D R A F T THE EIGHTY-FIRST STATED MEETING OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 28 April 1964 Present were: Mr. Harry A. Batten Mr. Richmond Miller Mr. John Taxin Mr. George K. Trautwein Mr. R. Norris Williams, III. Mr. Grant M. Simon, Chairman Also present: Mr. John Donnelly, Representing the Director of Finance Mr. Erling H. Pedersen, the Old Philadelphia Development Corp. Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian Mrs. Charles J. Maurer, Secretary Miss Constance F. Smith, Clerk II. Unless otherwise stated, all action taken herein is the result of motions duly made, seconded and carried. THE MINUTES of the 31 March 1964 Stated Meeting were approved as circulated. The Chairman reported on an editorial in THE EVENING BULLETIN for Monday, 27 April, which commented on the Historical Commission's work with approbation. It was recommended that a letter of thanks be sent to the Editor, stating that it is largely due to public opinion that success has come to the Historical Commission in the seven years since it began to work. The Chairman asked Mr. Pedersen if he had any comments. Discussion of the 900 block of Spruce Street ensued. This is said to be one of the City's handsomest block of houses; their size makes their ultimate use a problem. It was suggested that a letter to Mr. William L. Day, President of the Old Philadelphia Development Corporation, asking for his intentions for Portico Row, be sent in time to have a reply before the next Stated Meeting. Mr. Pedersen was thanked for coming and excused. REPORTS The Architectural Committee, Mr. George Trautwein, Chairman. It was reported that seven submissions, six problems and five requests for plaques were reviewed on April 23. The Report was approved and ordered to be filed with with the official copies of the Minutes. Dr. Nichols, Chairman of the Historic Values Committee was unavoidably absent. There was, therefore, no report from his committee. The Commission's Activities, Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom reporting. It was approved with commendation. [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: A circular stamp appears in the upper left corner of the page containing "DRAFT" text.] THE MINUTES 28 April, 1964 Page 2 OLD BUSINESS Trust Fund for Research. Dr. Tinkcom stated that a letter from Mr. Corleto has been received by Commissioner Charles G. Day, saying there appears to be no impediment for establishing a Trust Fund for Historical Research. Dr. Tinkcom, at the request of the
28 April, 1964 Page 2 OLD BUSINESS Trust Fund for Research. Dr. Tinkcom stated that a letter from Mr. Corleto has been received by Commissioner Charles G. Day, saying there appears to be no impediment for establishing a Trust Fund for Historical Research. Dr. Tinkcom, at the request of the Chairman, reviewed the steps taken thus far for the benefit of Mr. Donnelly, attending a Stated Meeting for the first time. No action by the Commission is required at this time. NEW BUSINESS Reading Railroad Station at Germantown and Price Streets (5735 Germantown Avenue). Action taken on Dr. Tinkcom's Report involved the certification of this, the second oldest railroad station in the country. The Chairman cited a series of articles by Revelle Brown, saying copies of it should be in the Commission's records. They were published by the Newcomen Society. The certification was approved. 3905 Spruce Street. It was approved that a letter be written to the University of Pennsylvania, asking why this certified building must be torn down and what will replace it. The letter shall also state the Commission hopes it can be preserved as the domicile of a University official or some equally appropriate use. Dr. Tinkcom agreed to call Mr. Leo Molinaro of the West Philadelphia Corporation at her earliest convenience to obtain further information. The Operating Budget for 1965. This was detailed by Dr. Tinkcom, who stated that Classes I., III., and IV. remain unchanged, but that Class II., for Professional Services, presents a problem, particularly the $5,000 requested for 1963, 1964 and approved by Council for that period. It had been recommended that a letter to the Commissioner of Public Property, Mr. Charles G. Day, be sent, asking that this amount be continued. This has been done. It was further recommended that another letter be sent to Mr. Day, the Commissioner, underlining the pressure on the Historical Commission to obtain data on West Philadelphia, Kensington, Southwark and Germantown. This was approved. There being no further business, the Meeting was adjourned at 4:15 P.M. Respectfully submitted,