MINUTES OF THE FORTY-SIXTH MEETING OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION October 25, 1960 Present were: Mr. Harry A. Batten Mrs. Richardson Dilworth Mr. Charles E. Peterson Mr. George K. Trautwein Mr. Richard N. Williams, II. Mr. Grant M. Simon, Chairman Also present: Mr. Philip Carroll, representing Commissioner Gennetti Mr. Harold G. McDowell, Deputy Director of Finance Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian Mr. Charles J. Maurer, Executive Secretary Miss Constance F. Smith, Clerk Unless otherwise stated, all actions reported herein are taken after motions properly presented, seconded and carried. THE MINUTES of the September 27th Meeting were approved. REPORTS Dr. Nichols was out of town; there was no report from his committee. Mr. Trautwein's report was read and approved. It is appended to the Minutes. Dr. Tinkcom's report was read, approved and appended to the Minutes. Mr. Philip Carroll was asked to report on the 1961 Budget Hearing before City Council. Mr. Carroll stated that discussion of the Budget for the Historical Commission had been postponed to a later date. The consideration of the Department of Public Property's request for the inclusion of funds in the City's capital budget for the restoration of the "New Market" on Second Street was also deferred. This proposal has been approved by the City Planning Commission. Proposals have been approved by the City Planning Commission and this Commission has written to Mr. Gennetti, urging its inclusion in the Budget. OLD BUSINESS Unit II., Washington Square East - Fifth Street Houses: Mr. Peterson reported that except for the store fronts, these houses still retain many of their fine original features. He expressed the opinion that to demolish these and replace them with the proposed new shopping center will destroy the early nineteenth century characteristics of the area. THE MINUTES -2- October 25, 1960 Mr. Peterson recommended that the Commission again ask the Redevelopment Authority to keep these buildings. It was recommended by Mr. Williams that this request, in writing, be submitted to Mr. Alhart, enclosing a photograph of Fifth & Spruce Streets showing that demolition is apparently now in progress. It was also moved that the Historian find out why the demolition is proceeding without approval having been obtained from this Commission and report at the next meeting. Architectural Drawings by Mr. George A. Robbins: The Chairman reported that he had had a recent conference with Mr. Robbins and requested him to revise his drawings so
Historian find out why the demolition is proceeding without approval having been obtained from this Commission and report at the next meeting. Architectural Drawings by Mr. George A. Robbins: The Chairman reported that he had had a recent conference with Mr. Robbins and requested him to revise his drawings so that each will show an authentic profile of the detail presented. All the drawings are to be historically accurate; although if there is sufficient space, a sheet may show various ways of adapting a particular architectural detail to modern use. 217 Spruce Street: Mr. Simon reported that the work of restoration has been well done with exception of the roof and that the sides of the dormers are shingled instead of siding. It was his opinion that if this small detail were changed, the appearance of the buildings would be enhanced. Mr. Batten recommended that the Chairman write to Mr. Ingersoll and assure him that Licenses and Inspections will permit the use of wood siding for the dormers if this Commission approves it and commend him for the work accomplished in the face of many difficulties. This recommendation was put in the form of a Motion, which was seconded by Mrs. Dilworth and carried. NEW BUSINESS Loxley Court: Mr. Williams recommended that the certification of each of the Loxley Court houses, eight in number, be made a matter of record in the body of the Minutes. 8025 Rodney Street, the Rubicam-Unruh House: The Historian reported that the oldest part of this building dates from c. 1717. The motion to certify the house was approved. It was also approved that a plaque be assigned, since the house is well maintained although not correctly restored in every detail. Plaques - basis of their assignment: Mr. Trautwein read a short report containing excerpts from the Minutes concerning plaques. Mr. Batten recommended that a statement outlining the Commission's criteria for assigning plaques be prepared and presented at the next meeting. The Chairman asked the Historian to draw up a minute on this. The Commission approved the assignment of the following plaques: # 71 for St. Peter's Church 72 for St. Peter's House, 313 Pine Street 190 for 120 Elfreth's Alley 191 for 122 Elfreth's Alley 192 for 239 Pine Street The Meeting was adjourned at 4:35P. M. Respectfully submitted Charles E. Peterson, Secretary