D R A F T MINUTES OF THE NINETY-SECOND STATED MEETING OF THE PHILADELPHIA HISTORICAL COMMISSION 27 April 1965 Present were: Mr. Grant M. Simon, Chairman Mr. James L. Ferguson, Deputy Director of Finance Mr. Richmond P. Miller Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols Mr. George K. Trautwein Mr. R. Norris Williams, II. Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian Mrs. Charles J. Maurer, Secretary Mrs. William L. Shannon Unless otherwise noted, all action taken herein is the result of motions properly made, seconded and carried. THE MINUTES of the Meeting held on 30 March 1965 were approved. REPORTS The Historical Values Committee, Dr. Roy Franklin Nichols, Chairman. A report on a meeting on 19th century buildings was given by Dr. Nichols, who stated that the reports of the West Philadelphia Corporation had just arrived and would be reviewed for the Commission at its next Stated Meeting. The Report was approved. The Architectural Committee, Mr. George K. Trautwein, Chairman, who reported on the discussion of a new method of reviewing photographs instead of elevation drawings for certified buildings in Queen Village where no change in the fabric of the building is contemplated. It was suggested that this would be tried for some time where proposals to rehabilitate, not to restore, certified buildings are in question. If it does not work, the method can be amended. The report was approved. Action to approve the submissions and a request for a plaque, denied, was then taken and Mr. Trautwein's Report was approved. The Commission's Activities, Dr. Margaret B. Tinkcom, Historian. Dr. Tinkcom's Report was approved. It was reported that Miss George Anne Porter will leave the staff at the end of June. This information was received with regret. OLD BUSINESS The Naglee House, 4518 Germantown Avenue. Dr. Tinkcom reviewed the release of the demolition permit at Commissioner Buford's request. In turn, he had been directed to give it to the legal representative of the owner by Mr. O'Shea, Development Coordinator, with the understanding that there was a firm promise by the owner not to implement the permit. Nevertheless, THE INQUIRER in its Monday, April 26 issue, carried an account of the demolition of the Naglee House, together with photographs showing the demolition in progress and the house as it had stood until the previous Friday. more THE MINUTES 4.27.65 Page 2 OLD BUSINESS continued It was resolved that a letter be sent to Messrs. Amenberg and
carried an account of the demolition of the Naglee House, together with photographs showing the demolition in progress and the house as it had stood until the previous Friday. more THE MINUTES 4.27.65 Page 2 OLD BUSINESS continued It was resolved that a letter be sent to Messrs. Amenberg and Higgins of THE INQUIRER, commending the article. It was the opinion of the Members that six months is not a long enough period during which the Historical Commission may legally withhold a demolition permit. It was suggested that M. Paul Jones of THE BULLETIN be asked to give this fact full publicity; that Councilman Varallo be consulted on the advisability of asking Council for an amendment to the Ordinance under which the Commission operates. First, however, it was agreed that the City Solicitor be asked about the possibility of extending the delaying period to a year, rather than six months, since the longer time would permit other city agencies to support the Commission. The legal opinion would facilitate the matter of getting the extended time through Council, Mr. Ferguson thought. Dr. Tinkcom noted that a letter to National Trust, asking for information on the way other cities handle this problem would be advisable. Dr. Tinkcom was directed to write to New York to obtain a copy of the new ordinance just passed there, as well as to the National Trust. The Delaware Expressway. The secretary was asked to comment on recent meetings she had attended for the Commission. It was resolved that letters to the Governor, Mr. Harral, the Mayor and the State's Senators be sent, enclosing drawings, the map and photographs, showing the proposed amended route of the Expressway, through Southwark, be sent as soon as possible. NEW BUSINESS Operating Budget for 1966. Dr. Tinkcom stated that Classes 100, for Personal Services; 300, for Office Supplies and 400, for Office Equipment, would remain the same and listed some equipment the Commission requires in its new quarters. The Class 200 money for Professional Services, is the crux of the matter. It was agreed that every effort should be made to have the $5,000 restored and made a part of the stable budget. Mr. Ferguson supported this proposal. Dr. Tinkcom reported on her conference with Mr. Kerman and with the Assist- ant City Solicitor, Mr. Wilson. She further reported that her conference with Mr. Clarence G. Alhart is still pending, that
have the $5,000 restored and made a part of the stable budget. Mr. Ferguson supported this proposal. Dr. Tinkcom reported on her conference with Mr. Kerman and with the Assist- ant City Solicitor, Mr. Wilson. She further reported that her conference with Mr. Clarence G. Alhart is still pending, that a conference with him may be held next'week. Mr. Ferguson stated that the City is in good financial condition, but that the 1965 Budget is tight. In his opinion there is little hope that the $5,000 for this year can be found, and added that only the Department of Public Property, if such a sum is presently not in use, can make the money available to the Commission Historic Sites. At Mr. Miller's request the secretary read a clipping from the NEW YORK TIMES on this matter. It appeared to the Chairman that a "site" is the space where a building once stood; as used in THE TIMES account, it seemed to mean an existing historical building. Dr. Tinkcom said that the subject of historic sites had been raised in Germantown; that she had stated the Commission's known policy of preferring that a site be marked rather than having the building reconstructed, however well.