FINAL APPROVAL DRAFT PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION MINUTES OF THE FORTY-FIRST MEETING OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION April 26, 1960 Present were: Mrs. Richardson Dilworth Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols Mr. Charles E. Peterson Mr. George K. Trautwein Mr. R. Norris Williams, II. Mr. Grant M. Simon, Chairman Also present: Mr. Philip Carroll, representing Commissioner Gennetti Mr. George I. Lovatt, City Architect Mr. Harry G. McDowell, Deputy Director of Finance Mrs. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian Mrs. Charles J. Maurer, Executive Secretary & Miss Constance Smith THE MINUTES of the March 29, 1960 Meeting were approved as submitted DR. TINKCOM'S REPORT: Fifty photographs, some recent and some copies of old prints, of the center city area have been added to the Commission's files through the generosity of the Athenaeum. Similarly, the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects permitted the Commission to borrow and reproduce the 128 photographs which illustrate the Old Philadelphia Survey made by this Chapter in 1932. These photographs are dated between the years 1890 and 1932. Sixty-eight of them represent buildings in the area north of Market Street; 107 of the photographs are of buildings in Society Hill; the remainder are scattered among Southwark, Germantown and Fairmount Park. The list of architects whose work has been found satisfactory by the Commission has been sent to Mr. Lloyd, consulting architect for the Redevelopment Authority, as directed. Copies of the correspondence between the Redevelopment Authority and the owners of properties in Unit I, Washington Square East, have been received, and copies of the recommendations made by the Philadelphia Historical Commission to property in this area have been sent in exchange to the Redevelopment Authority, in accordance with the agreement between this Commission and the Authority reached at the March meeting of the Commission. Letters were written to Senators Clark and Scott in support of Mayor Dilworth's request that Gloria Dei be included in the Independence National Historical Park. The projects of the research staff are continuing according to schedule. And, during the month of April, Dr. Tinkcom has made two talks on the work of the Commission and appeared as a member of a panel at a meeting of the Center City Residents' Association. No buildings have been presented for certification, although the area north of Market Street has been reviewed and a report made to the Historic Values Committee. Dr. Tinkcom's Report was approved. [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: Top right of
a member of a panel at a meeting of the Center City Residents' Association. No buildings have been presented for certification, although the area north of Market Street has been reviewed and a report made to the Historic Values Committee. Dr. Tinkcom's Report was approved. [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: Top right of page, above "PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION": "FINAL APPROVAL" (printed header) Below that, handwritten signature/approval mark that appears to read "Roy [illegible]"] THE MINUTES -2- April 26, 1960 DR. NICHOLS'S REPORT on the Historic Values Committee Meeting, April 17, 1960 Provost Smith's house at 4th and Arch is still being studied. Dr. Nichols recommended that consideration of Leonard Elfreth's request for one plaque for Elfreth's Alley be postponed until after the conference with Dr. Stevens of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, the National Park Service and this Commission. Dr. Nichols reported that he is still waiting to see Dean Perkins, to discuss the redevelopment of the area north of Market Street. MR. TRAUTWEIN'S REPORT SUBMISSIONS: 208 South Fourth Street. There is a possibility that this property might be completely restored by an insurance company. The Architectural Committee's report on this property was accepted 701 Spruce Street. Approval granted for proposed alterations to the later addition 217 Delancey Street. It was recommended that the owner be required to submit a better drawing of the kitchen wing and incorporate Mr. Trautwein's recommendations. Mr. Trautwein also reported that; The Architectural Committee of the Philadelphia Historical Commission recommends that theDepartment of Licenses and Inspections be asked to consider the advisability of having each of their inspectors submit a brief statement of condition of the certified buildings in his district. It was moved and seconded that Mr. _____. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Fire Equipment for the Head House. Mr. Carroll reported that since arrangements for a custodian's quarters are not yet complete, he has been unable to complete arrangements for the use of this equipment in the Head House. Mr. Lovatt reported that a contingency fund will be made available for this item. Mr. McDowell reported that he has received from the Mayor's office a check from Mrs. Van Pelt (Elizabeth) in the amount of $5000 which, when properly processed will be added to the fund for the Head House. Mr. McDowell recommended that a letter to Mrs. Van Pelt would be appropriate and said that the [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: 1. Top left corner: small illegible marks/initials 2. Left
Van Pelt (Elizabeth) in the amount of $5000 which, when properly processed will be added to the fund for the Head House. Mr. McDowell recommended that a letter to Mrs. Van Pelt would be appropriate and said that the [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: 1. Top left corner: small illegible marks/initials 2. Left margin: several vertical line marks/brackets at various points down the page 3. Bottom right corner: a small curved mark or notation] executive secretary would be informed when the money is available. Mr. Carroll agreed to advise Mr. Wallace of the National Park Service that the Commission will presently be able to receive the fire equipment and he will report at the next meeting of this matter. Demolition by Neglect. Mr. McDowell reported that the Mayor's Cabinet has not yet approved the proposed ordinance controlling demolition by neglect. CONTRACTS Mr. McDowell reported that a meeting had been arranged with Mr. Foster Roser, Personnel Director, and Mr. Carroll to review the problem of the historical staff. "Blanket Waivers" cannot be obtained since they apply only to contracts of $2000 or less and provide that the contractor may not work more than six months in any calendar year. Mr. McDowell was advised that the City cannot continue to justify the apparently permanent nature of the current contracts. Requirements for individual members of the staff can be specifically written out with the present staff in view. The Chairman stated that in the opinion of the Commission the present staff is eminently satisfactory and that it wants the present personnel to continue to work for the Commission. Mr. McDowell reported that Personnel Department will confer with the Commission when drawing up the job specifications. Mr. Williams asked whether it will be necessary to advertise these positions. Mr. McDowell answered in the affirmative, but stated that the advertisement will be on the bulletin board of the Personnel Department. It was also pointed out that such a program will cost the City more money, since benefits, now lost to contractors, will become part of their salary. Dr. Nichols reminded the Commission that graduate students may object to studying for another examination and to the requirement that they work twenty hours a week. It was stated that the present staff members would be given "training and evaluation examinations" only and that the twenty hours a week provision mentioned in Mr. Orr's report is not a fixed requirement. The
studying for another examination and to the requirement that they work twenty hours a week. It was stated that the present staff members would be given "training and evaluation examinations" only and that the twenty hours a week provision mentioned in Mr. Orr's report is not a fixed requirement. The requirements, general, will be tailored to fit the situation. Mr. Simon asked Mr. McDowell to [HANDWRITTEN NOTES: Line 11 from bottom: Handwritten notation above "only" reads "based on their background" with an arrow pointing to the word "only"] THE MINUTES -4- April 26, 1960 work out the details of this program with Mr. Gennetti. A report will be available later. BUDGET The Chairmen read the proposed budget: Total Budget for 1960 $21,893 Requested for 1961 23,152 Total Appropriation increase $1,259 Personal Services, 100 ·Appropriated for 1960 $ 7,802 $ 4,576 M.R. Maurer 3,226 C.F. Smith $ 7,802 Requested for 1961 8,502 $ 5,000 M.R. Maurer - increase: $424 3,506 C.F. Smith - " 272 Total increase, Class 100 $ 700 Professional Services, 200 ·Appropriated for 1960 $12,166 · $ 4,400 M.B. Tinkcom, Ph D., $4.50 pr hr 3,600 B.K. Kirkbride · 3.00 " " 2,500 R.S. Fuller 2.50 " " 750 A.A. Rudolph - quarterly payments 700 G.A. Robbins, Architect 216 Memberships, carfare &c $12,166 Requested for 1961 $13,160 $ 4,500 M.B. Tinkcom, Ph D., $4.50 pr hr 3,600 B.K. Kirkbride 3.00 " " 2,500 R.S. Fuller 2.50 " " 750 A.A. Rudolph - quarterly payments 300 G.A. Robbins, Architect 1,500 Contingency fund - architects memberships, carfare, Historians expenses on authorized trips $13,150 Total increase, Class 200 $ 984 Materials & Supplies, 300 Appropriated for 1960 $ 1,100 Requested for 1961 1,100 No change because of unknown cost of photocopying &c. Equipment, 400 Appropriated for 1960 $ 825 Requested for 1961 400 Decrease, Class 400 $ 425 · Dr. Tinkcom took a voluntary cut of $100, adding this to 1960 contingency fund THE MINUTES -5- April 26, 1960 BUDGET continued Mr. McDowell questioned the $1,50C for "membership etc." in the Professional Services Class. Dr. Tinkcom explained that through a typographical error, the phrase "contingency fund" had been omitted and added that this figure is requested to make it possible to employ the services of Mr. Robbins or some other architect if necessary. Mr. McDowell questioned the amount requested in Class 300. Dr. Tinkcom explained that it had been decided not
error, the phrase "contingency fund" had been omitted and added that this figure is requested to make it possible to employ the services of Mr. Robbins or some other architect if necessary. Mr. McDowell questioned the amount requested in Class 300. Dr. Tinkcom explained that it had been decided not to reduce this amount from the 1959 figure, although there was a considerable balance in this Class at the end of 1959, because of the present extensive use of the services of the Photocopy Division, for which no charge has yet been made. It is probable that the cost of this service will absorb the surplus. The Chairman asked for a formal motion regarding the proposed budget. Mr. Trautwein moved that it be accepted with the changes noted; Dr. Nichols seconded it. It was also moved and seconded that the letter to Mr. Gennetti, read by the secretary be sent with one correction in the first paragraph. Both motions were approved. THE SECOND STREET MARKET Mr. Lovatt reported that he has been asked to prepare a capital program for restoring the shambles from Lombard Street to the Head House in 1961. $125,000 will be required. The Commission has the drawings illustrating the proposed restoration. The Commission expressed gratification at learning Mr. Lovatt's news. PLAQUES FOR HISTORIC BUILDINGS No. 60 Pennsylvania Hospital T. Truxtun Hare, Jr., Esq., President 61 Penna Academy of the Fine Arts Mr. Joseph T. Fraser, Jr., Director 62 Old St. Paul's Church The Rev. Arnold Purdie, Exec. Director - Eposcopal Community Services 132 133 8132, 8134 Germantown Ave. Miss Adelaide A. Sheble, Pres. - Stagecrafters 171 705 Spruce Street Mr. L. E. Martin 172 320 South American Street Mr. Richard M. Jacobs 63 Phila. Museum College of Art Mr. Herbert H. Hickmott, III, Director 77 Fort Mifflin (Reserved) Department of Commerce, City Hall THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED at five o'clock. Respectfully submitted &c.... Charles E. Peterson, Secretary