THE MINUTES OF THE 1348 STATED MEETING OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 25 March 1969 Present were: Mr. Richmond P. Miller The Hon. John B. Kelly, Jr., Councilman-at-Large Paul Leo McSorley, Esq., Deputy Commissioner, Public Property Mr. Oscar Goodstein, Administrative Assistant, Public Property Isador Kranzel, Esq., Assistant City Solicitor Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian Mrs. Charles J. Maurer, Secretary THE MINUTES for the Stated Meeting, 28 January 1969, were approved as circulated. NOTE: The February meeting was cancelled. REPORTS Historical Values Committee, Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols, Chairman The following buildings or groups of buildings were recommended for certification, following a meeting chaired by Dr. Nichols: Krisheim Hall, the Woodward Estate, McCallum Street and Mermaid Lane Handel and Hayden Hall, Northeast corner of 9th and Spring Garden Streets 110 N. Woodstock Street 204 N. 35th Street and the balance of that block, west side. Queen Street between 3d and 4th Streets, both sides. Mr. Kelly asked how buildings were brought before the Commission for consideration. Dr. Tinkcom explained that in some cases the neighborhood residents ask for certification, as in the case of Queen St. and the houses between Race and Powelton Avenue on N. 35th Street. This Report was approved and directed to be filed with the official copies of the Minutes. The Architectural Committee, Mrs. Maurer, Secretary. Two Reports were read and approved: February 20, 1969; March 20, 1969. These were directed to be filed under their proper dates. The Commission's Activities, Dr. Tinkcom, Historian. This Report was read and approved. It was directed to be filed, as above. NEW BUSINESS Fairmount Park Houses. Dr. Tinkcom reported that Philip Price, Esq. had asked the Commission to oppose a bill as presently drafted which was presented to Council by Councilman Schwartz on 13 March 1969. It was recommended that the Fairmount Park Commission propose an addition to the exceptions noted in the Bill, paragraph 16-402, to indicate those buildings on the Historical Commission's list of historically significant buildings in Fairmount Park. Mr. McSorley asked Dr. Tinkcom to have Mr. Price give the Commission statistics on the number of buildings in the Park; the number occupied as residences; the number open as museums, etc. The certified buildings in each category should be clearly indicated. It was noted that this list would be useful in that the Commission might better evaluate [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: Top right corner: "Approved — [signature/initials] — UPA Certs
the Park; the number occupied as residences; the number open as museums, etc. The certified buildings in each category should be clearly indicated. It was noted that this list would be useful in that the Commission might better evaluate [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: Top right corner: "Approved — [signature/initials] — UPA Certs 1968 [or similar] by [illegible]"] THE MINUTES #."%._( 3.25.69 Page 2 Mr. Price's request for support. Mr. Price is also to be asked to give the Commission an amendment to the proposal in words he prefers so that the Commission can determine whether it is in the best interest of the Commission to support the amendment. This was approved. Mr. Kelly agreed to represent the Historical Commission at the Hearing scheduled for ten o'clock on Monday, 31 March, if he has no other commitment. The Historic American Buildings Survey Catalogue. Dr. Tinkcom explained that the Survey, part of the National Park Service, United States Department of the Interior, will supply the text and the accompanying illustrations for the catalogue. The Historical Commission, in turn, will have to find the money to pay the printer - about $3,000 for 3,000 copies - and will collect and retain all the receipts from the sales. This generous offer is an outgrowth of the Survey's policy of securing a local publisher for each of its regional catalogues. The Historical Commission has been chosen for Philadelphia. Mr. McSorley asked how useful this would be and Dr. Tinkcom enumerated uses for the publication and showed a similar one which has been pre- pared for Chicago. Action on this was postponed for a full meeting of the Historical Com- mission. Miniature Plaques. The secretary explained that a request had been made for a miniature edition of the Commission's official plaque and that the matter had been explored with the manufacturer, the S. H. Quint Sons Company. After some discussion, it was decided to drop the matter entirely. 301 Pine Street. Mr. Kranzel agreed to explore the apparently differing points of view between the Zoning Board of Adjustment and the Board of Building Standards. The latter advocated a fire tower as the second means of exit required by law for a structure to be used as a public museum with living quarters for a custodian. A neighbor objected on the grounds that this would cut off his light and air. The Zoning Board upheld his complaint and refused
fire tower as the second means of exit required by law for a structure to be used as a public museum with living quarters for a custodian. A neighbor objected on the grounds that this would cut off his light and air. The Zoning Board upheld his complaint and refused permission for the erection of a fire tower. No work may be done to restore this certified property until the problem is resolved. Mr. Kranzel will consult the City Solicitor and the Board of Building Standards; the Fire Marshall and the Chairman of the Zoning Board and will report his findings at the next meeting. Demolition of the Southwest corner of Fourth and Arch Streets, the Provost Smith House, has been requested by the Redevelopment Authority. The Commission agreed regretfully to this demolition. OLD BUSINESS Fort Mifflin. Mr. McSorley reported on a meeting with Dr. Tinkcom, Mr. Schlachta and Mr. Robert Alotta, adding that the Historical Commission had been asked to suggest several names of architects and archaeologists who might be asked to serve on an advisory committee. Dr. Tinkcom will represent the Historical Commission. No action by the Commission is required. THE MINUTES 3.25.69 Page 3 -OLD-BUSINESS continued Model Cities Report. Dr. Tinkcom reported that this had been withdrawn from the City Print Shop and will be submitted to outside firms for bid. A total of 500 copies will be printed of which about 100 copies will be distributed free of charge. Dr. Tinkcom asked whether the remaining copies might be sold for a nominal fee - possibly $1.00 per copy - with the proceeds reverting to the City. Mr. McSorley asked Dr. Tinkcom to send a memorandum to the Law Department on this point, routing it through his hand, so that the matter could properly be explored. 713 Walnut Street. Mr. McSorley rehearsed the background of this case and reported his visit to the site with Mr. John F. Lloyd, Architect to the Historical Commission and to the Redevelopment Authority. Based on Mr. Lloyd's recommendations for bringing unauthorized alterations into conformity with the Commission's requirements, a letter to the City Solicitor had been prepared for Dr. Nichols to sign. This was read and approved. The Benjamin Rush House. Dr. Tinkcom reported that she and Mrs. Kirkbride, Assistant Historian, had visited the site of this historical building, now demolished, and that the Koman Corporation's guard had ordered them off
the City Solicitor had been prepared for Dr. Nichols to sign. This was read and approved. The Benjamin Rush House. Dr. Tinkcom reported that she and Mrs. Kirkbride, Assistant Historian, had visited the site of this historical building, now demolished, and that the Koman Corporation's guard had ordered them off the premises. In due time the difficulty was overcome and permission to view the site was obtained. Discussion followed on whether a reconstruction of the Rush House would be possible. Dr. Tinkcom said she believes that the Historical Commission would feel that any reconstruction would be guesswork, but that, in her opinion, it would strongly recommend that a small museum be build and the salvaged stone be used to enclose a memorial garden. No official action on this point is presently required. Dr. Blain has asked Dr. Tinkcom to be a member of an advisory committee on the Rush House project. This will enable the Commission to keep in touch with decisions and developments. It was reported, in connection with the demolition of the Rush House, that the Historical Commission staff had been directed by the Commissioner of Public Property to verify their list of thirty-eight hundred certified buildings, making certain of their present addresses. This has been done. It was approved that a letter be sent to the City Planning Commission asking that the Historical Commission be notified whenever new roads are authorized in any part of the city. The secretary was asked to prepare this letter for the Chairman's signature. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned shortly after five o'clock. Respectfully submitted, Marjorie R. Maurer Secretary [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: 1. Signature above typed name "Marjorie R. Maurer" — appears to be a stylized signature in cursive ink 2. Handwritten notation in right margin near "The Benjamin Rush House" section: "is being done" with an arrow or bracket pointing to text]