D R A F T THE ONE HUNDREDTH STATED MEETING OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 25 January, 1966 Present were: Mr. Grant M. Simon, Chairman Mr. Harry A. Batten Commissioner Charles G. Day, Department of Public Property Representing Mayor James H. J. Tate Mr. James L. Ferguson, Deputy Director of Finance Mr. Oscar Goodstein, Administrative Assistant, Department of Public Property Mr. John F. Lloyd Mr. Richmond P. Miller Mr. Victor E. Moore Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols Mr. George K. Trautwein Councilman Mary A. Varallo Mr. R. Norris Williams, II. Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian Mrs. Charles J. Maurer, Secretary Mr. Frank Elliott, Vice President, Hyman Korman, Inc. Press representatives, the Evening Bulletin and the Daily News The Chairman opened the meeting, introducing Commissioner Day who expressed the Mayor's regrets that he could not himself be present. In his own right, the Commissioner said he is proud that the Philadelphia Historical Commission is part of the Department of Public Property. He congratulated the Chairman and his staff for the remarkable accomplishments of the Commission's first ten years of service to the City. The Chairman then called on Councilman Varallo, who reported that Mr. D'Ortona, President of Council, also regretted that the press of other meetings prevented his attendance on this occasion. Mrs. Varallo also congratulated the Chairman and his staff on the amount of work accomplished. The Chairman, in introducing Mr. Victor E. Moore, reviewed the five years that had been spent in trying to obtain authorization for a commission on historic buildings, being told at each step that this was impossible and illegal. In spite of these discouraging beginnings, Mr. Moore, then a member of Council had succeeded in getting the necessary ordinance adopted. Mr. Moore made appreciative remarks about the Chairman, his leadership in Commission affairs, and paid a tribute to Mr. Simon as a great artist and architect. The Chairman introduced Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols, Vice Provost of the University of Pennsylvania, Dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, scholar, authori, and Member of the Historical Commission. T H E T A P E THE MINUTES -2- Jan. 25, 1966 Mr. Batten was then invited to comment on the Commission's work and he pointed out the roll of history in the future development of Philadelphia; the importance to the renaissance of the old city of the removal of the Dock Street market; and the seminal effect
-2- Jan. 25, 1966 Mr. Batten was then invited to comment on the Commission's work and he pointed out the roll of history in the future development of Philadelphia; the importance to the renaissance of the old city of the removal of the Dock Street market; and the seminal effect of the new University City science center. Following this, Mr. Miller, as the newest member of the Commission, also made appropriate and appreciative comments. After pleasant remarks about all members of the staff by Dr. Nichols and Mr. Simon, the latter concluded the ceremonial section of this meeting by reminding the Commission that its plaque had been requested by and awarded to the owner of "Wharton," a Virginia house of Philadelphia design. THE MINUTES of the Stated Meeting for 28 December, 1965, postponed to 4 January, 1966 were approved as circulated. REPORTS The Historic Values Committee, Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols, Chairman. This Report was approved. The Architectural Committee, Mr. George K. Trautwein, Chairman. This Report was approved. The Commission's Activities, Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian. OLD BUSINESS Delaware Expressway. The Chairman had letters from Federal Highway Administrator, Rex M. Whitton and State Secretary of Highways, Henry D. Harral read. Mr. Williams stated his opinion that in this matter of the Expressway, of such vital importance to the City, the Commission ought to do all it can to support the change in route. After full discussion it was agreed that Mr. Batten and Dr. Nichols should represent the Commission in this matter carrying the story to the Federal Government — to Senators Scott and Clark and to Mrs. Johnson, possibly through Vice President Humphrey. The Benjamin Rush House. Mr. Simon introduced Mr. Frank Elliott of Hyman Korman Corp. who showed a map of the Pennswood Community, purchased by Hyman Korman nine months ago. He reported that since acquisition of the property the cutting of streets through the area has been stopped; and through the interest of the Department of Recreation the City has taken steps to acquire the house and 2½ acres of land immediately adjoining it. Neighborhood groups have been encouraged to clean up the area. Mr. Elliott asked that the Commission write a letter to Commissioner Leary of the Police Department asking him to have the junked cars removed. Mr. Goodstein agreed to write to Philip Carroll in the Commission's name. It was also determined that the Commission would
encouraged to clean up the area. Mr. Elliott asked that the Commission write a letter to Commissioner Leary of the Police Department asking him to have the junked cars removed. Mr. Goodstein agreed to write to Philip Carroll in the Commission's name. It was also determined that the Commission would serve as a clearing house to provide information for persons interested in aiding this project. There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:15 P.M.