Historical Commission — Jan 28, 1958

THE NINETEENTH MEETING OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION was held on January 22, 1958 at 3:30 P.M., in Room 813, City Hall Annex. The following members were present: Mr. Grant M. Simon, Chairman Mr. Harry A. Batten Mr. R. Norris Williams, II. Mr. George Lovett, City Architect for Mr. Regalbuto Also present were: Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian Mrs. Charles J. Maurer, Executive Secretary A Quorum was present The Meeting came to order promptly at 3: 30 P.M. 1958 TheMinutes of the last meeting, January 7,(postponed from December) were approved. NEW OFFICE SPACE EXHIBIT - Mr. Goodstein Mr. Goodstein, Administrative Engineer, was introduced and showed the Meeting a floor plan for the new offices of the Art Commission, the Historical Commission and the Conference Room which is to be shared by both Commissions and perhaps a third group. Reason for moving the departments was explained by the need for more space by the Procurement Department. It was suggested by Mr. Lovatt that a letter be addressed to the Department of Public property now, asking for air-conditioning for the two proposed offices, 10 x 40 feet, on the east side of the twelfth floor; that there is a possibility that such a letter would be favorably considered at this early date. ✓ CUTHBERT STREET HOUSES The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Bacon, Executive Director of the Philadelphia City Planning Commission, who questioned the value of preserving 112, 114, 116, 118 Cuthbert Street, in the center of an entirely commercial part of the city. The Historian reported that 124 Cuthbert Street has recently come on the market for $3000, and the suggestion was made that if this or any of the other houses were occupied, the City Planning Commission might be persuaded to consider the problem of either moving or preserving the houses, more carefully. Mr. Batten offered to look into the matter of finding a purchaser for these houses. The balance of the discussion was tabled until the next meeting. ✓ THE NURSES' HOME, PENNSYLVANIA HOSPITAL The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Morris Cheston, Chairman of the Board of the Pennsylvania Hospital, saying that the hospital and its board are conscious of the historical significance of its Spruce Street buildings and that the president of the hospital would further explain their position in regard to a new nurses' home. A letter from Mr. T. Truxtun Hare, Jr., was also

the Pennsylvania Hospital, saying that the hospital and its board are conscious of the historical significance of its Spruce Street buildings and that the president of the hospital would further explain their position in regard to a new nurses' home. A letter from Mr. T. Truxtun Hare, Jr., was also read. As the hospital's president, Mr. Hare elaborated on the need for a new building; those presently in use are costly to maintain. The first plan to preserve the corner building, but the architects, Rogers & Butler, found the p roblems too great to make this practical. The corner building under discussion is that on the South east corner of 8th & Spruce. [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: Checkmarks (✓) appear in the left margin before "CUTHBERT STREET HOUSES" and "THE NURSES' HOME, PENNSYLVANIA HOSPITAL"] The Minutes - 2 - January 28, 1958 Mr. Hare enclosed a copy of the conclusions and suggestions made by the New York firm of architects, written to Mr. Hare by Mr. Frank Rogers. The question arose as to whether the plan, originated by the City Planning Commission, to provide space for housing nurses, interns and others, between 9th & 11th and between Spruce and Walnut Streets, for the use of both Jefferson and Pennsylvania Hospitals, is still in effect. It was suggested that the question of the nurses' home be referred to Mr. Bacon and to the Old Philadelphia Corporation. THE SCHUYLKILL ARSENAL The Chairman read a letter from Mayor Dilworth, asking him to give his considered attention to the enclosed copy of a letter addressed to Mr. Greenfield about suggested uses for the Arsenal. The Chairman pointed out that the Schuylkill Arsenal has been identified with avery military engagement, including the Lewis and Clark Expedition, down to World War I. It was suggested that a letter be sent to Mr. Bacon saying that the Commission's function is to preserve historic buildings, asking him to propose ways to use the Arsenal. It was suggested that it might be possible for the City to find uses for the Arsenal. A further report on the Schuylkill Arsenal will be made at the next meeting, after the Chairman has met with other interested persons and officials there on January 30th. FORT MIFFLIN The Chairman reported on a telephone call to Mr. William Wilcox, of the Greater Philadelphia Movement. Mr. Wilcox said he understood that Fort Mifflin had been purchased by

made at the next meeting, after the Chairman has met with other interested persons and officials there on January 30th. FORT MIFFLIN The Chairman reported on a telephone call to Mr. William Wilcox, of the Greater Philadelphia Movement. Mr. Wilcox said he understood that Fort Mifflin had been purchased by the Junto and that there might be some difficulty in arranging historic tours on the river to the Fort. This was tabled, pending more specific information. THE ANNUAL REPORT This is being prepared by the Historian. It was suggested that the Special Studies and lists of Certified Buildings be appended to this in the hope that the whole would be printed. LIMITATIONS ON HISTORIC AREAS - SOCIETY HILL The draft of a letter to Mr. Regalbuto, recommending the re-zoning of the area bounded by Front, Sixth, Lombard and Walnut Streets was discussed and approved. It was suggested that additional copies of the letter be sent to the Commissioner for his convenience in discussions with the City Planning Commission. The Chairman reported a talk with Mr. Roy Singley, Zoning Commissioner and with Mr. Edward Dawson, Bureau of Licenses and Inspections. Mr. Simon read the draft of a letter to Mr. William A. Day, President of the Old Philadelphia Corporation. This was approved. Mr. Batten reported that there will be a report from Mr. Brumbaugh on the Head House of the Second Street Market for the next Meeting. The Meeting was adjourned at 5:30. Charles E. Peterson Secretary [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: - Checkmark (✓) in margin next to "THE SCHUYLKILL ARSENAL" - Checkmark (✓) in margin next to "FORT MIFFLIN" - Checkmark (✓) in margin next to "THE ANNUAL REPORT" - Checkmark (✓) in margin next to "LIMITATIONS ON HISTORIC AREAS - SOCIETY HILL" - "X" mark at end of first section (after "Old Philadelphia Corporation.")]