MINUTES OF THE 1298 STATED MEETING OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 24 September 1968 Present were: Commissioner William A. Costello, Department of Public Property Councilman-at-Large, John B. Kelly, Jr. Mr. Richmond P. Miller Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols, Chairman Mr. John Taxin Mr. James B. Ferguson, Deputy Director of Finance Paul Leo McSorley, Esq., Deputy Commissioner, Public Property Dan Margaret N. Tinkcom, Historian Mrs. Charles J. Maurer, Secretary Unless otherwise noted, all actions taken herein are the result of actions properly presented, seconded and carried MINUTES for the Stated Meeting held 30 July 1968 were approved with one correction REPORTS Historical Values Committee, Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols, Chairman. There was no report. Architectural Committee, Mrs. Charles J. Maurer, Secretary. It was reported that five submissions were reviewed; requests for two demolitions; and four plaques requested, of which three 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. Among matters reported, Dr. Tinkcom listed the Annual Report, 1967; and continuing concern for Cannon Ball House; the Rush House; the Musical Fund Hall; and the Log House.(see Old Business.) Dr. Tinkcom reported on the Archaeological Survey of the Dock Street area, which is now completed and the report in hand, and on possible future explorations; on the Model Cities Report, now completed by the special staff working on it this summer. Finally, on the feasibility study in progress, under the Department of Records, for microfilming the Historical Commission files. Dr. Tinkcom's Report was approved and directed to be filed. OLD BUSINESS The Log House, 16th & Race Streets. Dr. Tinkcom stated that Mr. John M. Kennedy, III., had brought her a copy of a contract between the Society of the Colonial Dames and Mullen & Ranalli, agreeing to move the Log House to Stenton, 18th and Courtland Streets, as soon as the Society of Friends release it. That is to say, when Friends' Select School releases it. NEW BUSINESS Fairmount Park Buildings. Commissioner Costello commented on this, saying that he had looked at the Monastery, Kitchen's Lane near the bank of the [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: Top right corner: "R. Phillips" (signature/initials in cursive script)] The Minutes 9.24.68 Page 2 NEW BUSINESS continued Fairmount Park (cont) Wissahickon and had found it in poor condition though structurally sound. He spoke of its beautiful setting and estimated that it would
Lane near the bank of the [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: Top right corner: "R. Phillips" (signature/initials in cursive script)] The Minutes 9.24.68 Page 2 NEW BUSINESS continued Fairmount Park (cont) Wissahickon and had found it in poor condition though structurally sound. He spoke of its beautiful setting and estimated that it would take about $7,000 to put it in weather tight condition; about $20,000 to restore it. Mr. Costello advised that a careful study be made of the structure and that photographs be taken to show original construction for the files. Mr. Taxin offered to send his car and chauffeur to take Dr. Tinkcom to view the Monastery. This was accepted. The Chairman stated that he had reported to Mr. Costello that the His- torical Commission will cooperate fully in the study of this and other buildings in Fairmount Park. It was noted that the Historical Commission has certified thirty-two buildings in the Park. Mr. Costello agreed to see that a list of other buildings be sent to the Commission in a few days. Standards of the Art Commission. Specific query: Why does the Historical Commission consider Germantown Avenue so important? It was agreed that inasmuch as the Department of the Interior has designated the Germantown Road as a National Historical Landmark, the Art Commission should be asked to equate the Road between Loudoun and 6669 Germantown Avenue with the Society Hill Area. Church of the Holy Trinity, Rittenhouse Square. The Chairman outlined the background of the present controversy regarding its preservation or its demolition. A report on action taken so far, with reference to expressing the historical values of this church as a local and national monument, was made. This has been done in view of the Historical Commission's having certified the building in 1956 and the Commission's responsibility to all certified buildings in Philadelphia. It was resolved that a letter be sent to the voting members of the parish of the Church of the Holy Trinity stating the Commission's concern. This was approved. Mr. Kelly offered the assistance of his office in expediting this. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at five o'clock. Respectfully submitted, Roy Franklin Nichols, Chairman for the Commission RFN:mrm