THE MINUTES OF THE FIFTY-THIRD MEETING OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION June 27, 1961 Present were: Mr. Harry A. Batten Mrs. Richardson Dilworth Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols Mr. Charles E. Peterson Mr. R. Norris Williams, II. Mr. Grant M. Simon, Chairman Also present: Mr. Philip Klein, Commissioner of Public Property Mr. Harry G. McDowell, Deputy Director of Finance Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian Mrs. Charles J. Maurer, Executive Secretary Miss Constance F. Smith, Clerk Unless otherwise stated, all actions mentioned herein were taken after motions properly presented, seconded and carried. THE MINUTES for May 31, 1961 were approved as read. REPORTS Dr. Nichols, Chairman of the Historic Values Committee read his report. It was approved and is attached to the official copy of the Minutes. Mr. Trautwein, Chairman of the Architectural Committee, being absent, the Commission's Chairman asked the secretary to read his report. It was approved and is attached to the official copy of the Minutes. Dr. Tinkcom's report was approved as read and is attached to the official copy of the Minutes. OLD BUSINESS Mr. Williams read a report on the Dedication of the Head House. It was moved, seconded and carried that it be attached to the official copy of the Minutes. 429 Spruce Street. Mr. Peterson stated that he has arranged to have measured drawings of this building made and noted that restoration of the building will be more difficult since too much of the rear structure was removed in error by the Redevelopment Authority. It was suggested that a letter should be written to the Old Philadelphia Development Corporation to Mr. Day, pointing out the damage to 429 Spruce Street and noting the danger to both houses because they were improperly protected from vandals. A request for better care of all old houses will be added. [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: Top right corner: "Approved 7/24/61" in handwriting] THE MINUTES -2- June 27, 1961 NEW BUSINESS Resurvey of Unit I and II as requested by the Old Philadelphia Development Corporation. Dr. Tinkcom proposed that this area be'restudied, since both the eastern and the southern boundaries had been moved outward since the Commission's original survey was made in 1956-57. It was agreed that this should be done and it was also agreed that every building having any claim at all to historic interest be added to the Commission's list, so that the Commission may exercise as much control over
outward since the Commission's original survey was made in 1956-57. It was agreed that this should be done and it was also agreed that every building having any claim at all to historic interest be added to the Commission's list, so that the Commission may exercise as much control over the appearance of the area as possible. This proposal was approved. The Chairman pointed out that the Commission had tried at various times to promote interest in establishing an historic area, wherein all buildings, whether certified or not, would be altered only with the Commission's approval. The Commissioner inquired whether an amendment to Bill 695, ought to be prepared, giving the Commission broader powers? The Chairman replied that the Commission would welcome such an amendment. It was further proposed that representatives of the Commission, and the Redevelopment Authority review the plans for Washington Square East with Mr. Rafsky in an effort to straighten out any conflict of interest or authority. Mr. Peterson invited the Commission--either as a group or as individuals-- to visit the Bishop White house restoration by the National Park Service (309 Walnut Street) now well under way. Mr. Williams suggested that this take place after our next meeting, Tuesday, July 25 which will be held at 3:30 P.M. in the Merchants' Exchange. There being no other business, the Meeting was adjourned at 5:16 P.M. Respectfully submitted Mr. Charles E. Peterson, Secretary