Meeting Minutes: March 14, 2003

The March 14, 2003 meeting of the Upper Southampton Township Historical Advisory Board was called to order at 8:40a.m. at the Township Building. Board members present were Mr. Day, Mr. Donahue, Mr. Hughes, Mr. Lynch, and Mr. Vogel; also present was Mrs. Brager.

Approval of the minutes of the Board's February 14 meeting was moved by Mr. Vogel and seconded by Mr. Donahue.

Mr. Vogel has been named project manager for restoration and renovation of the Dry Goods Store. His tasks will include establishing restoration priorities, producing a diagram of the building, exploring the feasibility of an on-site septic system, and doing a cost analysis of different types of heating systems.

Mr. Day reported on his research on the property on which the Dry Goods Store is now located. Mr. Donahue will check 19th c. census records for additional information.

Mr. Donahue reported on his meeting with Mr. Kadish of SEPTA. SEPTA's real estate and legal departments are working on a 210 day licensing agreement for the Southampton train station, with the intention of executing a long-term leasewith the township, involving a nominal fee, during that period. Mr. Golden should receive a proposal by March 21. Mr. Donahue will check with him to be sure that it arrives.

Davisville Baptist Church has agreed to our request to photograph the old church and sexton's house before they proceed with their demolition plans.

Mr. Day reported on a proposal from Arcadia Press to do a book of old photos of Southampton. Mr. Lynch expressed concern that it not simply duplicate the Tricentennial Book. After discussion, the Board concluded that the project could provide a no-risk source of revenue, and that a fixed publication deadlinecould give a sense of urgency to requests for donations of photos and artifacts to enlarge our collections. Mr. Lynch moved that we explore possibilities with Arcadia for a book that might be available for Southampton Days 2004; Mr. Donahue seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

At 9:30 a.m. Mr. Hughes moved that the meeting be adjourned, seconded by Mr. Lynch.

Respectfully submitted by, James Day