Meeting Minutes: April 12, 2002

The April 12, 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, Mrs. Brager, Mr. Godlen, Mr. Sabol, and Mr. Showmaker.

Approval of the minutes of the Board's March 8 meeting was moved by Mr. Hughes and seconded by Mr. Lynch.

There was extensive discussion of the type of shingles to be used on the Southampton Dry Goods Store. Mr. Showmaker and Mr. Golden explained the requirements of township codes. Mr. Day presented information of wooden shingle roofs and siding from the National Park Service and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. Mrs. Brager expressed her concerns for fire safety, given the rather isolated location of the building. Mr. Vogel reported that our first choice of material, a cedar shake treated under pressure with a fire retardant material, is unavailable at this time because of a trade dispute with Canada. Rather than further delay the project, it was agreed to use shakes coated with a fire retardant, although this type of roof will require periodic maintenance.

Mr. Golden reporte don the construction and renovation which is scheduled to begin shortly on the Carriage House in Tamanend Park. Work is expected to be completed in about four months. Renovation and restoration of the Farmhouse has been deferred to a later date.

At a workshop meeting prior to the first Board of Supervisors meeting in May, the owner of "Munchies" in Richboro will present a proposal for the development of the Southampton train station. Mr. Day will attend the meeting to present the Board's position on proposed changes to the building.

The exhibit of items from the Board's collections at Tamanened Farmhouse will be held on Tamanend Day rather than during Southampton Days, becuase of scheduling conflicts.

Mr. Vogel reported on archeological studies being conducted along County Line Rd. on behalf of Penndot. He also brought a very interesting mid-19th c. newspaper from his collection for Board members to see.

At 9:40 a.m. Mr. Hughes moved that the meeting be adjourned, seconded by Mr. Donahue.