African American Historic Site in Danger of Demolition in Philadelphia
From Dr. Danya Pilgrim, Yale University:
The home and restaurant of historic African American caterer Henry Minton at 204 S. 12th Street is in danger of being demolished. Two Philadelphia area preservationists are spearheading the effort to protect the building. I am including the information they sent me below. Here is the link to the nomination for the Register of Historic Places:
https://www.phila.gov/historical/Documents/204-S-12th-St-Minton-nomination.pdf
Letters in support of historic designation can be emailed (information below).
The hearing is this Friday, April 12th
Ways to Help:
Attend the hearing on April 12 at 11 a.m.
1515 Arch (which is the northeast corner of 16th & Arch) on the top floor at Room 18-029. When you come in the building you just have to say you’re going to the Historical Commission meeting and then sign the sheet at the front desk. There’s a special set of elevators that go to the top floors.
Write a letter of support that discusses Minton's significance in context.
Write and have others write letters of support for the designation of the Henry Minton House to the Register of Historic Places
Letters can be sent via e-mail to:
Robert Thomas, Chair Philadelphia Historical Commission c/o Jonathan E. Farnham, Executive Director [email protected]
Or to the mailing address:
Philadelphia Historical Commission One Parkway, 13th floor 1515 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19102
Contact for those spearheading the effort to save the building:
Oscar Beisert: [email protected]; 717.602.5002
Jim Duffin: [email protected]
