Bellefonte Historical and Cultural Association
Bellefonte, Pennsylvania
Minutes of Meeting
Historical Site Commission
October 13, 1975
Council Chambers, Bellefonte, Pennsylvania
Present: Commission members Benson, Fisher, Flood, Pelick, Peters
Meeting called to order at 7:45 p.m. by Rob Fisher, Chairman.
1. The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as read.
2. Old Business
a. Communications : none
b. Train Station Project
Mr. Pelick reported that $19,366.50 has been collected to date. $11,025 has been paid to the contractor, leaving a balance of $8,341,50.
With over $22,000 still needed, further efforts at fund raising are being planned.
There was further discussion on the advisability of seeking Borough's approval on a loan. Options included: a 5 year loan under Bill 118 with the Borough's endorsement; or a 20 year loan to the Borough using the Chamber of Commerce's lease as collateral. Mr. Flood agreed to look into these and no decision was made.
Authorization of the next payment to the contractor was made for the amount of $9,000 (moved Peters, seconded Benson).
3. Report of the Chairman
a. Mr. Fisher said he has sent 3 letters of inquiry regarding acquisition of a caboose for Talleyrand Park. Penn Central responded with the information that old railroad cars are occasionally for sale to the highest bidder, prices usually ranging from $1,700 to $3,500 for an old caboose.
Other members suggested other places to contact. Dr. Benson will speak further with Mr. Ammerman.
b. A property at 129-133 E. High Street, owned by the county and scheduled for demolition, has been granted a "stay of execution" through the efforts of Rob Fisher. A historic search was done by Greg Ramsey, revealing that the building, the old Masonic Hall, was built in 1825 and later housed Bellefonte's first public school.
Mr. Flood pointed out that since the building is in the historic zone, it probably could not be razed without approval of the Architectural Review Board and Borough Council.
Since the property is in such bad repair, it was suggested that opinions from other knowledgeable persons be sought, to help in deciding whether the building would be salvageable, and if so, what restoration would cost. Committee members agreed to check into possible sources of use.
Mr. Pelick started discussion on what the role of the H.S.C. should be and the advisability of developing some sort of protocol for taking action.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lynn Peters, Secretary