MINUTES OF THE 136th STATED MEETING OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 27 May 1969 Present were: The Hon. John B. Kelly, Jr., Councilman-at-Large Mr. Richmond P. Miller Mr. Charles R. Tyson Mr. James L. Ferguson, Deputy Director of Finance Paul Leo McSorley, Esq., Deputy Commissioner of Public Property Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian Mrs. Charles J. Maurer, Secretary THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING held 29 April 1969 were approved as circulated. Unless otherwise noted, all actions taken herein are the result of motions properly presented, seconded and carried. REPORTS The Architectural Committee, Mr. John F. Lloyd, Acting Chairman. The Secretary was asked to read the minutes of the meeting held on 23 May. Eight submissions were reviewed; all but one approved. Two problems were considered and four requests for plaques, three of these were approved. The report was approved and directed to be filed with the official copies of the Minutes. The Commission's Activities, Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian. This report was approved and directed to be filed. OLD BUSINESS The Historic American Buildings Survey Catalogue. Mr. Tyson reported on progress in raising funds to publish this. We now have $900.00 of the $7,000 required. Other possible sources were discussed and Dr. Tinkcom was asked to furnish a list of sources for Mr. Tyson to explore. The Monastery, Fairmount Park at Kitchen's Lane. Dr. Tinkcom reported that the American Youth Hostel Association is hoping to acquire it; that the Executive Director had been in the office to study the data on this eighteenth-century building. The Crosstown Expressway. The secretary asked for a ruling regarding the propriety of members of the Historical Commission's staff attending meetings on this controversial matter. It was agreed that Mrs. Kirkbride, a resident in the area involved in the Crosstown Expressway, might appear in that capacity; that the Commission's staff as such ought not attend meetings until such time as it is clearly indicated that historical buildings are involved. NEW BUSINESS Buildings Proposed for Certification: The 300 block of S. Smedley Street. This was approved. 1329 Buttonwood Street, a Soup Kitchen. This was approved. 104 & Green Streets, the Midtown Community Center. It was recommended that this have further study. More The Minutes 5.27.69 Page 2 OLD BUSINESS continued Coulter Inn, Germantown Avenue & Coulter Street. Dr. Tinkcom reported that the Commission had been asked by the Redevelopment Authority whether it had reconsidered its earlier decision
Green Streets, the Midtown Community Center. It was recommended that this have further study. More The Minutes 5.27.69 Page 2 OLD BUSINESS continued Coulter Inn, Germantown Avenue & Coulter Street. Dr. Tinkcom reported that the Commission had been asked by the Redevelopment Authority whether it had reconsidered its earlier decision not to certify this building. A motion was made and seconded that the Commission stand by its original decision embodied in the Redevelopment Authority's proposal for Central Germantown Urban Renewal Area. The Art Commission. Dr. Tinkcom reported that the Executive Secretary of the Art Commission had asked the Historical Commission's sup- port for an ordinance to strengthen the Art Commission's position regarding inappropriate signs in historical areas. (The point at issue was a Gino's restaurant sign at 6142 Germantown Avenue) It was the consensus that the Historical Commission would need to know the precise phraseology of the proposed ordinance, but that, in theory, it will support the Art Commission's efforts to protect Germantown Avenue, now proclaimed a National Historical Landmark by the Department of the Interior. Fort Mifflin. Mr. Kelly reported his attendance at the recent party sponsored by the Shackamaxon Society. Dr. Tinkcom noted that the Architectural Council had approved the stabilization of the Fort's blacksmith shop at its last meeting. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at four o'clock. Respectfully submitted M. R. Maurer, Secretary [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: A curved line appears to underline "stabilization" in the Fort Mifflin section.]