MINUTES OF THE 139th STATED MEETING OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 28 October 1969 Present were: Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols, Chairman The Hon. John B. Kelly, Jr., Councilman-at-Large Mr. Richmond P. Miller Mr. Edward Pinkowski Mr. John Taxin Mr. Charles R. Tyson Mr. James L. Ferguson, Deputy Director of Finance Isidor Kranzel, Esq., Assistant City Solicitor Paul Leo McSorley, Esq., Deputy Commissioner of Public Property Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian Mrs. Charles J. Maurer, Secretary Unless otherwise noted, the actions taken herein are the result of motions correctly made, seconded and carried. THE MINUTES of the Meeting held on 30 September 1969 were approved as circulated. REPORTS The Historical Values Committee, Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols, Chairman. The Chairman introduced the matter of Fairmount Park Commission houses and asked Dr. Tinkcom to read his report. After considerable discussion, it was agreed that the Historical Commission direct an inquiry to the Fairmount Park Commission, asking for a clarification of the story that thirty-two of the Park houses are being offered to the State. Dr. Nichols's Report was approved and directed to be filed with the official copies of the Minutes; and a copy to be sent to the Mayor, the Commissioner of Public Property and to his Deputy. The Chairman presented an AWARD OF MERIT to Mr. Charles R. Tyson for his interest in the Historical Commission's project to obtain funds for the Historical American Buildings Survey Catalogue of Philadelphia's historic buildings. (The amount is presently $3250.00, most of it resulting from Mr. Tyson's endeavors). Mr. Tyson accepted the Award with appropriate remarks. The Architectural Committee, Mr. John F. Lloyd, Acting Chairman. The secretary was asked to read this report, dealing chiefly with the unusual number of plaques for correct restorations that had been requested and authorized for purchase. The Report was approved and directed to be filed as above. The Commission's Activities, Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian. Among other matters mentioned in this Report was the fact that the Hospital at Fort Mifflin is still standing, although open to the weather. Its preservation seems on firmer ground since the Department of the Interior, through the National Park Service, has intervened and will negotiate with the Corps of Engineers regardings its preservation. Dr. Tinkcom's Report was approved and directed to be filed, as above. [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: Top right corner: "PLUS" written in cursive script] THE MINUTES 10.28.69 Page 2 NEW BUSINESS Fairmont
the Interior, through the National Park Service, has intervened and will negotiate with the Corps of Engineers regardings its preservation. Dr. Tinkcom's Report was approved and directed to be filed, as above. [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: Top right corner: "PLUS" written in cursive script] THE MINUTES 10.28.69 Page 2 NEW BUSINESS Fairmont Park Houses. See the full Historical Values Report, attached. Hearings - Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission. It seemed advisable to have the Philadelphia Historical Commission reiterate its opinion of the historical and architectural values of the houses along the West side of Front Street between Lombard and Kmlworth at this time. A letter to this effect will be sent to the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission in lieu of asking a member of the Historical Commission to appear at the hearing. After several suggestions were considered, Mr. Tyson recommended that the matter be left to Dr. Tinkcom to express the sense of the meeting, subject to Mr. McBorgia's review. This was approved. A Reply from Mr. John F. Lloyd to the Minute of the September Meeting, was read and directed to be made a part of these Minutes. This was approved: Dear Dr. Nichols, Members and Staff: Your kindness in the resolution of sympathy has been a source of strength during our recent loss. Robin and Jock join me in thanking you for your thoughtfulness. My associations at the Commission will always be among my treasured friends. Sincerely, (Signed) JOHN LLOYD Dr. Nichols proposed his resignation as Chairman of the Historical Commission in view of his present uncertain health. The Members of the Commission unanimously rejected the suggestion and offered full support. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:15 P. M. Respectfully submitted, M. R. Maurer Secretary MINUTE - PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION - OCTOBER 28, 1969 The Philadelphia Historical Commission is concerned for the preservation of the eighteenth century houses on the west side of Front Street between Lombard and Kenilworth and those on Kenilworth between Front and Second. These fine houses were certified by the Commission as worthy of preservation in 1957-58. They are an important part of Philadelphia's heritage both because of the high quality of their architectural design and because of their historical relationship to the growth and development of Philadelphia and her port. Our concern is shared by the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and also by the Preservation
important part of Philadelphia's heritage both because of the high quality of their architectural design and because of their historical relationship to the growth and development of Philadelphia and her port. Our concern is shared by the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and also by the Preservation Committee of the Society of Architectural Historians. Both organizations requested Dr. S. K. Stevens, Liaison Officer for the National Register, to nominate these structures for inclusion on the Register. It is our understanding that this has been done.