THE MINUTES FOR THE THIRTY-SEVENTH MEETING OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION December 29, 1959 Present were: Mr. Harry A. Batten Mr. Charles E. Peterson Mr. R. Norris Williams Mr. Grant M. Simon, Chairman ALSO Present: Mr. George I. Lovatt, City Architect Mr. Philip Carroll, Administrative Assistant Mr. Harry G. McDowell, Deputy Director of Finance Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian Mrs. Charles J. Maurer, Executive Secretary THE MINUTES for the November Meeting were approved as corrected. DR. TINKCOM'S REPORT. The Historian had nothing new to report. It was approved that the Agenda for this meeting be incorporated into the Annual Report with appropriate comment. ( Unless otherwise stated, all actions reported herein were taken ) ( after motions that were properly presented, seconded and carried ) PLAQUES FOR HISTORIC BUILDINGS The Chairman reported that on December 31st, Plaque No. 1 will be presented to Mr. M. O. Anderson, Superintendent of Independence National Historical Park and Judge Edwin O. Lewis by the Mayor, at a short ceremony in Independence Hall, on behalf of the Historical Commission. It was further reported that Mrs. Earle R. Kirkbride and Mr. L. Arnold Nicholson have sent in applications for plaques for 704 South Front Street in Southwark and 221 Pine Street respectively. A mater took numbered one to two thousand in which to list the applicants in order of their being received was discussed. It was further said that plaques could not be properly affixed before the building is restored. A Motion was made by Mr. Batten that the first one hundred fifty plaques be reserved, to be designated to important historic buildings by the Commission. Mr. Williams seconded the Motion and the members unanimously approved. Dr. Tinkcom was asked to draw up a list of one hundred most important buildings as a guide. THE MINUTES -2- Dec. 29, 1959 ORDINANCE FOR CITY COUNCIL Mr. McDowell reported that preparations for a list of variances sought for faithful restoration of historic buildings continues. Mr. George I. Lovatt, City Architect, offered to give Mr. McDowell his assistance, particularly in regard to regulations as found in the Building Code, in order that the list be complete. HISTORIC STREETS The Chairman commented on the fact that efforts by the Commission to preserve the original streets had met with little encouragement, but that he hoped that at least these would be properly marked. FIRE EQUIPMENT FOR THE HEAD HOUSE Mr. Carroll
in order that the list be complete. HISTORIC STREETS The Chairman commented on the fact that efforts by the Commission to preserve the original streets had met with little encouragement, but that he hoped that at least these would be properly marked. FIRE EQUIPMENT FOR THE HEAD HOUSE Mr. Carroll reported that some of the details of maintenance had not been completely resolved; that a lease for the second floor office is now being prepared at a nominal rental by the Redevelopment Authority. This agency is paying for the electrical installations in the amount of $4300. The Insurance Company of North America and the City of Philadelphia have an understanding whereby a sum of $3000 will be available annually to provide for a custodian for three years. It was asked if he would sleep on the premises, and if there would be bathroom and cooking facilities available. This matter is not entirely resolved at this time. Mr. Lovatt's memorandum to the Historical Commission will be incorporated into the Minutes. MORRIS BREWERY The Chairman reported that Mr. Berry of the Redevelopment Authority had been asked to make sure that the cellars and vaults do not conflict with any new construction. Until the Commission has this report, no further action can be taken. It was suggested that photographs be sent to Mr. Edmund N. Bacon of the City Planning Commission for him to study with the view of their possible preservation. THE MINUTES -3- Dec. 29, 1959 CITY PLANNING COMMISSION A meeting will be held on January 14, 1960 at 11:30 A.M. in the office of the City Planning Commission. Mr. Larsen will discuss future plans for the area north of Washington Square East. The area is designated as: Market to Bridge Street and east of Fifth Street. The members of the Historical Commission will attend SUBMISSIONS 332 South Fourth Street. The secretary was asked to read a letter from Mr. Sydney Martin to the Chairman, as well as Mr. Simon's reply. Comments were invited and it was the concensus that the Commission should take a firm stand on the matter of exterior restoration. It was suggested that a dozier of all correspondence and other pertinent material be prepared and circulated among the members. It was further suggested that a special committee meet with the owner to discuss features of this important house in detail; that a letter to this effect be
exterior restoration. It was suggested that a dozier of all correspondence and other pertinent material be prepared and circulated among the members. It was further suggested that a special committee meet with the owner to discuss features of this important house in detail; that a letter to this effect be sent to the owner. The Chairman will make an appointment with the owner at an early date to discuss this informally. 627 Pine Street. A submission of proposed restoration was studied by the members present. It was agreed that the drawings were excellent. A Motion to approve the plans was asked by the Chair. Approval was unanimous. It was also resolved that this house be certified. 208 South Fourth Street. The submission of proposed restoration was studied, particularly in regard to the bulk window. It was resolved that a letter stating that the Commission recommend the building be restored to its original state, but that if this proved impossible at this time, then the present plan would be approved on condition that there be no further mutilation of the building. THE MINUTES -4- Dec. 29, 1959 It was resolved that the appointed members of the Commission resign at the Mayor's discretion. It was futher resolved that the members would gladly continue to serve should the Mayor so desire. The Meeting was adjourned at 5:45 P.M. Respectfully submitted Charles E. Peterson, Secretary