Meeting Minutes: February 8, 2002

The February 8, 2002 meeting of the Upper Southampton Township Historical Advisory Board was called to order at 8:40 a.m. at the Township Building. Board members present were Mr. Day, Mr. Donahue, Mr. Hughes, Mr. Lynch, and Mr. Vogel; also attending were Mrs. Biuckians and Mr. Sabol.

Approval of the minutes of the Board's January 11 meeting was moved by Mr. Lynch and seconded by Mr. Donahue.

Mr. Vogel reported on problems with the work on the Southampton Dry Goods Store by John Breur Home Modernization Inc. The front steps as installed do not conform to township codes (the height would require a railing) and are wider than requested. Concrete is poured over plywood and is flush against the wooden support beam under the front door. The concrete also slopes slightly towards the building. After discussion, it was decided that we would first attempt to have Mr. Breuer complete work on the chimney, then Mr. Vogelwould remove the concrete front steps. Once grading around the building has been completed (the township Public Works Department estimates that it could be done early next month), the Board will install more appropriate wooden steps. Mr. Day will be in charge of landscaping the site. Mr. Vogel will have the specificationsfor proposed roofing checked by a colleague in hopes that we will be able to avoid any potential problems with that portion of the work on the building.

The Tamanend Park Farmhouse has been reserved during the week of Southampton Days for an exhibit of items from the Board's collection. The video on Southampton history made by Grace Dungan will be played in an adjacent room. The Board felt that the exhibit should be open during the same hours as the Southampton Days activities in the park. Board members will take turns staffing the exhibit. If deemed successful, the exhibit could be repeated for Tamanend Park Day.

Mr. Donahue spoke with Leo Byrne from SEPTA's lease division. There is apparently still an active lease for the Southampton train station, but SEPTA would be willing to take steps to terminate it if we are able to come up with a plan for the renovation and use of the building.

Mr. Hughes reported that Our Lady of Good Council Church has requested a copy of a picture of "Fitzpatrick Hall" where services were first held. He also has spoken with Mrs. Lewellen, who will give us a copy of the research which she did on her property. Mrs. Biuckians will ask the Perry's for a copy of the research done on their house as well.

Mr. Sabol has contacted the Pa. Historical and Museum Commission to see if they could send us a speaker on topics such as grant writing.

At 10:00 a.m. Mr. Hughes moved that the meeting be adjourned, seconded by Mr. Lynch.