FINAL APPROVAL PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION June 1, 1959 THE THIRTY-THIRD MEETING OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION Held in the Commission's Office, 634 City Hall, May 26, 1959, 3:30 PM Present were: Mr. Charles E. Peterson Mr. R. Norris Williams, II. Mr. Grant M. Simon, Chairmen Also Present: Mr. George I. Lovatt, City Architect Mr. Philip Carroll, representing Mr. Gennetti Mr. Harry G. McDowell, representing Mr. McConnell Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian THE MINUTES for April 28, 1959 were approved with corrections made by Mr. Peterson—, secretary for the Commission Unless otherwise stated, all actions reported herein were taken after motions properly presented, seconded and carried. DR. TINKCOM'S REPORT: √1. 1960 Budget The Department of Public Property reviewed the Budget of the Philadelphia Historical Commission, approved at the Commission's meeting April 28, 1959, and submitted to the Managing Director. The Managing Director's Office considered the budget and returned it to the Department of Public Property with a request that it be re-studied in view of the fact that no expanded program is allowed for 1960. The item particularly questioned was the Commission's request for a photo-duplicating machine. It was suggested that the Historical Commission investigate the facilities of the Records Department to see whether these would meet its needs. The Records Department photostat service will be available to the Commission without charge other than a small charge made to reimburse the Department for supplies used in processing the Commission's orders. The greatest drawback to the use of the Records Department facilities is the distance of the photostating room from the Commission's office. 2. New Section for Bookcase Dr. Tinkcom requested authorization of the Commission for the purchase of an additional section for the bookcase. √3. The Bonaparte House, 260 S. 9th Street The study of this house has been held up because of the difficulty in gaining access to the Girard papers. It is necessary to have the Board's approval before the papers will be made available to the Commission. Mr. Peterson suggested that the records of the Girard real estate buildings in the hands of the Board of City Trusts should be examined and Mr. Williams added that a letter requesting permission to see these papers be sent to Mr. Blackwell Newhall. [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: Top of page: "FINAL APPROVAL" with handwritten date "June 30/09" below it (appears to be a later annotation) Left margin: checkmarks (√) appearing before items 1
should be examined and Mr. Williams added that a letter requesting permission to see these papers be sent to Mr. Blackwell Newhall. [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: Top of page: "FINAL APPROVAL" with handwritten date "June 30/09" below it (appears to be a later annotation) Left margin: checkmarks (√) appearing before items 1 and 3] The Minutes -2- May 26, 1959 DR. TINKCOM'S REPORT continued 4. Photographing Interior Changes in City Hall Mrs. Mitchell of the Department of Records recommended that the Commission have photographs taken of City Hall before and after changes in the halls and offices are made. Mr. Lovatt stated that this is done and that prints of such photographs are available in the City Architect's office. The Commission agreed that there is no need to duplicate this record. 5. Interior Photographs of Washington Square East, Unit I The Chairman was requested to write to Mr. Albart of the Redevelopment Authority to get permission to take interior photographs of the buildings in this area which are scheduled for demolition. It was moved and seconded that Dr. Tinkcom's report be accepted and filed. OLD BUSINESS: 1. 312 DeLancey Street (Blackwell House) Mr. Simon was invited to attend a meeting of the City Planning Commission, at which the three drawings showing alternate location for the St. Peter's Greenway were discussed. The Commission's views in this matter were presented but, in due course, Dean Perkins, Chairman of the Commission, replied that the Planning Commission would adhere to their original scheme for the Greenway. A copy of Mr. Perkins's letter was sent to Dr. Barnest A. Harding, Rector of Christ Church, and to the attorney of Mr. Farber, the owner of 312 DeLancey Street. The Commission requested Dr. Tinkcom to study 310, 312 and 314 DeLancey Street. When this is completed, the Chairman was instructed to acknowledge Dean Perkins's letter and to enclose a copy of this study. Copies are also to be sent to Dr. Harding and all others interested. Chairman Simons, Dr. Harding and Mr. Peterson together inspected this house thoroughly and found it full of interesting and original features. 2. Peale House, 8160 Frankford Avenue Mr. Simon reported that Mr. Floor, Deputy Commissioner of Public Property, will circularize the City departments to see whether any of them can find a use for this house. 3. 126 Elfreth's Alley The Elfreth's alley Association will have to apply for a variance since they
House, 8160 Frankford Avenue Mr. Simon reported that Mr. Floor, Deputy Commissioner of Public Property, will circularize the City departments to see whether any of them can find a use for this house. 3. 126 Elfreth's Alley The Elfreth's alley Association will have to apply for a variance since they wish to keep winders in this house. The Commission's assistance may be requested. 4. Bank Buildings North side of Chestnut between 4th & 5th Streets Another letter requesting that the Commission certify these buildings has been received. This one came from Mr. James Van Trump of Pittsburgh. The Commission's position, stated in the Minutes of March 31, 1959, was reiterated. [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: There are several check marks (✓) in the left margin preceding items 1, 2, and 3 under "OLD BUSINESS:" and an "x" mark at the end of the paragraph beginning "It was moved and seconded..."] The Minutes -3- May 26, 1959 OLD BUSINESS, continued 5. Second Street Market Mr. Lovatt reported that the plans for the restoration of the Market have been revised, supplementary drawing showing these revisions made, the specifications changed and new bids will be requested in a week or ten days. Architect Brumbaugh has stated that the facts do not warrant the following of the two old street plans found by Mr. Peterson. 6. 716 Spruce Street, Pennsylvania Hospital Nurses' Home Mr. T. Trixton Hare has asked Mr. Simon to help them decide on the type of brick work. NEW BUSINESS 1. Leave of Absence Leave of absence to extend to September 1, if necessary, was approved for the Commission's Executive Secretary, Mrs. Charles J. Maurer. The Commission was fortunate that Mrs. Pulice is available to take over the job during Mrs. Maurer's absence due to the critical illness of her father. 2. Universalist Church At Mr. Peterson's suggestion, Dr. Tinkcom was asked to prepare a study on the Universalist Church on the South side of Lombard Street between 4th & 5th Streets. This is an 18th century building shown on John Hill's map of 1796. 3. 241 South Third Street This house has been scheduled for demolition by the Redevelopment Authority. The owner, Captain Eugene C. Bradel, Retired Master mariner, plans a protest. It was the Commission's feeling that he should be supported in this protest. SUBMISSIONS 1. 329, 331 S. Lawrence Street. This request cannot be considered unless the owner, Dean Perkins, submits
scheduled for demolition by the Redevelopment Authority. The owner, Captain Eugene C. Bradel, Retired Master mariner, plans a protest. It was the Commission's feeling that he should be supported in this protest. SUBMISSIONS 1. 329, 331 S. Lawrence Street. This request cannot be considered unless the owner, Dean Perkins, submits a complete architectural drawing showing what he proposed to do to the house 2. 325 S. Lawrence St. The owner's request for permission to demolish this house was refused 3. 527 DeLancey St. Permission for pointing and sandblasting the front of this house and rough casting the rear portion was given. 4. 1019 Clinton Street. The interior painting and plumbing, new back fence between this house and 1021 Clinton, was approved. 5. 6617 Germantown Ave. Since this house is not certified, the Commission has no jurisdiction over the proposed changes. The Meeting was adjourned in the proper manner at 4:45 P.M. Respectfully submitted, &c. [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: - Checkmark (✓) before item 5 in OLD BUSINESS section - "L" with checkmark before item 6 in OLD BUSINESS section - Checkmark (✓) before item 1 in NEW BUSINESS section - "L" with checkmark before item 2 in NEW BUSINESS section - Checkmark (✓) before item 3 in NEW BUSINESS section - Checkmark (✓) before item 1 in SUBMISSIONS section - Checkmark (✓) before item 2 in SUBMISSIONS section - Checkmark (✓) before item 3 in SUBMISSIONS section - Checkmark (✓) before item 4 in SUBMISSIONS section - Handwritten strikethrough correction on "6617 Germantown Ave." entry where text appears to be marked through - Circle with horizontal line drawn in left margin near top of page]