to demonstrate its character and to convince him that no such project is needed there. It was observed that Mr. Rafsky be consulted for advice on the best method of handling this matter Architectural Drawings. Mr. Batten asked whether the Historical Commission has a firm requirement that all submissions be prepared by an architect. The Chairman stated that he doubted that the Commission has legal power to insist; that persuasion is the only means at hand. Dr. Tinkcom reported that strong persuasion is the office procedure and that Mrs. Maurer is consistent in using all means within her power. The Chairman
by an architect. The Chairman stated that he doubted that the Commission has legal power to insist; that persuasion is the only means at hand. Dr. Tinkcom reported that strong persuasion is the office procedure and that Mrs. Maurer is consistent in using all means within her power. The Chairman directed that Mrs. Maurer be given complete power to use her discretion in this matter with the intent to continue raising the standard of drawings submitted for the restoration of certified buildings. There being no further business, the Meeting was adjourned at 4:15 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Grant M. Simon, Chairman